1/2 Socket Set Recommendations: Koken, GearWrench, Tekton, or something else

[dmparksa]

I'm a home gamer, fixing mostly Japanese cars in my immediate household. I've had the privilege of working with someone else's tools in someone else's garage, so my own collection is quite lacking. Mostly used Craftsman USA pieces, with other nicer pieces here and there. I'm in the process of upgrading my most used pieces, which are the 3/8 sockets in shallow and deep. I mostly use the typical 10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm common in Japanese vehicles, but I ordered a full Ko-ken 3/8" 8-19mm shallow and deep(both standard, not zeal) set in case I need to work on friends and family's US brand vehicles(13, 15, 16, and 18 are fairly common on Ford/GM/Chrysler if I recall).

I currently have:

• Ratchets
  • 3/8 Pittsburgh Pro Flex Head 8"
  • 1/2 Pittsburgh Pro Flex Head XL 18"
• Sockets:
  • 3/8
    • Pittsburgh Pro Metric Short 12 PT
    • Pittsburgh Pro Metric Deep 6 PT
  • 1/2
    • Pittsburgh Pro Metric Short 12PT
    • Pittsburgh Pro Metric Deep 6 PT

On Order:

• Ratchets
  • 3/8 Gearwrench 84T Locking Flex Head 11"
  • 1/4 Gearwrench 84T Locking Flex Head 7"
• Sockets
  • 3/8
    • Ko-Ken 6PT Short Sockets 8 - 19mm no skips
    • Ko-Ken 6PT Deep Sockets 8 - 19mm no skips

I plan to add on a 3/8 straight ratchet and a 1/2 straight ratchet later, but what I'm mostly looking for is advice on 1/2" sockets.

So onto the questions:
1. Should I just get deep 1/2" sockets instead of chrome?

I've used 1/2" deep sockets for suspension or rusted components before, but I don't recall any time where space was an issue if I was using 1/2 deep anyways. I'm wondering if I could kill two birds with one stone by just getting 1/2" deep impact sockets instead of getting both chrome and impacts for 1/2" deep.

2. Any brand recommendations for an affordable(under $80ish) 1/2" shallow chrome sockets?

I was thinking of just matching the Ko-Ken set, but they don't have any no-skip sets, I'd have to buy a few singles to add on the 16, 18mm, which will be 10-22mm, skipping 20mm. I've never needed a 20mm socket before, so I think it's probably safe to skip that one until it's needed. That'll be about $75 right now or $60 during the thanksgiving sales, including the added on 16 and 18mm sockets.

I could also get some Gearwrench 1/2" 6PT shallow socket set which includes a ratchet, sockets from 10 - 24mm, and some other extensions for about $60.

I know I could get a Tekton set for both 1/2" 6PT shallow and deep chrome 10-24mm for about $120 and add on a 1/2" ratchet later.

In the case I get impact 1/2" deep sockets + chrome 1/2" shallow sockets, I'm wondering if the Koken will be worth the slight price premium over the Gearwrench. If I should be getting both 1/2" socket sets in chrome, I definitely see the perks of getting the Tekton set.

Thoughts? Apologize for the long post!

 

[Fedwrench]

For metric chrome shallow and deep, you just can't beat the quality/price, warranty offered by Tekton. Plus if you order from Tekton.com you get 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash and free CONUS shipping.

As for 1/2 drive deep metric impact sockets, yes you can probably get by with them over chrome depending on what you're working on. However, I really like this semi deep set from Genius tools:

Genius Tools Impact Socket Set 15 Piece Metric Semi-Deep Thin Wall 1/2 Inch Drive CR-Mo Steel High Strength - DI-415M

IMPACT SOCKET SET - 15pc 1/2" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Thin Wall Impact Socket Set (CR-Mo) DI-415M ORGANIZED TOOLS - Hard stamped sizes for easy, permanent identification that will not rub off CONVENIENT - Comes in a plastic blow-molded tray for secure storage and labeled for easy organization...

www.geniustoolsusa.com

you can usually find it on sale on amazon.

If warranty is important to you, I'm not sure of the ease of warranty with Ko-Ken. However, their tools probably wouldn't fail under normal use.

