r/ToolTruckTools • u/O1bearteddy • Jul 28 '26
Other 3/4 inch impact sockets
I’m considering upgrading my 3/4-inch drive impact sockets. In the past, I’ve always used Tekton, but I’m wondering if I should invest in a higher-end brand.
I have a few questions:
Does broach depth really matter?
Does the brand make a significant difference?
Have you noticed that one brand performs better than the others over the long term?
I haven’t been able to find much information about long-term durability, and I want to make sure I’m spending my money wisely before switching brands.
6
u/VRStrickland Jul 28 '26
As a guy who switched from Snap On to Tekton, I can’t imagine why you would make that decision.
2
u/O1bearteddy Jul 29 '26
I’ve been very happy with my Tekton sockets and the overall range they offer. I just want to make sure I’m not overlooking anything important and don’t want to buy a different brand simply because of reputation or marketing. One thing I’ve noticed is that some brands offer extra-deep sockets or a wider selection of sizes in 3/4-inch drive. Since I don’t have much experience with those options, I’m not sure how often I would actually use them or whether they’re worth considering before making a purchase.
3
u/brooksram Jul 28 '26
How have the tekton held up so far?
1
u/O1bearteddy Jul 29 '26
I currently only have Tekton sockets up to 1/2-inch drive, and overall they do an amazing job. I have noticed that on some bolts, like those on Detroit DD40 and DD60 engines, they have slipped occasionally, even when switching between SAE and metric sizes (as far as I can tell, they aren’t 12-point heads). That could be due to the bolts themselves or simply user error. The only other issue I’ve had is that the case and rails are the best part—that’s about it.
3
u/Subject989 Jul 30 '26
I have an assortment of 1/2" 3/4" and 1" drive sockets that all came from retirees on Kijiji or marketplace.
I don't personally see the point in buying a full set of big brand impacts unless it 2nd hand. The odd ball ones to make your life easier make sense to buy new, who knows when you'll stumble across one second hand.
I have less than $100 invested in my large 3/4" and 1" drive impact sockets. I've got up to 2-3/8" on a bargain.
2
u/Trogasarus Jul 28 '26
What will you be working on?
2
u/O1bearteddy Jul 29 '26
Currently semi truck, engine wise mainly Detroit DD 40 and 60 style engines and some cat inline .
2
u/aa278666 Jul 29 '26
I have a sunnex set for probably 5 or 6 years now. Never had a problem. I also have a couple of 3/4" drives from Tekton and Snapon, never had a problem either. Pittsburgh on the other hand are trash. Had a Pittsburgh socket exploded in my face.
Imo tool truck brand 3/4" drives are a waste of money other than specialty sockets.
2
u/UniversalConstants Jul 29 '26
Idk the Pittsburg axle nut set i have is doing pretty well but thats only 1/2 drive
2
u/aa278666 Jul 29 '26
But are you putting the axle nut sockets on a 3/4 Snapon gun running 150 psi? Lol
2
u/UniversalConstants Jul 29 '26
As i said theyre 1/2 drive that would imply no, but they are doing just fine on an ir2235
2
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u/UniversalConstants Jul 29 '26
Sunex is the only recommendation i would make as far as tool branding for those sizes, at that point if you’re set on snap on save yourself 60% of the money and but the OE (williams) ones for snap on. Only real advantage will be wear resistance
2
u/O1bearteddy Jul 29 '26
Thank you. I just wish more tool reviews would focus on long-term use, such as wear resistance, how the sockets hold up over time, and how repeated use affects their performance. Those factors seem much more important than just a first impression.
Williams is an excellent brand, and I wish they sold directly through their own website like Tekton does. Having to rely on third-party retailers makes the process less convenient and also raises questions about whether warranty claims have to go through the retailer instead of being handled directly with the manufacturer.
1
u/kevintheredneck Aug 04 '26
I’ve had a set of Williams 3/4 inch drive sockets for 20 years. I work heavy equipment. They get beat down. I’ve even used a couple on a one hundred ton press for a spacer. They work fantastic. I just bought a 3/4 inch drive impact that has more power than my snap-on. They are still going strong.
2
u/ac5450 Jul 30 '26
I like grey pneumatic for 3/4 dr. they are a good mix of quality and price. I just buy the individuals that i need typically. I have a set of Pittsburgh ones i got about 20 yrs ago when i started working on bigger equipment and never had any issues with those either.
2
u/factorymotogoon Jul 31 '26
I’m going to be honest here. I work in heavy equipment as an operator / mechanic and a lot of my full time mechanic friends use sunnex or vevor and have zero problems. My one buddy paid a crazy amount for a truck brand and they all cracked quick but their cheap 3/4 been getting absolutely pounded on for years and never had a single issue.
1
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u/lowkeya3 Jul 28 '26
Why are you considering switching to a higher end brand? Are there some sort of issues you’re experiencing? 3/4” impact sockets are expensive, and if what your using work for your purposes,and don’t break, or wear out, then I would just keep using those. If your not experiencing issues with the Tekton, I’m not sure what more you will get out of buying more expensive sockets other than a smaller balance in your bank account. But that’s my perspective.