1/4" Drive Socket Set Of Choice

[HookWorse]

I'm in the market for a set of 1/4" drive chrome metric sockets. Both shallow and deep. 6 point. Been looking at SK, Armstrong, and Blue Point. Would like decent quality without the SO price. USA made would be good. Which of those, or maybe another brand altogether would be the best bang for the buck?

I understand opinions are like assholes...everyone has one. No fights, just need some guidance or good sales.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

SK is great, but you should also consider Proto and Williams.

What kind of budget do you have?

 

[otis66]

I would go with Wright Tools but SK is good.

 

[HookWorse]

Sh*t...I forgot Williams was on the list, but I didn't consider Wright.

Would like to get a set of each shallow and deep, just in metric, don't need the ratchets etc...and want to keep it under a hundred.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

I'll probably get a lot of flak for this, but the Stanley sets are also excellent. Best bang for the buck, possibly.

 

[aar0s]

I like my SK stuff very much.

 

[bczygan]

I'll say my GW are good.

$11 (On sale at Advance Auto w coupon code at Christmas)

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/ratchets/full_polish/setdetails.jsp?part=80324

But I'd like to have:

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/ratchets/full_polish/setdetails.jsp?part=80300

 

[timesrgood?]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934855000P?prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7

I was looking at these, comes out pretty cheap. IMO they look just like the Armstrongs.

 

[silversix]

My Gearwrench sockets are of amazing quality, ***** that they look way better than my american made sk and craftsman.

 

[ZRX61]

I have mostly Craftsman & Husky 1/4 drive sockets, had em for years, never broken one...

 

[HookWorse]

This has me close to clicking...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAIE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't need the SAE stuff...but how can you argue with the price?

 

[bart1]

Does Wright have a set other than the Cougar ones?

If you wanna look at Euro brands, check out the Hazet Smart Case or Facom.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

This has me close to clicking...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAIE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't need the SAE stuff...but how can you argue with the price?

If you do buy that set, I'll trade you something interesting for the SAE stuff.

 

[domain]

My buddy owns a complete shallow/deep, sae/metric 1/4 inch 6 point set with swivel, thumb wheel, and extensions. Great kit!

 

[ekeller]

Snapon makes a nice set. Last year I purchased a new set(the one in the red plastic case with shallow/deep metric/inches, ratchet, 2 extensions, swivel) for $300. It was still sealed in the plastic.

 

[HookWorse]

If you do buy that set, I'll trade you something interesting for the SAE stuff.

Hmmm...define "interesting"

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

I think YOU get to define interesting. Got anything in particular you're looking for?

 

[matthew]

This has me close to clicking...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAIE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't need the SAE stuff...but how can you argue with the price?

Whether or not its needed, it's always nice to have a good complete and comprehensive set... that set would be the one I would pick...

 

[Jzytaruk]

TopTul?

 

[HookWorse]

I think YOU get to define interesting. Got anything in particular you're looking for?

Let me ponder on that a while. You got me thinking too hard. Lol

 

[Jim C.]

My old Craftsman 1/4" sockets and ratchet have been going strong for years. I still have all my originals including the ratchet. Never broke any of them.

 

[Danglerb]

Best deal, Craftsman set when its on sale.

I've got Snapon, and Hazet, but tend to use either SK (which came in a nice Mechanics Timesaver holder) or Craftsman.

 

[Simz144]

Check this kit
http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80315-Metric-Master-Specialty/dp/B004J0JDXM

 

[dclassical]

My metric "normal" are FACOM, metric deep and SAE deep are Craftsman. I love the FACOM, do not care for the finish on the Craftsman (but it not that important to me).

 

[back2class]

I am not a fan of the SK 1/4 sockets. Sold a great set of metric and Sae bothe deep and shallow here for $50 last year. There is alot iof extra metal and the broaching did not go very deep. I love the SK 1/4" ratchet! The best 1/4" ratchet made. Funny though I do not like the SK design in 3/8 ratchets. I much perfer the Craftsman sockets in 1/4" and believe they will give you a lifetime of service. Plus they are Craftsman, so if you have to abuse one driving hardened fasteners, just get a new one.

 

[May Pop]

Plus with the Craftsman set you can have a lot more than one set fairly cheap. 6 point 12 point shallow,deep just add the snapon impact swivel to complete many set.

