Magnetic sockets?

[JHZR2]

A few times recently I’ve needed to get a screw or bolt with a hex head, into a near-blind hole, in a vertical position.

A magnetic socket would have been nice. Maybe a socket with a small magnet on it or in it.

Does anyone do this? Any best practices?

Think 8-10 mm heads.

 

[spasm3]

I've thought about getting this set, but never wanted it bad enough.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-1818-Master-Magnetic-23-Piece/dp/B000LQEV9O/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=magnetic+sockets&qid=1688005358&sr=8-7

 

[JHZR2]

I've thought about getting this set, but never wanted it bad enough.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-1818-Master-Magnetic-23-Piece/dp/B000LQEV9O/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=magnetic+sockets&qid=1688005358&sr=8-7

Interesting, though not $81 worthy.

These though seem interesting even if more expensive:

Sunex 1825 1/4-Inch Drive Universal Magnetic Impact Socket Set, Metric, 12-Point, Cr-Mo, 5mm - 15mm, 11-Piece https://a.co/d/aHaU7F3

 

[drtyler]

Would these not do the trick? Doesn't go down to 8mm, but I'm sure its out there. You get the idea.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-522-19-Piece-Magnetic/dp/B00ILLNSY0/

I use the extendable magnet or long magnetic screwdriver for retrieval quite a bit.

 

[JHZR2]

Would these not do the trick? Doesn't go down to 8mm, but I'm sure its out there. You get the idea.

https://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-522-19-Piece-Magnetic/dp/B00ILLNSY0/

I use the extendable magnet or long magnetic screwdriver for retrieval quite a bit.

That sort of thing, or even a tiny small magnet just dropped inside or outside the socket is what I had in mind.

Also saw the koken nut grip sockets.

 

[JWC86]

I have the sunnex 1/4” set and they are my most used sockets(mostly work on motorcycles). Goes down to 6 or 5mm, can’t remember.

Highly recommend.

For 3/8 drive Astro makes a good set

 

[kebabaluba]

Magnetic sockets are great tools for the job you describe. There is a "redneck trick" if you want bolts to stick to normal sockets though, wrap a thin layer of tape around bolts head. I use PTFE sealing tape around the bolts head and the bolt will stick quite well to the socket.

 

[Soft Cars]

There's been a few times where I needed a magnetic socket, but as time goes on, I forgot why. If I ran into the issue on a regular basis, I'd get only the sizes needed I and they would probably be from Snap-on. I'm getting too old to be taking chances on iffy tools.

 

[JHZR2]

Magnetic sockets are great tools for the job you describe. There is a "redneck trick" if you want bolts to stick to normal sockets though, wrap a thin layer of tape around bolts head. I use PTFE sealing tape around the bolts head and the bolt will stick quite well to the socket.

I don’t think for the small 8mm head screws that were causing me issues, that this would work.

 

[billt460]

Don't spend that kind of money. It's just not worth it on a tool like that. I have several sets of these, and they work beautifully. Both sets together are $10.00 bucks.

Quick Release Magnetic Metric Nut Setter Set, 9 Piece

Amazing deals on this Quick Release Mag Metric Nut Setter Set 9Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Quick Release Magnetic SAE Nut Setter Set, 9 Piece

Amazing deals on this Quick Release Mag Sae Nut Setter Set, 3Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

If you want to up the quality a bit they offer these as well.

1-3/4 in. Impact-Rated Magnetic Metric Nut Setters, 9-Piece

Amazing deals on this 9Pc Impact Rated Metric Magnetic Nut Setter at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

1-3/4 in. Impact-Rated Magnetic SAE Nut Setters, 9-Piece

Amazing deals on this 9Pc Impact Rated Sae Magnetic Nut Setter at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Chris142]

I have this set but with matco stamped on it.

 

[demarpaint]

IIRC @Trav had a nice write up here on magnetic sockets he made on the cheap. Maybe he'll see this and revive the thread.

 

[Astro14]

Better than magnetic - these work great. Thanks to @Sam_Julier for the recommendation!

1/4 Sq. Dr. Socket set 7-14mm Nut Grip 150mm 6 pieces

Nut Grip, ¼” drive, Standard Length, Chrome Hand Sockets. NUT GRIP® is Ko-ken's special design for non-magnetic nuts/bolts to be held firmly in a 6-point socket. The design consists of two balls held in place by a spring steel ring. Our nut grip sockets are unique to Ko-ken and truly a...

kokenusa.com

3/8 Sq. Dr. Socket set 10mm-22mm Nut Grip 250mm 10 pieces

Nut Grip, 3/8” drive, Standard Length, Chrome Hand Socket Set. NUT GRIP® is Ko-ken's special design for non-magnetic nuts/bolts to be held firmly in a 6-point socket. The design consists of two balls held in place by a spring steel ring. Our nut grip sockets are unique to Ko-ken and truly a...

kokenusa.com

 

[Sam_Julier]

I’ve never used magnetic tipped sockets just the ko-ken nut grips. They work incredibly well.

If you’re tired of dropping nuts and bolts ko-ken nut grips are the answer.

 

[1foxracing]

Another vote for the Koken models, they only thing I don't like about them are the cheap rails they come with.

 

[tnt_motorsports]

I guess I'm just old school... I have used grease to hold the screw in the socket, or magnetized the socket the old fashioned way. Never saw a need to buy anything special.

Just my $0.02

 

[vwmaniaman]

I don't want any magnetic sockets. I drop sockets too often when I work on cars and they are hard enough to find without them sticking to something.

 

[D60]

I guess I'm just old school... I have used grease to hold the screw in the socket, or magnetized the socket the old fashioned way. Never saw a need to buy anything special.

Just my $0.02

My dad taught me to use chewing gum but I never have any in the shop when I think about it

 

[D60]

I too just have magnetic nut setters. It's a compromise but a couple times per year can be useful. I tend to hoard the cheap ones as I almost consider them consumables. They seem to vanish or the epoxied magnets fall out and they're not worth trying to re-adhere.

Both the problems above could be cured by 1) being more conscientious about tool placement/storage and 2) just buy quality....but for some reason I like cheap ones I can use and abuse.

Finally, if you really wanna git jiggy wit it, GW offers magnetic hex keys.

I show both products here:

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I’d been wanting a neck light for a while, and decided to order a Matco. It didn’t quite meet the $75 threshold for free shipping, so I grabbed a Silver Eagle extension for $8.xx. (A guy can always use another 3/8” drive extension, right?) The light is great, and I’m really impressed by the...

bobistheoilguy.com

 

[bvisteve]

A few times recently I’ve needed to get a screw or bolt with a hex head, into a near-blind hole, in a vertical position.

A magnetic socket would have been nice. Maybe a socket with a small magnet on it or in it.

Does anyone do this? Any best practices?

Think 8-10 mm heads.

I use a small piece of masking tape over the socket to hold bolts and nuts.