In a message dated 97-10-22 16:24:34 EDT, sgn1@ra.msstate.edu writes:
> 1.From what I have been told, 6 point wrenchs and sockets offer more
> strength and have less chance to strip a bolt. My question is, then why
> would you want to buy 12 point?
There are more turning positions with a 12 point vs a 6 point. This can be a
real help in tight positions. You don't have to rotate the wrenches and
sockets as much to get a new grip on the fastener.
> 2.Most big tool comapnies offer both sockets for impact tools and for
> regular tools. You want to have a different set for the impact wrench
> because of the force put on them, right? If so, why would you even
> bother to buy a set of regular sockets? Couldn't you just use the
> impact socket set you bought for all applications?
The impact tools are not stronger than the regular sockets, in fact, the
opposite, as I understand it. They are made of a softer material than regular
sockets, so they don't shatter under the sudden impact loading of an impact
wrench. It's like putting a file and a piece of mild steel in a vise, and
hitting them both with a hammer. The file will break cleanly in two, while
the steel will bend.
> 3.If you had the money to buy good tools, what company would you buy
> from? I myself have been an SK fan, becasue whenever I was young and
> helped my dad work on cars, I would always grab that green medal box,
> and it has just kinda stuck with me ever since. I know that there are
> other good companies as well, Snap-on (considered by many to be the
> best), Mac, etc.. Is there any reason that you would want to buy from
> one comapny over another this high up on the ladder? Are there any
> shortcomings to any of these more expensive brands?
I buy Sears tools for pretty much the same reason, and for their lifetime,
unconditional warranty. I was told by a Sears salesman that their tools were
made by SK. I have no idea if that is true. It is extremely rare that I ever
break a Chraftsman tool, so I would assume from that, that they are good
enough for my usage. Snap-on may well be better, but they are certainly more
expensive, by a long shot.
I have never used Snap-on, but I have been told by mechanics that have, that
there is a "feel" about them that is hard to beat. I don't know how much that
is worth, but I must say I realy enjoy a good tool that has that "feel" to
it.
Dan Masters,
Alcoa, TN
'71 TR6---------3000mile/year driver, fully restored
'71 TR6---------undergoing full restoration and Ford 5.0 V8 insertion - see:
http://www.sky.net/~boballen/mg/Masters/
'74 MGBGT---3000mile/year driver, original condition
'68 MGBGT---organ donor for the '74
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