Need a socket set - any suggestions for American made sets

[uoficowboy]

I am in desperate need of a proper socket set. I have a rusty Chinesium 3/8" and 1/4" drive set with lots of peeling chrome. The ratchet is rusted solid...

I would like to get a proper set of sockets - both shallow and deep, metric and SAE, 6 point preferred but not a huge deal either way. I keep on hoping to find a nice used set of old (American made) Craftsman sockets on Craigslist or at an estate sale but have been coming up with absolutely nothing.

Any suggestions? Ebay? Any modern American made socket sets that don't charge Snap On prices?

Thank you!!

 

[lugnut71]

absolutely, williams usa, snap-on quality , reasonably priced

 

[Mgdoug3]

What's your budget? I bought an SK 3/8 kit SAE and metric shallow and deep. SAE is 1/4 up to 7/8 and metric is 6 up to 19. I got it for $195. If you get a compact 45173 SK ratchet, 1/4 drive isn't really necessary. The kit also had a swivel, 3" and 6" extension plus a thumb wheel ratchet.

 

[Wamsutta]

http://www.toolsdelivered.com

 

[uoficowboy]

absolutely, williams usa, snap-on quality , reasonably priced

Are all Williams sockets USA made? I see wildly varying prices for their sets - with some small sets at $400 and some of their large sets less than $100. It's strange that there doesn't seem to be a Williams website.

 

[plinker]

Williams & S-K are very nice sockets. S-K has some very complete cased sets in 1/4 & 3/8 drive. Proto & Wright are both good options as well.

 

[plinker]

Are all Williams sockets USA made? I see wildly varying prices for their sets - with some small sets at $400 and some of their large sets less than $100. It's strange that there doesn't seem to be a Williams website.

Some Williams are Taiwan (still good quality FWIW), you have to check the part numbers. If they have letters and numbers it's US made vs. just numbers for the Taiwan made stuff.

 

[Jtels85]

I use Craftsman USA sockets exclusively. Never had a problem with any of them. Mine are G2 and G2D code.

If tracking down sets of those is out of the question, I highly recommend SK. My friend has newer SK mechanic socket sets in the green, blow mold cases. They come with a ratchet, finger ratchet, extension bars and universal joint, shallow and deep SAE and Metric, no skips. Talk about a wonderful set of USA made sockets. We used them to rebuild his Neon SRT4 motor and do some work on the Sierra. If I didn’t already have my Craftsman, I would buy SK.

 

[Wamsutta]

Are all Williams sockets USA made?

Depends on part number. The smart thing to do is download the Williams catalog so that you can do the proper product research. Don't feel like doing all that? Then what you do is decide on which size sockets you want and then some expert like me goes in and locates the tools; because to him, it's a game.

 

[uoficowboy]

What's your budget? I bought an SK 3/8 kit SAE and metric shallow and deep. SAE is 1/4 up to 7/8 and metric is 6 up to 19. I got it for $195. If you get a compact 45173 SK ratchet, 1/4 drive isn't really necessary. The kit also had a swivel, 3" and 6" extension plus a thumb wheel ratchet.

Good question. I haven't put a ton of thought into budget - but a few hundred $ sounds good to me. Hard cap on budget at $500. But yeah, $200 sounds like a good target.

SK set 91860 looks maybe reasonable? TBH I don't have a good read on what I need - just need a general set for home and automotive use. That set is $260 on Amazon though I haven't found a good listing of what it actually includes.

 

[uoficowboy]

Some Williams are Taiwan (still good quality FWIW), you have to check the part numbers. If they have letters and numbers it's US made vs. just numbers for the Taiwan made stuff.

Great, thanks. I don't doubt that the Taiwanese stuff is good but i just feel better seeing "USA" on all my tools .

Letters vs numbers is a great and easy way to check! Thank you!

 

[Skin]

Ebay with coupon would be cheapest overall for those SK blow mold sets. If you cant have a tool box next to what you're working on the cases are definitely handy to have.


Williams will have cleaner broachings inside if you're a bit of a tool polisher and you care. They're literally made in the same facility as Snap-on sockets. Both Williams and SK have nice exterior finishes though.

 

[metaldad]

still in production - sk, proto, wright.
no longer made - armstrong, along with all the other brands apex/ danaher made

 

[Mgdoug3]

Here's the kit I bought: https://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-49...nd-deep-fractional-and-metric-socket-set.html

It's free shipping from them and it's $203. HJE sells it for $205 but you have to also pay for shipping. I have a compact ratchet I also keep in the kit.

