Gator Grip ETC-200MO Universal Socket

by Endeavor Tool LLC

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Gator Grip Universal Socket is a universal socket that instantly adjusts to grip hex nuts, screw eyes, hooks, lag screws, and bolt heads. It features a wide range of adjustability that will fit standard 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch and metric 7mm to 19mm nuts and bolt heads. The tool's socket contains 54 hardened steel spring pins for long-lasting durability. When placed onto a fastener, the center pins retract and the outer pins surround the fastener. As the fastener is turned, the torque is transmitted through the outer pins to the walls of the socket, making this socket an ideal choice for heavy-duty personal or professional use. The tool features a 3/8-inch drive, and comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

What's in the Box
Drill adapter and ratcheting socket wrench with 3/8-inch drive.

Product Description

Includes: Gator-Grip 3/4" socket, Ratchet wrench, Power driver adapter. The Gator Grip Universal Socket is a universal socket that instantly adjusts to grip hex nuts, screw eyes, hooks, lag screws, and bolt heads. It features a wide range of adjustability that will fit standard 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch and metric 7mm to 19mm nuts and bolt heads. The tool's socket contains 54 hardened steel spring pins for long-lasting durability. When placed onto a fastener, the center pins retract and the outer pins surround the fastener. As the fastener is turned, the torque is transmitted through the outer pins to the walls of the socket, making this socket an ideal choice for heavy-duty personal or professional use. The tool features a 3/8" drive.

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000065CJ8
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 200MO
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,410 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Convenient Socket - in Some Circumstances, November 25, 2002

By 

H. Row "in1ear" (Arvada, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gator Grip ETC-200MO Universal Socket (Tools & Home Improvement)

I'm often surprised at people's expectations in a product, especially my own. You see an ad on TV and you just know how much it's going to change your life for the better.

What this product does well is fits multiple shapes and sized screws and nuts for quick removal. I used it to tighten the lag bolts and screws on my son's play structure. It worked on 90 % of the hardware. I also used it in conjunction with my cordless drill to remove numerous eye hooks, bolts, screws, etc that weren't needed anymore. This would have taken several frustrating hours without the Gator Grip.

What this product does less well is install bolts, screws, and nuts. It's springloaded which makes it awkward holding the hardware while installing. Just like any socket or wrench made, you need to have the tool squarely placed on the item you're using it on. Otherwise it may slip.

Overall, the Gator Grip met my expectations, made certain chores easier and allowed me more leisure time with my family.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great idea, but not sturdy enough, May 5, 2006

By 

John Woods "TObject" (San Diego, CA, United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gator Grip ETC-200MO Universal Socket (Tools & Home Improvement)

For my first Gator Grip project I decided to tighten about a hundred of 5/16"x1.25" bolts to 175 inch-pounds. The bolt heads were damaged, some more than the others, making a regular socket hard to fit; this looked like a perfect Gator Grip application.

I am happy to report that the Gator Grip worked as expected. However, about 1/3 way through the job I had my first failure - one of the pins got stuck and wouldn't come out unless I remove the Gator Grip and push the pin through the other side. That pin was getting stuck continuously, and by the time I was done with 96 bolts, several of the Gator Grip pins would have the same problem.

Unfortunately, I have to testify that Gator Grip is a somewhat delicate device, and should not be used for anything but for light duty jobs.

Update: I got my Gator Grip socket replaced under warranty. The process was fast and easy. Because of that I'd give this product one more star if I could.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great gift for the Not-so-handy, December 29, 2003

By 

jimnypivo "Jim Hisson" (west of Chicago, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Gator Grip ETC-200MO Universal Socket (Tools & Home Improvement)

If you know one of those poor souls whose toolbox consists of an 18" long slotted screwdriver, Grandpa's hammer, and hacksaw , then this is the essential nut and bolt tool for them.

Within six months of getting a Gator Grip for Christmas, it was indispensable in two large projects--refitting new lumber on an old rotten picnic table, and in putting up a new garage door opener.

The other reviewers are correct--it's NOT FOR EVERY JOB. Because the pins are cylindrical, it occasionally slips on the bolt head, and it lacks the gripping strength needed for working on something like your car engine. And it WILL NOT remove a nut if there is more than 1/4 inch of bolt sticking out the back end.

HOWEVER, if you are up on a ladder, and/or working with many odd-sized nuts and bolts, this tool is a Godsend. For overall home maintenance, play set assembly, garage door opener installation, or putting together knockdown furniture, it can't be beat. (I only cussed about fourteen times while installing my new Garage door opener, and that was a record!)

As a GIFT, I'd recommend this tool especially for those people who are NOT handy around the house.

This would be a great gift for the independent female in your life--the one who does the home remodeling herself, or for a couple's first home/apt. Although I haven't used it on a bike, I'd think it'd be an excellent addition to the cyclist's tool bag.