To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

What to do when it's time to upgrade your go-to (mid-range USA) 3/8 Sockets...

F

FlushingDIYer

Well-known member
Joined
May 13, 2016
Messages
342
Location
Queens, NYC
So I've been thinking, it's time to upgrade my 3/8 metric sockets. I've only broken two USA Craftsman sockets in close to twenty years of DIY automotive wrenching. But, I'm starting to notice extra play in my sockets when I put them on bolts. It's time. I'd love a huge set, but I don't think I really need anything more than a 12-14 piece set.

There are many mid range USA socket options. I'm going to detail them here. I'd love to get folks' opinions about how to move forward. They're all pretty much around the same price. Except for the Wright... Full disclosure: I'm not really interested in SnapON, Matco, or Mac since I don't need pro-level tools. And I really don't want to go the Harbor Freight route. So just throwing that out there.

But here they go, in no particular order. I don't think I'm missing any (in this price range)... I'm really looking for insight from folks who've used two or more of these and can really speak to their differences. I kind of really want the Wrights. But, of course, they're the most expensive ones here. I like the idea of these Martin's, but not if they're more than SKs. I feel like SK is a good, solid brand that will warranty tools easily. These Klein's are out of control though... (Is their warranty any good?) I suppose they're the closest to my old USA Craftsmans sockets. My god, the chrome on those Protos looks immaculate. Those Armstrongs look like they would fit in my old Craftsman case without a problem!

Williams, Proto, SK, Armstrong and Martin seem to be up to some crazy price collusion if you ask me... :headscrat

Non-professional USA Made 3/8" 12-15 piece Socket Sets and Prices (circa 11/2016):

Martin Tools MBK14 14pc 3/8 inch 6pt Standard Socket Set - Metric - Approx $58
mb14k.jpg


Armstrong 44-345 - 12 pc 3/8 inch drive 6 Point Metric Socket Set - Approx $58
ARM_44-345_FRNT_MAIN.jpg


Wright Tool 354 - 3/8 inch dr 6 pt 14 pc Standard Metric Socket Set - Approx $74
51pzKInDhgL._SL1387_.jpg


SK SKT13 13 pc. 3/8” Dr. 6-Point Standard Metric Socket Set - Approx $58
41HM3BA5RZL.jpg


Stanley Proto J52212 12 Piece 6 Point 3/8" Drive Metric Socket Set - Approx $57
J52212.png


Williams MSB-12HRC 3\8in. Drive Shallow Socket Set 6-Pt, 12-Piece (USA Made) - Approx $48
71VRBEuC7sL._SL1500_.jpg


Non-USA sets:
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I think these are all of them.
Klein Tools 65506, 13-piece Metric socket set, six point - Approx $30
65506.jpg


GearWrench 80552 14 Piece 3/8-Inch Drive 6 Point Standard Metric Socket Set - Approx $30
71tghALjIEL._SL1500_.jpg


Toptul GAAQ1302 13PCS 3/8" DR. 6PT Socket Rail Set - METRIC - Approx $30
p_160923_07704.jpg


Carlyle Napa CHT SS38012M 12-piece Socket Set Shallow Metric - Approx $30
NWMDC


TEKTON 1815 3/8" Drive Socket Set, 8-19mm, Metric, 12 Sockets
 - Approx $22
61CYrkmhSfL._SL1500_.jpg


Williams 31932 [Taiwan] 14-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive Metric Shallow 6 Point Socket Set - Approx $28
71VRBEuC7sL._SL1500_.jpg


Cougar Pro A37, 3/8 Drive 13 Pc. 6 Pt. Std. Metric Socket Set - Approx $27
A-37x.jpg
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
M

Mr.Nutcase

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
3,850
Location
USA
those william sockets are the cheaper ones not made in usa, they are like bluepoints the
ones I would buy are MSB-20HRC
 
Last edited:
H

hickfied

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2012
Messages
223
Location
W-NC
If you are looking at Wrights for $74 plus shipping, I can sell you as-new snap on for not much more.

