What's today's best bang for your buck(sockets)

[openwheelracing88]

Gearwrench manufactured in Taiwan (not the Sears/China stuff).
Tekton as well.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Not enough love for the Taiwan sockets IMO. My father saw my sets of GW 120xp and mentioned how fine the action was on them, so I bought him the 1/4 and 3/8 deal and also got the 1/2 set. He is super impressed with them, and he has sets from Proto, Mac, and Snap-on. HE started with comparing them and mentioned that the Snap-on had nicer chrome etc, then I told him I only spent $350 Canadian for all 3 sets, and that they came with lifetime warrantee. His jaw dropped. He actually sputtered. He has been using them for the last couple of weeks and is really enjoying them. He had a couple of difficult bolts to get off the other day and was amazed at the action on the 120xp ratchets (he does not own the 80 Snap-on ratchet). Is Snap-on, Proto, Mac, or Gray (made in Canada) better? Of course it is. But when you calculate the cost of them, those Taiwan tool brands are out of this world.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Bingo! Sunex are BY FAR the best bang for the buck in my opinion. A person can get full sets of short and long metric sockets from 10-30+mm for less than a couple hundreds bucks.

If I turned wrenches for a living, I would invest heavily in Sunex. As it is, I am a heavy DIYer and have a lot of Sunex and have subjected them to tremendous abuse without a single failure as of yet.

I would completely rely on them if I did this to put food on the table.

Something to say on Sunex as well. I believe that Sunex states that even though they are a impact socket, they are rated for use with ratchets/breaker bars and will warrantee them as such. Now don't quote me on that, but I am pretty sure I was watching a youtube review of them that stated that.

 

[trackwelder]

Something to say on Sunex as well. I believe that Sunex states that even though they are a impact socket, they are rated for use with ratchets/breaker bars and will warrantee them as such. Now don't quote me on that, but I am pretty sure I was watching a youtube review of them that stated that.

Of course they would be rated for hand tools as well. I know guys who use impacts as their primary sockets.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Of course they would be rated for hand tools as well. I know guys who use impacts as their primary sockets.

Someone else would have to chime in here and explain it more as I don't have the knowledge to back up my claim. All I know is that that the review I saw stated that most impact socket manufactures don't rate their sockets for use with ratchets or breaker bars but that Sunex did.

 

[jo4gj]

A few special sockets, shallow mostly or thin wall I made sure to get in a premium brand, but for the most part a socket is a socket. Save your money for tools that make a difference like wrenches and screwdrivers.

Unless its complete in your locked possession I would not even think about taking Snapon into a job.

Ok wrenches and screwdrivers don't be cheap. Are there other tools maybe besides ratchets to not go cheap with.

 

[dnschmidt]

OK, I'm a TOPTUL hack but for the cash (and maybe even for any amount of cash) TOPTUL's sockets are in my opinion impossible to beat. Look at the shallow and deep sets I have up on EBay. The satin chrome finish is as good as Stalhwillie's and everybody that's bought these sets from me loves them. OK, advertisement over, but this is just a fact.

 

[6MocoA]

Someone else would have to chime in here and explain it more as I don't have the knowledge to back up my claim. All I know is that that the review I saw stated that most impact socket manufactures don't rate their sockets for use with ratchets or breaker bars but that Sunex did.

I realize there are difference between the two. But for the most part, if a socket can withstand the pounding force from a powerful impact gun, it is probably safe to use on a hand ratchet. Now, perhaps if you are tugging on a 2ft breaker bar and having your 340 lb uncle stand on the end of it, you may be introducing sideways forces that the impact socket isnt rated for, but I would bet that if the force would make an impact fail, it would make a chrome one fail as well.

I suspect the reason most people dont use impacts as their primary socket is that they are trying to maximize clearance with as thin a socket as possible - but 99% of the time, the thin-ness of a socket is a non-issue.

 

[jo4gj]

Hey guys real quick at the pawn shop see a 155 bluepoint socket set the general service one. It's missing the 3/8 ratchet, the screwdriver, the bits and both 1/4 and 3/8 6 inch extensions. It was listed at 200 and I talked the lady to 120$. Is that a good deal?

 

[WWheeler]

This is best bang for your buck. Gearwrench 3/8" set with free 1/4" set for $103. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

That is a good deal.

Not sure it's a better deal than finding a decent price on new-old-stock made-in-USA craftsman set. They are getting harder and harder to find though. For example, here's a set from two sellers that has some 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 metric and sae sets in std and deep along with the other filler tools.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-CRAFTSMAN-USA-MADE-137-PC-MECHANICS-TOOL-SET-33137-/162322536035
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-USA-MADE-137-Piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set-933137-/192051590098

And here's a larger, more complete set that's not cheap, but still a pretty darn good deal.

www.ebay.com/itm/Crafstman-309-Piece-Mechanics-Tools-Set-41309-Made-in-USA-/192046857735

Not sure where you're going to get all that made in USA these days for that (see seller's note that the ratcheting wrenches included in that set are not USA).

I just really like those USA craftsman sockets, and even at the marked up prices people who have been hoarding what's left of the NOS have been asking they still usually compare well to other USA made options.

I wil admit that I'd definitely rather have the GearWrench ratchets though over Craftsman's pear heads.

Edit: Do Gearwrench or other Taiwan deep sockets have full depth broaching - actually deep well - like Craftsman deeps do? It's frustrating to find most other brands seem to have deep sockets that are really just a shallow socket on the end of a tube. In most cases could have accomplished the same with just a short extension.

 

[2002maniac]

Pittsburg Pro or Tekton seem to be extremely high quality for the price.

 

[bcradio]

Bingo! Sunex are BY FAR the best bang for the buck in my opinion. A person can get full sets of short and long metric sockets from 10-30+mm for less than a couple hundreds bucks.

If I turned wrenches for a living, I would invest heavily in Sunex. As it is, I am a heavy DIYer and have a lot of Sunex and have subjected them to tremendous abuse without a single failure as of yet.

I would completely rely on them if I did this to put food on the table.

This is your best option here IMO.

Then you can also use these same complete socket sets if/when you get an impact setup.
They work great with your ratchets. I typically reach for these over my chrome sockets to use the hand ratchets.

 

[bcradio]

OK, I'm a TOPTUL hack but for the cash (and maybe even for any amount of cash) TOPTUL's sockets are in my opinion impossible to beat. Look at the shallow and deep sets I have up on EBay. The satin chrome finish is as good as Stalhwillie's and everybody that's bought these sets from me loves them. OK, advertisement over, but this is just a fact.

agree, toptul is excellent also

 

[bcradio]

I realize there are difference between the two. But for the most part, if a socket can withstand the pounding force from a powerful impact gun, it is probably safe to use on a hand ratchet. Now, perhaps if you are tugging on a 2ft breaker bar and having your 340 lb uncle stand on the end of it, you may be introducing sideways forces that the impact socket isnt rated for, but I would bet that if the force would make an impact fail, it would make a chrome one fail as well.

I suspect the reason most people dont use impacts as their primary socket is that they are trying to maximize clearance with as thin a socket as possible - but 99% of the time, the thin-ness of a socket is a non-issue.

I would extend this to 99.9999%... especially being that Sunex sockets are thinner than others

 

[FlushingDIYer]

Toptul... For about $120 you can get complete 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 shorts and deeps...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GAAQ3704-1-4-3-8-1-2-Drive-6pt-Standard-Sockets-on-Rails-/122275733843?hash=item1c7833a153:g:zwUAAOSw6n5XsGea

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GAAQ3703-1-4-3-8-1-2-Drive-6-pt-Deep-Well-Sockets-on-Rails-/112234618680?hash=item1a21b45f38:g:9RYAAOSwHoFXsGWw

Mark Fox over on Youtube, did a great little video on the quality of these sockets. The seller is also a real solid, stand-up guy. This video is what convinced me to pick up a set... Arriving in the mail today!!!

 

[WWheeler]

Toptul... For about $120 you can get complete 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 shorts and deeps...
[...]

That's just for metric though, right?

 

[FlushingDIYer]

That's just for metric though, right?

Yes! That's right! Guess that's not a real complete set then...

 

[Citation]

The $103 Gearwrench deal would probably be my first choice. I actually prefer the fell of the 84t GW ratchets vs the 120t models. Less back drag and a lower profile head vs the non-benefit of the extra teeth. What is good about that set is the very complete socket sets out includes.

Husky and Tekton are basically the same tools. GW, Can and Husky are all made by Apex. The Husky ratchets are the same things as GW but for slightly lower tooth counts (doesn't matter imho) and the huskies have a quick release button (does matter imho). The basic Cman ratchets are behind the times but they make some high tooth count versions which are based on the same guts as the GW ones. Basically I see no reason other than price to get one vs the other, all are nice feeling.

I would highly recommend picking up a set of crescent brand Toto ratchets off eBay for $25. These are the same tools as the GW version (most crescent ratchets are not). Great value and great for tight spaces.

 

[General Geoff]

There's no 18mm in either of those TopTul sets.

 

[gdocktor3]

That is a good deal.

Not sure it's a better deal than finding a decent price on new-old-stock made-in-USA craftsman set. They are getting harder and harder to find though. For example, here's a set from two sellers that has some 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 metric and sae sets in std and deep along with the other filler tools.
.

The GW sockets themselves are at least equal in quality and have nicer chrome finish. As for the ratchets, well let's be realistic. A 36t Craftsman made of gold wouldn't match the smoothness or reliability of a 120xp... So, I say still say Gearwrench.

 

[WWheeler]

The GW sockets themselves are at least equal in quality and have nicer chrome finish. As for the ratchets, well let's be realistic. A 36t Craftsman made of gold wouldn't match the smoothness or reliability of a 120xp... So, I say still say Gearwrench.

I have metric and sae sets of Gearwrench semi deeps and I have to say the finish is **** compared to my 30+ yr old Craftsmans, especially the insides of the GearWrench look unfinished rough like they were sandblasted idk. My Craftsmans have the same shiny finish inside and out. I have a lot of good things to say about GW but the finish is not one of them.

As far as functionality they work just as well. I have never broken any of either brand.

 

[Corndoggeh]

HF has best bang since its cheap and turns a nut. However, anything above craftsman, tekton, stanley, etc is overkill for a diyer

 

[drtyler]

As advertised from Toptul, you are correct.

The sets sold by schmidtdn on ebay have the 3/8 & 1/2 drive 18mm sockets added to complete the sets.

There's no 18mm in either of those TopTul sets.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have metric and sae sets of Gearwrench semi deeps and I have to say the finish is **** compared to my 30+ yr old Craftsmans, especially the insides of the GearWrench look unfinished rough like they were sandblasted idk. My Craftsmans have the same shiny finish inside and out. I have a lot of good things to say about GW but the finish is not one of them.

As far as functionality they work just as well. I have never broken any of either brand.

That's honestly the first time I've heard of GW sockets having a crappy unfinished look.

 

[1jjpop]

I have set of 3/8'' sockets , a 21 peice set of SK Wayne USA. , I bought new 40 or 50 years ago, they are in a greene box they all say made in USA on them. I lost 1 socket & I went & replaced it right away. It had a cardboard under the lid said $ 16.88 ,which I have lost.I don't use them everday , but they have served me very good . My favorite tools.

 

[jo4gj]

Who makes a good 25mm and up socket set 3/8 or 1/2 drive

 

[lightning02]

Who makes a good 25mm and up socket set 3/8 or 1/2 drive

25mm and higher in 3/8s drive?

 

[tonyciambrone]

Toptul if you don't need etched sizes.
Tekton if you have to have chrome.
Gray Pneumatic, Sunex or Genius for impact sockets. I have harbor freights but you can't get a complete set easily.

 

[jo4gj]

Yes 25mm and higher but 3/8 drive or 1/2 drive. I want to say sockets that big probably only come in 1/2 drive

 

[lightning02]

Yes 25mm and higher but 3/8 drive or 1/2 drive. I want to say sockets that big probably only come in 1/2 drive

id only get them in a 1/2 drive even if they did have them in 3/8s drive. i wouldnt want to be the one trying to remove a 30mm bolt/nut with a 3/8s drive ratchet. just asking for something bad to happen lol

 

[isuhunter]

Very impressed with the gearwrench sockets I bought recently. The 120xp ratchet is neat when all I've ever used is craftsman

 

[dnschmidt]

As they arrive from TOPTUL there is no 18mm basically in any of their sets. I ADD the standard and deep 18mm to my sets as 18mm is very commonly used in the United States. Apparently, in the ROW 18mm is quite uncommon. One of the problems with TOPTUL is that they have zero understanding of the American market. Quality wise they simply can't be beat.

 

[jo4gj]

Would you guys but this set for 120$ not complete missing 3/8 drive ratchet, 3/8 6in" extension, 1/4 6in" extension, the screwdriver, no little bits,

https://store.snapon.com/General-Se...eral-Service-Set-Blue-Point-reg--P645026.aspx

 

[md21722]

Ok wrenches and screwdrivers don't be cheap. Are there other tools maybe besides ratchets to not go cheap with.

Pry bars. High risk of personal injury if they break under force.

 

[jo4gj]

Pry bars. High risk of personal injury if they break under force.

What is your opinion on this set made here In USA

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-pry-bar-set/p-00943395000P

 

[firworks]

For metric specifically, the Toptul set from dnschmidt is in my opinion way out in front on buck banging. Great quality sockets, 6 point so GJ approved, and it's a no skip set. Well, I think it skips 20mm but I think almost all sets skip 20mm.

View media item 65535
I've got Wright, Williams, SK and honestly these are my favorites. I always grab the Toptul rails when I'm working on (metric) stuff.

 

[bennymic]

http://www.gpsocket.com/

I used those daily at my last job for 2 years and never had a problem, really reasonable priced as well. I have since moved jobs and those were the shop sockets and i plan on buying these for my personal toolbox

The duo sockets are very nice.

 

[bcradio]

For metric specifically, the Toptul set from dnschmidt is in my opinion way out in front on buck banging. Great quality sockets, 6 point so GJ approved, and it's a no skip set. Well, I think it skips 20mm but I think almost all sets skip 20mm.

View media item 65535
I've got Wright, Williams, SK and honestly these are my favorites. I always grab the Toptul rails when I'm working on (metric) stuff.

How much were all of these total?

 

[firworks]

How much were all of these total?

36$ + 12$ shipping for the shallows
70$ + 8$ shipping for the deeps.

Seems like a very good price to me for the sets. I'm not actually sure why it was cheaper to ship the deeps...

 

[NoahG]

I really love my Wright sockets.


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