Wera vs Hazet vs Koken sockets

[Rollerlocked]

Looking to pickup a few sets of sockets to complement what I already have. Wera in my opinion has the most appealing design due to the color coding band, however I love Hazet/Koken products. I have reservations about wera due to the fact they don’t offer a lineup of impact 1/2” sae sockets and the fact they’re made in Taiwan (Rather buy German, Japanese, USA, etc).

My use for sockets typically

Thanks for any recommendations

 

[General Geoff]

Pick whichever finish looks more appealing to you and go to town

 

[jmf535]

I have a pretty wide selection of all 3 brands. All have their pluses and minus (some more - than +), but overall, I think that Hazet are the best, but Koken is not far behind, and offers the best selection and are the best bang-for-your-buck. Wera I would skip completely.

Impact wise, I only have the Koken 3/8 metric (limited use, but zero complaints) so I can't comment on the others.

If you have any specific questions about any other them, let me know

 

[Rollerlocked]

I have a pretty wide selection of all 3 brands. All have their pluses and minus (some more - than +), but overall, I think that Hazet are the best, but Koken is not far behind, and offers the best selection and are the best bang-for-your-buck. Wera I would skip completely.

Impact wise, I only have the Koken 3/8 metric (limited use, but zero complaints) so I can't comment on the others.

If you have any specific questions about any other them, let me know

Appreciate that thanks, why skip the wera? And for Hazet do you like both impact and chrome or is it better in on offering? I’ve been looking at the Koken as well and you’re right, price is great especially compared to the Hazet.

 

[Dave455]

I have examples of all three.

The Hazet or KoKen are better than the Wera. Both are made by manufacturers with a long history of making sockets, whereas it’s a bit of a new thing for Wera and as you correctly state, they are made in Taiwan. While they have some novel qualities, they are not the quality of the Hazet or KoKen.

If you want impact sockets I’d probably go for KoKen - these industrial tools are 100% their thing and I don’t think anybody does them better. For regular sockets, probably Hazet have a slight edge, but not by far.

 

[tamaraw]

I would go Hazet or Koken first every time. Wera isn't "bad", it's just not in the same quality league. The Wera hand sockets also have a through-hole for the ball retainer which can make the fit sloppier on certain tools.

For hand sockets, Hazet has nice knurling and I think thicker chrome plating. Most Koken equivalents are slightly slimmer dimensionally and come in more length/depth variants with a much larger catalog to choose from. Shouldn't be much of any performance difference between them (maybe slight edge to Koken Z), but Koken is probably cheaper if you live outside Germany. I like both, really just personal preference or depends upon the specific tool you are looking for.

For impact sockets, I tend to prefer Hazet when they are available. They have a beveled lead-in on the square drive size which helps when inserting anvils with a pin-type retainer that you don't want to lock in the hole. The lead-in edge on Koken is sharper, so you kind of have to use the face with the ramp which locks the pin. Hazet finish is nicer imho, more of a stonewash/tumbled surface vs the powder/chalkboard on Koken. Exterior edges on Hazet impact sockets are all smoothly radiused, while Koken can be a bit sharper. But those are all fairly minor/subjective differences. Again, Koken has the much larger catalog with more depth variations, extension sockets, thin-wall, etc. so that may be the deciding factor. For example, Hazet doesn't currently make 1/2" 6pt impact sockets smaller than 13mm. Also, Hazet will certainly be more expensive if you live outside Germany.

 

[Fedwrench]

To me, Wera is a niche brand. They have some nice compact textile housed kits but, they are far from offering a full range of sizes. Color coded bands fade with use, age, and chemical exposure.
If you want a complete range of SAE sockets, look no further than Proto.
Ko-Ken are well made but, how easy is their warranty service?
I've never been impressed with Hazet or Stahlwille for that matter. They might be built like a tank but, they seem on the bulky side to me. Just not impressed. I'd rather have Taiwanese made tools

 

[tamaraw]

If you want a complete range of SAE sockets, look no further than Proto.

I was about to mention that.

Depends upon where OP is based though, idk how available they are outside the US.

