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Open drive sockets
Slimy38 - 23/9/19 at 12:51 PM

Leading from the battery impact wrench thread, I went on to Lidl to have a nosey. While I don't need an impact wrench for now, I did see these;

https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/p/car-essentials/powerfix-profi-3-in-1-spanner-with-socket-set/p25474

I've always wanted a 'through drive' type socket set as I frequently find the nut or bolt bottoms out in the standard socket. Has anyone got some of these types of socket, are they as good/useful as they seem?

For a set of ten sockets and a wrench it seems like a no-brainer, unless someone can suggest a better alternative?

coyoteboy - 23/9/19 at 01:18 PM

I've been using some Crescent X6's. They appear to be fine on perfect heads, but as soon as you get a slight hint of corrosion or rounding they're awful. I do mean awful. Like worse than cheapie 12 point sockets.

[Edited on 23/9/19 by coyoteboy]

matt5964 - 23/9/19 at 02:15 PM

For rounded fasteners we do our KENgrip range that are ok for up to 95% rounded heads

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop?query=Kengrip


As for pass through sockets we also do a set and individually

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/quatro-go-thru/go-thru™-sockets-for-ratchet-combination-spanner-set/f/6216?query=Push%20through%20Spanner r />
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/spanner-sets/10-19mm-ratchet-spanner-and-socket-set-23pc/p/KEN5823980K

SJ - 23/9/19 at 04:54 PM

I got some Cromwell sockets years ago - still going strong. I'm generally a fan of Lidl tools but they aren't in the same league as Cromwell.

Slimy38 - 23/9/19 at 05:20 PM

quote:
Originally posted by matt5964
For rounded fasteners we do our KENgrip range that are ok for up to 95% rounded heads

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop?query=Kengrip


As for pass through sockets we also do a set and individually

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/quatro-go-thru/go-thru™-sockets-for-ratchet-combination-spanner-set/f/6216?query=Push%20through%20Spanner r />
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/spanner-sets/10-19mm-ratchet-spanner-and-socket-set-23pc/p/KEN5823980K


I am a huge fan of Cromwell tools, in fact if you ever take first born children as part payment I would be more than happy to do a deal...

...unfortunately my daughter will be glad to hear that my budget is very much in the Lidl zone.

ken555 - 23/9/19 at 10:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38

I've always wanted a 'through drive' type socket set as I frequently find the nut or bolt bottoms out in the standard socket. Has anyone got some of these types of socket, are they as good/useful as they seem?


Be aware that because of the outside drive the hole up the middle can be smaller than the bolt size sometime!

So for instance the 17mm socket, does not have a 10mm hole, therefore it still bottoms out .

You would have to check these ones, but I bought a set of thru drive in a previous Lidl/Aldi special and discovered the problem

MikeRJ - 24/9/19 at 11:54 AM

I have a set of Gearwrench pass through sockets which have been invaluable for some jobs, though they don't get a lot of use. A worthy investment though, and I found the Laser branded system is compatible when I needed a longer extension.

I also have a socket set with that 12 point spline drive system that I keep in the car, simply because they fit hex, 12 point and and E-Torx heads, so ideal for minimising the amount of stuff in a small tool kit. They seem to be adequate from the limited use I've given them, though not something I would choose for everyday use.