Socket Adapters

[mac sparrow]

I've just recently purchased a socket set from Bahco and I'd like the option to use them in my impact driver, combi drill or the CXS.

I've had a look for socket adapters and it appears the Centrotec versions have a very sloppy fit so much so the sockets fall of the end of adapter.  So I think I'm going to go for one that fits in my impact driver, that way I can use it in the impact, combi or CXS (by changing the chuck).

Has anybody had any experience with socket adapters, impact ratings and which one to go for?

The Centrotec version would be nice but then I wouldn't be able to use them in my impact driver.

Thank you

 

[Birdhunter]

I bought Snap-on socket adaptors after finding the Festool units unacceptable.

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

I don't have the socket adapters yet, but I'm wondering if the socket adapters were spec'd to European metric dimensions, or to match up with a particular brand of socket, which causes them to work poorly with some other socket brands. Some tool manufacturers use slightly different dimensions for the retaining balls and/or the retaining grooves in their sockets and this can cause sockets and extensions not to fit and work as well if you mix brands. I don't know what the actual dimensions are that european 1/4" and 3/8" drive sizes are spec'd to, but if they spec the 1/4" to 6.3mm instead of 6.35mm than extra slop would occur in the drive. The same might be true if they spec 3/8" to 9.5mm instead of 9.525mm.

 

[ewils91]

Snap-On here as well. The quality is amazing for such a small item.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't have the socket adapters yet, but I'm wondering if the socket adapters were spec'd to European metric dimensions, or to match up with a particular brand of socket, which causes them to work poorly with some other socket brands.

I have a centrotec adapter and use it with my European made TengTools socket set, and the fit is also pretty sloppy. They don't exactly drop off, but you don't need a lot of force to pull them off.

 

[mac sparrow]

Thanks for the input fellas.

I've just purchased the Snappy Centrotec Cabinet Makers set so I'm going to give the Snappy/Trend socket adapters a go.  Fingers crossed.

 

[CO_JCD]

I don't have the socket adapters yet, but I'm wondering if the socket adapters were spec'd to European metric dimensions, or to match up with a particular brand of socket, which causes them to work poorly with some other socket brands.

I have to say that the Festool adaptors work perfectly with Wera sockets.  The Wera sockets have one or two open holes on the side(s) with indents on the other sides.  By aligning the adaptor ball with the hole in the socket, the socket locks fine.

Looks as though you do need to match adaptor to socket brand / type.

John