 

[Rollerlocked]

I’m in the US, the impact sockets I need are larger sized for 1/2 such as 15/16” and above, same in metric. I almost never use normal sockets in my work, all impact, so the chrome sockets are mostly for myself but I do like complete sets when I can get ‘em. Im sold on Koken and Hazet from what has been explained here but I’m struggling to find the larger sizes in impact for both (SAE wise). Proto is a good point, didn’t look there yet.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

If your big thing is impacts I’d go with USA Williams, Proto or Wright if you want to stay US/Euro/not-Taiwanese. More selections, readily available, and affordable. If not, Koken is your best bet. I love Wera but they have limited impact offerings and Hazet, another brand I adore and have much of, is not well stocked stateside.

 

[Rusty Wrench]

I bought a Koken set that has a little sort of nubbin/detente inside. Nuts or bolts never fall off. I don't know if they're all like that but they are my go to set.

 

[Zewnten]

USA impact brands are going to be your best and cheapest option. I'd vote proto or wright, especially off ebay.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

If you want a complete range of SAE sockets, look no further than Proto.

^^
This.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I just bought a couple sets of Wera sockets, with the "lever" (not push through) metal ratchet handles: 3/8" deep and 1/2" shallow. On my to-do list for today was to evaluate the sockets a bit more before considering buying more.

The sockets seem a little bit "loose" at the square drive if you put the ball detent on the ratchet in the hole for the socket. Feels better if you put the socket on any of the other three ways. The Wera sockets also don't seem to sit 100% on the ratchet. Any ratchet Perhaps 95%. In contrast, Snap-On or SK sockets fit fine on the Wera ratchets.

Another finding is that the Wera deeps sockets are pictured with the shallow broach on most websites. My 3/8" deeps are fully broached. Mixed feelings about that. The plus side is that I needed a fully broached socket for old-school Bosch Jetronic temp sensors.




Also, the Wera deeps are a bit longer than the Snap-On deep. Pictured with a Snap-On deep, semi-deep, and SK standard:




My feelings are mixed. I love the screwdrivers, I like the ratchet handles, but I'm so-so on the sockets. Another demerit on the sockets is that the size/paint will probably disappear, leaving mystery sockets behind. My takeaway is that I'll probably by the Wera 1/4" deep sockets and ratchet at some point. The Wera sockets I have aren't mission-critical. They're quirky and fun (and easy to read for now).

As you would guess, I'd not recommend Wera sockets if you have Hazet/Ko-Ken money, and I'd choose Tekton sockets over Wera if it really mattered. I'd love to have a bunch of Hazet stuff. On the other hand, being a Yank, it's really hard to justify the buy-in for Hazet over some of the premium USA offerings.

-Ryan

 

[MarcSeattle]

Another demerit on the sockets is that the size/paint will probably disappear, leaving mystery sockets behind.

Snap-on sockets are so hard to read they come from the factory as mystery sockets. They are great sockets except for that (well, and the prices).

 

[LeeG]

Just FYI, I believe Koken will be having a Labor Day sale. July 4th was 20% off, so it might be worth waiting.

Lee

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I just bought a couple sets of Wera sockets, with the "lever" (not push through) metal ratchet handles: 3/8" deep and 1/2" shallow. On my to-do list for today was to evaluate the sockets a bit more before considering buying more.

The sockets seem a little bit "loose" at the square drive if you put the ball detent on the ratchet in the hole for the socket. Feels better if you put the socket on any of the other three ways. The Wera sockets also don't seem to sit 100% on the ratchet. Any ratchet Perhaps 95%. In contrast, Snap-On or SK sockets fit fine on the Wera ratchets.

Another finding is that the Wera deeps sockets are pictured with the shallow broach on most websites. My 3/8" deeps are fully broached. Mixed feelings about that. The plus side is that I needed a fully broached socket for old-school Bosch Jetronic temp sensors.




Also, the Wera deeps are a bit longer than the Snap-On deep. Pictured with a Snap-On deep, semi-deep, and SK standard:




My feelings are mixed. I love the screwdrivers, I like the ratchet handles, but I'm so-so on the sockets. Another demerit on the sockets is that the size/paint will probably disappear, leaving mystery sockets behind. My takeaway is that I'll probably by the Wera 1/4" deep sockets and ratchet at some point. The Wera sockets I have aren't mission-critical. They're quirky and fun (and easy to read for now).