 

[spyerx]

I’m a home gamer. I use chrome in 1/4 and 3/8 both shallow and deep. Those are all sk. Use these 95% of time. 1/2 if needed i use shallow and deep impact sockets (mostly on wrenches except for lugs i use impact). Those i have from sunex. I use snap on ratchets . Bits and hex are mostly vim. Cars are German. Which also means i have a **** ton of torx, hex, etorx bits and sockets.

 

[dmparksa]

For metric chrome shallow and deep, you just can't beat the quality/price, warranty offered by Tekton. Plus if you order from Tekton.com you get 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash and free CONUS shipping.

As for 1/2 drive deep metric impact sockets, yes you can probably get by with them over chrome depending on what you're working on. However, I really like this semi deep set from Genius tools:

Genius Tools Impact Socket Set 15 Piece Metric Semi-Deep Thin Wall 1/2 Inch Drive CR-Mo Steel High Strength - DI-415M

IMPACT SOCKET SET - 15pc 1/2" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Thin Wall Impact Socket Set (CR-Mo) DI-415M ORGANIZED TOOLS - Hard stamped sizes for easy, permanent identification that will not rub off CONVENIENT - Comes in a plastic blow-molded tray for secure storage and labeled for easy organization...

www.geniustoolsusa.com

you can usually find it on sale on amazon.

If warranty is important to you, I'm not sure of the ease of warranty with Ko-Ken. However, their tools probably wouldn't fail under normal use.

I'll check out the Genius Tools semi deep set. I've thought about maybe just getting a semi deep in 1/2" as well instead of both shallow and deep... I'll have to think about it a bit more or if anyone wants to chime in on that, feel free to.

I know Tetkon will be much better than either GW or Koken for warranty, but I don't think I've ever broken a socket

I have broken a 1/4" ratchet though, but that was due to my laziness; I didn't want to crawl out and grab the 3/8" stuff for a rusty 14mm. Never broke a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet.

 

[dmparksa]

I’m a home gamer. I use chrome in 1/4 and 3/8 both shallow and deep. Those are all sk. Use these 95% of time. 1/2 if needed i use shallow and deep impact sockets (mostly on wrenches except for lugs i use impact). Those i have from sunex. I use snap on ratchets . Bits and hex are mostly vim. Cars are German. Which also means i have a **** ton of torx, hex, etorx bits and sockets.

I forgot to say that I also have a set of 1/4" shallow and deep from Dewalt. I don't tend to use them too often, but I've been glad to have them while working in some tighter spaces. The Dewalt set has been pretty good, but I ordered the locking flex GearWrench since the Dewalt 1/4" ratchet is a bit short. I have thought about adding a semi-deep 1/4" metric set from GW in the future.

I was going to go with Sunex for the 1/2" deep impact sockets, or just go Harbor Freight. I probably won't use them too much, and I probably will use 4 sizes: 14, 17, 19, and 22mm. Could also grab individual Koken deep sockets.

I do have some hex bits & wrenches, but haven't had much need for torx and etrox bits. I will be working on a 95 BMW sometime soon, but I don't believe they used as many torx/etorx bits back then.

 

[Odd-job]

Welcome to the GJ socketry can of worms. Would echo Fedwrench's comments about Tekton being hard to go wrong for standard shallow and deeps, however would say semi deeps and stubbies may be the way to go as the most used sockets you never realized you needed. The only standard shallows I seem to use these days are some 1/4 magnetic impact Sunex.

Personally have Astro 3/8 stubbies in impact, Sunex 3/8 semi deep in impact, Gearwrench mid depth 1/4s in chrome, Carlye 3/8 semi deeps in chrome, and Powerbuilt stubbies in 1/4 chrome. Probably my most used sockets.

Koken is worth the money for some of the specialty stuff they make like nut grippers and 1/4 E10s.

 

[JeepYJ]

For metric chrome shallow and deep, you just can't beat the quality/price, warranty offered by Tekton. Plus if you order from Tekton.com you get 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash and free CONUS shipping.

Tekton had socket sets on sale right now on their website. Might be worth a look to get everything you need in one shot.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I wouldn't be too picky when it comes to sockets. The bottom line is that as long as you are buying something that's made with decent steel and reasonably tight tolerances, you're good to go. As for chrome vs impact, the larger you go up in size, the less the wall thickness matters, assuming there's a difference in the first place. I can't visually distinguish a difference in wall thickness when comparing my chrome and impact sockets even in 1/4 dr. I would just go all in with impact sockets. This brings me to the next point. The brand doesn't matter that much unless you want to nitpick on design features or find a set that has no size skips. My Canadian Tire impact sockets averaged around $1 each for the set when I bought it and it took two years of beating on them with an MG725 in a professional environment to break one.

