Sockets!: Need to start over - 1/4 - 3/8 - 1/2"

[mroneeyedboh]

Ok so over time Ive lost this and that and now Im looking to start over...

I need sockets in 1/4 - 3/8 - 1/2 drive both metric and standard and in chrome. Im thinking Tekton is the best bet as this is just a garage at home set. Stuff at work is the big boy brands, but at home I cant see spending that kind of money.

I have impacts that I dont use at work anymore and they're home, so I may start using them here and there now... Should I get maybe a set of 3/8" drive impacts? Maybe 1/2" instead?

Im just working on stuff, again at home.. Nothing big. The biggest thing I have is a 2019 f250 diesel - other than that its just passenger cars, lawnmower etc.

Im going to get some rails to mount the sockets on, so I have that covered.

Im thinking about new ratchets some longer ones possibly for more torque when needed? I have breaker bars already... I see the Tekton chrome kits some with ratchets and they may work out just fine...

I dont need anyhtging NOW so if there is usually a sale around thanksgiving and I should wait, well I'll wait it out. Thoughts? Suggestions?

thanks!

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I'm a fan of Koken sockets but definitely the easiest way to get a complete set of decent sockets would be tekton.

 

[619DioFan]

I have quite few sets of chrome spockets from HF - Pittsburgh pro - zero issues and lifetime warranty. Probably made in the same factory as tekton. Also like the ratchets from hf. Have lots of impact sockets from them as well, zero issues

 

[Raineman]

I'm a fan of Tekton, especially if they are just for home sets. That said, I sent you a pm about a Craftsman set I am parting with.

 

[thool]

I was in the same situation and went with GearWrench brand for the 1/4" and 3/8" drives. I don't have a need for a 1/2" set, so I am using a HF set of deep impact 1/2" sockets and both a impact wrench and a breaker bar as needed. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 1/2" GearWrench set based on the quality of the 2 I have, but question the need based on your examples.

My use cases are similar to yours: lawnmower, snowblower, small engines, appliances, cars.

 

[JradM]

Williams is another brand to at least compare. Pricing is reasonable, quality is high.

There's Taiwanese and USA-made lines. I think they are both good (Taiwan stuff is cheaper), but some find reasons to prefer the USA stuff. Since you're already contemplating Taiwanese-made sockets, I presume you won't object.

 

[lardy1]

1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set (213-Piece) | TEKTON

Includes 5/32 - 1-5/16 inch (SAE), 4 - 32 mm (Metric) standard and deep length sockets, a 90-tooth ratchets, extensions, u-joints, and storage case. SKT95302.

www.tekton.com

If you're wanting it all at once. I spent the money on SK and don't regret it a bit but that was before retirement. If I had to do it now I'd find that deal hard to pass up.

 

[drtyler]

Williams USA sockets, not badly priced from zoro.com with 20% off coupons.

 

[jsmeece]

I wanted a socket set to keep inside the house for minor repairs, I got tired of going outside during the winter and rainy day to get tools. So I bought this set, GEARWRENCH 68 Pc. 1/4" & 3/8" Drive Mechanics Tool Set, 6 & 12 Pt., Standard & Deep, SAE/Metric - 83000 off Ebay. Got it for under $70, it has the older 84 tooth ratchets, which is what I wanted. The newer version of this same set now contain the newer 90 tooth ratchets.

 

[belvedere]

A person can find good deals on quality used stuff if you keep your eyes open. If you are just wanting to place one order for new stuff and be done, for your intended purpose, it would be hard to beat Tekton.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

I'm in a similar boat, currently starting fresh at home and up at the vacation home.

Based upon personal experience and input here, I've been looking at OEMTools or Tekton. HF seemed like a good idea on the surface, but my goal is to have no skips. Unfortunately Pittsburgh doesn't offer that.

My idea was to go with chrome for 1/4 and 3/8. 1/2 would be all impact and I'd pick up at least a deep 3/8 impact set for good measure.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I'd go with Tekton for quality and customer service, but Williams or Proto would be good if you can find a good deal. Of course, there's the USA-made Stanley/Craftsman sockets coming, but who knows when they will actually hit the shelves, or how good they will be.

