Garage Gazette
TOOLS AND THE SHOP => MECHANIC HAND TOOLS WE USE => Topic started by: goodfellow on August 13, 2018, 05:55:27 PM
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I rarely have a need for a 1/2" drive chrome set since most all my needs are met by my 1/2" drive heavy duty impact swivel sets. That said, there are a few instances on a Jaguar engine and transmission when a 1/2" chrome universal is the only tool thin enough to get the job done. I've used 3/8" drive chrome universals up to now, but the force necessary to loosen the fasteners is often quite high.
Finding a nice US made 1/2" drive 6 point chrome set for a reasonable price is next to impossible; even on e-bay. Best I found so far was older MAC or Herbrand sets on ebay that still sell for close to $100. So when this set popped up on eBay a few years ago I jumped on it.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0543Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0544Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0545Medium.jpg)
It's looks to be vintage 1980's/90's Taiwanese manufacture. The chrome isn't as good as current Taiwaese offerings; in fact the chrome looks like present day Craftsman quality. However, the fit/finish is very good and I'm quite happy for getting this set for $8.00
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0546Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0547Medium.jpg)
For a half dozen times in a year that I require chrome 1/2" drive universal sockets, this set will do nicely.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0548Medium.jpg)
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Never heard of CTI. Were they just an importer?
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My 1/2" SAE swivel chromes are a mix of brands found here and there put together on the cheap. My metric set of 1/2" chromes are a matched set of SK I found at HJE maybe ten years ago.
Those look like they would to the trick though.