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Squared off: Professional socket sets
A socket is a socket is a socket, right? Not any more. Maybe never was, not for professional users anyway. The high-end professional wrenches, sockets and sets produced by the elite manufacturers listed below will all turn a bolt, yes. But unique grades of steel, patented tooth engineering, shaft wall, swivels, laser etching, plating and corrosion resistant finishes, fastener head variations, trade-specific sets and a host of other variables make choosing the right tools for your plant more challenging than ever. What sets these professional products apart from their “throw-away” counterparts? Where’s the real value for the extra cost? Can I get every wrench and socket my plant needs from one vendor? The chart below has some of those answers, but the real proof is in the wrench time.
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| Company |
Klein Tools |
S•K Hand Tool |
Stanley Proto |
Wright Tool |
| Brand: |
Klein |
S•K Hand Tool |
Stanley Proto |
Wright Spline, Wright Drive, Wright Tool |
| Materials: |
Alloy steel |
Alloy steel |
High alloy steel |
4140 alloy steel |
| Finishes: |
Chrome |
SuperKrome, High Visibility Corrosive Resistant |
Chrome or black |
Chrome, black industrial |
| Drives: |
1/4-, 3/8-,1/2-inch |
1/4-, 3/8-,1/2-, 3/4-, 1-inch |
1/4-, 3/8-,1/2-, 3/4-, 1-, 1 1/2-inch; #5 spline |
1/4-, 3/8-,1/2-, 3/4-, 1-, 1 1/2-, 2 1/2-, 3 1/2-inch; #5 spline |
| SAE sizes: |
3/16 to 1 1/4 inches |
3/16 to 2 3/8 inches |
3/16 to 3 1/2 inches |
3/16 to 9 1/8 inches |
| Metric sizes: |
7 to 19 mm |
4 to 55 mm |
4 to 15 mm |
4 to 255 mm |
| Fastener types: |
6- and 12-point |
6- and 12-point |
6- and 12-point |
6- and 12-point |
| Custom sizes: |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Country of origin: |
USA |
USA |
USA |
USA |
| Warranty: |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
Lifetime |
| Pricing level: |
Premium professional |
Professional |
Premium professional |
Premium professional |
| Sets: |
Sets are available by size and trade |
Numerous sets are available by size and trade |
Numerous sets are available by size and trade |
Numerous sets are available by size and trade |
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•• Special features
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•• Also available in “D” sockets for telephone work on cable enclosures and pole hardware
Item 160 |
•• Patented Sure-Grip pattern offers increased turning strength with less chance of fastener damage
•• Superkrome plating gives a jewelry-like finish for long life and corrosion resistance
•• Impact sockets are treated for rust resistance
Item 161 |
•• TORQUEPLUS system design allows 15 percent more torque to be applied to the fastener with less corner contact to remove worn or rounded fasteners more easily
•• Sockets feature large etched size markings for easy identification
Item 162 |
•• Handle fasteners up to 180,000 psi
•• Tighten fasteners to higher loads
•• Loosen and remove damaged and undersized fasteners without further damage to corners
Item 163 |
This article appeared in the April/May 2006 issue of MRO Today magazine. Copyright, 2006.
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