What type of O2 sensor sockets do you guys prefer to use for your Volvos, and why?

Volvo has a 22 mm, 12 point, O2 sensor socket. I don't know if it is a 3/8" or 1/2" drive end. It is similar to a crows foot adapter for a ratchet, but this is a crows foot socket, open on the broach and drive ends, and slotted down the entire length. Btw, the crows foot looks welded on, like they do their other tools. Retails for around $9.00 depending on dealer.

Volvo says this about the tool: "Tool part number 9995543-7 has been classified as required for all dealers. This tool will not be automatically allocated to all dealers. The reason for this is many equivalent slotted heated oxygen sensor sockets are commonly available and most dealers may already own an equivalent (blue point YA8875). Please ensure that your dealership has a slotted socket. If not, please order part number 9995543-7 through your normal parts ordering procedure. Socket NV-22 for removal/installation of oxygen sensor can be used on all Volvo cars. Occasionally the oxygen sensor can sit very tight and be difficult to remove. If tools other than the NV-22 socket are used there is a considerable risk of damaging the nut, which is thin. Note: for 1993 models and onwards the connector housing is larger which means that earlier tools cannot be used."

My main problem with this Volvo socket is that it is a 12 point (they can slip off nuts easier, especially thin nuts like on O2 sensors). What I like about it is the exact 22 mm size, that it is a shorter length for getting in close. In fact, "If" you can place either end of the socket over the sensor, then it could provide a good deal of force for removing those stubborn sensors, since you could get the drive end and your breaker bar right up close to the thin 22 mm nut. If so, the 12 points might not be a problem. The price is very reasonable considering it comes form Volv. I like this tool.

Lisle tools has a 7/8" (22.23 mm), socket for O2 sensors. It looks like a regular deep walled socket, with a slot cut out for the wires. The drive end is 3/8," and is also hex shaped on the outside to accommodate a 1" wrench. Looks like a black oxide finish. Retails for $14.45. Lisle makes good quality automotive specialty tools. The 1" outside hex end means you can put a really big beefy combo wrench on the end for those stubborn sensors. It would be a tool for non Volvo O2 sensors too. But I wonder if the 3/8 drive end will provide enough force to remove the stubborn O2 sensor if I use a ratchet. I usually have to go to 1/2" drive for the stubborn stuff. But 3/8" Lisle stuff can be made as good as 1/2" drive in other brands. Hard call without having seen this socket in person.

KD Tools has a 7/8" (22.23 mm), socket they call a "Universal Vacuum PVS, TVS and Oxygen Sensor Socket." It looks like a regular deep walled socket, but with a wider slot cut out than either the Volvo socket or the Lisle (but the picture seems to be an artists rendition of the tool, not an actual photograph). Unlike the Lisle socket, the drive is 1/2," and the outside hex end is 7/8" for a combo wrench. It would be a tool for non Volvo sensors and other apps too. I usually pick Lisle over KD most of the time, for quality reasons, but I'm thinking KD has the edge on this tool. The 1/2" drive would make it a stronger tool for those stubborn sensors. But it Retails for $22.85. That's pricey for one socket without a good discount, considering the Volvo price. Then again, the KD socket is the most versatile of all these sockets.

All the above is based on the literature published by each manufacturer. Never saw or used any of theses tools.

Anyone ever use, or see them all?

Bruce