My sockets are driving me crazy, thinking about starting over!

[Robinson1]

Has anyone ever sold their entire socket collection and started over? That's what I'm seriously considering doing.

Right now I've got two small 3/8 sets from Williams (50665 & 50663), I really like these sets and use them fairly often. Of all my sockets these are the only sets that I'm actually satisfied with.

I've got a complete 1/4 drive set both SAE & MM deep and shallow from Napa. Its pre Carlyle and in the blue case. I consider it a cheap set but it does the job.

I've also got a similar 3/8 set from Napa. This set usually stays on my truck and I consider it good enough for that use but still not 100% satisfied.

I've got a Crescent brand hex and torx bit socket set. Its the one that Tractor Supply has around Christmas time. I've yet to break anything but I know its a cheap set.

I've got a mostly complete set of Stanley 1/4 and 3/8 shallow and deep in SAE & MM. I bought this years ago and have used it a lot. The case has long since fallen apart and it now lives is a cheap 2 drawer tool box. Its a pain to use this set now because everything is mixed together and the drawers are too shallow to use organizers.

I've got a complete mish mash of 1/2 drive sockets. Nowhere near complete. Everything from no name sockets to SK but not over a handful of any brand. Lots of duplicate sizes but again not anywhere near a full set of anything. I've got about six 1/2 drive deep sockets in SAE sizes and a very cheap set of SAE deep impact sockets. Very little metric in 1/2 drive but what I do have is USA Craftsman.

I've got a coffee can full of random sockets, all cheap that I've acquired by buying random junk at the flea market. I occasionally will use one to make a random specialty tool or part.

The 1/2 drive sockets are bugging me the most. I'd like to have an actual complete set. The older Stanley set is my second gripe. At this point I think I just want them gone as they are more trouble to use/find than they are worth.

What keeps hanging me up is the fact that I've managed to get by just fine with what I have. My shop is a wood shop and while I enjoy tinkering with the random small engine and will always want to do maintenance and repairs on my personal vehicles and equipment, I don't see myself ever being a mechanic.

All advise/comments welcome and if someone can point me towards a nice 1/2 drive set that wont break the bank I'm all ears. I'd love USA made but at the end of the day for my use I'm fine with imports.

 

[crewchief888]

ive been wrenching on const eq for over 30 years, and i have to admit i have 1 complete set of 1/2" dr sockets, and they are my least used sockets.
the rest are mix matched "sets" bought as singles.

personally, i'm not starting over

 

[four.cycle]

^ If you're talking about SAE 1/2" drive socket sets and not METRIC, you can find all kinds of 1/2" drive SAE high-quality US-made sets on Ebay for pretty reasonable prices - it's just a matter of shopping and waiting for the right one to come along.
Most of the 1/2" drive SAE socket sets that I see listed languish in the listings for weeks with no bidders. Bear in mind that I pay no attention to "truck brands" or Craftsman (which for reasons that defy explanation command ridiculous prices.)
Try looking at: Indestro, Duro Chrome, Thorsen (US), Giller, S-K, older Williams, Stevens-Walden. I think you'd be surprised.

Even 1/2" drive METRIC stuff can be found if you keep your eye out for it - I picked up a "Granco" 1/2" drive metric set (10mm - 32mm with no skips) for $40 bucks including shipping a few weeks ago - complete and in almost new condition - I think only the 14mm had ever seen a nut or bolt.
Granco was a contract supplier for the military - like JS Technologies, which you will also find listed as "JS Tool" on Ebay. Both seem to be reasonably decent quality, even if their names aren't familiar to everybody.

Just my two cents.

* I'll keep my eye out and if I see something that looks like a killer deal I'll post it in the "Ebay hot deal' thread. *

 

[Sal Bandini]

OP do you have any hand planes? If so, spend some quality time making a bunch of curly shavings. It's quite soothing and you will soon forget about those sockets.

 

[mbshop]

Am I the only one not seeing a problem ?

 

[Gmonkee]

I had that same unholy mish mash of stuff for years. It never really mattered but eventually I too got a set that covers needs and sold off a lot of the other stuff.

Reason being it was more time effective to not be digging through a pile when a set just lays them out in order.

Now with wrenches and a general paring down to the most useful and most used.
I do not miss the big pile and probably never used most of it anyway, life is simpler with organization.

