Socket set advice (UK/Europe) Milwaukee vs Williams vs Hazet vs Gearwrench vs Proto

BOG · Oct 17, 2020

Need some advice in regards to buying a new socket set available in UK/Europe

What I'm looking to spend is around £150 - 170 I need it for car maintenance here's is what I'm considering so far (I only need metric and mainly 3/8 maybe 1/4 also but could get a 1/4 later ):

Milwaukee buy 1 of each 3/8 and 1/4 £149

https://www.bigredpowertools.co.uk/milwaukee-4932464943

Gearwrench £160
GearWrench 80943 168-Piece 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch Metric Mechanics Hand Tool Set

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078Z42121/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Williams MSB-18HFTB and add a set of williams deep sockets about £150 in total.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com/will...t-and-tool-set-6-pt-18-pc-and-tool-box-6-19mm

Hazet 953HP this will be a bit more expesive around £180 - £190.

https://www.alternate.de/Hazet/Stec...ferral&utm_campaign=deidealo&utm_term=1627835

Blackhawk by Proto 3/8" Drive 24 Piece Metric Socket Set Shallow + Deep & buy a new or used Snap/MAC tool 3/8 ratchet from ebay total would probably be around £150 - £160

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/...roto®-3|8"-Drive-24-Piece-Metric-Socket-Set-/

Any other suggestions more than welcome I'd rather avoid made in China if I can not sure where the Milwaukee and Gearwrench are made...

M6erfan · Oct 17, 2020

Out of the ones you listed, for your needs, hands down Hazet. Very well designed sockets, strong/durable, and that set you linked to is very complete in 1/4 & 3/8. I'm jealous you blokes get Hazet stuff at those prices. If I were you, I'd buy that set in a heartbeat!

I'd give Ko-ken (made in Japan) a look too. May be a bit cheaper (not sure in your location) but excellent socketry.

BOG · Oct 17, 2020

M6erfan said:
Out of the ones you listed, for your needs, hands down Hazet. Very well designed sockets, strong/durable, and that set you linked to is very complete in 1/4 & 3/8. I'm jealous you blokes get Hazet stuff at those prices. If I were you, I'd buy that set in a heartbeat!

I'd give Ko-ken (made in Japan) a look too. May be a bit cheaper (not sure in your location) but excellent socketry.

I'm in the UK the Hazet is 1/4 and 1/2 not 3/8...the older lower tooth count set is about £150 on amazon.de I considered that also...not sure how much of a difference will be between the old ratchets and the new HP version

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BTGIVZA/

M6erfan · Oct 17, 2020

BOG said:
I'm in the UK the Hazet is 1/4 and 1/2 not 3/8...the older lower tooth count set is about £150 on amazon.de I considered that also...not sure how much of a difference will be between the old ratchets and the new HP version

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BTGIVZA/

I knew that, don't know why I typed 3/8".

Still, its a very complete set with great quality sockets. I've never owned a Hazet ratchet so I can't share my thoughts on that front.

ToolPolisher · Oct 17, 2020

I would look at Koken Z-eal as well. The 3/8 drive shallow are so small I got a 3/8drive ratchet in a 1/4body and stopped using 1/4" sockets/ratchets entirely. That will save some tool box space!

Dave455 · Oct 18, 2020

The Gearwrench and Milwaukee will be made in Taiwan or China. The prices quoted are “all the money” for tools with those origins, but you’re paying more as they have probably come via the U.S.

The Williams is considerably better value, but check that toolsdelivered.com do ship Williams to the U.K. I have a feeling they don’t.

Personally, for me, it’s a no brainer, it has to be the Hazet. European tools are generally much better value in the U.K. as they don’t have to travel far and there are not too many middle men taking a cut from the deal. That particular set is a factory promotion from Hazet and it’s awesome value. I own the version with the older ratchet. It’s a steal at £150. Hazet are the very top end of German made tools, and enthusiasts in the U.S. probably won’t believe how cheap you can get it!

Other things to consider. Yes, KoKen for sure, but for general use get the regular tools not the Z Series. There are seldom any huge promotions on KoKen but the regular prices are fair.

Also have a look at TBS Aachen, they’re a German online tool retailer and their prices are usually very keen for German tools. They usually have specials by Stahlwille and Gedore as well as Hazet.

richfinn · Oct 18, 2020

Ko-Ken all day long!!!