 

[VolvoRyan]

All of my 1/2" sockets are impact.

For a long time, the upmarket brands had thinner socket walls than the budget brands. This may have changed.

Another vote for Tekton, here. All of the impact sockets in my toolbox are SK and Snap-On, but my go bag for salvage yard missions is all Tekton. Tekton never disappoints, where.... of late.... Gearwrench seems to always disappoint.

-Ryan

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Harbor Freight 1/2" impact sockets (Tekton as well) are all good value pieces.

 

[silvertina]

Get 1/2dr deep impact sockets in 6pts then get 1/2dr shallow chrome sockets in 12pt.
Koken for shallow chromes then Harbor Freight or Tekton for the deep impacts.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What are you planning on fixing? That's the first question. No sense buying stubbies, swivels, the whole 9 yards for brakes and oil changes. You don't need special solutions for basic work. Or maybe you do if you want to pull an engine or do timing chains.

No 1/2 drive chrome. If you need that which is very rare, you can get it locally.

No sets with skips, unless there is no other possible option for the specific tool. You need all the sizes. Your aftermarket parts will.end up with a 15mm on a Honda or a 12mm on a gm.

 

[dmparksa]

What are you planning on fixing? That's the first question. No sense buying stumbles, swivels, the whole 9 yards for brakes and oil changes. You don't need special solutions for basic work. Or maybe you do if you want to pull an engine or do timing chains.

No 1/2 drive chrome. If you need that which is very rare, you can get it locally.

No sets with skips, unless there is no other possible option for the specific tool. You need all the sizes. Your aftermarket parts will.end up with a 15mm on a Honda or a 12mm on a gm.

I'm mostly fixing a Subaru and other Japanese passenger vehicles, no trucks. I will be working on a 95 BMW 3 series soon, but that's at someone else's garage with their tools. Brakes and oil changes are some of what I do, but I've also done cv axles, head gaskets(of course), radiator, water pump, alternator, belts, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, and a handful of other things here and there over the years.

I hadn't thought about aftermarket parts! I try to get OEM parts for my own vehicles, but I remember some moog parts I've bought had 15 or 16mm sometimes.

 

[dmparksa]

Seems like the general consensus is 1/2" deep(or semi-deep) sockets in impacts is probably fine(except for lug nuts) without getting chrome sockets and that 1/2" shallow could go either way on chrome or impact.

For 1/2" deep impacts, any of the brands would be fine, but preferably in this order: Tekton or Sunex -> HF -> any other brands

If I choose to go for 1/2" Shallow chromes, get Tekton or Koken.

Which is pretty much spot on with what I was thinking. I'll be making the order next month during black Friday & cyber Monday sales, so this gives me some time to go through some more options in semi-deep and stubbies.

Thanks everyone!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Seems like the general consensus is 1/2" deep(or semi-deep) sockets in impacts is probably fine(except for lug nuts) without getting chrome sockets and that 1/2" shallow could go either way on chrome or impact.

For 1/2" deep impacts, any of the brands would be fine, but preferably in this order: Tekton or Sunex -> HF -> any other brands

If I choose to go for 1/2" Shallow chromes, get Tekton or Koken.

Which is pretty much spot on with what I was thinking. I'll be making the order next month during black Friday & cyber Monday sales, so this gives me some time to go through some more options in semi-deep and stubbies.

Thanks everyone!

With that workload, I would flesh out a complete set of 3/8 and 1/4metric,deep and shallow. Koken z for low profile. I really like the beefy koken knurling on extensions. Pick a ratchet flavor, 1/2 is all impact. I would want semi deeps for dealing with subaru motors personally, in 1/4. Buy 12 point as needed. You won't need it much.

Wrenches are a whole different rabbit hole. But with what I listed for hand tool use one would be quite well preped.

 

[dmparksa]

With that workload, I would flesh out a complete set of 3/8 and 1/4metric,deep and shallow. Koken z for low profile. I really like the beefy koken knurling on extensions. Pick a ratchet flavor, 1/2 is all impact. I would want semi deeps for dealing with subaru motors personally, in 1/4. Buy 12 point as needed. You won't need it much.