Sent from my LG-H631 using Tapatalk
 
A

Avplayer

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 10, 2014
Messages
286
Location
NYC
I would get the williams USA. If not sk and proto have been good to me. Same with armstrong and wright
 
G

gdocktor3

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2015
Messages
5,419
Location
Connecticut
There's a ton of NOS Proto on eBay for cheap, but lets be realistic, any brand will work for a diyer. From that list above, I'd go with Gearwrench. Cheap, well made, and easy to warranty. Metric Gearwrench sockets have a nice groove around the base also.
 
I

Infinia

Banned
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
845
Location
SoCal
would fit in my old Craftsman case without a problem!
Click to expand...

is this the plan?
I would buy ebay replacements for that. hit or miss either way.
I'm happy with new Kobalt for mid grade, maybe better but a bit chunkier looking than USA CM. I bought the 17 pc all 6 point metric 3/8" set for under 20 on sale.
FWIW I've never broken a craftsman socket but I usually step up to 1/2 quickly when I smell trouble. The only socket I ever broke was cheater pipe on a impact deep. I consider that operator error.
 
Last edited:
B

blown94conv

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 2, 2007
Messages
854
Location
Berlin, CT
You got 20 years out of craftsman, home use? I'd just stick with those. I don't think you'll notice any difference at all.
 
F

Fedwrench

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,952
Location
Valley of the sun
Why do you feel the need to upgrade? If your current sockets are performing well, why change?:dunno:
Here's my take on some of your choices:

ARMSTRONG: You're not upgrading. They are the same as a US Made Craftsman Socket.

MARTIN: only having that single hole on one side of the socket for drive tool retention ball would drive me crazy. :wtf: get a set that has a nice cut out on each side of the square drive. That single hole is why I got rid of all of my Cornwell sockets.

WILLIAMS: Both the US made set or their Taiwan made set will serve you well. The US made set size markings are a little on the small side but, great sockets for the money.

SK: Wide range of sizes available in case you want to expand above 19mm or below 8mm. US Made. Excellent choice as long as you don't mind some sockets having silver paint on the inside and others not.:lol:

PROTO: Probably the best of the lot. Large, deep stamped size markings, rich chrome, US Made, very tough and durable, off corner engagement.

GEARWRENCH: Probably the best imported socket set and the nicest finished sockets inside and out you'll ever find. The deep knurled band on the base on the socket is great for finger spinning and aids in socket removal from a drive tool. Nice, easy to read stamped size markings on two sides of the larger sockets. I've used them for several years without any issues. Probably the best value of the bunch too, if you shop around.

One brand not listed but, that you may want to consider is NAPA's Carlyle. They have a very extensive 3/8 set that is often on sale. The sockets are nicely finished and fit well too. Warranty isn't an issue because, I doubt if you would ever break one through normal use, and NAPA's are plentiful to get a replacement if needed. Carlyle sockets are made in Taiwan.
 
K

kctyphoon

Banned
Joined
Jun 9, 2014
Messages
9,102
Location
Jersey/Staten Island
Alot of people say that the Gearwrench sockets fit better than the craftsman and use them professionally. I have a deal posted in the hot deals forum where u can get the entire 1/4" and 3/8" set in 6 points, no skipped sizes, in shallow and deep, with 2 84 tooth ratchets, and 1, 120xp for $95... just something to think about.

Here - pics of the sets on page 2. I have them - I've very happy with them..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931

also - there was a seller on eBay that had the 3/8 and 1/4 Crescent roto ratchets (same as Gearwrench) for $20 shipped. I bought those too and I like them.

I don't own any, but I like the Armstrong stuff for USA stuff. Can't tell ya why, I just like them and think it's somewhat reasonable price wise..
 
