MRO Today - Squared off: Professional socket sets

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.


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
•• Special features	•• 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