As you would guess, I'd not recommend Wera sockets if you have Hazet/Ko-Ken money, and I'd choose Tekton sockets over Wera if it really mattered. I'd love to have a bunch of Hazet stuff. On the other hand, being a Yank, it's really hard to justify the buy-in for Hazet over some of the premium USA offerings.

-Ryan

Honestly, all three brands will have a deeper shoulder/broach. I’ve only seen USA Williams, USA SK, and Snap-on with those really short shoulders. All my other Taiwanese, Euro, Chinese, and US sockets have been semi-deep shoulders to full depth broaching.

I totally get where you are coming from with Tekton over Wera because Tekton (also made in Taiwan) has a ton of offerings and options and they are good sockets. After owning both brands, I’d personally go Wera but that is because I do a lot of hand starting and loosening with just the socket and the little knurling, as silly as it seems, does help a lot more than the smooth chrome of the Tekton. The laser etching does come across as super cheap for Wera and I swear they rust worse than any other brand of socket I own in my garage box.

Then again, if OP is looking for SAE and metric impact sockets I don’t think any of the three brands OP mentioned should be considered. I’d take Tekton, Proto, or a host of others just because of their availability and options stateside.

 

[F-22]

Main dislike I have about Wera is that the markings are only laser etched on. They could at least add a tiny stamp...

 

[Dave455]

I’m in the US, the impact sockets I need are larger sized for 1/2 such as 15/16” and above, same in metric. I almost never use normal sockets in my work, all impact, so the chrome sockets are mostly for myself but I do like complete sets when I can get ‘em. Im sold on Koken and Hazet from what has been explained here but I’m struggling to find the larger sizes in impact for both (SAE wise). Proto is a good point, didn’t look there yet.

I’m not sure that Hazet even offer SAE impact sockets.

KoKen certainly do - you have a choice of thick or thin wall, 6 or 12 point, and regular or deep. I think they offer them up to about 1 1/2”, but above that you will have to go 3/4” drive

I own a set of KoKen (in metric) and can vouch for the durability. I don’t own any Hazet impacts, but tamaraw makes some good points, which I don’t doubt.

Have you considered getting Metric from one maker and SAE from another? I generally do this with all my tools - so I can tell them apart instantly if I’m working with a mixture.

 

[Rollerlocked]

I’m not sure that Hazet even offer SAE impact sockets.

KoKen certainly do - you have a choice of thick or thin wall, 6 or 12 point, and regular or deep. I think they offer them up to about 1 1/2”, but above that you will have to go 3/4” drive

I own a set of KoKen (in metric) and can vouch for the durability. I don’t own any Hazet impacts, but tamaraw makes some good points, which I don’t doubt.

Have you considered getting Metric from one maker and SAE from another? I generally do this with all my tools - so I can tell them apart instantly if I’m working with a mixture.

Yeah that’s a good point, all my sockets are china grade Milwaukee sockets and I have a bunch of the blown mold cases. Thinking from the results of this thread probably Koken in SAE and Hazet in metric.

 

[Dave455]

Yeah that’s a good point, all my sockets are china grade Milwaukee sockets and I have a bunch of the blown mold cases. Thinking from the results of this thread probably Koken in SAE and Hazet in metric.

That would work.

Generally, when you get to the more specialised tools (and I include larger sizes in this) you get the greater selection by buying metric tools from metric countries, and vice versa. So maybe don’t rule out domestic manufacturers for the SAE sizes.

Even in the U.K. I can find domestically made impacts up to 2” in 1/2” drive.

 

[Rollerlocked]

That would work.

Generally, when you get to the more specialised tools (and I include larger sizes in this) you get the greater selection by buying metric tools from metric countries, and vice versa. So maybe don’t rule out domestic manufacturers for the SAE sizes.

Even in the U.K. I can find domestically made impacts up to 2” in 1/2” drive.

