TOOL REVI EW PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION:
The Impact Gold 9-pc 3/8” Drive 6-Point Impact
Socket Sets are machined from heat-treated alloy steel
for extreme torque applications and feature a black oxide
finish for longer socket life. Each 9-pc set includes a 1/4”
Hex Shank Adapter with an Impact Gold 3/8” Square
Drive Socket Adapter that tilts up to 15 degrees for work
in tight areas. This set is available with SAE sizes 5/16”,
3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16”, 5/8”, 11/16” and 3/4” and metric
sizes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm
and 18mm. The Socket Sets are part of the expanding
Makita Impact Gold line. Impact Gold insert bits, bit holders,
double-ended power bits, nutsetters, impact sockets
and socket adapters are exclusively designed for use with
high-torque impact drivers.
Circle 199 on card, or enter at “e-inquiry”
on VehicleServicePros.com
Makita Impact Gold
9-pc 3/8” Drive 6-Point
Impact Socket Sets
The reviewer appreciated that these socket sets were
high quality and easy to use.
by Stefanie Von Rueden, Assistant Editor
Lou Fort, lead technician at
K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg,
Ind., appreciated that the
Makita Impact Gold 9-pc 3/8” Drive
6-point Impact Socket SAE and Metric
Sets were high quality and easy to use.
There was no setup required for these
socket sets: simply install the bit driver
adapter onto a driver tool, then attach
whichever socket is needed. Fort notes
that users do need to pay attention to the
orientation of the hole in the socket’s side,
ensuring that it lines up with the ball of
the adapter. Failure to do so can reduce
the angle at which the bit driver will work.
Both the metric and standard socket
sets were packaged in cardboard display
hanger backings. The backings featured
information on the sockets, including
details on the materials used in manufacturing
the sockets and the advantages
of the included bit adapters. Both sets
included a silicon holder to keep the sets
organized: the standard set included a red
organizer, and the metric set included a
teal organizer.
Fort used these sockets every day
while performing his usual repairs, for
everything from rebuilding differential
assemblies to removing dash assemblies
in the replacement of heater cores.
He also notes that he used the bit drive
adapter with a Makita XDT15 Impact
Driver whenever possible. He found
that the bit driver in both socket sets
offered him some time savings with
its ability to work at an angle up to
15 degrees.
“I was very surprised to find how precise
all the sockets were,” Fort says. He
liked that the fasteners fit securely in the
socket, which helps prevent the rounding
off of fasteners. Even after heavy usage, he
found that the sockets kept true to their
sizes and the Bit Drive Adapters held up
well. “I honestly expected them to break
in short order, but I haven’t broken one
yet,” he says.
“I have used sockets of all makes and
types my whole career, and bit driver
adapters for more than 10 years. These
sockets are among the highest quality
sockets I have ever used, and the adapters
are, so far, a step above all the others I
have owned and used,” Fort adds.
Fort did notice that the size markings
on the sockets can be a little hard to read,
particularly in low-light situations. As an
improvement, he suggests using colored
laser etching for the size markings on the
sockets. He also suggested adding size
markings to the silicon organizers for
easier socket identification.
Overall, Fort really enjoyed using these
socket sets. “All of the sockets have taken a
beating with no signs of wear,” he says. “I
love their inclusion of the 1/4” hex shank
adapter (bit driver adapter). It may be a little
thing, but at times, it is the little things
that make the biggest difference.”
76 PTEN OCTOBER 2017 www.VehicleServicePros.com
/VehicleServicePros.com
/www.VehicleServicePros.com