1/2 drive starter set?

[Wolfe 21]

I am slowly upgrading my socket drawer as $ allows. I have SK for 1/4 & 3/8, but cost prohibits the addition of the big sockets at this time.
So, I'm looking for a 1/2 drive set that covers the basics in both SAE & MM.
Is there a better option available currently than https://www.tekton.com/1-2-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-3-8-1-5-16-in-10-32-mm?quantity=1&set-range=combined.com
Ratchet isn't as big a concern as the sockets themselves. Prefer 6 point as this is likely only gonna be used on rusty, heavy stuff (suspension bolts and old equipment).

 

[mazdeuce]

I used the Tekton as an industrial mechanic for about 6 months until I got laid off due to the recent slow down. They worked as well as anything else in the shop.

 

[lardy1]

Since I've retired I've had to go cheaper for a lot of things. I rounded out my sockets with Tekton. They're as effective as my SK's.

Watch online for NOS Blackhawk. You can get decent sets for a reasonable price.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

I have run across many bargains at garage sales and even occasionally at a pawnshop on 1/2" drive tools. They are less in demand as 3/8" and 1/4" as most people don't see a need for "that heavy-duty stuff". Look for old U.S. standard brands such as: Bonney, Armstrong, Wright, S-K, New Britain (or its many variants - Blackhawk, Husky, None Better, etc.). There are also tool truck brands out there on occasion at affordable prices. Older U.S. made Craftsman is also more than adequete for most work and you can get it for a decent price.

 

[bcschief]

Why not buy used Craftsman lots of USA stuff available and cheap. Check Ebay, Craiglist and Facebook marketplace. Like Lardy1 I am cheap.

 

[GrantCee]

I work on my own vehicles, farm equipment, and occasionally do some construction work around our place. When I built a new 1/2 set a few years back, I went all impact.

My reasoning was that anything larger than my 3/8 set covers will likely require the services of an impact wrench to get loose, and anything inside the overlap of the two sets gives me options to handle tight clearance or tight fasteners.

In my case, it's proven time and again to be the best solution.

 

[victor252]

Since I've retired I've had to go cheaper for a lot of things. I rounded out my sockets with Tekton. They're as effective as my SK's.

Watch online for NOS Blackhawk. You can get decent sets for a reasonable price.

like this 1/2 drive SAE set. Std and deep for $135

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000R8EG8C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Formerjeeper]

I am slowly upgrading my socket drawer as $ allows. I have SK for 1/4 & 3/8, but cost prohibits the addition of the big sockets at this time.

So, I'm looking for a 1/2 drive set that covers the basics in both SAE & MM.

Is there a better option available currently than https://www.tekton.com/1-2-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-3-8-1-5-16-in-10-32-mm?quantity=1&set-range=combined.com

Ratchet isn't as big a concern as the sockets themselves. Prefer 6 point as this is likely only gonna be used on rusty, heavy stuff (suspension bolts and old equipment).

Just sent you a PM.


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[SweetD]

If you want new, Tekton. If you want vintage used, USA-Made, Craftsman.

 

[sberry]

A single set isn't totally complete, I wouldn't fuss about 6 pt to start. Might score some dupes from a pawn or flea but if I had none wouldn't hold it against a guy to go to Wal-Mart for chrome and some HF impacts along with their breaker bar. Might save enuf for a impact.
Really,,, a sale set of Can is still a bargain, let's you get up to speed fast, upgrade a few pieces as needed.

 

[Shelbylex]

Start looking on CL or offerup if you have time. You can save some money if you do not mind marked sockets. Once you get the basics, you can slowly start upgrading when you find excellent deals.
For example I have an incomplete but large set of 1/2 SAE SK which are in great shape, but marked. As I am slowly accumulating unmarked Snap On and other sockets, I will eventually let it go as I prefer unmarked staff. Got it relatively inexpensively as a part of the deal (owner conveniently forgot to mention that they were marked and I bought them unseen (friend picked up in another state as he was passing throught the town)

 

[stonesfan68]

Why not buy used Craftsman lots of USA stuff available and cheap. Check Ebay, Craiglist and Facebook marketplace. Like Lardy1 I am cheap.