These guys are decent

https://www.uktools.com/

Mr_B · Oct 18, 2020

Koken certainly worth looking at as a top tear brand for socketry .
If you trying avoid china then gearwrench best avoided .
milwaukee probably taiwan but even if it is it nothing special while Hazet or Koken is special .

If considering taiwan then likes of premier, toptul or carlyle worth looking at and they all available at good cost in UK .

lynx40 · Oct 18, 2020

hi you could also consider the bahco sets

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

It's going to be between the KOKEN and HAZET then....

Whe WIlliams I can order of amazon uk and it won't be too expesive....

I could get this KOKEN set from Amazon Japan total price will be about £250 (taxes and duty included) I could save a bit more and buy once cry once...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005I7HUDU/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Or the HP version Hazet for £190 or the old version Hazet for £150

I think I'll be better off in the long term with a 3/8 shallow + deep set like the Koken vs. 1/4 & 1/2 Hazet set ? any avice on this?

Jack84 · Oct 18, 2020

richfinn said:
Ko-Ken all day long!!!

These guys are decent

https://www.uktools.com/

They are very decent. Great service.

steveo3002 · Oct 18, 2020

does any of the halfords sets suit your needs ?

im not a huge fan of theirs , but they fact you can warrenty them 7 days a week in the nearest town is a big bonus , often rumored to be made by one of the big names if you search

prob be some discounts over xmas

time

Jack84 · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
It's going to be between the KOKEN and HAZET then....

Whe WIlliams I can order of amazon uk and it won't be too expesive....

I could get this KOKEN set from Amazon Japan total price will be about £250 (taxes and duty included) I could save a bit more and buy once cry once...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005I7HUDU/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Or the HP version Hazet for £190 or the old version Hazet for £150

I think I'll be better off in the long term with a 3/8 shallow + deep set like the Koken vs. 1/4 & 1/2 Hazet set ? any avice on this?

Get the regular knurled extensions, they are superior to the Zeal ones imho.

drtyler · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
I think I'll be better off in the long term with a 3/8 shallow + deep set like the Koken vs. 1/4 & 1/2 Hazet set ? any avice on this?

Excellent idea

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

And one last proposal I can get this Williams 3/8 set and a set of Williams deep sockets for a about £160 delivered (taxes and everything included)...... not a bad price I think....

So it will be cheaper than the Hazet and the Koken....

richfinn · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
And one last proposal I can get this Williams 3/8 set and a set of Williams deep sockets for a about £160 delivered (taxes and everything included)...... not a bad price I think....

So it will be cheaper than the Hazet and the Koken....

Keep your eye on uktools the sale prices are good, but you will need to piece a set together and forego the storage case most probably

The Ko-Ken sockets are equally as good as Snap-On in my experience

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

richfinn said:
Keep your eye on uktools the sale prices are good, but you will need to piece a set together and forego the storage case most probably

The Ko-Ken sockets are equally as good as Snap-On in my experience

Thanks I'll have a look now and see what I can put together..and how much it will cost.

noid · Oct 18, 2020

Koken Zeal is the only line that is working to tighter than ISO standards.

That alone makes them better than all others.

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

steveo3002 said:
does any of the halfords sets suit your needs ?

im not a huge fan of theirs , but they fact you can warrenty them 7 days a week in the nearest town is a big bonus , often rumored to be made by one of the big names if you search

prob be some discounts over time

Who is supposedly making them ? Is it Facom?

Mr_B · Oct 18, 2020

Halfords certainly not facom, at best it uses better oems in taiwan but forum talk of it being top manufacturer rebranded is off the mark .
It not any better than any of the better taiwan tools.
If you after decent go koken and be done with it .
Do consider building you own selection over buying a set .
If want lower cost then plenty good effort taiwan offerings that professionally usable and keep price to lower end if preferred .

steveo3002 · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
Who is supposedly making them ? Is it Facom?

i wouldnt know..heard facom and gearwrench mentioned but no idea whats true

its just the fact you can have it replaced same day which is pretty handy these days

richfinn · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
Thanks I'll have a look now and see what I can put together..and how much it will cost.