 

[IdahoMan]

http://www.toolsdelivered.com

Thank you for the link.

Sincere question: Am I missing something.. I see only deep or shallow SAE sockets, I just want "regular". Or is that "deep" and "shallow" are the two categories sockets are made in?

 

[Tallpilot]

Thank you for the link.

Sincere question: Am I missing something.. I see only deep or shallow SAE sockets, I just want "regular". Or is that "deep" and "shallow" are the two categories sockets are made in?

I like Williams and have full metric sets in 3/8 and 1/4. I don’t use SAE enough to justify anything besides Taiwan. Toolsdelivered is the way to go. I don’t know how you could get a full set of sockets that say USA on them cheaper unless you spent 6 months scouring pawn shops and estate sales.

Shallow would probably be regular, although I haven’t heard them called that. The somewhat recent innovation is ‘mid-length.’ I would certainly get both deep and shallow; there are many situations where only one type will work.

 

[Tallpilot]

Here's the kit I bought: https://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-49...nd-deep-fractional-and-metric-socket-set.html

It's free shipping from them and it's $203. HJE sells it for $205 but you have to also pay for shipping. I have a compact ratchet I also keep in the kit.

/sigh

I know you love SK, so nothing personal. Why, for the love of all that’s Holy, do they not include the deep version of each size? Has there been some sort of agreement between equipment and tool manufacturers to never recess certain size fasteners?

FFS, if price is a problem make the size range smaller instead of making sets with skips.

/rant off

Pretty good price for USA stuff.

 

[Professional Tool User]

How much do you use your tools? Even as someone who uses them for work, sockets are one of those things you can cheap out on. They are easy to lose. I have probably lost more sockets than I've broken. When I do break them, I really have to beat on them to break one. I've had one cheap Made in China impact socket break on me in 3 years. I'd only go with USA made for sockets if I can find them used for dirt cheap as they seem to be slightly thicker. Options include the Snap on, Mac, Proto, SK, Wright etc. In hindsight, yes, I do regret not buying those Proto impact sockets from that Proto hoard of an estate sale. However, from a cost benefit stand point, my cheap Made in China impact sockets have proven their worth.

 

[Flyordie]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-...144388?hash=item4d8f44fb04:g:gtYAAOSwHF5cin-8

idk if linking to ebay is not allowed.. but a wrencher is in need and a good deal is here... lol

100% USA made there. Armstrong 1/4" kit. Deep and Shallow... includes ratchet and such..

That'll leave you with just finding a 3/8" kit with the remainder of your budget.

I am actually considering picking one of those 1/4" drive kits up myself and will relegate my craftsman 1/4" kit to the home box. lol.

 

[woody6904]

For USA made sockets this is where I would start...

https://www.google.com/search?q=sk+...oid-sprint-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

For 1/4 these SK sets are hard to beat plus very portable.

Williams from ToolsDelivered is good for 3/8 chrome. Very nice sockets at reasonable prices, wish I would have known about these years ago.

Not sure if you are needing any 1/2 drive, but I shift toward Wright sockets when it comes to 1/2. Can get nice used sets off eBay for a good price.

 

[Mgdoug3]

/sigh

I know you love SK, so nothing personal. Why, for the love of all that’s Holy, do they not include the deep version of each size? Has there been some sort of agreement between equipment and tool manufacturers to never recess certain size fasteners?

FFS, if price is a problem make the size range smaller instead of making sets with skips.

/rant off

Pretty good price for USA stuff.

Without looking at my set, sockets bigger than 9/16 and 14 mm are actual deep well sockets. Those sizes and smaller are more semi-deep. I would also rather have all deep well sockets, especially the 9/16 since 3/8 bolts are common for me.

 

[Fedwrench]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-...144388?hash=item4d8f44fb04:g:gtYAAOSwHF5cin-8
idk if linking to ebay is not allowed.. but a wrencher is in need and a good deal is here... lol
100% USA made there. Armstrong 1/4" kit. Deep and Shallow... includes ratchet and such..
That'll leave you with just finding a 3/8" kit with the remainder of your budget.
I am actually considering picking one of those 1/4" drive kits up myself and will relegate my craftsman 1/4" kit to the home box. lol.