There's nothing cheap about USA Craftsman on eBay. I was shocked at the pricing that people are getting for rusty 8 mm wrenches.

OP, other brands to consider are Williams or Proto.

Proto 15 piece 1/2"-drive metric socket set $115

 

[fordgasm]

I have that tekton set and it’s great. There quality is excellent.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think you'll find a better or more complete 1/2 drive socket set at that price. However, do you really need to go all the way up to 1 5/16 and 32 mm? Tekton has smaller sets and offers just sockets too.
I recommend registering and ordering from Tekton.com because they offer free shipping in the United States once you register and you get 10% back in rewards points that spend like cash on future purchases.

I agree that used craftsman used to be a great option but, many EBAY crazies have equated Craftsman USA with snap on Besides, in six point 1/2 chrome Craftsman didn't offer as wide of sizes as Tekton does.
Good luck in your quest

 

[bcschief]

For all you young tech's you will see sae stuff go obsolete in your working years like whitworth in the 70's metric is king for now.

 

[Ralf11]

Long Live the King !!

 

[ecotec]

For all you young tech's you will see sae stuff go obsolete in your working years like whitworth in the 70's metric is king for now.

Maybe... but what about tradesmen?

The vast vast majority of hardware used by skilled trades the USA is still SAE. Even if we switched over today, which we won’t, we would still need SAE for decades.

There are two kinds of countries, those that use metric and those that have been to the moon.

 

[sberry]

Seems I ran across something doy that had 1 5/16. It's rare for most to need it deep, the big Sears sets had it shallow and deep to 1 1/4. Seems it was something on a car. Old equipment I might want it in the box.

 

[Jim C.]

For all you young tech's you will see sae stuff go obsolete in your working years like whitworth in the 70's metric is king for now.

True for the most part. Ironically, within the last year I bought a bunch of Whitworth sockets and a few wrenches to work on a 1955 MG. I had trouble finding USA made tools other than used, but still super expensive, Snap On stuff. I ended up buying Japanese sockets made by Koken. The quality is extremely good and I must say that the sockets really exceeded my expectations.

Maybe... but what about tradesmen?

The vast vast majority of hardware used by skilled trades the USA is still SAE. Even if we switched over today, which we won’t, we would still need SAE for decades.....

Agreed, and if you like working on old cars, machines, etc., then there will always be a need for SAE tools.

Jim C.

 

[Hammer1963]

Occasionally I will see DeWalt socket sets on sale. These appear to be a decent product and the cost isn't bad at all

 

[cherrybomb]

Sounds like Proto or Williams to me.Then I could really lean on them and not worry about anything going wrong.Its such a good feeling to know that good tools aren't going to let me down.Thats what wrenching is all about.A sense of pride in owning and using.

 

[m6z]

Sunex or Tekton for full sets. I go with impact sockets in 1/2". There's really no reason to pay for chrome 1/2".

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Sunex, Gearwrench or Tekton and SK and Kobalt are good for new stuff I would hit up your local pawn shops and see what you can find at my pawn shop I can fill up a box for $10 so that is always an option. The SK is all USA stuff. I would find some old Craftsman USA or Kobalt USA. I use my 1/2 chrome a lot for brakes since we aren’t allowed to use power or air tools on them at my shop. I have a mix and have split some of the cheap Taiwan and China ones that have no name. The Gearwrench are now China made so if you are wanting Taiwan or USA I would go with one of the other brands.


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[Wolfe 21]

Ok.....
Pawn shops are a no go in my area. Simply don't have any near me. I think the nearest is 60 miles away. It's rural corn country.
EBay is as crazy as those above have pointed out. I am trying to replace a 12mm 1/4 drive USA craftsman and it's nutty. $5 & up.
I have a Craftsman USA set of mostly 12 pt that I am looking to put into a truck box, hence the upgrade. One of the old 300 piece sets I got when I was in school. I also have some 12 point SK from eBay that are beat to hell, rusting with peeling chrome and some mix & match Blackhawk sockets that are incomplete sets. I want SAE because I drive a 20 year old Chevy and like vintage muscle.
I just want to have a complete set that is nice and doesn't make me cringe when someone opens my box. I just can't swing SK or Snap on prices right now for a non-professional home use. I plan to splurge on a couple nice ratchets though.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Ok.....

