Customer Reviews

Advanced Tool Design Model ATD-4601 42 Piece 3/8" Drive Standard and Deep SAE and Metric Impact Socket Set

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this set to complement my recent purchase of an Ingersoll Rand 3/8" butterfly impact wrench. This assortment of sockets is well suited to this size drive. The set includes both metric and english (SAE) sizes in both standard depth and deep sockets. The quality of the sockets is very good. All feature 6-pointed wells with radiused corners (Snap-On used to call this "flank drive"). This feature helps prevent distorting the corners on the bolt or nut you are turning by applying the turning force to the face of the bolt/nut slightly toward the center of the face where it's stronger that it is at the actual corner (vertex). The waist of the socket is also thru-drilled (3/16" dia holes) to accommodate those impact wrenchs that have a thru drilled drive capable of accepting a retaining pin. This is something you don't see too often, but is required for tools used by steel workers who many be using a tool at high elevations over others below them on a worksite.

The sockets have what appears to be a silk-screened size and product part number label that looks like silver on a flat black oxide socket body. Unfortunately, some of the sockets in my set have labels that look more like dark gray on black. They are legible, but just barely. Others are bright silver and easy to read, even in poor light. The sizes are also moulded in raised letters into the socket wells in the case. But, of course, they are only useful if you keep the right sized socket in the well and don't mix them up.

The kit comes with an average quality blow-moulded plastic case that measures 15"x11"x3". The only problem with this case is that the hinges on the back spine and on the two plastic latches are just thin plastic strips that will likely suffer from fatigue stress failure after repeated use.

The bottom line is that for $49 you are getting a large number of well made chrome/moly impact sockets. In my opinion this is an excellent value and hence the 5-star rating.

The only downside is the quality control on the lettering and the fact that since these sockets do not have a chrome finish, they will probably rust if you leave them out in the rain. But, come to think of it, I'm not sure I've seen impact sockets with chrome finishes. So maybe it's just the way they have to be made to withstand the hammering of an impact wrench.

Fox River, the seller, was prompt and filled the order as expected. I would order from them again.

WHY I BOUGHT THIS: I normally use 1/2" drive sockets and go to 1/4" for the tight spots. This set fills in the "in between" and will be used as my default "road set" when traveling. You can use an impact socket just about anywhere you can use a socket, and impact sockets are in general some the toughest sockets available.

These are CroMoly steel, the precise 41xx alloy is unknown. This is a very inclusive set, with Standard SAE deep and shallow, Metric deep and shallow, a low articulation swivel adapter and and one extension.

The downside: The black oxide coating nor the CroMoly found on ANY impact set does not have the "rust resistance" hard chrome has. Per socket weight is higher due to heavy wall construction.

WHY I DID NOT GIVE THIS 5 STARS: The set is made in China, so someone in the US pays for these with a job. Don't expect warranty. The blow-molded case has those crappy hinges that you KNOW will fatigue and crack apart. Some of the silk-screened lettering is poorly applied.

I like the price on these compared to buying ANY socket sets "guaranteed" by any other manufacturer. Note that if you don't work in an established shop, getting replacement tools for Snap-On, Mac, Cornwell and others (who I hold in high regard) can be a fiasco. Just try it. Now compare the cost. PFFFF.

Bottom line: Solid value, competent manufacturing, just don't leave them out in the wet weather.

Bought these socket sets for two community tool boxes at a bussiness I own. Half of the solution was also buying socket organizers. If & when some sockets come up missing...replacement won't break the bank...PLUS so far these have really held up much better than expected...I know they are imports & I'll choose Craftsman for myself(probable also imported by now) but these have really surprised me at how they have held up.

These sockets are made in Taiwan, which typically means higher quality than China. They are relatively thin walled for getting into tight places. The broaching appears to be of high quality and drives on the face of the fastener, not the edge. This should help prevent rounded fasteners. They are double marked(stamped and etched)in case the etched markings get worn off. There are no skipped sizes as with other brands. The universal joint socket uses a peened through pin and should hold up to serious use. This is a very nice set for the money. You could buy five sets of these for the cost of some other big name brands.

I bought this to change the sprocket of a motorcycle. Used sockets with an impact driver as well as a racheting wrench. Worked well with no problem. Happy with the purchase.

Great kit for the price, your not going to find better for price and quality. 4 stars because it seems like the hinges could potentially break in the future causing a problem, not sure if it will though, just seems that way.

The sockets aren't really all that impressive to look at but they work fine, are built well and are pretty tough to beat for the price

This set has worked very well. I have several "toys" from ATVs to Chinese karts and at times it is very hard to know what size bolts/nuts will be on what. This set has taken care of every use I have had for it. Great to know it is in the cabinet when I might need it!