Last edited:
R

R. Johnson

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 19, 2015
Messages
78
Location
CT
If you're considering Taiwanese sockets, Tekton should be in the running.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
J

jakemac

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2013
Messages
9,035
Location
New England
As an aside, I'm finding it amusing that the OP'er asked for help to narrow the choices, while the membership is adding to his choices. Now I'm interested to learn what the OP'er ends up buying. :lol:

As to the question, any of the brands mentioned should serve you well. If I was making the choice for new sockets (I tend to shop the used market), I'd go with SK. Not that they're superior to the other brands vs cost, they're about the same, but to reward Ideal (the new parent company) for making the commitment and investment to keep the brand in the US when they could easily have sent production overseas after taking over. Instead, they built a new modern manufacturing plant on the site of the old facility and added jobs. That earns my vote any day.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
C

cheechi

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
4,384
Location
Triad, NC
My box has Williams USA and Taiwan, GW Taiwan, Kobalt USA & Taiwan (GW or Carlyle is the closest in quality to both for what you can find nowadays) and CM USA. While there's a few misc sockets from other brands that's 98% of it. All my impact sockets are CM or HF, but that's irrelevant here.

The Williams are the best, no question. Second GW & Kobalt are tied. The last gen of USA Kobalt had chrome flaking issues though. Williams or GW will both get you a very good socket that you can warranty if you want. GW replacement will likely be china though if that matters.

Why not just warranty the ones you have issues with? A good fitting chinese CM socket is better than a poor fitting USA one.
 
T

Tynee

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2016
Messages
984
Location
In the Heart of the Bluegrass
kctyphoon said:
I don't own any, but I like the Armstrong stuff for USA stuff. Can't tell ya why, I just like them and think it's somewhat reasonable price wise..
Click to expand...

Same. I find myself agreeing with kctyphoon a lot lately...

I've had very good experience with fit and finish on SK products as well. I would probably find a way to handle these 2 brands and make a decision from there, if I were in this market right now.

Edit: Come to think of it, I am starting to gather info and make decisions on what I want my next set of 1/4" and 1/2" drive sockets to be. I'll be following along to see if folks feel like the 2 brands here would be an upgrade to the 15 - 20 year old CM USA's I'm currently working with. So far I see one vote above that the Amrstong's would be equal to those.
 
Last edited:
S

SantaAna12

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
1,091
A few years back I filled my CMan holes with CMan. They were to a looser tolerance. No more.

Used SK off ebay. Perhaps a higher tooth count ratchet, although I still use my 45170 often. Old Mac can be a great value too.

Lots of good choices.
 
F

four.cycle

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 19, 2015
Messages
28,602
Location
Tacoma, Washington
I picked up some Klein sockets a while back dirt cheap. Not bad. Fit and finish looks good. Haven't put any of them on a ratchet so I can't speak to durability. They look to me like fairly low-end - but again, they were way cheap ($8.00 + shipping for all three sets) - I can't complain.

Of those you listed there - Wright is a hell of a product but it's way spendy.
Proto is nice stuff but also way up there on price, although there are deals on new stuff on Ebay if you pick through the listings.

I'd say best bang for the buck out of those would be S-K.

Just my lousy two cents.

Klein 3.8 drive SAE socket sets.jpg S-K 1.4 drive 12-pt Metric socket set 01.jpg
 
M

M6erfan

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 6, 2014
Messages
10,170
Location
'Merica!
I'll play...

For USA I'd go Klein, $30 bucks for USA made and that old school metal socket holder? (I'd confirm COO though...)

For Import, I'd go Carlyle. I've handled them and they seem very high quality, great knurling , and easy lifetime warranty.

The value leader of the bunch is Tekton IMO...

That Williams set is Taiwan, it should be under your "non USA" list...
 
Last edited:
T

T45

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2014
Messages
3,250
The first step in this exercise is set a budget...

If $20 is going to break the bank, be upfront about it. In general, sockets are 10-20 year asstets. You should buy the best you can afford, without being stupid as the real money is not spent on a single rail of sockets in 8-19mm.

Its spend duplicating that main set multiple times. A DIY may have one rail of 12 sockets, but a pro or an enthusiast emulating one may have 150 or 300 sockets.