 

[Fedwrench]

I own sets from most oems (snap on, sk, craftsman, Armstrong, gearwrench, matco, etc.) but, I would have to say that I really like the current Proto chrome 1/4 drive metric sockets. Well finished inside and out, large size markings, durable, great looking chrome, and strong. Another plus, is their size range includes 5.5mm and 15mm which I use frequently.
There not cheap but, worth every penny.

Current Armstrong chrome sockets are the same as Craftsman versions right down to the double staked retention cut outs on the square drive end.

 

[dclassical]

Talking about ratchets, I really like the FACOM 1/4". Not sure why and keep in mind I do not have much experience with various brands (only Facom, Kobalt and Craftsman). I may get a 3/8" or 1/2" next time I go to Europe.

 

[dwm]

The GW have shallow broaching, if it matters to you. I haven't found it to be a problem but they're not my go-to sockets.

For under $100, I really like my Grey Pneumatic 89631MRD Duo-Socket set. No skipped sizes, 4mm to 15mm deep and shallow (including 4.5mm and 5.5mm), very effectively roll-stamped and laser-etched but not chrome. Ratchet isn't bad either.

Tooltopia's description is wrong (it's the one for the 89653CRD), but the picture is correct and it's where I bought mine.

http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-89631mrd.aspx

Mine:

 

[bczygan]

Whether or not its needed, it's always nice to have a good complete and comprehensive set... that set would be the one I would pick...

.........and it can be had from Advance Auto by ordering online. Add 3pair of jersey gloves for $2.99 and you get free shipping, or better yet, since the order is over $75, use the promotion code big30 and the order total becomes $45.08 plus local tax and pick it up at your local store!!!

Best deal next to this I've seen online is $78 plus $12 shipping.

 

[HookWorse]

.........and it can be had from Advance Auto by ordering online. Add 3pair of jersey gloves for $2.99 and you get free shipping, or better yet, since the order is over $75, use the promotion code big30 and the order total becomes $45.08 plus local tax and pick it up at your local store!!!

Best deal next to this I've seen online is $78 plus $12 shipping.

****!

 

[bczygan]

****!

I don't know if you have Advance Auto near you though, for in store pickup. And when you use the promotion code it makes the total below the $75 so free shipping goes away and they charge too much for shipping. I would be glad to pick it up here in Detroit and put it in whatever flat rate box works to get it to you, for just the cost of postage. Or if you really don't want the SAE or ratchet I'll ship it free for those things or???

I've got it in my cart right now and you could send whatever we agree on to my Paypal and I'll pick it up and ship tomorrow.
Sending you a PM with my phone.
Bill in Detroit



I have found out that you DO have an Advance Auto store convenient to you. I recommend you buy and keep the whole GW 80300 set and the jersey gloves. For $45.08 plus tax they are a great deal (I might get it myself just for the deep sockets and an extra ratchet and extensions etc.) and the case conveniently holds and stores all the GW parts.

Any GW sets that Advance Auto sells are a good deal if you can make your online order total the right amount to take advantage of the highest percentage coupon codes. There is a code for almost every increment of purchase total. They are listed here:
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

Note: Some coupon codes put a cookie on your computer so they can't be used again. Either clear your cookies, or if you don't like to do that, sign onto your computer as a different user.

 

[shanker]

This has me close to clicking...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAIE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't need the SAE stuff...but how can you argue with the price?

I just bought that same set, NIB, from the classifieds here for 55 shipped!

I got it as a gift for my Bro-In-Law

 

[hofferwood]

I like proto

Chuck

 

[msmith]

Love my SK set, but I prefer my Williams ratchet to the SK ratchet.

 

[tyndall]

Wright or SK. Proto are decent but always seems to have one or two sizes that the chrome is so thin its brass colored. Blue Point quality is mediocre, about as good as Stanley but below Gearwrench. I haven't seen a Williams set that the chrome wasn't peeling straight out of the box.

 

[wafrederick]

With some 1/4 drive stuff,not cheap.I have a couple Matco 1/4 chrome metric universal sockets,a 10mm and 13mm which I paid $39.00 with some change a piece for.Matco does not give their 1/4 drive tools away.

 

[ajchien]

Who so you guys think make the lowest profile 1/4 sockets?

 

[tankboy_taylor]

I got a nice SK 1/4 set aside from some chrome flaking they are great even use em with my air ratchet.

 

[HookWorse]

With the comments about flaking chrome, etc...I can't pass this GW deal up. Less than $50 for a complete set...I'd be stupid not to. May not be the best out there, but it doesn't have to be.

Thanks to bczygan for the heads up on the Advance deal.