For a much more budget-friendly option, I've been impressed with the DeWalt sockets and wrenches. The wrenches are a bit heavy and fat-handled, but that can be a good thing. For the price, they are heard to beat. The sets are not as complete, though I think they may be a good solution for a road kit, or something like that.

 

[JradM]

Williams USA sockets, not badly priced from zoro.com with 20% off coupons.

I've been meaning to buy the Williams "MSB-20HRC" 20 piece 3/8-Inch Drive Metric socket set. When you mentioned Zoro I decided to check the price - but it doesn't show up for me. Seems like there's lots of Williams stuff they don't list - and most the stuff they do is Taiwanese.

I personally think Williams Taiwan tools tend to be ignored because of the USA stuff. It's sort of strange that two separate socket lines are produced under the Williams brand when they aren't that far apart in price. However, Williams's Taiwan sockets are also very good.

So with that in mind, spend more if you want the USA stuff (it is after all, not THAT much more) but don't talk yourself out of Williams if the price you want to spend matches up better with the Taiwan sockets.

 

[mike93lx]

The ratchets ****, but the sockets in the larger kobalt sets are pretty good. I have their "three drawer" plastic box that I use for a portable set, which goes on sale for $100 a couple times a year, but even at $150-200,its a good deal

 

[kody1234]

I like the tekton socket sets, no skips if you lose one you can buy just that one,

 

[d.mcfarland]

Gearwrench is my vote in this situation if you want new items.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have found myself using a fair number of 3/8" wobble impacts at home for various work. If you go looking for those I have had good luck with my Sunex ones, and the price is not bad either. Otherwise I use almost exclusively Tekton and have been very happy with them.

 

[Xcursion88]

SK

 

[M6erfan]

Without any guidance on budget

 

[FMB4]

I'd place the ability to replace a single socket, or single tool for that matter, high on your list.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I'm a fan of Koken sockets but definitely the easiest way to get a complete set of decent sockets would be tekton.

Of all the different socket sets I have, I can without a doubt say my Ko-kens are the best. And if you can live with some skips, you can get the regular sets on rails for a really good price. If I were starting over I’d go those for my 1/4 and 3/8 sets. Tekton is cool because they don’t skip and you can buy the individual sockets of all sizes. I dig my gunmetal Craftsman 1/2 but the sizes skip and do not go very large. I think it tops out at 22mm and 15/16”.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For most DIYers, you really don't need 1/2" sockets except for lug nuts (buy a flip socket set).

I you want to stick with one brand, look for one that sells larger and smaller 3/8" sockets than what comes in their standard set. I also don't believe you need 3/8" impact sockets except maybe the flex sockets.

Yes, I have 1/2" sockets, extensions, ratchets, standard and deep, chrome and impact, SAE and metric. Except for the lug nut flip sockets, they have not been used in over 5 years !

 

[Fly YX]

Tekton is nice but if I was going to start over I would go Wright. Love there stuff

 

[drtyler]

I've been meaning to buy the Williams "MSB-20HRC" 20 piece 3/8-Inch Drive Metric socket set. When you mentioned Zoro I decided to check the price - but it doesn't show up for me. Seems like there's lots of Williams stuff they don't list - and most the stuff they do is Taiwanese.

I personally think Williams Taiwan tools tend to be ignored because of the USA stuff. It's sort of strange that two separate socket lines are produced under the Williams brand when they aren't that far apart in price. However, Williams's Taiwan sockets are also very good.

So with that in mind, spend more if you want the USA stuff (it is after all, not THAT much more) but don't talk yourself out of Williams if the price you want to spend matches up better with the Taiwan sockets.

Wow, I hope they are not discontinued.

Amazon has that set for $94. I bought it from zoro for about $75 (maybe 2 or 3 years ago).

