Good 3/4" drive starter kit

StevenB · Sep 16, 2012

I'm looking to get a 3/4" drive socket set sae & metric. I won't be using them on a daily basis, I usually don't encounter anything that big. I would like to have set if I run into a situation where I need it.
HF has theirs for $50, $100 for both set. From what I've read hf missed the boat on this one.
What other brands are out their without braking the bank? Budget is $200.

kiatech · Sep 16, 2012

Try pawn shops and flea markets.

joedodge · Sep 16, 2012

I have a HF set i bought about 7 years ago im a proffesional auto diesel tech never had a problem with the sockets or t bar. the ratchet is a lil dorky but never had a prob with it either. there not beautiful or anything but never broke any of them or hurt myself.

Matt018 · Sep 16, 2012

I have head great things about the harbors impact sockets, I would buy the sets of that that i needed and then look for a used ratchet, maybe a harbor freight breaker.

http://www.toolsource.com/williams-h51ab1-piece-ratchet-241116-p-105911.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-34-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-67965.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-34-drive-sae-impact-socket-set-67960.html

that should start you off well ad have you come in right under budget, even cheaper if you buy them one at a time with 20% off coupons

RangerDaleXp · Sep 16, 2012

joedodge said:
I have a HF set i bought about 7 years ago im a proffesional auto diesel tech never had a problem with the sockets or t bar. the ratchet is a lil dorky but never had a prob with it either. there not beautiful or anything but never broke any of them or hurt myself.

I agree with this. They are tough but will not win a beauty contest. I have yet to break one. Another choice is the set from northern tool as well. they maybe a little prettier.....

bob15 · Sep 16, 2012

Look at Harry Epstein. They still have a bunch of Bonney sockets left for a decent price. Then fill in with USA made stuff from ebay, flea markets, swap meets, pawn shops, etc. don't go cheap on the ratchet.....you pay for what you get.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/bonneysets/R2870A.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=34drbonney

bob

metaleltr · Sep 16, 2012

I had to weld a HF 30mm back together the other day before I could use it on VW hub nut, damn 12pt nuts.

KinzeMech · Sep 16, 2012

I have both SAE and Metric sets from HF. The sockets are very crudely machined, and are ugly as sin. That being said, I've yet to have one of them break, or round a fastener.

The ratchets are the same way. Very coarse teeth, very sloppy mechanism, but it hasn't skipped or broke on me yet, and it has seen some pipe.

If the cosmetic quality is no concern to you, you can get both sets, and have enough of your budget left over to get a 3/4 ratchet elsewhere. A craftsman would fit your budget.

If you want something nicer than HF, you could always make your money go further by choosing SAE or Metric. I'm gonna take some flames for suggesting this, but once you get up into sizes that large, you can often times get away with using the closest fit SAE size on a metric fastener, or vice versa. It will depend on your situation whether this is permissible.

joedodge · Sep 16, 2012

Anything over 19mm standard will usually get the job done

bobcatdan · Sep 16, 2012

If chrome would work, I would go for a craftsman set. From what I have heard, socket sets are still all USA. If you have stores that carry allen tools, they are basically the same as craftsman. If impacts are more off what you want, I recommand sunnex. That is what I have. A complete set will break your $200 budget.

KinzeMech · Sep 16, 2012

I haven't had the opportunity to try this set, but it covers everything SAE up to 2", and they're 6 point impact sockets. Usually, by time you're working on something big enough to need 3/4" sockets, there's almost always sufficient clearance for impact sockets.

http://www.toolleader.com/products.php?product=21-PC-3{47}4%22-Drive-Impact-Socket-SAE

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Sep 16, 2012

I've got an SAE set for you if interested. Would have to pay shipping on top of the purchase price though.

sdguy55 · Sep 16, 2012

harbor freight. Its all you need. Might need to switch out the breaker bar and ratchet but it works just fine.

86k10 · Sep 16, 2012

Here is a nice US starter kit on Ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALLEN-19301..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item35bdd052bb&vxp=mtr

I don't know the quality of this set buy it is something I would look at buying if I was in the market for a 3/4 drive socket set. It is more complete plus they are impact sockets

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-Drive-I...182?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2b4bb15e

ken w. · Sep 16, 2012

I happened across a HF metric set for $20.00 on Craig's list. The metal box it comes with is a piece of junk. It always pops open by itself.I'm not thrilled about Chinese made tools.It works and I haven't broken one yet. I have to keep a bolt thru its hasp.My SAE set I've put together from garage and estate sales.

SantaAna12 · Sep 16, 2012

HF if it works for you. I have some SKs that I got in a deal that I use once in a blue moon. Many people like Proto in the 3/4 drive:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J0750...511?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c27a0f63f

There are some Proto pro line singles also on ebay that would be top notch if you have the time and inclination.

KinzeMech · Sep 16, 2012

ken w. said:
I happened across a HF metric set for $20.00 on Craig's list. The metal box it comes with is a piece of junk. It always pops open by itself.I'm not thrilled about Chinese made tools.It works and I haven't broken one yet. I have to keep a bolt thru its hasp.My SAE set I've put together from garage and estate sales.

