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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: For ordinary fasteners in good condition, the Mac Tools 14-pc 3/8" Deep Metric R.B.R.T. Socket Set will work like any other high-quality socket. For fasteners that are questionable or damaged, these sockets have the ability to remove the fastener without having to switch to an extractor-style socket or rely on another method to remove the damaged fastener. In these situations, it is not uncommon to make a slightly rounded fastener worse with a typical socket before realizing the need to switch to an extractor. These sockets will remove the fastener without that hassle and extra steps.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: None.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: As easy as any typical socket.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: The set came packaged in a full-color cardboard box, and the sockets were securely mounted to a high-quality metal rail with plastic inserts.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was it easy to understand?
A: No manual included or necessary.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The sockets have all of the functionality of a typical high-quality socket but with the added bonus of acting as an extractor-style socket as well. I was honestly quite skeptical about their ability to extract damaged fasteners as the design does not look that aggressive, however, I was pleasantly surprised with their performance.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: The only real improvement that I can think of would be to include high-visibility color markings to make it quicker and easier to identify the socket size.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used these sockets in place of typical 3/8" drive metric deep sockets for various disassembly and reassembly procedures such as brake jobs, alternator replacements, etc. With fasteners that are in good condition, these work equivalent to other high-quality sockets. I also used these sockets intentionally on fasteners that were slightly rounded, damaged from rust, etc. These sockets had no issues gripping and removing these damaged fasteners that were unable to be removed by a traditional socket. As a test, I took some of these fasteners and ground the points of their hex heads down progressively further and further. I was amazed at how well these sockets were able to bite into and grip the fasteners even with extensive rounding and damage to the head of the fastener.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: I've used many different sockets meant to grip the fastener in ways designed to help prevent rounding of the head, and I've used various extractor-style sockets meant to bite into a rounded/damaged fastener for removal, but I believe this is the first socket design I've utilized that has effectively combined these approaches. This integrated approach allows these sockets to be used as traditional sockets, while effortlessly gripping damaged fasteners without the need to switch to a dedicated extractor-style socket.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: Nine—These sockets have the ability to effectively replace a typical high-quality socket set, as well as a corresponding set of extractor-style sockets, and the price point is certainly less than those two separate punches. In addition, due to the integrated approach, they should save technicians time and effort by removing damaged fasteners on the first attempt without the need to switch to another tool.