This shallow 6 point set looks like a good deal

https://www.uktools.com/12-piece-extra-38drive-6-point-standard-socket-set.html

richfinn · Oct 18, 2020

https://www.primetools.co.uk/

I've had some good deals on Stahlwille stuff off these guys in the UK too recently

Again filter the discounted stuff and have a good look
you dont have to pay through the nose if you do the legwork

Good luck and post some pics of your bargains

ozaudio · Oct 18, 2020

steveo3002 said:
i wouldnt know..heard facom and gearwrench mentioned but no idea whats true

its just the fact you can have it replaced same day which is pretty handy these days

ive had internal ratchet parts replaced with gearwrench stuff

. i think there was also mention online of a lad who worked in halfords and when trying to find some parts he ended up been given gearwrench part numbers for replacement items

M6erfan · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
It's going to be between the KOKEN and HAZET then....

Whe WIlliams I can order of amazon uk and it won't be too expesive....

I could get this KOKEN set from Amazon Japan total price will be about £250 (taxes and duty included) I could save a bit more and buy once cry once...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005I7HUDU/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Or the HP version Hazet for £190 or the old version Hazet for £150

I think I'll be better off in the long term with a 3/8 shallow + deep set like the Koken vs. 1/4 & 1/2 Hazet set ? any avice on this?

1/4" + 1/2" sets are more common in Europe than the US. That said, I find myself with that exact setup, even though I'm in the U.S.

I use 3/8" sockets, but not very often. I don't even have a 3/8" impact, but I have both 1/4" & 1/2" impacts. For me, 3/8" shines with low torque larger fasteners (spark plugs are a good example). That said, for me it's a no brainer; Hazet all the way. It's very complete from 6mm-27mm with ratchets/extensions and even a 1/4" spinner/bit set, and Hazet bits, like their sockets, are outstanding.

I wouldn't consider the Zeal as your main set unless you need shallow sockets often. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome but something one might add to supplement a main set, IMO. Also, look carefully at the sizes in the Zeal set and make sure it doesn't skip any you may need. And they don't include many deeps (I'd go for a Zeal railed set + Zeal ratchet instead, and the Zeal socket rails are excellent!)

Hope this helps

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

M6erfan said:
1/4" + 1/2" sets are more common in Europe than the US. That said, I find myself with that exact setup, even though I'm in the U.S.

I use 3/8" sockets, but not very often. I don't even have a 3/8" impact, but I have both 1/4" & 1/2" impacts. For me, 3/8" shines with low torque larger fasteners (spark plugs are a good example). That said, for me it's a no brainer; Hazet all the way. It's very complete from 6mm-27mm with ratchets/extensions and even a 1/4" spinner/bit set, and Hazet bits, like their sockets, are outstanding.

I wouldn't consider the Zeal as your main set unless you need shallow sockets often. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome but something one might add to supplement a main set, IMO. Also, look carefully at the sizes in the Zeal set and make sure it doesn't skip any you may need. And they don't include many deeps (I'd go for a Zeal railed set + Zeal ratchet instead, and the Zeal socket rails are excellent!)

Hope this helps

Thanks! My car is a JDM Subaru so all I really need is metric 8 10 12 14 17 19 and thats about it....

Plenty of options to consider I really like the look of this Koken but It's a bit expesive for £260 but not soo much if compared to Snap On....decisions decisions :dunno:

And for some reason it seems you come out cheaper with buying a big set rather than getting everything separately....

M6erfan · Oct 18, 2020

^^^ Well, if your decision is between Hazet and Ko-ken you won't go wrong either way. Good luck :beer:

Edit: Not sure if you caught this but the Zeal ratchets are 36t, the new Hazet HP's are 90t, if that matters to you.

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

M6erfan said:
^^^ Well, if your decision is between Hazet and Ko-ken you won't go wrong either way. Good luck

Edit: Not sure if you caught this but the Zeal ratchets are 36t, the new Hazet HP's are 90t, if that matters to you.

Yes I did I'm not that woried about that.

I'll also have to look on amazon japan see what KTC sets are available....

Ralf11 · Oct 18, 2020

ToolPolisher said:
I would look at Koken Z-eal as well. The 3/8 drive shallow are so small I got a 3/8drive ratchet in a 1/4body and stopped using 1/4" sockets/ratchets entirely. That will save some tool box space!

