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1/2" Drive Metric Sockets

littleponderosa

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Sep 27, 2014
Messages
864
Location
MONTANA
Ok, I need to simply fill what appears to be a hole in the toolbox.

What sizes will I commonly need? 5 of 5 vehicles are Chevrolets and the 2 wheelers are Harleys.
Only issue is one of the 5 Chevys is a new diesel Cruze - commuter car. Since it is still under warranty, I don't even change the oil yet.

Other than a Evinrude outboard, a Toro zero turn and a couple of lawnmower engines with metrics, I've gotten by with a 1/4" set, 3/8" set, set of craftsman combo's and a set of combo gearwrenches.
I need to step up a notch, but the SO price just is frightening for what little use these will probably get.
Any advice is once again most appreciated.
Thanks
Bill
 
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jobo1004

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May 18, 2014
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505
Location
Kansas City, MO
If you're ok with foreign made then I'd say look at GearWrench. I've linked to the deep and standard depth sets at Advance Auto Parts. They seem to always have a coupon for about 40% off. You may be able to find them cheaper somewhere else.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...cket-set-kdt80704/22981593-P?searchTerm=80704
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...cket-set-kdt80702/22981591-P?searchTerm=80702

If you want US made maybe take a look at SK sets 1945 and 1955 (both 15 pieces). They also have sets 1947 and 1959 that are 21 and 19 pieces respectively.

All the sets I mentioned are 6 point sockets. If you prefer 12 point both manufacturers have those as well.

Can't speak to the common metric sizes used by GM, but my Honda uses a lot of 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19.
 

Kirbot

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Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
11,001
Location
New Jersey
If you're ok with foreign made then I'd say look at GearWrench. I've linked to the deep and standard depth sets at Advance Auto Parts. They seem to always have a coupon for about 40% off. You may be able to find them cheaper somewhere else.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...cket-set-kdt80704/22981593-P?searchTerm=80704
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...cket-set-kdt80702/22981591-P?searchTerm=80702

If you want US made maybe take a look at SK sets 1945 and 1955 (both 15 pieces). They also have sets 1947 and 1959 that are 21 and 19 pieces respectively.

All the sets I mentioned are 6 point sockets. If you prefer 12 point both manufacturers have those as well.

Can't speak to the common metric sizes used by GM, but my Honda uses a lot of 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19.


Advance has the 12 point sets a lot cheaper.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...84291-P?searchTerm=gearwrench+1/2"+socket+set

It's a shame they only go to 19mm, but you can fill them in bigger with open stock and still get them pretty cheap.

My 1/2" drive chrome sockets are all 12 point.
It's not easy to round off the bigger fasteners that I'll use 1/2" for, and they're easier to use on a breaker bar.


Urrea isn another good option.
A little more money, but made in Mexico and some of the nicest sockets I've ever used.
 

02camaro86

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Dec 20, 2014
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310
Location
New Jersey
10, 13, 15, 18, 19, 22, for cars. i work on primarily chevys as well
imports get use out of 12, 14, 17

i got a nice sunex master set deep and shallow 6pt impact and universal swivel 1/2in for $85 on ebay. been very happy with it
 

Adam.C

Banned
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Jan 29, 2013
Messages
1,490
I chose 12 pts because there are sometimes 12pt bolts used on brakes and other high torq applications.

So basically, I use impact sockets for all 1/2 drive, but my impacts are all 6pt. So if you feel you need 1/2" chrome, I think buying 12pt adds capability.
 

Squankum

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Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,868
Location
Southeast
Williams, a lower tier division of Snap On (but nothing low about them) sells these for a fair price:

JH Williams 32932 16-Piece 1/2-Inch Drive Metric Shallow 12 Point Socket Set

Link: http://amzn.com/B005VMS64Y

About two years ago I bought a set like this, but deep 6 point, and they were made in Taiwan. Very nice chrome, the only notable thing about them was the size labeling was shot into them with some kind of "laser beam" and isn't super readable. Then again, my old timey Sears Cman sockets aren't super obvious to read the size # on, either.

Can't complain about the price.

On the other hand, if you just start with impact if you ever move up to impact tools, you'll be set, and how often do you really need a thinner wall socket? I'd suggest Grey Pneumatic, also made in Taiwan.


Grey Pneumatic Corp 1412M 1/2'' Drive Standard Length Metric Set - 14 Piece
Link: http://amzn.com/B00061SJPG

Many people here have used and abused these and have not had problems. Great value.

_
 
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oldldh

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May 22, 2012
Messages
3,700
Location
Fairhope, AL
GearWrench #80730......37 pc Metric 12 pt......$ 85.95 at www.tooldiscounter.com

9 to 30mm and 32 and 36mm standard (shallow) sockets...

14 to 22mm and 24, 27, 30, and 32mm deep sockets...

Photo is my set in their blow molded plastic tray...

I'm "most happy" with them...
 

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littleponderosa

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Sep 27, 2014
Messages
864
Location
MONTANA
Not anticipated but during a parts run to the local (45 miles) John Deere dealer I just had to ask what he would sell me the complete set for.
He just up and says, "you want both" and I replied yes. So, he digs around and finally looks at me and says 10% off the tags. Asked him if this was a lifetime, no ******** warranty if I break he replaces and he said "absolutely." I told him it says limited and he says "with what you spend here?" Too cool.
10-19 are 12 points and 20-32 are 6 point. COO is Taiwan.

Now if the right parts would have showed up - AARRGGHH
Parts guys. Needed 2 hydraulic pipes supplying a block, instead got the 2 pipes going to the quick connects. $15 in freight and I'm pissed. Box was taped up like a nursing student had done it - must have taped every seam, every inch so I didn't check at the store. It will get straightened out.

Thanks for the advice guys.
Bill
 

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XxToolAholicxX

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May 28, 2014
Messages
1,449
Location
SF **** Bay Northern California
If you are not going to use them much Craftsman is great price and warranty wise or a step higher go with JH Williams as they are way better then Gearwrench and USA...
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I am a ToolAholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the ToolMan wont give me no credit
 

stage20

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Nov 5, 2013
Messages
3,722
Location
pcola FL
John deere tools were made by bonney in usa. Not sure who makes these. I'm sure they will be fine. 6pt would have been nice
 

Squankum

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Mar 28, 2011
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Location
Southeast
Last edited:

n8n

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Mar 11, 2014
Messages
3,607
Location
Curtis Bay, MD
Cruze may need a special shallow socket (24mm?) To change oil filter, many late model GMs do

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk
 

arz71

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Joined
Sep 6, 2014
Messages
475
Location
Arkansas
My tools are 99% metric got the Snap-On set 10-32MM (6-point) and they are stout! Other ones are MAC and some SK.
 
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