Wrenches are a whole different rabbit hole. But with what I listed for hand tool use one would be quite well preped.

Thank you for those suggestions!

I do have a full set of 3/8 deep and shallow from Koken(standard, not Zeal) coming in the mail. I went with the regular Koken set instead of the Zeal due to price and availability. I figured I could get individual or the 8 piece Zeal set later on down the road if needed, along with some of their nut grip sockets(I'm looking at you, 10mm). I do have some Koken extensions in my amazon japan cart and I'll probably order them in Dec.

I am leaning towards the chrome shallow + impact deep/semi-deep. I don't have a 1/2" impact wrench yet, so I think the more affordable chrome shallow would be adequate for now.

I have a set of Dewalt 1/4" deep and shallow set that I use from time to time, but I haven't found a need for it too much. It's in a completely different box, so I get lazy and just end up grabbing the 3/8" 10mm instead. I plan on getting a set of 1/4" semi-deep metric socket set from Gearwrench to keep around somewhere easier to access.

I already have a set of metric wrenches from Tekton from 8 - 24mm. I've thought about picking up another set of metric wrenches from Dewalt to keep in the car.

I will be picking up a set of extra long double box end(KTC M1603) though. I remember some of the jobs I've done over the years that would have been much easier with a zero offset double box end instead of a regular combination wrench.

 

[Blind1]

Do you really need Chrome? I’ve yet to find anything my 1/2” impacts can’t do….

If you are only doing some basic stuff you can just pick up singles in 17, 19, 21, and 24 and be covered for Toyota.

I did that for years and replaced quite a bit of suspension/big parts on my truck.

 

[drtyler]

I have Hazet and Facom in 1/2" chrome. I probably use the Facom the most.

Now, due to the Stanley Black & Decker mothership which owns Facom and Craftsman, we have these Craftsman V-series sockets which suspciously look and are designed the same as the Facom sockets. Maybe the metallurgy is different, but the price isn't bad for 12-24mm.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5JMH7HS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

DRPD has Ko-ken and they run sales during the holidays. You could get the 1/2 shallows and add the missing sizes you want. I did that recently but through Palmac and I think 10-32mm with some skips ran me under $100. I use 1/2 chrome a lot at work but only shallows.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I have Hazet and Facom in 1/2" chrome. I probably use the Facom the most.

Now, due to the Stanley Black & Decker mothership which owns Facom and Craftsman, we have these Craftsman V-series sockets which suspciously look and are designed the same as the Facom sockets. Maybe the metallurgy is different, but the price isn't bad for 12-24mm.

My V-Series stuff has been surprisingly good. I would have no hesitation buying a set for home use. If you have an ACE Hardware, they routinely run sales on them.

Tekton is also great and they have an overstock sale going on right now, I believe. If you are doing chrome 1/2 I would recommend getting any brand on sale. As a homer, I don’t think you’d be using them a ton anyways so might as well save some cash.

 

[drtyler]

My V-Series stuff has been surprisingly good. I would have no hesitation buying a set for home use. If you have an ACE Hardware, they routinely run sales on them.

Tekton is also great and they have an overstock sale going on right now, I believe. If you are doing chrome 1/2 I would recommend getting any brand on sale. As a homer, I don’t think you’d be using them a ton anyways so might as well save some cash.

I don't have a problem with Tekton stuff at all, just doesn't peg the value meter quite as much as it once did. At least the quality and CS are solid. Been happy with their 3/8 drive comfort grip ratchets and USA screwdrivers.

Looks like the 10-24mm 1/2" drive rail of Tekton is $52. Not bad and the sockets have been redesigned with a bit of Euro look to them.

1/2 Inch Drive Shallow 6-Point Socket Set (10 - 24 mm) | TEKTON

15-piece set includes 10 - 24 mm (metric) shallow 6-point sockets. Comes with organization rail. No skipped sizes. SHD92102.

www.tekton.com

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thank you for those suggestions!

I do have a full set of 3/8 deep and shallow from Koken(standard, not Zeal) coming in the mail. I went with the regular Koken set instead of the Zeal due to price and availability. I figured I could get individual or the 8 piece Zeal set later on down the road if needed, along with some of their nut grip sockets(I'm looking at you, 10mm). I do have some Koken extensions in my amazon japan cart and I'll probably order them in Dec.