Good point too

 

[HannibalLecter]

I have some experience with wera. While the design is appealing, each socket was sitting differently in the ratchet anvil. Some had slop, some didn't. Pretty inconsistent. Also they are made in Taiwan, hazet is Germany koken is Japan

 

[VolvoRyan]

Snap-on sockets are so hard to read they come from the factory as mystery sockets. They are great sockets except for that (well, and the prices).

Don't get me started on how hard Snap-On sockets are to read. Very frustrating. I'm getting real close to 50, and astigmatism is taking hold. I'm getting to the point where I have to swap prescription glasses just to read things.

I totally get where you are coming from with Tekton over Wera because Tekton (also made in Taiwan) has a ton of offerings and options and they are good sockets. After owning both brands, I’d personally go Wera but that is because I do a lot of hand starting and loosening with just the socket and the little knurling, as silly as it seems, does help a lot more than the smooth chrome of the Tekton. The laser etching does come across as super cheap for Wera and I swear they rust worse than any other brand of socket I own in my garage box.

Tekton is also a lot cheaper here in the USA. Though in this case, I did choose Wera over Tekton. I, too, like the knurling on the Wera sockets. Other folks on GJ have pointed that out as a win for Wera. I'm looking forward to using the 1/2" sockets. Those will get worked pretty hard, and will hopefully give me a better read on these sockets.

-Ryan

 

[Madjik Man]

One component is what ratchets the sockets are marrying up to.

Koken Zeal sockets on an Koken Zeal ratchet literally has no slop movement. It’s incredible.

In comparison my Tekton sockets on Tekton ratchets have a lot of slop.

 

[Dave455]

A comparative picture, if it helps. Hazet on the left, KoKen on the right, both 1/2”drive, neither impact. I only have Wera in 1/4” drive.

To be honest, not a lot to choose between them. Both are first class manufacturers.

Hazet are predominantly matte finished, with polished highlights. KoKen are predominantly polished, with textured highlights. KoKen probably look a bit better when new, but show scratches more easily. Hazet look less exciting new, but wear better.

Not a lot to choose on the fit, both are good. Maybe the Hazet a fraction better (their fit is exceptionally good - especially in the smaller drive sizes). I love the KoKen extensions though.

If you were to need things like hex bit sockets or Torx bit sockets, then I think you have chosen probably the two best makers of these on the planet (at least in 1/2” drive). Very hard to pick one or other.

 

[AEAdam]

Pure prejudice: I don't trust tools from manufacturers who laser etch their products. I figure laser etching is a rebrander's strategy. Hard tooling is required to stamp markings. Its a commitment to your brand. Not all stamped tools are good tools, but I suspect most laser etched tools are from fly by night manufacturers.

 

[F-22]

Though the Wera patterns are very unique with the grooves and knurling. Just seems like such an oversight, the deep knurling probably requires extra manufacturing steps as well - wouldn't cost them much to add a tiny stamp saying Wera and size, besides the big laser etched size number. That would make them seem a lot better in my eyes.

Anyway, they're not in the same league, with hazet and koken certainly being two of the ~5 top socket manufacturers (I guess next to snap on/williams, nepros, and... someone else ).

Wera is in the upper-mid-range and there's better deals for that kind of money. I paid 70€ for a full set of deep Toptul sockets in 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4". I also have 3/8" standard Wera sockets. Toptul has a nicer finish that will not show scratches, nice pressed markings, and overall I'd rate them as better than my Wera sockets while costing a lot less. Don't like the 3/8" Wera metal ratchet either - it is very shallow, and I'm nitpicking here but the mechanism just does not click right for me. I had it skip twice too, maybe I did not engage it well enough but it does not give me the confidence that some others do. It is also unusually long and I dislike the "diamond" shaoed handle. They push that shape on everything and it feels so gimmicky to me cause even the screwdrivers sit odd on my hand ( and they have really well made tips so I'd enjoy them if they offered some classic handle shapes as well).

 

[jmf535]

Appreciate that thanks, why skip the wera? And for Hazet do you like both impact and chrome or is it better in on offering? I’ve been looking at the Koken as well and you’re right, price is great especially compared to the Hazet.

