Ko-ken Nut Grip Sockets vs. Magnetic Sockets

[The Critic]

1/4 Sq. Dr. Socket set 8-14mm Nut Grip 4 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

Was considering a set of 1/4" dr magnetic sockets (mainly need 10 and 12mm) and came across these "Nut Grip" sockets from Ko-ken. They appear to use ball bearings on each side of the hex to retain the fastener, which could be more desirable than having a magnet.

Does anyone own a set of these?

 

[Rand]

Sorta choking on the price although I guess if you used them everyday.

Only real advantage over magnets is they would work on non magnetic fasteners?

 

[drtyler]

I have not used them yet, or really even felt the need. I can see how there are situations where they may be useful. And as mentioned, the retaining feature will work on non-magnetic fasteners which is a plus.

If your goal is to have every type of socket, then it is a must have.

 

[Astro14]

Yes, in both 1/4" and 3/8" - they work great. Thank you to @Sam_Julier for recommending them.

 

[The Critic]

Only real advantage over magnets is they would work on non magnetic fasteners?

Plus they will not attract metal filings/shavings.

I have not used them yet, or really even felt the need. I can see how there are situations where they may be useful. And as mentioned, the retaining feature will work on non-magnetic fasteners which is a plus.

If your goal is to have every type of socket, then it is a must have.

There are a few Toyota applications (e.g. 2GR alternator and Prius EGR cooler) where having a magnetic 12mm would have been super handy, so this should theoretically fill that void. I currently just stuff the nut into the socket with a piece of napkin, but something more elegant (and reliable) would be nice.

Yes, in both 1/4" and 3/8" - they work great. Thank you to @Sam_Julier for recommending them.

Went ahead and ordered the deep's from Zoro with a coupon. I was pleasantly surprised that they're offered in shallow/semi-deep/deep, but I'll stick to deep for this specialty use.

 

[Trav]

I bought a cheap set of Ampro 1/4 and 3/8 sockets and some magnets and made my own, I used the Ampro because they had a shallow broach but just deep enough to fit the magnets and allow the whole bolt head in the socket, I just eyeballed the fit.
Loctite super glue has held them in for years and not failed. I used the stronger magnets that really hold the bolt tight, IIRC the 14-19mm have 3-5lb pull, bolt heads are usually not flat so you don't feel that amount of pull but its strong.

Subaru flex plate bolts sure benefited from the 14mm and a locking extension, it is on top of the engine, drop the bolt and you are worse than screwed. The ones from Koken look fine and I am sure they work okay but until what I am using is not good enough I don't need them. Good for Titanium and aluminum fasteners though.

Disc Magnets & Cylinder Magnets | K&J Magnetics

www.kjmagnetics.com

 

[Sam_Julier]

I bought a cheap set of Ampro 1/4 and 3/8 sockets and some magnets and made my own, I used the Ampro because they had a shallow broach but just deep enough to fit the magnets and allow the whole bolt head in the socket, I just eyeballed the fit.
Loctite super glue has held them in for years and not failed. I used the stronger magnets that really hold the bolt tight, IIRC the 14-19mm have 3-5lb pull, bolt heads are usually not flat so you don't feel that amount of pull but its strong.

Subaru flex plate bolts sure benefited from the 14mm and a locking extension, it is on top of the engine, drop the bolt and you are worse than screwed. The ones from Koken look fine and I am sure they work okay but until what I am using is not good enough I don't need them. Good for Titanium and aluminum fasteners though.

Disc Magnets & Cylinder Magnets | K&J Magnetics

www.kjmagnetics.com

I use K&J magnets for PS fluid reservoirs. Excellent.

 

[Soft Cars]

Yes, in both 1/4" and 3/8" - they work great. Thank you to @Sam_Julier for recommending them.

Does the socket allow for the nut to go all the way inside?

 

[Sam_Julier]

Does the socket allow for the nut to go all the way inside?

Yes.

 

[The Critic]

Does the socket allow for the nut to go all the way inside?

Pros/cons to this.

 

[Soft Cars]

Pros/cons to this.

Some of the magnetic sockets will push the nut half way out of the socket. That's fine for getting the nut started, but if want to tighten it, you'll have to get a regular socket.

 

[JWC86]

I’ve looked at these but just couldn’t justify the price. I have a set of 1/4 Astro magnetic sockets that I use all the time. To be honest the don’t leave me wanting for much.

 

[chris719]

I haven’t used them, but the few things I’ve bought from Koken have been of really high quality.

 

[Mickey D]

Use a piece of paper towel or blue paper shop towel placed over the fastener, place socket or wrench over the fastener. It will hold well to start or remove a fastener.