Man those sets have doubled in price since Armstrong's closing. I remember picking a set up from Cripe for $50 a few years ago.
That Armstrong set is USA made Craftsman for the most part Yeah, you get 15 mm 1/4 drive socket and knurling on the extensions which Craftsman didn't offer but, the sockets are the same as craftsman down to that funky double detent on the square drive end. It's a nice set but, no factory support for it currently.

 

[uoficowboy]

idk if linking to ebay is not allowed.. but a wrencher is in need and a good deal is here... lol

100% USA made there. Armstrong 1/4" kit. Deep and Shallow... includes ratchet and such..

That'll leave you with just finding a 3/8" kit with the remainder of your budget.

I am actually considering picking one of those 1/4" drive kits up myself and will relegate my craftsman 1/4" kit to the home box. lol.

That looks like a nice set - but is a 1/4" set a good idea for automotive? I thought you typically wanted 3/8" or larger for automotive work.

 

[Yarpo]

That looks like a nice set - but is a 1/4" set a good idea for automotive? I thought you typically wanted 3/8" or larger for automotive work.

"Automotive" is a broad category. You certainly cant fit a 3/8th ratchet or socket in some areas. I use 1/4 almost exclusively inside an engine bay or the interior of a car. I never use 1/4 on suspension or brakes tho. So it all depends what you consider automotive work.

If you're not sure of what you're working on, I'd absolutely say you dont need a 200 dollar set of USA made sockets, but it your cash so you do you!

 

[visionguru]

That looks like a nice set - but is a 1/4" set a good idea for automotive? I thought you typically wanted 3/8" or larger for automotive work.

UofI cowboy? In the middle of cornfields.

You need all of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive sizes for automotive work. Made in USA does not guarantee quality. Actually, the worst quality sockets I've seen are made in USA: Menards Masterforce, now replaced by much better quality Chinese sockets.

I have sockets from Snap On and GearWrench, the quality difference is little to none.

 

[Spacey_G]

Without looking at my set, sockets bigger than 9/16 and 14 mm are actual deep well sockets. Those sizes and smaller are more semi-deep. I would also rather have all deep well sockets, especially the 9/16 since 3/8 bolts are common for me.

You're correct, the 3/8" SK sets have a mix of semi-deep and deep. They muddy the waters with their terminology, sometimes referring to semi-deep as "deep" and deep as "extra-deep".

The actual lengths are all listed in their catalog, so you can figure it out with a little digging.

I filled in the missing sizes in my metric 3/8 set with a mix of deep and semi-deep Carlyle sockets for a full set of shallow, semi-deep, and deep.

 

[Dieselhammer]

SK and be done with it, i have both the 1/4" and 3/8" master sets that come in a blow molded case with metric/standard, deep and shallow, and extensions, adaptors and a ratchet. If they survive daily use in a heavy diesel setting, they'll survive most home users until their great grand kids inherit them. American made, less than half the price of snap on and you can feel the quality in the weight of the tools, what more could a guy want?

 

[uoficowboy]

UofI cowboy? In the middle of cornfields.

You need all of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive sizes for automotive work. Made in USA does not guarantee quality. Actually, the worst quality sockets I've seen are made in USA: Menards Masterforce, now replaced by much better quality Chinese sockets.

I have sockets from Snap On and GearWrench, the quality difference is little to none.

Chambanavoy indeed

Sad to hear our country's name was put on import quality tools. It's bound to happen on occasion, sadly.

 

[uoficowboy]

SK and be done with it, i have both the 1/4" and 3/8" master sets that come in a blow molded case with metric/standard, deep and shallow, and extensions, adaptors and a ratchet. If they survive daily use in a heavy diesel setting, they'll survive most home users until their great grand kids inherit them. American made, less than half the price of snap on and you can feel the quality in the weight of the tools, what more could a guy want?

Yeah I'm leaning heavily towards the SK 94549 49 piece 3/8" drive set.

Is a 1/4" set useful that often if you have a 3/8" set? Is the entire advantage of 1/4" that the smaller bits have a smaller outer diameter so you can fit them in tighter spaces?

The only thing that is giving me pause right now is I'm debating if I should be getting an impact rated set like the SK 4090 40 piece 3/8" impact set.