 

[M_George]

I have a mish mash as well, mostly Craftsman. I just keep them organized in socket racks and only good working sockets go in the rack.

 

[Gamble]

let me know if you find my 10mm socket

 

[jumbojak]

Am I the only one not seeing a problem ?

Aside from not having them organized in a way that works, no. I'm not even sure how I'd feel if everything matched. The oddities remind you of past jobs.

 

[ryan20021982]

View media item 72906
All my chrome sockets are mismatched and I don't see the problem with it, I find good ones in lots I buy at sales or ebay and replace them as I go, plus this way I have extras because I keep the ones I replace. I am OCD about my toolboxes but even this doesn't bother me.

 

[ssdave]

It sounds to me more like you miss having good cases than miss the sockets. Or maybe a combination of both.

Personally, I'm with 4.cycle, I'd pick up a nice, comprehensive set of used USA SAE sockets on ebay or at an estate sale. I'd also pick up a premium brand metric set, in my case it's Proto I like. SK, MAC, Snap-on, Williams would be my choices. You can go cheaper, and in 1/2" they're probably fine for light duty use like you describe. For that matter, if you buy a decent brand 3/8" set, you may not need a 1/2" set at all.

Then, I'd invest in a decent socket rack in the range of sizes of your sets to hold them all together.

You don't sound like a heavy duty, high use user, so don't put a lot of time and money and thought into it.

 

[Robinson1]

OP do you have any hand planes? If so, spend some quality time making a bunch of curly shavings. It's quite soothing and you will soon forget about those sockets.

Haha, I'm actually doing that right now.

 

[Robinson1]

Aside from not having them organized in a way that works, no. I'm not even sure how I'd feel if everything matched. The oddities remind you of past jobs.

I see that train of though. Maybe I'll build myself a tool cabinet. I've got several half sheets of 3/4 birch junking up the corner of my shop

 

[Robinson1]

let me know if you find my 10mm socket

Found it!

 

[Robinson1]

I have a mish mash as well, mostly Craftsman. I just keep them organized in socket racks and only good working sockets go in the rack.

I need to do that my current storage system *****!

 

[Robinson1]

I have a mishmash, too. I rarely use non impact 1/2”.

I pretty much just plan on living with what I have until I find sets at estate sales.

I found an NOS 1/2” shallow SK SAE set a while back.

My problem is I rarely use an impact! I've got one on my work truck that gets used to run lags and other large structural fasteners. Besides lug nuts on some of my trailers and truck I don't think it's ever seen mechanic duty.

 

[Robinson1]

^ If you're talking about SAE 1/2" drive socket sets and not METRIC, you can find all kinds of 1/2" drive SAE high-quality US-made sets on Ebay for pretty reasonable prices - it's just a matter of shopping and waiting for the right one to come along.
Most of the 1/2" drive SAE socket sets that I see listed languish in the listings for weeks with no bidders. Bear in mind that I pay no attention to "truck brands" or Craftsman (which for reasons that defy explanation command ridiculous prices.)
Try looking at: Indestro, Duro Chrome, Thorsen (US), Giller, S-K, older Williams, Stevens-Walden. I think you'd be surprised.

Even 1/2" drive METRIC stuff can be found if you keep your eye out for it - I picked up a "Granco" 1/2" drive metric set (10mm - 32mm with no skips) for $40 bucks including shipping a few weeks ago - complete and in almost new condition - I think only the 14mm had ever seen a nut or bolt.
Granco was a contract supplier for the military - like JS Technologies, which you will also find listed as "JS Tool" on Ebay. Both seem to be reasonably decent quality, even if their names aren't familiar to everybody.

Just my two cents.

* I'll keep my eye out and if I see something that looks like a killer deal I'll post it in the "Ebay hot deal' thread. *

What about Fleet? That's an old brand I know nothing about but keep running into random pieces at the flea market. I picked up a 1-1/8 wrench in that brand for $2. Couldn't pass it up for that price

 

[buffalobill]

Why not give the used, unorganized Stanley set to some young guy with no tools? Or use it for trading fodder for stuff you need.

 

[M6erfan]

Dude, just get complete Snap On socket sets in all drive sizes 6pt & 12pt (swivels too) and a nice KRA to keep them all in and then some Westling organizers. Should only be $7k or so.