It seems that I'm a little late to the party, and a lot of other folks have already chimed in, but...Wera wise, if you need something for travel in 1/4 drive, then their pouched sets are great. But for a main set, in the garage, they start to show their weaknesses...they are tall, don't work with other brand ratchets, fit/finish is less than ideal, and they are expensive for what they are.

Overall, their are much better brands out there for the same/slightly more price (Hello Koken!). Then the 3/8 set is probably the worst set I've ever used...everything is large, cumbersome, and poorly balanced.

I have not used Hazet impacts. I hardly ever use impacts, so I only have a set of 3/8 Koken's which have served me well (I really like how thin the walls are)

 

[Rollerlocked]

Pure prejudice: I don't trust tools from manufacturers who laser etch their products. I figure laser etching is a rebrander's strategy. Hard tooling is require to stamp markings. Not all stamped tools are good tools, but I suspect most laser etched tools are from fly by night manufacturers.

This makes a ton of sense to me

 

[VolvoRyan]

Pure prejudice: I don't trust tools from manufacturers who laser etch their products. I figure laser etching is a rebrander's strategy. Hard tooling is require to stamp markings. Not all stamped tools are good tools, but I suspect most laser etched tools are from fly by night manufacturers.

I tend to agree... but the Wera stuff is so unique. They're not re-brands. Sort of a weird oversight not to stamp them, when HF stamps their $20 socket sets. My take is that you buy Wera sockets because you want Wera sockets.... and I'm not really sure how I feel about that. The whole thing is kinda strange.

They push that shape on everything and it feels so gimmicky to me cause even the screwdrivers sit odd on my hand ( and they have really well made tips so I'd enjoy them if they offered some classic handle shapes as well).

Funny thing is that I *really* like Wera screwdriver handles.... but the ratchet handles are a bit gimmicky. The extra length is kinda welcome. We'll see. It's all an experiment for me right now.

-Ryan

 

[MarcSeattle]

Don't get me started on how hard Snap-On sockets are to read. Very frustrating. I'm getting real close to 50, and astigmatism is taking hold. I'm getting to the point where I have to swap prescription glasses just to read things.

I solved the socket identification problem by selling my Snap-0n sockets. Also, I use the Facom "Le Tag". Hard to find now but they work great.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I solved the socket identification problem by selling my Snap-0n sockets. Also, I use the Facom "Le Tag". Hard to find now but they work great.

Nice!

Fortunately, my more used sockets (10mm/13mm/etc) get a bit "blacker" than those that see less use. So, I can usually grab the right socket based on how greasy it is inside.

-Ryan

 

[AEAdam]

A comparative picture, if it helps. Hazet on the left, KoKen on the right, both 1/2”drive, neither impact. I only have Wera in 1/4” drive.

To be honest, not a lot to choose between them. Both are first class manufacturers.

Hazet are predominantly matte finished, with polished highlights. KoKen are predominantly polished, with textured highlights. KoKen probably look a bit better when new, but show scratches more easily. Hazet look less exciting new, but wear better.

Not a lot to choose on the fit, both are good. Maybe the Hazet a fraction better (their fit is exceptionally good - especially in the smaller drive sizes). I love the KoKen extensions though.

If you were to need things like hex bit sockets or Torx bit sockets, then I think you have chosen probably the two best makers of these on the planet (at least in 1/2” drive). Very hard to pick one or other.

I think the Koken knurling on the right is in the wrong spot. Ratchet head in palm, US fingers are probably too long to comfortably access the top of the extension. Snap On‘s design better fits my hand. Knurling is further down the shaft.

To my eyes, all testing aside, the Hazet, at left, is more attractive. Knurling looks more effective too.

The thing that makes me laugh about German tools is how short they are. Since Ryan posted it, I’ve been enjoying watching Greasyfingers on YouTube. Like traditional German mechanics, he uses his 1/2” drive a lot. But he’s often reefing on a short 1/2” drive ratchet or whacking it with a hammer. German wrenches are short too.

