Socket sets

[ed_v]

My socket sets are a bunch of mis-matched garbage. I have discovered I really like the craftsman easy read sockets. I'm not getting any younger and my vision is getting worse. I'm thinking of buying these:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934032000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

The thing is, I'm not really sure I need all these. It is 176 sockets. Do I really need 176 sockets? The set is 6pt/12pt, reg/deep in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and in both SAE and metric. Here is the list of sockets:

http://c.shld.net/assets/misc/IL34032.PDF

The thing is that I don't do much wrenching on newer cars, so the metric isn't really needed, but this is less than $1 a socket! I can't really find a set of just SAE. My question is, do you guys see a need for a set like this? Is it overkill? The price is damn good and it is free shipping.

Ed

 

[vga]

I have only craftsman 6 point sockets( very happy with them) at the ready for use. I have a complete set of craftsman 12 point also if req'd and I have only metric as all of my cars are metric . It depends on what you plan to use these tools for. I only have what I need but they are complete sets of metric all the way up to 36mm. The easy to read numbers are great while you can see them but do tend to fade over time with use.!!

 

[TheDogHouse]

Hard to beat the value of those sockets. I have a set of 3/8 metric and 1/4 standard Craftsman easy read sockets. I told myself that I'd upgrade to Snap On when needed, but haven't had to.
As far as the 176 piece set, its better to have and not need than to need and not have. Early cars need metric, too, at least the European cars do - I used to wrench on early VW and Porsche. Never know when you'll pick one up, or when one will drive in.

 

[rt dak]

The "easy read" numbers get less easy to read everytime you use the socket. They wear off pretty good if you use them regularly.

 

[jonb347]

ive been very disappointed with craftsmans new sockets. they crack easy and are nowhere near the same quality. sockets were the one thing i kept craftsman when i started doing more wrenching but now theyre all snap on and mac. just my 2 cents.

anyways, you dont need 6 and 12 point. 12 point sockets are useless and grip worse. with a wrench they are good, sockets it doesn't matter. just get a nice 6 point set of everything. regardless of whether or not you think youll use metric, you will at somepoint.

 

[motorcycle79]

Keep an eye on the hot deals tread in this category u just missed this one I think but check anyway


Craftsman 299-piece Ultimate Easy Read Socket Set $499
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935299000P

After put to chart and check out, it is $249. SEARS2012 makes it to $244
Wow. that is a smoking deal.

 

[mscribellito]

I have the 299 piece set, and I must say I always have the size and point I need!

 

[ed_v]

.....anyways, you dont need 6 and 12 point. 12 point sockets are useless and grip worse. with a wrench they are good, sockets it doesn't matter. just get a nice 6 point set of everything.....

Thank you! That was the input I was looking for.

I've never really had many 12pt sockets and I've got by just fine so far. But damn, it is a good price.

Ed

 

[shoturtle]

How much uses will these socket see. For a pro, it might not be the best option, some of the big laser etch does wear. But that requires allot of uses. I have couple of easy read, and have not had any issues with wear.

Depending on what you work on, the mix of 12 and 6 point is a nice mix. Deep is very useful. Metric, as the years keep passing more and more metric will show up. So if have it, then when you do run into them, you will not have to spend more to added them.

 

[Harwinton]

Thank you! That was the input I was looking for.

I've never really had many 12pt sockets and I've got by just fine so far. But damn, it is a good price.

Ed

None of my SAE sockets are 12-point either. I always liked the 6-point sockets because they gripped the sides of the bolt/nut, instead of the corners so that I don't round them off.

 

[TheDogHouse]

I have used mine professionally for 4 years, have not had the marking wear off. But, I take care of them. Also, 12 point is good for old, neglected cars with built up grime, grease, undercoating, etc... 12 point is easier to get on those fasteners. Never rounded one off that wasn't already fucked.

 

[smothers33]

only you know how much wrenching you do so really you have to decide, but i am a believer in its better to have and not need, than to need and not have. from what you said obviously you wont use all the sockets but youll spend less money buying larger sets like this than you would if you bought sae only in all 3 drive sets. plus buying this set youll get the metric setsand 12 pt sets for the rare ocassion you may need them

 

[ed_v]

I ponied up and bought the whole set. I got another $5 of discount code and with the free shipping it was too good of deal. My ratchets are all snap-on but I'm too cheap to pay that for sockets. Hopefully I'll never need to buy another socket again!

Ed

 

[barcalo]

I warrantied two handfuls of old craftsman sockets recently. 4 or 5 of the ones they gave me NEW already had rust on them. The metal and the plating on these new ones is piss poor. They are USA made but look to be about the same quality as the old Tawain stuff from the 70's and 80's.

 

[2oolhound]

Smart move. Keep the 12 pt for spares in case you do break a 6pt on a holiday weekend. Lawn mowers and everything else are metric so it's good to have em.

WAIT WAIT! It's getting clearer now... I see... I see... There's a new roller cabinet in your future...

 

[e30bradley]

You do need all those

 

[jetmech09]

I have been using 12 point my entire life and have never rounded something off. I advise getting them, and if I could only get one set, it would be 12 point.

 

[cbracer]

I warrantied two handfuls of old craftsman sockets recently. 4 or 5 of the ones they gave me NEW already had rust on them. The metal and the plating on these new ones is piss poor. They are USA made but look to be about the same quality as the old Tawain stuff from the 70's and 80's.

Yep, unless you're buying MAC, MATCO or SNAP-ON, expect crappy quality. It's the American way......

 

[el tanque prohibido]

I'd opt for the GearWrench sockets from ToolTopia.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I have both newer and older crafty sockets--never broke a shallow socket in over 30 years. I figure about half a dozen deep ones over the years.

Dollar for dollar very good tools with good warranty service