Oh wait...

"What keeps hanging me up is the fact that I've managed to get by just fine with what I have. My shop is a wood shop and while I enjoy tinkering with the random small engine and will always want to do maintenance and repairs on my personal vehicles and equipment, I don't see myself ever being a mechanic"

Ah screw it, see my 1st paragraph above

 

[Hiatt1991]

Are you looking to upgrade all of your sockets or just need help figuring out a way to organize them so they are easy to get to when you need them? If the latter is the case, I'd strongly recommend you check out the socket organizers that westlingmachine.com offers. I had a huge mismatched set of sockets that were hard to organize and when I got the westling machine socket organizers, they made a world of difference. You'll save a lot of money going this route rather than buy a whole new set of sockets. Here's a pic of my westling organizers below below.

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/iChX9Ba' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/iChX9Ba.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

 

[JimNC]

I also like my Westling organizers.

 

[Robinson1]

I'd like to replace the 1/2 drive stuff with better/complete set.

I don't care what happens to the Stanley set at this point.

But really need to get organised as well.

 

[PJNJ]

OP, before you do anything why don't you get a set of these socket organizers and see what you actually have -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C6NL52/?tag=atomicindus08-20

After organizing, you may find yourself much less frustrated. Then if you still want to get better or have socket sets from one manufacturer, get a set of SK in the green blowmolded cases such one of the 3/8 sets like this -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or this -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MAOQVC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Probably the best bang for the buck in USA socket sets. They have the most used 3/8 sizes in metric and sae along with a ratchet and extensions. The price fluctuates during the year and often goes down from time to time. And don't worry about the claims of bad chrome - it's just anti-corrosion paint inside and sometimes on the outside of the sockets. If you like them, then get the 1/4 set.

As for 1/2, get some Sunex or Grey Pneumatic impact sets. You can use them with a regular ratchet and later a cordless impact. They'll work fine either way.

 

[Snakebyt]

here is my setup, i have all my 1/4 in another drawer, but dont use them all that often, very simple

 

[M6erfan]

For 1/2" drive I second the impact socket suggestion. That's exactly what I did and I've never missed my chromes. Work great with ratchet or my 18v 1/2" impact. I went with Sunex which happens to have a nice case as well

 

[Fedwrench]

The only time my sockets drove me crazy is when I had Cornwell chrome sockets. Instead of having a drive tool detent ball cut out on each side of the female square drive, they had a single hole on one side. You had to line the hole up with the ball, or the socket would often fall off.
If what you have works, why change?
I like variety in tool brands.

 

[lightning02]

I have this same problem but only with wrenches lol

 

[cherrybomb]

There are always a good selection of SK tools on Ebay.For a work shop sort of guy,you would be hard pressed to do better.Also USA is a plus.Ernst and Westling are real good organizing solutions.Reward yourself,it helps make shop work so enjoyable.

 

[four.cycle]

listed 11/07 16:30 PST

J.H. Williams (US made) 18 pieces 1/2" drive 12-pt SAE socket set
5/16" - 1-1/8" sockets (including 32nds), S52 ratchet, 10-inch extension
used
$49.99 + $14.80 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Tues. 11/14
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-J-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

(* and that was without even doing a lot of digging. no question about product quality. remains to be seen whether or not it will get bid way up, though. *)

 

[gregpack]

You can get the complete gearwrench 3/8 and 1/4" sets for BOGO for just over $100.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

Then, add a set of 1/2 impacts of your choice.

Organize all with ernst socket rails or if you have the room, their socket boss. The best prices I have found on those is online at summit racing.

 

[kb1982]

My chrome sockets are a mish mash of USA Craftsman, SK, Proto, and new old stock USA Blackhawk. It doesn't bother me one bit having various brands, as long as they are all neatly organized. If you think you would be interested in some nos USA Blackhawk, check out this eBay seller. Great prices and a great product. I've bought 6 sets of 1/2" drive SAE deeps for myself and fellow co-worker in 6 and 12 points. http://stores.ebay.com/SATCO-SUPPLYs-CLOSEOUT-TOOLS. And I just can't help but post up a pic of the mix n match.

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[Jimthediyguy]

If you can still find Thorsen (US made) it would be a good value. I’ve had mine for going on 45 years and have yet to break one.