If I'm trying to only have one set of sockets - would it make sense for that set to be impact? Or is there something bad about using impact sockets for every day use? Do they rust faster since they don't have the chrome coating?

 

[Dieselhammer]

Yeah I'm leaning heavily towards the SK 94549 49 piece 3/8" drive set.

Is a 1/4" set useful that often if you have a 3/8" set? Is the entire advantage of 1/4" that the smaller bits have a smaller outer diameter so you can fit them in tighter spaces?

The only thing that is giving me pause right now is I'm debating if I should be getting an impact rated set like the SK 4090 40 piece 3/8" impact set.

If I'm trying to only have one set of sockets - would it make sense for that set to be impact? Or is there something bad about using impact sockets for every day use? Do they rust faster since they don't have the chrome coating?

I actually use my 1/4" set more than the 3/8 set because when im using 3/8 stuff i/m generally using an impact and unfortunately i dont have sk 3/8 impact sockets, i have a cheaper set at the moment. They're both spectacular, if you plan on using power tools i would get the chrome 1/4 master set and get some 3/8 impact sockets. Don't get me wrong though, i love my 3/8 SK set, its very handy when working mobile for its portableness and also how complete it is, the SAE sockets go up to 7/8" when most 3/8 sets only go to 3/4". Food for thought.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Why, for the love of all that’s Holy, do they not include the deep version of each size? Has there been some sort of agreement between equipment and tool manufacturers to never recess certain size fasteners?

with 20 years use of the 47 pc 3/8 set, and the 44pc 1/4 set, I haven't run into a tool polishing moment where I needed 5/16 deep in 3/8 for example. They make the deeps up through the largest sizes. Just not the smaller sizes. And I think deeps in 1/4 start in 6mm.

Yeah I'm leaning heavily towards the SK 94549 49 piece 3/8" drive set.

Is a 1/4" set useful that often if you have a 3/8" set? Is the entire advantage of 1/4" that the smaller bits have a smaller outer diameter so you can fit them in tighter spaces?

The only thing that is giving me pause right now is I'm debating if I should be getting an impact rated set like the SK 4090 40 piece 3/8" impact set.

If I'm trying to only have one set of sockets - would it make sense for that set to be impact? Or is there something bad about using impact sockets for every day use? Do they rust faster since they don't have the chrome coating?

The 1/4" set is crazy useful and covers a lot of automotive projects. Grabbing a green case and throwing it in a bag before junkyarding means I will be set for 15mm and smaller.

If you're not set up with air or cordless impact tools, go chrome for now. Later on, a Sunex impact set could give you a similar broad range of sizes, in a case.

 

[BroncoAZ]

How much do you use your tools? Even as someone who uses them for work, sockets are one of those things you can cheap out on. They are easy to lose. I have probably lost more sockets than I've broken. When I do break them, I really have to beat on them to break one. I've had one cheap Made in China impact socket break on me in 3 years. I'd only go with USA made for sockets if I can find them used for dirt cheap as they seem to be slightly thicker. Options include the Snap on, Mac, Proto, SK, Wright etc. In hindsight, yes, I do regret not buying those Proto impact sockets from that Proto hoard of an estate sale. However, from a cost benefit stand point, my cheap Made in China impact sockets have proven their worth.

Agreed, I’ve never had a socket fail without significant abuse. Save the USA socket money for something else. My main set is old USA Craftsman, for my visiting toolbox I recently purchased sets of Taiwan made Gearwrench for $110 shipped. Really good fit and quality without a huge price, and the 120xp ratchets are great.

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

Nothing wrong with using impact sockets all the time, but I ran into a caliper bracket bolt on the Factory 5 car tonight that my impact socket didn’t fit on but my chrome deep socket did. I like Sunex master kits for impact sockets, affordable and I’ve never had an issue. I have this 3/8” kit with all the universals for $160:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNH7728/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But they also have this kit without for $72:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB9Y8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I’m in the market for a 1/2” socket set for my visiting box. I have some ancient Pittsburgh deep impact sets, but I need something with standard depth as well. I’m looking at the very complete Tekton 84 piece set, but the $190 is a little hard to swallow.

 

[uoficowboy]

For what it's worth - I ordered up the SK 94549 49 piece 3/8" 6 point set yesterday.

I don't currently even have an impact wrench, so getting impact sockets is likely not important right now.