12x1=$12
300x1=$300

12x5=60 dollars
300x5=1500 dollars

now double that for truck brands

12x10=120 dollars
300x10=3000 dollars

To the pro, the issues is not $20 dollars here or there on 1 set, its the bigger scale issue: $300 vs 1500 vs 3000.

In other words, the OP needs to not overthink this purchase if its just a single rail of sockets. Buy once cry once and spend to $50 bucks or proto, facom, or koken. Saving $20 is a waste of time. It adds up if you are buying a professinal level set, so then look at Carlyle, gearwrench, Toptul etc if buying 100 sockets or more.

That's my $0,02 cents.
 
S

Super Sport

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 30, 2011
Messages
4,081
Location
West Michigan
FlushingDIYer said:
Klein it is! :pimpflash

In all honesty, I'm still torn...

I need to reply to a lot of responses here and will get to that later tonight.
Click to expand...

Those Klein are likely going to be made in Taiwan. It was just discussed on one of the hot deals threads, and the consensus seems that their sockets are now outsourced. Same with the Williams you posted, but another member already gave you the correct item # for their USA set.

Personally, I'd go with SK, Wright, or Armstrong. I like the laser etching on the Armstrong, but only if they are also stamped (not sure if they are). SK and Wright do a good job of stamping the sizes pretty deep so they are still easy to read. Both are also smaller companies dedicated to keeping production in the states, which is why they get my vote. Armstrong and Proto make good tools, but are part of much larger companies who have outsourced many of their products.

For imports, I have been very impressed with my mid-depth Gearwrench sockets. Tekton has excellent customer service, but I cannot comment on the quality of their sockets.
 
Last edited:
M

M6erfan

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 6, 2014
Messages
10,170
Location
'Merica!
T45 said:
Buy once cry once and spend to $50 bucks or proto, facom, or koken. Saving $20 is a waste of time. It adds up if you are buying a professinal level set, so then look at Carlyle, gearwrench, Toptul etc if buying 100 sockets or more.

That's my $0,02 cents.
Click to expand...

Good suggestions T. Just a couple of points for clarification though...

Facom sockets are Taiwan now, AFAIK, and railed sets are very limited. Also, Facom buyer needs to check USA warranty support if that's important to you...
 
Last edited:
B

BDT/NWMN

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2012
Messages
3,762
Location
Erskine, Mn
To make a decision on the tool choices; jot down a few lists:

What you absolutely do not want. ( foreign or brand hate or whatever reason )
What design will serve You best. ( thin-wall or heavy, broach depth, mid-length, etc. )
What You already own.
What You are willing to spend.
 
W

Widgeon

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
73
You can get that gear wrench set at advance auto for about $16 bucks if you sign up for speed perks.
 
G

getbent4x4

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 7, 2012
Messages
3,722
I suggest HF chromoly impact sockets. 3/8 till 1 drive. Same quality as the tools trucks without the price. If you can over look the country of origin.
 
W

wmm2

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 10, 2016
Messages
152
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
I've used some of the brands you've mentioned, so I'll throw my two cents in. I've pushed Wright, Craftsman (both US and Chinese) fairly hard (my 200+ pounds jumping on a breaker bar) and none of them broke. I've also used SK, but not as hard. It didn't break either. The only sockets I've ever had fail me were from an unbranded Taiwan set in a rack like that Klein set comes in.

If you would like that Wright set, I'd go with it. You'll enjoy it long after you've forgotten what it cost. I'd personally pass on that Martin set because of that single socket hole someone pointed out. I know I'd be annoyed with them every time I used them; long after I'd forgotten how much I saved with them.
 
D

dnschmidt

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2014
Messages
7,270
Location
Phoenix, AZ
I sell the entire set of normal length TOPTUL sockets 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive sockets together on EBay for $35 + shipping. You can't beat this deal or TOPTUL's quality when it comes to sockets and wrenches.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom