What socket sets if you had to start over with maybe 500 bucks

[signcrafter]

I've had a mix match of sockets for a long time now. Works alright and for the most part I have what I need. For the most part all I use is metric but there is still those times I need SAE. I've never had a nice toolbox, always spent money on tools so my tools are usually all over. Have a couple craftsman benches with drawers and probably 5 top chests on benches. Finally got some extra money and bought a husky(international) bottom and top box that is huge. It's 56" long 24" deep. Made in Canada so I'm very impressed so far and HD is clearance all them out if anyone is looking for a good box.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-56-in-10-Drawer-Cabinet-Tool-Chest-Blue-VRB-5610BUHU/206266485

and

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-56-in-6-Drawer-Top-Chest-Blue-VRT-5606BUHU/206266495

So now I have a nice new box to load up I want to start loading it up. Also we just moved to a different state so most of my tools are 6 hours away. So with all things considered while my socket sets would get me by I think I'm just going to order some new socket sets. Can always leave my old set at my moms back in the old state so if I need them they are there. I do travel back and forth about once a month and usually have a list of projects when I'm there to do for family. So I don't really mind buying a new set for my new house.

Right now I have hanson socket trays that have a mostly complete but mismatched(not that mismatched bothers me) sets of 1/4" and 3/8" chrome standard and deep metric. By mostly complete I mean probably missing 2-3 sockets on each row of the hanson trays, maybe a few more. But have the common sizes for the most part. I have a newer set of gearwrench 1/2" drive standard length chrome metric sockets. Also have a set of gearwrench chrome 3/8" drive metric swivel sockets. Then a HF set of deep 1/2" drive metric impact sockets. For SAE I just have some mismatched stuff and who knows how complete. But don't use it much. I also have a bunch of specialty socket sets like torx, allen, long allen, e torx, triple square, etc.

Would like to fill up my chrome metric socket trays and SAE wouldn't hurt but can get by with what I have. Want to also build my metric impact socket collection with 1/2" and 3/8" and maybe some swivel impacts.

I found a deal on gearwrench 1/4" and 3/8" sets that come in shallow and deep, metric and SAE in both drive sizes and some extensions and ratchets for 125 bucks shipped. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to go that route so it will fill up my socket trays in 1/4" and 3/8" in chrome in metric and standard both short and deep. I have 1/2" drive metric chrome short socket set so just need chrome deep socket set which I can spend some time looking for a deal, use the impact deep for now. Then for impact I've been looking at this sunex 3/8" drive metric kit that comes with 7-22mm in short, deep, and swivel. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JO1BO1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Seems like the most complete set for the price. Then I would look for a deal on a 1/2" metric impact set.

So for under 250 bucks I can get full set of chrome 3/8" drive metric and SAE and then a very complete set of 3/8" metric impacts. This and what I have would cover most anything I need. Does this sound like a good deal and my best option? Or other sets I should consider? I'm not brand specific at all and just like a quality tool at a decent price. Found gearwrench to fit that so far. But open to any suggestions.

 

[CJM8515]

Id suggest the gear wrench sets or husky from home depot (same thing basically) and then Id go with the sunex 3/8 master set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNH7728/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As for 1/2 impact, the pittsburg pro ones are really nice for the money. Otherwise sunex would be my next choice.I have the HF 1/2 impacts with no issues.

 

[kctyphoon]

Gearwrench promo deal for the 1/4" and 3/8" full sets ($110), the full 1/2" set from Tekton (around $200 I think)

Or - craftsman ultimate socket set

Or - invest in the grey pneumatic duo socket sets, that are both regular AND impact rated. It may be cheaper then some options, more expensive than others, but you get everything in single set, and it'll only take up half the room in your box. Those sets get great reviews. 6 point and 12 point sets are available I believe. In my eyes, if you are GOING TO replace all your chrome AND impacts, this makes the most sense by far. I wish I would have been able to do this. (I did the gearwrench promo sets cause I already had impacts, and I hate having to keep track of all of them now) I HATE bringing out 6 boxes of sockets to go work on the car or truck cause I don't know what I'll need.

Here's the full 3/8" set in all 6 point. No sizes skipped. Keep in mind, you'd be replacing chrome and impacts with only one set.. $184

Grey Pneumatic 81659CRD 3/8" Drive 59pc Standard/Deep Length Fractional and Metric Duo-Socket Set - 6 P https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0029XKZKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

May not be the cheapest price online, but posting that mostly for the reviews

Full 1/4" set all 6 point - $136
Grey Pneumatic 89653CRD 1/4" Drive 53pc Standard/Deep Length Fractional and Metric Duo-Socket Set - 6 P https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00291R2EU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That's $320 and you get a full set of regular and thin walled impact rated sockets in 1/4" and 3/8".

For about $200 you can get either the metric or sae 1/2" set. (Again, one set is replacing chrome AND impact sets) That's right around $500 or so, and if metric is your most used size, just get a cheap set of 1/2" chrome sae sockets from HF and bang away on them with an impact when needed.. the world won't end..

You're basically getting double the sockets you're actually buying, and any extra money spent is also an investment into taking up only half the space in your toolbox.. it's like getting an extra drawer. The big long drawer everybody usually has flooded with sockets would only be half full and just as capable.

 

[jacob_coulter]

Gear Wrench is where I would start.

20+ years ago I would have said Craftsman was a great value. That's long gone.

 

[LXCam]

GW without a second thought.

 

[Codejack]

GearWrench 3/8" SAE/Metric Impact Socket Set, 44-pieces, $67.

I have these. They rock. The neck-down on the small deeps is actually longer than that, those are old sockets. The new ones are shinier. I plan on getting these soon:

GearWrench 1/2" Metric Impact Socket Set, 39-piece, $114.

GearWrench 1/2" SAE Impact Socket Set, 39-piece, $146.

And if you want to fill out the chrome:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYZ2IJ5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

10-32mm and 3/8" - 1-5/16" in shallow and deep with no skips, and Tekton has some fans. $181.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDO6L90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Complete 1/4" and 3/8" sets for $89.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$597. Cut the 3/8" impacts and the 1/4" set, and it's right around $500.

 

[bczygan]

Same as I have.

HF impact socket sets.

HF ratchet and socket sets

Craftsman USA socket sets

Lowes Socket sets

Gearwrench ratchet and socket sets

HF and Lowes pass thru ratchet and socket sets.

HF ratchets

HF wrenches

Etc.

 

[PJNJ]

I've had a mix match of sockets for a long time now. Works alright and for the most part I have what I need. For the most part all I use is metric but there is still those times I need SAE. I've never had a nice toolbox, always spent money on tools so my tools are usually all over. Have a couple craftsman benches with drawers and probably 5 top chests on benches. Finally got some extra money and bought a husky(international) bottom and top box that is huge. It's 56" long 24" deep. Made in Canada so I'm very impressed so far and HD is clearance all them out if anyone is looking for a good box.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-56-in-10-Drawer-Cabinet-Tool-Chest-Blue-VRB-5610BUHU/206266485

and

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-56-in-6-Drawer-Top-Chest-Blue-VRT-5606BUHU/206266495

So now I have a nice new box to load up I want to start loading it up. Also we just moved to a different state so most of my tools are 6 hours away. So with all things considered while my socket sets would get me by I think I'm just going to order some new socket sets. Can always leave my old set at my moms back in the old state so if I need them they are there. I do travel back and forth about once a month and usually have a list of projects when I'm there to do for family. So I don't really mind buying a new set for my new house.

Right now I have hanson socket trays that have a mostly complete but mismatched(not that mismatched bothers me) sets of 1/4" and 3/8" chrome standard and deep metric. By mostly complete I mean probably missing 2-3 sockets on each row of the hanson trays, maybe a few more. But have the common sizes for the most part. I have a newer set of gearwrench 1/2" drive standard length chrome metric sockets. Also have a set of gearwrench chrome 3/8" drive metric swivel sockets. Then a HF set of deep 1/2" drive metric impact sockets. For SAE I just have some mismatched stuff and who knows how complete. But don't use it much. I also have a bunch of specialty socket sets like torx, allen, long allen, e torx, triple square, etc.

Would like to fill up my chrome metric socket trays and SAE wouldn't hurt but can get by with what I have. Want to also build my metric impact socket collection with 1/2" and 3/8" and maybe some swivel impacts.

I found a deal on gearwrench 1/4" and 3/8" sets that come in shallow and deep, metric and SAE in both drive sizes and some extensions and ratchets for 125 bucks shipped. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to go that route so it will fill up my socket trays in 1/4" and 3/8" in chrome in metric and standard both short and deep. I have 1/2" drive metric chrome short socket set so just need chrome deep socket set which I can spend some time looking for a deal, use the impact deep for now. Then for impact I've been looking at this sunex 3/8" drive metric kit that comes with 7-22mm in short, deep, and swivel. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JO1BO1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Seems like the most complete set for the price. Then I would look for a deal on a 1/2" metric impact set.

So for under 250 bucks I can get full set of chrome 3/8" drive metric and SAE and then a very complete set of 3/8" metric impacts. This and what I have would cover most anything I need. Does this sound like a good deal and my best option? Or other sets I should consider? I'm not brand specific at all and just like a quality tool at a decent price. Found gearwrench to fit that so far. But open to any suggestions.

Sounds like a well thought out plan on your part. I would do exactly as you propose. Quick suggestion - if you're looking for wrenches, I would recommend Wright with Wrightgrip for your most used sizes, 10-19mm. They're excellent wrenches. For screwdrivers, look at Proto Duratek with the hex bolsters - pretty much impervious to oil and chemicals.

 

[PhysicsDude]

I've had this Ingersol Rand set for about 8 years, and have been pleased with them. Not a single one has broken. One of the cheapest prices per socket you'll find on a name brand set.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGKR6O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Only thing I don't like is that the black coating is just a coating, it rubs off under heavy use, and the labeling rubs off too. My most common sizes (10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm) 1/2" sockets are down to bare metal, but when I was shopping for sockets, engraved ones were about twice the price, wasn't worth it to me, but probably would be if I were a professional mechanic.

 

[Infinia]

Nothing wrong with your plan. I would start by fixing up your old tools in your new storage , the ideas will crystalize once this starts E.g The drawer /tool organization scheme drives the tools and visa versa.

 

[signcrafter]

then Id go with the sunex 3/8 master set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNH7728/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I looked at that set and considered it but I like the metric only master set I linked to in my OP for 125 bucks or so. It's only metric but it has more sizes, 7-22mm instead of the 8-19. Not a huge deal but I think I would rather have those extra sockets in short, deep, and swivel then the smaller set with both metric and SAE with torx. It's also 50 dollars cheaper.

Gearwrench promo deal for the 1/4" and 3/8" full sets ($110), the full 1/2" set from Tekton ($200 - $270 I think)

Where is the gearwrench promo 110? I found it for 125 on the facebook group.

 

[kctyphoon]

I looked at that set and considered it but I like the metric only master set I linked to in my OP for 125 bucks or so. It's only metric but it has more sizes, 7-22mm instead of the 8-19. Not a huge deal but I think I would rather have those extra sockets in short, deep, and swivel then the smaller set with both metric and SAE with torx. It's also 50 dollars cheaper.



Where is the gearwrench promo 110? I found it for 125 on the facebook group.

Here - look at this thread. Pics of my sets on page 2 I think. The price went up a little, and I don't remember what shipping was. It's probably in the thread.. promo has been going on for a long time. What's nice with this set, is the 3/8 goes up to 1" I think, AND, the cases store everything on only one side of the case - which makes it easy to just remove the tops and lay the bottoms of the cases in a drawer for storage.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931


I'd really consider the duo sockets also.. the reviews on them are outstanding, not to mention the pure convenience of it.

Also, when on sale, the craftsman ultimate socket set can't be beat.. people can complain about a spot of rust on the inside of a socket all they want, but I'll pay attention when they stop removing bolts. At least with the craftsman sets you get all the 6 and all the 12 points too. It's like 300 sockets for $300 when it's on sale if I remember correctly.

Another option too, if you'd rather have a "mechanics tool set" all self contained in a case, there's a nice big dewalt set that has all sockets and ratchets without all the filler ****. Don't know what the model # is on those.

I was gonna do the Tekton sets myself, until someone turned me onto the gearwrench promo. They are really nice for the money, but you'd still need all those same sockets in impact form as well.

 

[Fedwrench]

check Cripe distributing's ebay store. They had the Gearwrecnh 3/8 drive master chrome SAE/Metric socket set for $114 plus shipping. part# 80719.

While there, look for impact socket sets or find a deal on sunex.

 

[plinker]

Starting over I only get impacts in all drive sizes, Sunex or a rebrand there of. The ones I have are about as thin wall as you're average chrome socket. I would consider Gearwrench impacts as well.

Thinking about it, I would get a set of 12pt chrome sockets for limited clearance.

 

[minnesotadude]

Gearwrench.

 

[Jazz1]

All my metric when I finally had to add them are Mastercraft pro series. This time of year Canadian tire has some smoking deals. Had to outfit a box for heavy equipment apprentice last year around this time and all the sockets and wrenches up to 1" were had for about $250 at Ctire including the impact sets. Everything else we snagged at pawnshops.

 

[signcrafter]

Here - look at this thread. Pics of my sets on page 2 I think. The price went up a little, and I don't remember what shipping was. It's probably in the thread.. promo has been going on for a long time. What's nice with this set, is the 3/8 goes up to 1" I think, AND, the cases store everything on only one side of the case - which makes it easy to just remove the tops and lay the bottoms of the cases in a drawer for storage.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931


I'd really consider the duo sockets also.. the reviews on them are outstanding, not to mention the pure convenience of it.

Also, when on sale, the craftsman ultimate socket set can't be beat.. people can complain about a spot of rust on the inside of a socket all they want, but I'll pay attention when they stop removing bolts. At least with the craftsman sets you get all the 6 and all the 12 points too. It's like 300 sockets for $300 when it's on sale if I remember correctly.

Another option too, if you'd rather have a "mechanics tool set" all self contained in a case, there's a nice big dewalt set that has all sockets and ratchets without all the filler ****. Don't know what the model # is on those.

I was gonna do the Tekton sets myself, until someone turned me onto the gearwrench promo. They are really nice for the money, but you'd still need all those same sockets in impact form as well.

Thanks. What does the craftsman ultimate set go on sale for? Right now it shows 329. Sure is a lot of sockets. I'm not a fan of craftsman anymore, used to be back in the day. But to a somewhat of a point a socket is a socket. I've been very happy with my gearwrench so was just going to go that route with that deal. Like that the gearwrench comes in a case so I can just grab and go if needed. Too many decisions now.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have the 1/2 Sunex master impact set and love them very high quality better than the HFs I have that came out of a dumpster behind the HF haha. Anyways all my sockets are snap on and if you buy used and only want metric 500 could get you all snap on I doubt I have that in mine well my dad also gave me all his collection.

My back up sockets are all mismatched a mix of Williams ,sk,snap on,and Mac and maybe some others all my sae are complete sets of same brands but with a couple Wright sets for back ups but all Snap on users.

Look into Williams USA sockets used they are exact same as my snap on sockets same in every way expect knurling.
I wouldn't buy Tekton or HF sockets they are just too cheaply made I hate Tekton really but that's me.

 

[kctyphoon]

Thanks. What does the craftsman ultimate set go on sale for? Right now it shows 329. Sure is a lot of sockets. I'm not a fan of craftsman anymore, used to be back in the day. But to a somewhat of a point a socket is a socket. I've been very happy with my gearwrench so was just going to go that route with that deal. Like that the gearwrench comes in a case so I can just grab and go if needed. Too many decisions now.

This is the bigger 308 piece set with extensions. It's actually on sale now.. for $299 and free shipping

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-308-...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKbr7526rdYCFZYMNwodqzcIAw

So that's basically 97 cents per piece.. find a better deal than that...

 

[Richard Cranium]

kctyphoon, just beat me to it, agreed the 308 piece craftsman set is the biggest bang for your buck.

 

[ez-duzit]

Looks like a lot of newbies are sold on Gearwrench. Why?

 

[signcrafter]

Looks like a lot of newbies are sold on Gearwrench. Why?

I wouldn't say I'm a newbie but I started getting gearwrench sets when ordering tools online from advance auto. If I needed to add something to my cart to reach a certain dollar amount to get a bigger discount I would add a set of sockets or torx or allen sockets. For the money they are a great set of sockets. Plus warrantied at a lot of auto parts stores. But I've never broke any of my gearwrench stuff.

 

[Snakebyt]

my main socket set is GP impact sockets, i got 3/8 and 1/2 deep and shallow sets, 3/8 set is 8mm-19mm with no skips, 1/2 is 10mm-27 i believe, have about 150 in all of them, great sockets for the money

 

[SuperXero]

I would get the sunex master sets and call it a day.

 

[Joe Mamma]

Does anyone have problems with the laser etching of socket sizes wearing off of sockets?

I stay away from them, and I can't imagine it holds up well long term. But maybe I am wrong.

Joe Mamma

 

[Codejack]

Looks like a lot of newbies are sold on Gearwrench. Why?

Price and quality.

I was breaking my Williams USA sockets, so I bought GW thin wall impact sockets.

They are reasonably-priced, fit well and good looking.

 

[Codejack]

Does anyone have problems with the laser etching of socket sizes wearing off of sockets?

I only buy sockets with stamping; my GW impacts have both.

 

[Billythekid1]

If I was u I would look at craigslist cash is king oncraigslist esp if your looking for standard all the old tools r standard mabe not all by most and u can get killer deals that is how I got most of my collection also make a list of the ones u r missing and goto a flea market there r guys with buckets full for .25 - 1$ each if u need new tools the the gear wrench sets that go onsale buy the 3/8 get the 1/4 set r the best deals out in my opion they each have a plastic case which is nice to bring to what ever but working on so u don't have to walk back n forth to your box

 

[T45]

The craftsman sets are like half (100-150 pieces?) of 12 point, which IMHO are a waste of space and significantly increase the cost (from 1-2$ per piece, nearly 100%).

I don't have any issues with the Cman g2 USA sockets tho if you are on a strict budget. I have a couple I use as nutdrivers (1/4 dr x 50mm deep) and they work fine. The only caveat is they were bought from open stock to ensure decent examples.

In general, I think the GW deal is the way to go. I also like master 3/8 sets that go up to 24mm and 1full inch in SAE if you can find them. There are just times when some of these sizes pop up and 1/2 drive is not as convenient to use.

I am not one of the people that tries to use 3/8 for everything. Use the biggest, stiffest tools options often is more efficient--less flex or torque loss--, and more options is better here as a result (but not mean but stupidly overbuilt tools from poor qualtiy materials).

For actual 12 point needs (like true spline drives), you can buy them ad-hoc or use whatever you have from your existing set. Only aerospace techs really rely on them day to day (or maybe other, niche high performance or industrial uses). Actual needs for 12pts today is pretty modest with 72t and similar fine ratchets, certainly not for better angles. Some people like them for speed putting on the bolt, and others for pounding on rusted fasteners. My view on that is that those are just luxuries when you are on a budget.

 

[MaverickDMD]

I'm another vote for GW. I just got a brand new set of 1/4 drive 4-15mm metric deep sockets and they are very close to CM G series in design and build quality. For sure they are better than CM E, EE and ST series. The "knurling" helps with visual ID as metric and they are large size stamped which helps with size distinction. I'm pretty stoked at this $50 purchase. Craftsman set may get you more pieces but I think GW will give you a better product for a little bit more. I'll compare these GW's with my SO sets tonight at home, but I'm kind of warming up to the concept of the $100 savings over SO.

 

[Mr_B]

Gearwrench taiwan or Napa carlyle .
carlyle are real nice design sockets and in rail sets so no waste on ratchets and extensions if don't want them, carlyle ratchets also extremely good. Warranty easy and everyone got a friendly napa available . only downside is slightly more cost and need buy on promo prices to keep it reasonable . Gearwrench about cheapest for decent more pro style tools, warranty a bit fuzzy but doubt be a concern for most.
Don't overlook Pitts Pro as some of that good and again warranty is good and simple swap new for old .

 

[signcrafter]

Ended up ordering these two impact sets today for 250 total. These should handle almost all my impact needs. Sometime in the future I will probably pick up a cheaper SAE set of 1/2" drive impacts and that should be all I need. I have most of the bigger sizes for axle nuts already. Now just need to decide what I'm going to do with the chrome.

3/8" metric set, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JO1BO1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

1/2" metric set, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MPQ88RY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Codejack]

Let us know how they work out.

I had looked at those, but the 3/8" set was expensive (you get swivel sockets, though), and the deeper neck on the small GW sockets might be important since I am using them as hand sockets.

Those long 1/2" extensions look nice, too

 

[signcrafter]

Let us know how they work out.

I had looked at those, but the 3/8" set was expensive (you get swivel sockets, though), and the deeper neck on the small GW sockets might be important since I am using them as hand sockets.

Those long 1/2" extensions look nice, too

Ya they are a little expensive but I figure they are going to be the most used so I would rather spend a little money here. The swivels was one of the main reason I got that set. It's a complete set in shallow, deep, and swivel. They had a "master" 3/8" set for 172 dollars that was metric and sae but wasn't as complete for the metric. It did come with torx and etorx and probably would have been just fine for me but I decided I wanted the more complete metric kit. The rest of the sae and torx stuff I can add later.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Price and quality.

I was breaking my Williams USA sockets, so I bought GW thin wall impact sockets.

They are reasonably-priced, fit well and good looking.

You have Williams kobalt they are not the same quality as Williams USA close but cheaper made and different steel I have a bunch but only as back ups. I have some GW impact sockets they are nice also have sunex which are equally nice for what I paid for sae and metric deep with flip lug nut sockets in both sunex and Mac with extension also Mac I paid $50 for them used and the sises go up pretty large not sure off my head. The USA William I have are identical to my snap on sets I'd even say the steel is the same.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

The craftsman sets are like half (100-150 pieces?) of 12 point, which IMHO are a waste of space and significantly increase the cost (from 1-2$ per piece, nearly 100%).

You need the 12 points for when the WrigthGrip wrenches chew up the side of the bolt.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Looks like a lot of newbies are sold on Gearwrench. Why?

Because they were once made in Taiwan and apparently Taiwan's 1960's era manufacturing and tooling capability is better than the modern technology used in Chinese state of the art tooling and manufacturing of today. This is only exceeded by 1920's vintage tooling and manufacturing from the USA.

 

[ez-duzit]

RT--thank you. I have some Taiwan made machines and hand tools in my shop that are entirely serviceable. A set of high polish combination wrenches, branded "John Deere", are quite well made.

 

[Yarpo]

Because they were once made in Taiwan and apparently Taiwan's 1960's era manufacturing and tooling capability is better than the modern technology used in Chinese state of the art tooling and manufacturing of today. This is only exceeded by 1920's vintage tooling and manufacturing from the USA.

Damn, is china the only country using modern technology in their tooling?

Truly world leaders, I should probably stop buying GW/Taiwanese tools and look to upgrade to to Chinese tools! Said....nobody ever?

 

[PJNJ]

Because they were once made in Taiwan and apparently Taiwan's 1960's era manufacturing and tooling capability is better than the modern technology used in Chinese state of the art tooling and manufacturing of today. This is only exceeded by 1920's vintage tooling and manufacturing from the USA.

Gosh an absolutely "truer" statement has never been made. NOT. What a load of ****.