Tool Review: Gray Tools 16-pc Insulated Hex Bit Socket Set, No. 25061-I

May 10, 2024

Reviewed by Phil Fournier, owner of Phil's Auto Clinic in Hemet, California.

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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?

A: I looked up the standard listed in the tool cover, ASTM F1505. Per the label, the tools meet the standard, which in brief is insulation safe to 1000V AC or 1500V DC. No hybrid or electric vehicle in the market today has voltage exceeding those limits, so it would appear this rachet and related tools in the kit are useful for added protection while working on hybrid or EV vehicles of high voltage. Saving time is not really what’s at stake here. It is rather a condition of added safety.

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: It's a ratchet and hex drive socket for internally wrenched bolts, so even the greenest technician needs no training on its use.

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: It came with a nice plastic case with insertion spots for each of the tools, so one could easily see what might be missing after work is performed. Accessories include a three-inch extension, also well insulated.

Q: What features did you like?

A: The quality of the tool appears to be good. The ratchet has small teeth for working in tight spots.

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?

A: The insulation, unavoidably, makes the tools bulkier. I don’t exactly understand the reason why Gray chose to make the sockets for internally wrenched bolts, rather than the very ubiquitous 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm bolts and nuts that are so commonly used in the hybrid Asian-made vehicles that we work on. In truth, I could find use only for the rachet and extension. The rachet is also a bit short. Some of the bolts can be very tight, and it would be nice to have some better leverage.

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?

A: We do only hybrid vehicle work, including a fairly significant number of battery replacements on Toyota hybrids with NiMh batteries. The rachet adds a level of safety and due to familiarity with the work, it is very easy to get careless while working with high voltage, so the tool makes a good reminder of the possibility of bad things happening when working without protective gloves. Even when doing jobs like 12V battery replacement, it's nice to have the insulated rachet to avoid doing arc welding while removing the positive battery cable bolt near the body of the vehicle.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: Given the unique nature of this tool, I’d have to give it an eight for innovation.

The Gray Tools 16-pc Insulated Hex Bit Socket Set, No. 25016-I, features both SAE and metric sizes and comes in a carrying case with a foam organizer. All pieces have dual-layer insulation, providing user protection up to 1,000V in a variety of electrical applications. The set includes seven SAE sockets ranging from 1/8" to 3/8", seven metric hex head sockets from 4mm to 10mm, an insulated 42-tooth round head ratchet, and a 3" extension attachment. Each bit has its size marked for easy identification. Every piece in the set undergoes a multi-step insulation process to meet compliance with ASTM F1505 standards.

About the Author

Phil Fournier

Phil Fournier has been the owner/technician at Phil’s Auto Clinic for 32 years and a working auto technician for 45 years. Fournier received his ASE Master Certification in 1982 and his AAM from the Automotive Management Institute in 1994. Currently, he works as a consultant doing diagnosis, reprogramming, and virtual instruction. Fournier currently holds 17 ASE certifications including ASE Master Auto and Master truck plus L1, L2, and L3.