I do have a impact driver - Dewalt DCF887 - I'm assuming I can use that with the SK (non impact) sockets without concern, right? Or do I need impact sockets even with impact drivers?

Also - the SK kit does not come with a breaker bar. Any reason I shouldn't be picking one up? Or should breaker bars only be used with 1/2" drive and up?

 

[bigjeff94]

For what it's worth - I ordered up the SK 94549 49 piece 3/8" 6 point set yesterday.

I don't currently even have an impact wrench, so getting impact sockets is likely not important right now.

I do have a impact driver - Dewalt DCF887 - I'm assuming I can use that with the SK (non impact) sockets without concern, right? Or do I need impact sockets even with impact drivers?

Also - the SK kit does not come with a breaker bar. Any reason I shouldn't be picking one up? Or should breaker bars only be used with 1/2" drive and up?

You won't be dissapointed with that set. I have the same one and it is my go to, it gets a lot of use.

 

[AS556]

Proto!

For Taiwan I like Tekton and Pittsburgh Pro.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Technically your supposed to only use impact sockets with impact drivers and wrenches. Many do here without issue (yet) myself included.

I would recommend getting impact sockets at some point.

Myself, I am currently working on building my first real tool set. I am purchasing all of the 6pt sockets first followed by bit sockets, combo wrenches, 12 pt sockets, then impact sockets. You have to decide which pattern works for you.

Also, I went with Williams USA, from toolsdelivered.com. I just got my full 1/4 set and am very happy with them. I also ordered the tawain extension and liked it so much I’ll also order the tawain ones as a second set of extensions. I also just discovered there is no 1/2 6pt set that is USA made...��

The breaker bars made by Williams are nearly the same length as the ratchets. While I am purchasing them, it may not be an absolute necessity. I would certainly have the 1/2 breaker bar and only use it on 1/2 sockets.

Nmg

 

[gatlibs]

For what it's worth - I ordered up the SK 94549 49 piece 3/8" 6 point set yesterday.

I don't currently even have an impact wrench, so getting impact sockets is likely not important right now.

I do have a impact driver - Dewalt DCF887 - I'm assuming I can use that with the SK (non impact) sockets without concern, right? Or do I need impact sockets even with impact drivers?

Also - the SK kit does not come with a breaker bar. Any reason I shouldn't be picking one up? Or should breaker bars only be used with 1/2" drive and up?

3/8" breaker bars aren't much longer than 3/8" long ratchets with pivoting heads. Also, for real breaking strength the 1/2" anvil and handle will be necessary.

 

[uncwstudent]

At the risk of igniting a debate over broaching, I really, really love my SK sockets. I'd put them up against anything else. Their warranty is painless as well.

 

[Tallpilot]

Technically your supposed to only use impact sockets with impact drivers and wrenches. Many do here without issue (yet) myself included.

I would recommend getting impact sockets at some point.

Myself, I am currently working on building my first real tool set. I am purchasing all of the 6pt sockets first followed by bit sockets, combo wrenches, 12 pt sockets, then impact sockets. You have to decide which pattern works for you.

Also, I went with Williams USA, from toolsdelivered.com. I just got my full 1/4 set and am very happy with them. I also ordered the tawain extension and liked it so much I’ll also order the tawain ones as a second set of extensions. I also just discovered there is no 1/2 6pt set that is USA made...��

The breaker bars made by Williams are nearly the same length as the ratchets. While I am purchasing them, it may not be an absolute necessity. I would certainly have the 1/2 breaker bar and only use it on 1/2 sockets.

Nmg

It is disappointing that they don't make USA 6 pts. I gave up on USA made and went with Carlyle for my chrome 1/2" set. Of course they also don't have mid length so you have to go with a different manufacturer for those as well.

As others have mentioned besides National pride I'm not sure there is a good argument to be made for paying the premium over Taiwan. I like seeing USA on my sockets and that makes my inner tool polisher happy but I'm not sure the extra expense nets any noticable gains.

 

[Mgdoug3]

As others have mentioned besides National pride I'm not sure there is a good argument to be made for paying the premium over Taiwan. I like seeing USA on my sockets and that makes my inner tool polisher happy but I'm not sure the extra expense nets any noticable gains.

This is probably true. I have several Gearwrench socket sets when they were 50% off at Advanced Auto. They haven't failed me yet. I like my tools being made in the USA but the quality gap has narrowed significantly.