Over at Sears, they recently listed a couple of new Craftsman Extreme Grip tools that are designed to offer a better fit and grip for faster and easier work.
Some of the other Craftsman Extreme Grip tools make sense. These Extreme Grip sockets, on the other hand, have succeeded in baffling me.
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Although a 5pc set, each socket is designed to accommodate two fastener sizes. In all, the 5pc set can fit the following 10 fastener sizes: 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″ and 11mm, 13mm, 14mm, 16mm and 17mm.
The sockets also have movable jaws that apparently help them better grip rounded fasteners up to 14-times better than standard Craftsman sockets. They are also said to have serrated jaws and a release collar for easy disengagement.
Each socket fits both inch and metric fasteners. In other words, the 1/2″ socket is also a 13mm socket.
At the bottom of the product description, it says that the sockets have 3/8″ drive size.
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So how do they work?
Well, it kind of looks like the adjustable ratcheting socket wrench invention that we posted about a couple of months ago. That explains why there’s a release collar. The movable jaws probably tighten up against fasteners’ faces – both inch and metric. And they can probably do a good job of grabbing onto the faces of partially rounded fasteners. If the socket does self-tighten, then you’ll need that release collar to reset or loosen the jaws.
Each socket is only built to accommodate two fastener sizes, and so that’s why the sockets look so much smaller than the adjustable socket wrench invention, which is designed to work with a wide range of fasteners.
Maybe the sockets work differently than the invention prototype we posted about, but the effect should be the same.
You don’t get very much size selection with the set, but the 5 sockets should be able to handle 10 common fastener sizes.
The sockets are quite interestingly designed, and although we still don’t have a clear picture of how they work and what kinds of applications they were designed for, they are increasing in appeal by the minute.
I would expect for the 5pc set to drop in price to maybe $20 during the Fathers Day gift-buying shopping season.
List Price: $40
Sale Price: $36
ETA: May 2015
Buy Now(via Sears)
What do you think? And please take a minute to think things over. I changed my tune from “how do these sockets work and why would I want to use them?” to “I’d love to see these in action” over the course of the post.
cbj98
Its been done before, Grip-Tite. This video explains how they work: http://youtu.be/wfUGNEaQ2FI
Saw them at Sears a few years ago, did a little research on them, the seem like a decent idea but never bought a set. They were kinda pricy at the time. Did Sears rip off another design?
fred
I don’t recall if the Grip_Tite sockets have any sort of release – but from the picture they do not seem to have any:
http://www.hardwareandtools.com/grip-tite-00112-7pc-mm-socket-set-uljb-5650.html
Tom
This “Extreme Grip” seems to be a whole series of new tools. Similar to last year’s Mach Series line, perhaps? They look awfully gimmicky.
I think that what is most notable is that they are introducing a new screwdriver set with diamond tips as part of this line. Reports are that they are made in China, which would be in my estimation a shift from the Western Forge sourced, USA screwdrivers of yore. Craftsman shifted chisel manufacturing overseas this year, so this would show a continued shift with some of the screwdriver line.
typhoon
Gimmick tools have been made overseas for a while, so I don’t think this necessarily presages anything (anymore than the flip-around pliers or lighted adjustable wrenched from years before did).
Tom
If you look at some of the pictures of the products in this line, it appears that there will be a matching ratchet coming out as well. You can see it on the page for the screwdrivers.
Robert Watt
Do you think that each socket can fit more than two sizes when metric sizes are considered?
Eric
That’s how they get to 10 sizes right now, one standard and one metric size per socket.
fred
The older Grip-Tite sockets came in 2 different sets (metric and inch)
SteveR
A bit off-topic, but a general means of removing rounded-over nuts is described in detail in another YouTube video, posted by Delboy’s Garage. The mechanic that made the video explains how easy it is to get to that point, then demonstrates how to remove a rounded-over (“rung-off”) nut using a sharpened center punch and a hammer. He also explains why it’s a bad idea to use a Vise Grip plier to try to remove the nut, which can aggravate the situation.
I believe you can watch this video on YouTube after you’ve viewed the one that cbj98 referenced for us, above. It’s probably been around forever, and it’s a useful method to have in your arsenal when other methods (or tools) can’t remove it. You can also use this in tight areas by hitting the nut on it’s top or bottom and working it around, but it will be a more difficult procedure; you may not be able to “lay down” the center punch as much to improve the action, However, if you don’t own the Grip-Tite sockets, this is another way to go.
