Socket recommendation

So I have gotten a lot of help from you folks over a few issues these past few days. One of them has been upper control arms. I need to loosen my big UCA bolt to grease my Camburg UCA bushings. I am going to be using a 19mm socket on the bolt end and a 19mm wrench on the nut end.

My question has to do with the tightness of the fit of the socket and wrench. The ones I have seem a little loose as there is a little play in them when I put them on the bolt heat and nut, respectively (but to be clear, both are 19mm: 18 is too small and 20 is not catching at all). I remember back in my Jeep days a friend stripped a bolt with a loose fitting socket and it was a GODDAM NIGHTMARE to get it off.

Can anyone recommend brands with tighter fitting wrenches and sockets?

Thanks all.

 

Use a 12 point socket

 

You can also put a little electrical tape on the inside wall of the socket for a cheap fix. The thin layer of rubberized tape should fill the gap and provides grip on the nut...worth a shot

 

A 6 point socket is better than a 12. Been wrenching for many years before I figured that out.

 

From what standpoint is it better?
Thanks.

 

It’s far less likely to round it off, more surface area to grip

 

More surface area to contact the sides of the bolt. They will slip off less.

There is a place for both IMO. Sometimes the 12 works better because it's in a tight spot.... Sometimes you have a really tight bolt and the 6 point is less likely to slip off and round the edges (I've seen it with the same brand of wrenches).

That being said, a high quality tool like snap on will be more dead nuts on size than a cheapie. Most of my tools are USA Craftsman though (and you can't get them anymore).

I'd probably buy Husky of I were buying a new set today. They would probably work fine for the price. If you got the cash, buy an American made set and it'll be better than the Husky.

 

The inside of that socket will have better contact with the bolt/nut so there’s less chance it will slip and round things off.

 

What American made brand would you recommend?

 

Get an impact socket. They're designed to grab on the flats vs the corners.

 

It's really what you can afford. Snap On is the Cadillac. Mac, Matco, SK, even Proto would be fine.

 

Honest Q... are those all made in the USA?

6 pt hex socket has more surface area in contact with the fastener. This transmits the torque between the fastener and socket across more area, resulting in lower shear (force/area). Results in ability to transmit more force before something goes wrong and strips.

 

I don’t know any manufacturer that actually makes all their tools in the US any more. Some SnapOn & Mac are still made here, but you’ll have to search for specific product lines, and unless you’re in the industry I wouldn’t recommend either. I have many snap on & Mac tools, but warranty is a nightmare when you have to deal with the manufacturer directly. As for best value, Duralast from autozone are usually about the best for the price from a retail store. Crapsman is just that these days, lows and Home Depot brands are the same. but for what you want I’d go harbor freight Pittsburg impact sockets (6 point) and a breaker bar, since it doesn’t sound like you do much wrenching.