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Of all the different socket sets I have, I can without a doubt say my Ko-kens are the best. And if you can live with some skips, you can get the regular sets on rails for a really good price. If I were starting over I’d go those for my 1/4 and 3/8 sets. Tekton is cool because they don’t skip and you can buy the individual sockets of all sizes. I dig my gunmetal Craftsman 1/2 but the sizes skip and do not go very large. I think it tops out at 22mm and 15/16”.

The skips are really disappointing from a company that is so focused on sockets but yes. The sockets themselves are fantastic and the satin finish holds up so much better than chrome in my opinion

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Everyone seems to always forget about Capri Tools. They have great stuff I’d say it compares to Tekton. I just placed a large order and like Tekton you get points to use towards other stuff as well. Not saying Tekton isn’t good I just wanted to make sure people remember the Capri name as well. Pittsburgh Pro has good sockets too just wish they would not skip so much. Some other good ones are Duralast, Carlyle, Sunex, Williams, Wright, Kobalt and plenty of others. Craftsman is actually not bad now either it’s all Taiwan made as far as sockets go now. I have come across old stock China in the individual ones too so if you buy a single just make sure it’s Taiwan. Plus like the other companies if you go thru their website then they handle the warranty really well so that’s a plus. Even better if your Lowe’s will do it.

Gearwrench used to be on my list but after their production moved to China I noticed the quality isn’t where it used to be. So I don’t really buy them anymore. If the quality was still there regardless of country of origin I’d still buy them.

 

[javyLSU]

For a home set, I like Husky. Very similar to Gearwrench (Apex manufactures Husky sockets and ratchets for Home Depot). This 3/8” drive set includes both metric and SAE sizes, no skips, both shallow and deeps for $70, and HD sells all the individual sockets in store..

Husky 3/8 in. Drive SAE and Metric Socket Set (54-Piece) H3D54PCMSS - The Home Depot

Enjoy the ultimate accessory for every fastening work with the addition of this excellent Husky Drive SAE and Metric Socket Set. Made easy to maintain.

www.homedepot.com

At home, I like ability to run out and get a warranty replacement at a store if something breaks rather than wait for warranty service through the mail.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you can find them TOPTUL makes the best sockets for the buck. I use to sell them but not any more. There are other sellers now in America you might want to check them out. If TOPTUL isn't viable then I agree with the Tekton recommendation. I also like their ratchets.

 

[plinker]

I'd place the ability to replace a single socket, or single tool for that matter, high on your list.

This is defiantly something to consider. I was going to buy a Masterforce pass-thru set at Menards last saturday and decided not to since they A: didnt have any open stock replacements for when/if I lose one, B: no extension. I was surprised that they were made in Taiwan as I thought they had gone with all chinese stuff after the US made was discontinued.

I have lost several sockets over time and it's nice to be able to replace them with identical ones, though that can be difficult at times. (example, Napa sockets I have include older US made Danaher, GW clones & Carlyle, so they dont necessarily match)


Pretty much all the Made in Taiwan sockets are coming from the same factory more then likely, so brand may not matter as much there. S-K Williams & Wright would round out the US made options. Do-it best hardware has Channelock brand sockets/wrenches (Taiwan) and they actually look pretty good for what they are and for the price.

What is available locally or online will vary by location, but my outlook is
Can I buy single sockets?
Are they available locally? Meaning not an hour or more drive away (can make a difference if/when a replacement is needed)
How easy to get them warranted?

 

[jobo1004]

I like not needing separate chrome and impact sets for 1/4" and 3/8" and I've been really happy with the Grey Pneumatic duo-sockets. I just have regular impact sockets for 1/2" as I've never had the need for slimmer sockets whenever I'm using that range of sizes.

Duo-Socket Sets and Ratchets | Grey Pneumatic

See our entire stock of Duo-Socket Sets and Ratchets as well as impact socket sets and Duo-Socket Ratchets.

www.gpsocket.com

 

[thool]

I know some people hate them, but I found the blow molded cases work great for my sockets, just remove the lid (the GW cases have lids that slide off). I like the ability to take the entire bottom half out and put it on the floor or bench...everything is right there in reach. For bigger projects I'll simply roll my chest over and work out of the drawers.

