That $80 'professional' impact socket set that lasted exactly one afternoon

I grabbed this set from a random auto parts store near Tacoma because my cheap old ones were finally stripped. The guy at the counter swore they'd hold up to daily use, even showed me some warranty card. First job was a lug nut on a rusty F-150, and the 19mm split right down the side on the second impact hit. I mean it just cracked open like an egg, scared the heck out of me. So I tried to return them and the store said it was 'user error' and wouldn't take them back. Eight bucks per socket I basically threw in the trash. Anyone else had a tool brand that looked solid but turned out to be total junk?

2 comments

2 Comments

simonw4114d ago

Bought a set of "truck grade" sockets from a place in Portland once, same thing. The guy behind the counter swore they were tough enough for a three ton rated impact gun. First use was a suspension bolt on my buddy's Silverado, and the 15mm just shattered. Sent shards flying across the driveway, almost hit my dog. Tried to get a refund and they told me I was using too much torque. Eighteen bucks per socket for something that's basically pot metal, total waste of money. Some brands just stamp "professional" on the box and call it a day, no actual testing behind it.

felix_coleman8714d ago

Almost hit my dog" really brings it home @simonw41, glad you're okay!