I guess, try eBay. Outside of that, you’re gonna have to up the budget if you want a quality set. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve bought HF sets and they have worked and I’ve never broken any but I don’t put them on an impact driver either. Still have a USA Craftsman set as well inherited from my pop.

In the end, you have to decide what you want and then live with the choice. Just sayin.........


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[four.cycle]

also listed today:

S-K Wayne 19 pieces 1/2" drive 12-pt SAE socket set (sockets only)
7/16" - 1-1/8" (includes 32nds - NO 3/4")
used
$23.99 + $7.90 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Tues. 11/14
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-drive-...889939?hash=item2392459893:g:aF4AAOSwP4FaAbt5

==

If you can still find Thorsen (US made) it would be a good value.

DAYTON 18 pieces 1/2" drive 12-pt SAE socket set with hip-roof box (* Thorsen made for Grainger Supply *)
7/16" - 1-1/4" (NO 1/2")(finding a replacement 1/2" to match may be a challenge)
listed as used (see photos)
$39.99 + $29.45 shipping OBO "buy now"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dayton-1-2...036847?hash=item2390abd9af:g:UawAAOSwXPNZ6ef3

 

[Robinson1]

also listed today:

S-K Wayne 19 pieces 1/2" drive 12-pt SAE socket set (sockets only)
7/16" - 1-1/8" (includes 32nds - NO 3/4")
used
$23.99 + $7.90 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Tues. 11/14
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2-drive-...889939?hash=item2392459893:g:aF4AAOSwP4FaAbt5

==



DAYTON 18 pieces 1/2" drive 12-pt SAE socket set with hip-roof box (* Thorsen made for Grainger Supply *)
7/16" - 1-1/4" (NO 1/2")(finding a replacement 1/2" to match may be a challenge)
listed as used (see photos)
$39.99 + $29.45 shipping OBO "buy now"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dayton-1-2...036847?hash=item2390abd9af:g:UawAAOSwXPNZ6ef3

I'm going to watch that SK set. I've got a 3/4 socket that would match the set.

 

[M_George]

I need to do that my current storage system *****!

I just picked up the socket racks they have at Harbor Freight.

 

[visionguru]

Except them being "cheap", you haven't mentioned what about your sockets that make you not satisfied.

To me, sockets are among those things that "anything" works just as well. I have sockets by Craftsman, Gearwrench, Toolshop (Menards generic brand), and Snap-On, except Craftsman that has slightly different detention notches, I have yet notice a difference when using them.

For 1/2", I'd get an impact set and forget about chrome.

If you have money to burn, upgrading ratchets, pliers,... is probably more meaningful than sockets.

 

[3jakes]

I really like the look of those westlings. Not seen them before.
Edit* just watched a few utube vids about them
Do you feel the studs are long enough?
It looks like an extra inch of aluminum would have made these jump from good to awesome.
Looks like sockets won't fall off too often, but will if you are rough with the tray.
Trouble with the plastic Hansen stuff, is that the shafts break off.
3jakes

I'd strongly recommend you check out the socket organizers that westlingmachine.com offers. Here's a pic of my westling organizers below below.

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/iChX9Ba' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/iChX9Ba.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

 

[thatguysb]

i am in the same boat, i honestly have all necessary sockets that i need besides a 36mm 12pt socket.

i would like to have everything portable in those magnetic socket trays that you could chuck and go wherever the work is but my problem is that i have complete sockets sets that i dont wanna scrap to make others full.

i am always afraid of loosing my stuff even tho i never lost a single tool since..

 

[four.cycle]

JC PENNEY 19-pc 1/2" drive 12-pt SAE socket set w/metal box (Thorsen made)
7/16" - 1-1/4"
listed as used (see photos)
$10.00 + $25.00 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Weds. 11/15
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-JC...917221?hash=item2cc97c2465:g:sgQAAOSw8DJaA-73

 

[Al Borland]

If all my sockets matched, I would get confused. I can be looking for a 7/8" socket, and know the 3/4 is a mismatch (old industrial brownish Proto), so I grab the next bigger one.
If you hardly use them, and want them in a case, go to Home Despot or Lowes and get a set in a case. Either will be fine.
Or, splurge a bit. Treat yourself to some SK.
You're worth it, aren't you???