This post was from almost 15 years ago and at that time these sockets were a bargain. I still use them and they've worked out well. That said, compared to HF current offerings, these do look and feel a great deal cheaper.
These Taiwanese hex sockets are turely a great buy. I've used the 3/8" and 1/2" drive versions for the last year and am absolutely impressed by the strength and durabilty of these impact tools. I've popped several brake caliper and head bolts with these hex sockets after the regular chrome versions had broken and cracked.
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0317Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0318Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/misc/PICT0319Medium.jpg)
These crankshaft bungs were rusted and staked, but the impact hex sockets loosened them in short order --
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Jaguar/engine/PICT0965Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Jaguar/engine/PICT0963Medium.jpg)
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/Jaguar/engine/PICT0966Medium.jpg)
Good tools -- a good HF value.
I still use HF impact sockets I bought 15 years ago daily. Haven't broken a single one.
I also use them as bearing/bushing drivers. :-X They just keep taking abuse without complaints.
I don't think I'd buy impact sockets anywhere else.