I use those for low clearance sockets. I "upgraded" to add Hazet for my most used 3/8" sockets (from SnapOn).

you really want 3/8" as your fundamental set for cars. 1/2" for wheel nuts & suspension work; 1/4" for trim - 3/8" for everything else

Do you really need to buy a set intact?

Why not buy JIS sized Hazet sockets - maybe used? Then get Ko-ken extensions and ratchets from ... SnapOn Dual-80, Nepros, Ko-ken or Hazet?

My last tip is to get a locking flex 3/8" ratchet - you can thank me with a bier later

noid · Oct 18, 2020

M6erfan said:
1/4" + 1/2" sets are more common in Europe than the US. That said, I find myself with that exact setup, even though I'm in the U.S.

I use 3/8" sockets, but not very often. I don't even have a 3/8" impact, but I have both 1/4" & 1/2" impacts. For me, 3/8" shines with low torque larger fasteners (spark plugs are a good example). That said, for me it's a no brainer; Hazet all the way. It's very complete from 6mm-27mm with ratchets/extensions and even a 1/4" spinner/bit set, and Hazet bits, like their sockets, are outstanding.

I wouldn't consider the Zeal as your main set unless you need shallow sockets often. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome but something one might add to supplement a main set, IMO. Also, look carefully at the sizes in the Zeal set and make sure it doesn't skip any you may need. And they don't include many deeps (I'd go for a Zeal railed set + Zeal ratchet instead, and the Zeal socket rails are excellent!)

Hope this helps

The Zeal come in non-shallow form factors.

M6erfan · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
Yes I did I'm not that woried about that.

I'll also have to look on amazon japan see what KTC sets are available....

KTC is a great company but they're more known for their wrenches (which are outstanding) than their sockets/ratchets. Nothing wrong with KTC sockets, but nothing special either. You're getting much better design and features with Hazet/Ko-ken sockets. Now, KTC's Nepros line is absolutely dazzling, but you better put cooling fins on your credit card if you go down that path...

M6erfan · Oct 18, 2020

And how are you set for screwdrivers? Take a look at Vessel & Annex for JIS cross point and PB Swiss for Torx/Hex. I like PB Swiss for straight/slotted screw heads too, their slotted tips are precision hollow ground.

richfinn · Oct 18, 2020

BOG said:
Thanks! My car is a JDM Subaru so all I really need is metric 8 10 12 14 17 19 and thats about it....

Plenty of options to consider I really like the look of this Koken but It's a bit expesive for £260 but not soo much if compared to Snap On....decisions decisions

And for some reason it seems you come out cheaper with buying a big set rather than getting everything separately....

There is a Subaru guy on YouTube who does Ko-Ken reviews and a fair bit of German stuff too

M6erfan · Oct 18, 2020

richfinn · Oct 18, 2020

M6erfan said:

Thats the fella

vssjim · Oct 18, 2020

Out of the sets you listed the GearWrench set is alot of tools for the money and they are fairly good over all.

anndel · Oct 18, 2020

BOG, so what did you end up with?

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

M6erfan said:
And how are you set for screwdrivers? Take a look at Vessel & Annex for JIS cross point and PB Swiss for Torx/Hex. I like PB Swiss for straight/slotted screw heads too, their slotted tips are precision hollow ground.

I'm all good for screwdrivers

I have this set

BOG · Oct 18, 2020

anndel said:
BOG, so what did you end up with?

I have not decided yet I might have to start looking at Taiwan made also.... I've narrowed it down to: needs to be 3/8 nomal and deep sockets and preferably all in one box and no more than about £150 and chrome also or metal no plastic handles...

The cheapest non China or Taiwan that meets my criteria will be the Williams I posted above, so at the moment it's this or go Taiwan Milwaukee etc...

Or even the Gearwrench set it's a lot of tools for the money It's a very very good deal........

All this for £160....

I can't justify spending £200 or more on a socket set as I'm not a professional and It's just for maintenance any big complex jobs the car will go to the professionals so It's not worth it for me.....

Ralf11 · Oct 18, 2020

why not used?

I've often wondered if garage sales are a thing in Europe (or even Britain) - think of the Hazet, Facom, Stahwille stuff...

Socket set advice (UK/Europe) Milwaukee vs Williams vs Hazet vs Gearwrench vs Proto

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