I am leaning towards the chrome shallow + impact deep/semi-deep. I don't have a 1/2" impact wrench yet, so I think the more affordable chrome shallow would be adequate for now.

I have a set of Dewalt 1/4" deep and shallow set that I use from time to time, but I haven't found a need for it too much. It's in a completely different box, so I get lazy and just end up grabbing the 3/8" 10mm instead. I plan on getting a set of 1/4" semi-deep metric socket set from Gearwrench to keep around somewhere easier to access.

I already have a set of metric wrenches from Tekton from 8 - 24mm. I've thought about picking up another set of metric wrenches from Dewalt to keep in the car.

I will be picking up a set of extra long double box end(KTC M1603) though. I remember some of the jobs I've done over the years that would have been much easier with a zero offset double box end instead of a regular combination wrench.

Is chrome cheaper to buy? I figured a basic set of decent 1/2 impact sockets was 50 bucks. Mystery meat brands on Amazon are 25 bucks, and will survive.

 

[merkyworks]

I think 1/2” drive impact deep is the best overall choice.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Of those, I would choose Tekton... But already own PROTO.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Is chrome cheaper to buy? I figured a basic set of decent 1/2 impact sockets was 50 bucks. Mystery meat brands on Amazon are 25 bucks, and will survive.

I don’t know about OP, but for myself, work will not allow impact tools so no need for impact sockets. And at home, I have the time so I just use chrome.

 

[nbpt100]

For a home gamer DIY you can not go wrong with HF impacts. I have them and Tekton deep impacts. Mostly used on my own auto work and on ODPE. Mostly mower blades and fly wheel nuts. Either one will serve you well. If you live near a HF store the warranty is easy. Tekton is good too from what members here say. I have never needed it.

 

[nbpt100]

I don’t know about OP, but for myself, work will not allow impact tools so no need for impact sockets. And at home, I have the time so I just use chrome.

What do you do for work. Just curious. The OP is using them for home use.

 

[sparky 1971]

All I can suggest is what I have experience with. Approximately 1/3 of my chrome sockets are 30+ year old Craftsman. The rest are Tekton. All of my impact sockets are from Tekton. In the last 25 years I can recall cracking exactly one socket, a 3/8 drive 15mm Craftsman and that was just about a year ago. If I were to do it all over again, every socket I ever bought would be a Tekton. This is as a home shop tinkerer and wannabe mechanic. If I actually were to work in a shop and my living was dependent on those types of tools, it might be a different situation.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

What do you do for work. Just curious. The OP is using them for home use.

I'm a machinist. I use sockets for the nuts holding down the vises on the mill table. I also use them to tighten/loosen all the jigs and fixtures I have to use to machine a variety of parts. My shop tried to allow guys to use impacts and on the first day a journeyman just sent it and fudged up a fixture that took two weeks to build. Since then, we are all back to chromes. There are other things I use my sockets at work for, but those are the big things.

I totally get why someone would stick to impacts for home use. I just don't own any impact tools cause I have never had the need, hence why I have chromes at home too.

 

[General Geoff]

2. Any brand recommendations for an affordable(under $80ish) 1/2" shallow chrome sockets?

I was thinking of just matching the Ko-Ken set, but they don't have any no-skip sets, I'd have to buy a few singles to add on the 16, 18mm, which will be 10-22mm, skipping 20mm. I've never needed a 20mm socket before, so I think it's probably safe to skip that one until it's needed. That'll be about $75 right now or $60 during the thanksgiving sales, including the added on 16 and 18mm sockets.

4252M is 10-22mm, no skips.




Just under $80 at Palmac too.

 

[Mr_B]

For home gamer I wouldn't overlook ICON chrome socket sets, usable warranty and good effort on not sharing blanks across sizes and sockets heights more professional standard as copied snap-on sockets and even the plastic tray lol .
No skip sets and fairly low cost if get a 10% icon coupon or better .
Can't go far wrong with any mentioned so far .
I be inclined get deep/shallow chrome and semi deep impact.
If going more minimal deep impact (buy good design with proper full length shouldering) and chrome shallow and call it done
Use spare $ buy good range of extensions and a impact swivel adaptor and you should be able cover most tasks with ease .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I don’t know about OP, but for myself, work will not allow impact tools so no need for impact sockets. And at home, I have the time so I just use chrome.