Love the German tool esthetic. Love the country and people. Not sure I could really live with the tools though. I’ve been truly spoiled by Snap On’s long strong precise tools. At least here, the difference in price often isn’t huge between Hazet and Snap On.

 

[Dave455]

I think the Koken knurling on the right is in the wrong spot. Ratchet head in palm, US fingers are probably too long to comfortably access the top of the extension. Snap On‘s design better fits my hand. Knurling is further down the shaft.

To my eyes, all testing aside, the Hazet, at left, is more attractive. Knurling looks more effective too.

The thing that makes me laugh about German tools is how short they are. Since Ryan posted it, I’ve been enjoying watching Greasyfingers on YouTube. Like traditional German mechanics, he uses his 1/2” drive a lot. But he’s often reefing on a short 1/2” drive ratchet or whacking it with a hammer. German wrenches are short too.

Love the German tool esthetic. Love the country and people. Not sure I could really live with the tools though. I’ve been truly spoiled by Snap On’s long strong precise tools. At least here, the difference in price often isn’t huge between Hazet and Snap On.

I find the KoKen works quite well for me, but I’m generally removing the ratchet and just spinning the extension with my fingers. I love the feel I get doing this, especially if it’s something I’m worrying about cross threading.

One of my biggest hates is when you get a socket “set”, with sockets up to about 22mm in 3/8“ drive or about 30mm in 1/2” drive, and just a “regular” length ratchet to turn them. No way!

In fairness, Hazet do offer some very nice long ratchets. They even offer a telescoping one in 1/2” drive, but I suspect with their industrial customer base, a lot of their customers use breaker bars, or at least Hazet assume they do.

I have a lot of 3/8 drive Hazet in my road box now. I have a regular fine tooth ratchet, and a long flex (and a breaker bar). I find this combo works fine, but the long flex is my “go to”. Not always optimum, but a road box is always a compromise.


Snap On are pretty much the top of the pile when it comes to long and extra long ratchets (in fact when it comes to ratchets generally) but you can pay a price. In the U.K. I can buy a Hazet ratchet for about a third of the cost of the equivalent Snap On.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

It seems that I'm a little late to the party, and a lot of other folks have already chimed in, but...Wera wise, if you need something for travel in 1/4 drive, then their pouched sets are great. But for a main set, in the garage, they start to show their weaknesses...they are tall, don't work with other brand ratchets, fit/finish is less than ideal, and they are expensive for what they are.

Wera’s sockets fit a bit loose on Wera ratchets. All of my Zyklop speed ratchet sets have the same problem. But Wera sockets fit great on other ratchet brands. When I have the Wera sockets on my Proto or Koken or even my Hazet stuff there is very little play unless you have the ball sitting in the through hole. Now, because Wera uses a quick release for all their ratchets, other brands’ sockets and extensions don’t play well together with them. The ball doesn’t often engage properly on the cutout and the sockets slip off with some minor applied force.

Hazet has the least play out of any same brand socket/extension/ratchet combo I have ever owned.

 

[F-22]

I think the Koken knurling on the right is in the wrong spot. Ratchet head in palm, US fingers are probably too long to comfortably access the top of the extension. Snap On‘s design better fits my hand. Knurling is further down the shaft.

Kokens knurling is a lot nicer when you use the extension alone as a kind of a screwdriver handle (which I seem to do often in certain cases). I definitely agree it is a lot less useful when mounted on a ratchet.

In fairness, Hazet do offer some very nice long ratchets. They even offer a telescoping one in 1/2” drive, but I suspect with their industrial customer base, a lot of their customers use breaker bars, or at least Hazet assume they do.

Yep, as an European, all my ratchets are "regular" length. Honestly I just start to squint when I use a ratchet for any higher torque, even the 1/2" and 3/4" ratchets. Just feels wrong to how I was raised. Breaker bars are nifty and I use them nowadays, but the traditional tool for high torque fasteners in central Europe is this:



Just pop a tube on the handle...

In some cases it is also nice to use it "in the middle" where you apply torque from both sides and only give the "turning force" onto the screw, while the "bending" gets cancelled by pushing on both ends (kind of hard to explain, hope it is understandable). Don't think any other tool allows for this (apart from an impact driver). Maybe those funky old Craftsman spinner ratchets?