That reminds me, now they come in blow molded cases. However, the plastic they use to make them is really ******, and tears much easier than normal blow molded cases. Mine are still holding up after about 2 years, but they're not going to last much longer. If you're picky about case quality, this is one item to get in store. Mine came in the mail, and were already banged up when I got them.

bob15 · Sep 16, 2012

Craftsman 21 pc US-made socket set, less ratchet, on e-bay. Brand new BIN price: $188

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-New-21-pc-3-4-Drive-SAE-Socket-Set-/110950842596?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d52f80e4

Why go to HF and buy imported junk, whereas here you can own US made sockets.

bob

StevenB · Sep 16, 2012

Thanks for the replies!
I'm going to get the hf set. I'm going to upgrade the breaker bar to a gear wrench (I can do warranty with our fastenal guy) & proto ratchet unless I find a good deal on a gear wrench.

Ign · Sep 16, 2012

Another vote for HF. It's terrible China, etc etc but for the cost and how infrequently the average light truck/car mechanic will use them, it's hard to beat. I've also not had any sockets break, but I wouldn't complain if I did.

My fractional came in the stupid gray plastic case, but my metric came in the red metal case.

Oh, and if you ever plan to work on a '94-02 Dodge half ton 4wd, get on Amazon and order the 1 11/16" (I got a Sunex). It's not included in the HF kit. I used a metric which was close, but it seemed to me it could have rounded the nut under the right conditions.

I've even purchased the HF 1" drive kit, just for those rare times I come across really big fasteners. Haven't used it yet, but it's HEAVY.

wornoutoldman · Sep 16, 2012

A little more than you wanted to spend but very nice (Taiwanese) :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JH-WILLIAMS...145?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414c4f1419

Charles (in GA) · Sep 16, 2012

Flea market. Bought various US made, older, 3/4 drive 12 pt chrome (or cad plate) non-impact sockets for $2 to $4 each, ratchets for around $20 and extensions from $5 to $10 each.

Most 3/4 stuff is hardly used or unused, and usually in worse shape from poor storage than actual use. Most people pass it up at the fleas as they cannot justify spending any money on something they don't need or cannot use.

I kept a list in my wallet of what I had so I would know what not to buy

Charles

Ign · Sep 16, 2012

Charles (in GA) said:
Most 3/4 stuff is hardly used or unused, and usually in worse shape from poor storage than actual use.

So true! My FIL gave me a Craftsman set too which simply looks dull from age.

Jason280 · Sep 18, 2012

I've also had good luck with the HF set. Oddly enough, I picked it up at one of the local panw shops, and the price was too good to pass up. I know people "think" they may never need the larger sockets, but I have been surprised to find how many times I do need them (especially on tractor equipment).

shoturtle · Sep 18, 2012

I vote pawn shop if there is any military base close by, Proto or Armstrong 3/4 ratchet and pick up a set of HF sockets. If no pawnshop, or no ebay, just get the HF set. It will work, but it is nothing special.

For 200 you are not going to be getting high end new with both sae and metric. That is not even in the craftsman price range.

garfunkle24 · Sep 18, 2012

If you don't even know if/when you'll need 3/4" stuff, pretty much anything should do. Save the extra cash for stuff you'll use more.

camarotoolman · Sep 18, 2012

If you want usa, I can make you a set with a s o ratchet and usa sockets for $150.

bcradio · Sep 18, 2012

StevenB said:
Thanks for the replies!
I'm going to get the hf set. I'm going to upgrade the breaker bar to a gear wrench (I can do warranty with our fastenal guy) & proto ratchet unless I find a good deal on a gear wrench.

good choice. this is pretty much exactly what i have. HF sets and Proto ratchet (I'd get Proto over GW on the ratchet though personally). I have had not a single issue with any of it.

I also got a 3/4 impact and HF impact socket sets for it

byoungblood · Sep 18, 2012

Check your local NAPA to see if they still have any of their old NAPA Professional line tools. I was able to pick up a 3/4" drive ratchet brand new (virtually identical to the Craftsman one, except it has a slightly different handle and it says NAPA on it) for $50 and is US made.

I already had a bunch of hand me down SAE sockets, but I was able to capitalize on Sears clearing out the metric ones a couple of months ago for $30.

Mickey O · Sep 18, 2012

Avoid the import ****, watch craigs list, auctions and keep an eye on Sears, I got the 3/4" drive Armstrong metric set for $99 and many recently got a great deal on 3/4" Craftsman USA made sets, not sure if those were sae or metric. I don't use mine all that much anymore for their intended purpose but I have used them for seal and bearing race drivers many times.

Mr Ratchet · Sep 18, 2012

wornoutoldman said:
A little more than you wanted to spend but very nice (Taiwanese) :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JH-WILLIAMS...145?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414c4f1419

It looks very similar to my Craftsman set that I bougt 20-25 yeras ago. The ratchets are different, and I lier that Williams one better than mine. My sockets are also from Taiwan and I got the same amount of sockets, universal joint, extension, and sliding T bar. Even the boxes are the same although mine is red. Over the years I have added a 40" breaker bar, CM 22" breaker, and some sockets from Armstrong and Proto.

May Pop · Sep 18, 2012

I have Craftsman my self. Over 20 + years and still nice. I have broken them with an impact. The same bolts were loosened with the same impact and a HF socket.
The set looks like **** but does work.
I vote you find a nice used set and leave it to you children when you die.
Ron

Good 3/4" drive starter kit

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