Fooking Snap-on

look 171 · 07-08-2020, 06:16 PM

Some of you know, I'm in tool buying mode because I want to do this 4runner thing with my kid.

Most my mechanic's hand tools have been scattered all over the shop, many pieces have gone missing. I had an old Craftsman set from 25 years ago. There are maybe 15 pieces left. I bought a new, small Snap-on set. I think it was 22 pieces, half standard and half deep sockets, metric. These damn thing do not fit the bolt. It is a tiny bit too big. I tried them on a couple of bolts and they fit a bit loose. If I go and turn it, the bolts get rounded just enough and they are stuck in the socket.

You guys seen this crap? The bolt fits perfectly other sockets I have hanging around. This is their 6 point socket. Anyone experience this? Here I am thinking, I am going to buy something nice and keep it around the house for myself only.

wswartzwel · 06:28 PM

I have lots of snapon sockets. have not experienced what you describe. I use mine on an air powered impact most of the time what size socket is doing this?

look 171 · 07-08-2020, 06:34 PM

14 and 17. Haven't use to others yet. Both deep Sockets.

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

Never have had a problem with a Snap-on socket (6 point) rounding of a bolt.

look 171 · 07-08-2020, 06:52 PM

I am going to try other bolts tomorrow. I wonder if there's a way to contact Snappy about that?

LJ851 · 07-08-2020, 07:07 PM

Measure the inside width of the socket.

I have a LOT of 6 point snap on sockets. Never one problem over the last 20+ years and many revolutions.

Could they be knockoffs? Did you buy from the snap on dealer?

look 171 · 07-08-2020, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJ851

Measure the inside width of the socket.

I have a LOT of 6 point snap on sockets. Never one problem over the last 20+ years and many revolutions.

Could they be knockoffs? Did you buy from the snap on dealer?

I will and report back.

I bought it from a Snappy truck that stops by a bunch of indy repair shops. My friend has a shop there but not auto related.

sc_rufctr · 07-08-2020, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by look 171

14 and 17. Haven't use to others yet. Both deep Sockets.

Is it possible that these two bolts are actually imperial not metric?

17mm is close to 11/16 inch.

14mm is close to 9/16 inch.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

Flank drive may allow a somewhat loose fit but still work well

BTW, don't forget to lay in a bunch of JIS screwdrivers

look 171 · 07-08-2020, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Is it possible that these two bolts are actually imperial not metric?

17mm is close to 11/16 inch.

14mm is close to 9/16 inch.

No, they are off the Toyota 4 runner. I tried several, not one. I can feel it that's something isn't right.

Bill Douglas · 07-08-2020, 11:10 PM

Maybe take the sockets down to the hardware store/engineering supplies and check them on some good quality 17mm and 14mm bolts.

rwest · rwest's Garage

All my Snap on sockets fit all the bolts and nuts I’ve tried them on. Both Porsche and Toyota.

Maybe a screw up on labeling the sockets at the factory?

mattdavis11 · 07-09-2020, 03:27 AM

I have had issues with sockets and wrenches fitting on the Land Cruisers, but haven't used Snap-On. The best fit have always been Craftsman. My experience goes back to the early 1980's FJ60's.

Other stuff just didn't fit tight.

asphaltgambler · 07-09-2020, 03:46 AM

Is it real snap-on or ' blue point their off brand?

1990C4S · 07-09-2020, 04:20 AM

Measure across the flats. Report back.

It's either a knock-off or defective.

Norm K · 07-09-2020, 04:36 AM

I've used a mix of Snap-On, Mac, (thirty-five year old) Craftsman and a hodge-podge of "offish brands" for many years and never had a problem like the one described in the OT.

Several years ago I won a full cheapo kit (wrenches, sockets, etc.) for being KP in a golf tournament (helluva a shot, I gotta say). The tools looked okay in the packaging, but as soon as I picked up one of the wrenches and saw the variations in wall thickness and obviously poor forging, then checked the other wrenches and the sockets and found them to be the same ... out to the curb with a "Free" sign they went.

That's the lack-of-brevity way of saying that if you have Snap-On wrenches or sockets that won't fit high quality Japanese nuts and bolts they need to go back.

_

wswartzwel · 07-09-2020, 05:08 AM

15 mm is becoming quite common on both metric and Fractional machines. Sometimes they can can surprise you, when a 14mm or a 9/16" won't fit and a 17mm or a 5/8" is a bit too big.

Zeke · 07-09-2020, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Is it possible that these two bolts are actually imperial not metric?

17mm is close to 11/16 inch.

14mm is close to 9/16 inch.

8/16 is 14.2875 so that won't help.

In the meantime while solving the issue, just smash some aluminum foil over the bolt with the socket and a soft hammer, brass, plastic or hard rubber. Best to use the thick stuff.

Norm K · 07-09-2020, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

15 mm is becoming quite common on both metric and Fractional machines. Sometimes they can can surprise you, when a 14mm or a 9/16" won't fit and a 17mm or a 5/8" is a bit too big.

Becoming quite common maybe, but if I recall correctly, the OP is working on a 3rd gen 4Runner, a truck that is chock-full of 14mm and 17mm bolt sizes, but where you'll few (if any) 15s.

_

stealthn · 07-09-2020, 06:08 AM

Reminds me of my wife’s old Range Rover sport, I went to take off a wheel and could not get the socket over one of the lugs. They all looked identical and the socket worked on every other lug on the whole truck.
I went up a size and was able to get if off, but how strange, measured the head and it was about 1 mm bigger.

Replaced it, but how strange...