I also prefer chrome for hand use. But for price sensitive limited use work? For 1/2 just buy all impact, odds are an impact will be needed anyways. Two birds.

Where as myself personally, in 1/2 drive, have way too many of all flavors.

 

[dmparksa]

4252M is 10-22mm, no skips.




Just under $80 at Palmac too.

I'm looking for 6 PT sockets, so I'll likely be going for the 4400M/10 + 16&18mm instead. With the Black Friday sales, it should be around $60 for 10-22mm skipping 20mm. I know 20mm was used on some older GMs, but I don't think I've ever come across one on any of the vehicles I've touched.

 

[dmparksa]

I don't have a problem with Tekton stuff at all, just doesn't peg the value meter quite as much as it once did. At least the quality and CS are solid. Been happy with their 3/8 drive comfort grip ratchets and USA screwdrivers.

Looks like the 10-24mm 1/2" drive rail of Tekton is $52. Not bad and the sockets have been redesigned with a bit of Euro look to them.

1/2 Inch Drive Shallow 6-Point Socket Set (10 - 24 mm) | TEKTON

15-piece set includes 10 - 24 mm (metric) shallow 6-point sockets. Comes with organization rail. No skipped sizes. SHD92102.

www.tekton.com

I agree about Tekton. I remember just a few years ago when their sets were consistently much cheaper & with great customer service. Recently, I'm not sure about the value. I know they still have great customer service, but sockets are pretty close in terms of price to Gearwrench or some other brands.

I haven't broken too many tools other than a 1/4" ratchet(which was my fault and me being too lazy to switch to 3/8" on a rusted 14mm bolt), so I haven't had to test out any warranty procedure other than with HF.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'm looking for 6 PT sockets, so I'll likely be going for the 4400M/10 + 16&18mm instead. With the Black Friday sales, it should be around $60 for 10-22mm skipping 20mm. I know 20mm was used on some older GMs, but I don't think I've ever come across one on any of the vehicles I've touched.

20mm was the fuel line jam nut for c4 corvettes IIRC. You actually needed a wrench or crowfoot. You don't need one for anything except hamming onto damaged fasteners.

 

[dmparksa]

For home gamer I wouldn't overlook ICON chrome socket sets .
No skip sets and fairly low cost if get a 10% icon coupon or better .
Can't go far wrong with any mentioned so far .
I be inclined get deep/shallow chrome and semi deep impact.
If going more minimal deep impact (buy good design with proper full length shouldering) and chrome shallow and call it done
Use spare $ buy good range of extensions and a impact swivel adaptor and you should be able cover most tasks with ease .

I haven't come across any good HF coupon for ICON recently, although I'm sure that'll change over Black Friday sales.

I agree, any of the suggestions would be perfectly fine for my use! I don't wrench every day, maybe one or two days a month on average.

I definitely think Koken/Tekton shallow chrome + Sunex/Tekton/HF deep impact is the best middle ground for me. I don't have an impact wrench right now, but I do plan on getting a 1/2" Milwaukee M18 Mid Torque sometime next year, so the deep impacts should be perfect for that.

 

[dmparksa]

Is chrome cheaper to buy? I figured a basic set of decent 1/2 impact sockets was 50 bucks. Mystery meat brands on Amazon are 25 bucks, and will survive.

Yeah, 1/2" shallow impacts seem to be about $10 more expensive than their chrome counterparts at Tekton($50 vs $60). Not exactly a huge difference.

The 1/2" deep impact Sunex 2652(10 - 27mm, skips 20, 23-25)set is quite a bit cheaper than the Tekton ($50 vs $80)at various places and has all the sizes I likely need and then some.

 

[seber]

Let me throw one more into the mix. Toptul from Cryer is a serious bargain. I've never used them but those who have seem to have high praise for the company.

 

[dmparksa]

Let me throw one more into the mix. Toptul from Cryer is a serious bargain. I've never used them but those who have seem to have high praise for the company.

I've looked at their extra long combination wrenches, but those socket look perfect for in-the-car backup set.

 

[boom_bap]

1/2 drive sunex impact master set. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRARG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They were $90 bucks in January, looks like they've gone up a bit but worth keeping an eye on. I'd go impact for 1/2 drive and you can use impact, ratchets, or breaker bars. No need for chrome in 1/2 in my opinion, other than a single socket for whatever your lugs are to leave in your kit.