This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue.
Seeing the new Bolt Biter Extraction Sockets at the GEARWRENCH booth at SEMA is one thing, but trying a set out ourselves when we’re away from fancy displays and manufactured damaged bolts is another. We were impressed enough to not only give the extraction sockets one of our SEMA Show Stopper Awards last November, but for $27 I bought my own eight-piece set at Home Depot to try shortly after.
If you’ve spent any time under the hood you’ve most likely come across a weathered, rounded or damaged fastener that slowed your day down. What interested me the most about this set compared to other extraction sockets is there is no hammering needed and if the fastener is a non-standard part that has to be re-installed, the socket will not destroy it.
The secret is the “minus-size” sockets that slide easily onto the rounded fastener and are designed to fit those fasteners that are worn down past their original size. Once the fastener is removed, it disengages easily from the socket. Simply put, the fasteners don’t get jammed in the socket – unlike old-school extraction sockets. Plus we love the bi-directional design that removes or tightens damaged fasteners.
Bolt Biter grips rusted or rounded fasteners instead of cutting into them, which means these sockets last 10 times longer than the competition when used with an impact gun. That’s why they carry a lifetime warranty.
The dual-sized sockets are designed to work with both SAE and metric fasteners. I went with the eight-piece 1/4-inch / 3/8-inch set, but there are 15- and 28-piece sets as well. These extraction sockets can be used with an impact gun, ratchet, wrench or pliers. Probably not something you’ll use every day, but when you need an extraction socket you’ll be glad to have this set nearby.
Product Score: 94
Application 18/20
Function 48/50
Install 10/10
Design 9/10
Price 9/10
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