 

[Samuel D]

One of my biggest hates is when you get a socket “set”, with sockets up to about 22mm in 3/8“ drive or about 30mm in 1/2” drive, and just a “regular” length ratchet to turn them. No way!

Yeah.

I find this especially strange for brands like Hazet and Ko-ken whose products are mostly bought by people who already own too many standard-length ratchets. Why don’t they offer socket sets with long and/or flex-head ratchets that would be more attractive to such customers?

I was looking through Ko-ken’s awesomely comprehensive socket catalogue and don’t think I found a single set among hundreds that came with a long or even a flex-head ratchet. Many of them come with both a breaker bar and a sliding T-bar though, despite the cost implications.

Speaking of sliding T-bars, those from every manufacturer are miserably short. Probably made sense when people were spinning off nuts with these things on a regular basis. But now I use them for the pure-torque applications that F-22 mentioned and would like more length for more torque, e.g. while removing a bottom bracket from a lightweight bicycle frame.

 

[AEAdam]

Yeah.

I find this especially strange for brands like Hazet and Ko-ken whose products are mostly bought by people who already own too many standard-length ratchets. Why don’t they offer socket sets with long and/or flex-head ratchets that would be more attractive to such customers?

I was looking through Ko-ken’s awesomely comprehensive socket catalogue and don’t think I found a single set among hundreds that came with a long or even a flex-head ratchet. Many of them come with both a breaker bar and a sliding T-bar though, despite the cost implications.

Speaking of sliding T-bars, those from every manufacturer are miserably short. Probably made sense when people were spinning off nuts with these things on a regular basis. But now I use them for the pure-torque applications that F-22 mentioned and would like more length for more torque, e.g. while removing a bottom bracket from a lightweight bicycle frame.

I can’t think of a time on any project when I had room for a tee bar! To my thinking, that tool is more old fashioned than a normal breaker bar, which I don’t even own anymore. Cool functionality though, and yes F-22, understood.

100% agree with standard length ratchets not being that useful. That’s the last ratchet I would recommend and least used ratchet in my kit. I usually start every job with a long flex head, then sometimes finish with that or with a stubby, optimizing for torque and speed.

The ratchets I think every home auto mechanic should have are the SHLF80A and the FHLF80 (or suitable equivalent) Almost feel like finding an SHLF80 on eBay and sending it to the GreasyFingers guy. His ratchet, not sure of the brand, has some molded handle grip. So he slips his jack handle over it. I’ve also watched him doing the combination wrench extension trick, which I think I have never done. Again, short German wrenches.

Back to the OPs question, I guess I missed what he’s doing with his sockets. Battery impacts and long strong ratchets are game changers for automotive. I guess if I were starting over, really long ratchets and 3/8” and 1/2” good quality impacts are where I’d start. (then obviously guns to match)

Then I’d probably choose good quality (best could afford) chrome sockets for ratchet use, but not many. I would probably choose mid depth snap on, because I think they offer the most utility. Really, for automotive, bit sockets are the new frontier. Hex head bolts are becoming a rarity. No need to have a drawer full of chrome 6 pt sockets anymore.

For space restricted areas, which is almost everything I work on, long high quality wrenches are similarly game changers. My go to wrenches are my long pattern combos SO SOEXLM, which are among the longest in the industry. I also have the ratcheting zero degree offsets which are even longer, (but I don’t trust the ratchet- mine are older, feel coarse, I’ve already broken and warranteed one).

So if you were looking for a cool full set of German or Japanese tools, I wouldn’t do it. If you want a single brand of high functioning tools, at this point that choice is only Snap On. Happy to mix and match? I‘d probably go Hazet for the knurling alone, but you won’t regret either Koken or hazet.

 

[GrantCee]

I can’t think of a time on any project when I had room for a tee bar! To my thinking, that tool is more old fashioned than a normal breaker bar, which I don’t even own anymore.

I've found a good use for them: with an extension and a torque adaptor socket to make a limited clearance/obstruction wrench. Great for carburetors (which is what I used that exact combination on just yesterday!)