Also, being somewhat OC, I like having no skips and enough overlap between 1/4" and 3/8" sets.

Like some others here, I have not yet found a case where I needed a 1/2" drive socket set. A decent 6 point deep impact socket set and a breaker bar has been enough for my jobs like rotating tires and cranking large nuts.

Rough usage breakdown:

• 1/4" about 70%
• 3/8" about 25%
• 1/2" with breaker or impact about 5%

 

[jrbpit1]

I've gone with Wright. (Sockets, extensions, wrenches) If COO matters to you Wright is made in Ohio. I have a bunch of their stuff and it works pretty well. Yes, it is more expensive than Tekton or other Asian brand. Give them a try. Harry J Epstein has a fair amount of their stuff in stock. I also have a bunch of SK and have been pleased with it. We'll see what the future brings for SK as they've been bought by a Chinese company.

I just picked up a new set of US Made Tekton punches, have yet to use them yet. For my road box, I needed a 21mm wrench to round out my set, I went with Tekton. Finish is good on the wrench & think it should hold up just fine for my purposes, and price was good.

 

[Fedwrench]

Another vote for Tekton. You would be hard pressed to find a better socket for the money As others have mentioned they have a very wide range of sizes without skips. I recommend ordering direct from Tekton.com as that way you will get their most current offering instead of older closeout versions. Their current versions are vastly improved over earlier offerings. Once registered, you also get 10% back in reward points that spend like cash and free shipping. Tekton doesn't do many sales but, the free shipping and reward points add up. Slightly off topic but, their 90 tooth ratchets are outstanding!!!

 

[bob15]

Wright. US-made and they have large stamped numbers for sizes. SK would be # 2 on the list. Obsolete Bonney would be #3. Proto and Williams are dead last.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Thanks to all!

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Another vote for Tekton. You would be hard pressed to find a better socket for the money As others have mentioned they have a very wide range of sizes without skips. I recommend ordering direct from Tekton.com as that way you will get their most current offering instead of older closeout versions. Their current versions are vastly improved over earlier offerings. Once registered, you also get 10% back in reward points that spend like cash and free shipping. Tekton doesn't do many sales but, the free shipping and reward points add up. Slightly off topic but, their 90 tooth ratchets are outstanding!!!

Is that ratchet what comes in the blow molded cases?

 

[CallumRD1]

Is that ratchet what comes in the blow molded cases?

Yes

 

[mroneeyedboh]

For a home set, I like Husky. Very similar to Gearwrench (Apex manufactures Husky sockets and ratchets for Home Depot). This 3/8” drive set includes both metric and SAE sizes, no skips, both shallow and deeps for $70, and HD sells all the individual sockets in store..

Husky 3/8 in. Drive SAE and Metric Socket Set (54-Piece) H3D54PCMSS - The Home Depot

Enjoy the ultimate accessory for every fastening work with the addition of this excellent Husky Drive SAE and Metric Socket Set. Made easy to maintain.

www.homedepot.com

At home, I like ability to run out and get a warranty replacement at a store if something breaks rather than wait for warranty service through the mail.

Does the 1/4" set have skips? Im not brand loyal, but if I can go and get this set locally, then it might be a good deal.

 

[javyLSU]

Does the 1/4" set have skips? Im not brand loyal, but if I can go and get this set locally, then it might be a good deal.

No skips, and the 1/4” set also comes with some hex and torx sockets:

Husky 1/4 in. Drive SAE and Metric Socket Set (66-Piece) H4D66PCMSS - The Home Depot

Upgrade your toolbox effectively without any hesitation with the selection of this extraordinarily designed Husky Drive SAE and Metric Socket Set.

www.homedepot.com

 

[wtn1271]

Wright. US-made and they have large stamped numbers for sizes. SK would be # 2 on the list. Obsolete Bonney would be #3. Proto and Williams are dead last.

Why are Proto & Williams dead last? ....... just curious as the few Proto sockets I have seem nicely finished and quite functional; the Williams are more industrial yet function fine too.