Mizzourob
Most of these Extreme Grip series tools look silly, but I have to admit that I’m curious about the Extreme Grip 10-Inch Locking Adjustable Wrench.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-extreme-grip-10-inch-adjustable-wrench/p-00913272000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
Brent
Crescent already has this, its cheaper and made by the same manufacturer.
Robert
That Sears 10 inch is almost identical to the Stanley 86-610 I own.
Jerry
I have a few of the Craftsman Extreme Grip box end wrenches, and they have kind of cam type action, that causes the little movable “jaws” to wedge into the bolt head or nut when you pull on the wrench. The harder you pull, the tighter they grip. They actually work quite well for breaking loose very tight, rusted, or rounded fasteners. However, for general use, a srandard combo wrench is far more convenient to use.
I consider them kind of a specialty tool, to bust loose a nut or bolt where nothing else seems to work, more than I consider them any kind of general use tool. You must be sure the little jaws are positioned properly every time you re-position the wrench, and they sometimes need a little ‘wiggle’ to get them to let go.
Dave
Jerry,
Can you please provide a link (or a picture on the internet) on the Sears website for the older Craftsman Extreme Grip box end wrenches you are referencing above?
Sears is coming out on 5/16/15 with a new Extreme Grip combination wrench set (where the box end is ratcheting) here: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-piece-extreme-grip-wrench-set/p-00912758000P?sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
Tom
I think that he’s referring to these:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/sears-wrench/sears-craftsman-extreme-grip-wrench.htm
Jerry
I’m on the tablet, and it won’t load the Sears webste properly (are you listening Sears, your website is still not all that user friendly) but to sum it up, these were an in store special, and if you ever saw the grip-title sockets, they work on the same principal, but are built into a box end wrench, instead.
http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Tite-Wrenches-Metric-Combination-Wrench/dp/B003M68V64/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Here is a link to the Grip Tite version of what I got. I think they are the same wrenches,, just rebranded, but Sears had an In store sale Under $20 for the set. They had your choice of combo wrenches, or double box wrenches. If I remember right the combo was 6 piece, the double box was 4 piece (but 8 sizes). For the same money.
My impressions are that one needs to be mindful of the inserts, as they look like they could be pulled loose from the wrench if used improperly, care needs to be used to be sure they are put on the bolt properly. However, once on the bolt head or nut, the harder you pull on the wrench, the tighter the cams lock the inserts to the fastener. They have broken loose rusted bolts I don’t think much of anything else would have, but they are not everyday go to wrenches.
Jerry
Update, Grip Tite’s website says their 4 piece double box end set is on sale at Sears for $20. Here’s a link.
http://www.griptitetools.com/Products/4pc-Wrench-Set-SAE-57.htm
fred
$22.99 at Amazon for either the metric or SAE set – with free shipping with Prime
SteveR
Jerry makes a point in that these are all extractor-type tools, which don’t come into play that much unless you’re a professional repair technician. Then, they might be useful several times a day as you tackle successive customer vehicles. If you make a lot of repairs on older vehicles you own yourself, then yes, they might be a good investment. In other words, don’t think you must have a full set of these on hand right away. Read the comments offered here and on other sites to determine which type best serves your needs.
You might only need to purchase one wrench or socket to remove the
rounded-over nut or bolt you’re faced with now; the others may never be used. If you need a set for working on cars, you’ll get the most use from those ranging in size from 1/2″ (13mm) on up to 3/4″ (19 mm).
SteveW
Stuart, I don’t know what baffles you about these. I have not seen these in person but the pictures all make them look like a Jacobs chuck, grabbing the nut with three jaws and tightening harder on the faces as you turn the socket.
Brian
C’mon it’s not wrench science. LOL
Brian
Oh wait, maybe it is.
Matt
I just bought these and used them for installing a wall mount TV bracket. I used the sockets with the matching ratchet. I admire you hard core tool guys and love tools but am just a homeowner doing occasional repairs and home projects and have been getting away with using wrenches etc.
Some thoughts: I was not able to ratchet the bolt all the way flush to the surface. Because of the jaw mechanism and the way it locked to the bolt, I had to release it a few millimeters before flush, and finish the job with a wrench. I might have preferred to do this anyway because ratcheting the last few turns on a bolt may provide too much torque and risk breaking off the bolt head.
Some may see this as a slight inconvenience, however it really did grip the hell out of the bolt and did not come off unless you slid the collar and popped the socket off the bolt.
Many view these as ‘gimmicky’ however learning how to use the sockets was real quick and actually a pleasure to use…they also did the job very well too.