Pawn shops are a no go in my area. Simply don't have any near me. I think the nearest is 60 miles away. It's rural corn country.

EBay is as crazy as those above have pointed out. I am trying to replace a 12mm 1/4 drive USA craftsman and it's nutty. $5 & up.

I have a Craftsman USA set of mostly 12 pt that I am looking to put into a truck box, hence the upgrade. One of the old 300 piece sets I got when I was in school. I also have some 12 point SK from eBay that are beat to hell, rusting with peeling chrome and some mix & match Blackhawk sockets that are incomplete sets. I want SAE because I drive a 20 year old Chevy and like vintage muscle.

I just want to have a complete set that is nice and doesn't make me cringe when someone opens my box. I just can't swing SK or Snap on prices right now for a non-professional home use. I plan to splurge on a couple nice ratchets though.

I’d go with Gearwrench or Tekton then or maybe Sunex too as they all have really nice stuff for a decent won’t break the bank price. Also if you have a Napa in your area their Carlyle tools aren’t bad either they are pretty durable and the chrome won’t peel. Another one honestly is the Pittsburgh sockets from Harbor Freight are a great buy and they are strong they are made in Taiwan and not China they also have a nice brand called Quinn there that is nice too. And to be honest Kobalt from Lowe’s is absolutely amazing too it’s great stuff as well I use it as a professional mechanic and I have no complaints I actually use all the brands I have mentioned with no complaints.


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[Don53]

I picked up two 15 piece Proto impact sets from Zoro a few weeks ago. SAE and Metric, both standard depth. List is $100 each, but had a 15% off code and another 10% back from my credit card, so $77 each plus tax.

Originally I was planning on Sunex or Tekton, but for "a few" more bucks the USA made option made sense for me.

Don

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[1950mercury]

I work on my own vehicles, farm equipment, and occasionally do some construction work around our place. When I built a new 1/2 set a few years back, I went all impact.

My reasoning was that anything larger than my 3/8 set covers will likely require the services of an impact wrench to get loose, and anything inside the overlap of the two sets gives me options to handle tight clearance or tight fasteners.

In my case, it's proven time and again to be the best solution.

What he said^^^ even hf impacts will do you just fine

 

[ecotec]

I lucked into my 1/2” chrome for cheap. I was picking up something from a local supply house (kind of local, Berkshire Hathaway bought it), and I saw 1/2” Armstrong chrome shallow sets on the clearance shelf. I ended up paying a fraction of Tekton for made in USA sets.

 

[Al Borland]

For 1/2" socket stuff for the work crew, it's usually Horrid Fright or Home Despot.
Sockets seem to last until "lost" and aren't going to break the bank when the whole set gets "misplaced".
Just finished cleaning up a set of HF 1/2" impacts that were put away wet and forgotten for a few months.
Kinda like the way they look after a vinegar soak and a scotchbrite polish.

 

[nadogail]

I have done lots of good work and brought home paychecks with Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh tools.

 

[BrandoJames]

Pawn shops are a no go in my area. Simply don't have any near me. I think the nearest is 60 miles away.

I've always had a prejudice against pawn shops, and typically avoid them. It goes back to when I was a business student in college. An influential economist (maybe Friedman) referred to pawn shops as "negative economic indicators". The basic idea: If you see more pawn shops opening in your community, that's usually a sign of economic stress. More people are selling their belongings for cash.

OTOH, I buy tools from eBay. I'm sure many of the eBay sellers are pawn shops. So I'm indirectly buying from pawn shops.

 

[Bacon!]

For all you young tech's you will see sae stuff go obsolete in your working years like whitworth in the 70's metric is king for now.

Meh, that doesn't stop older SAE fastened things from needing repaired.

I've always had a prejudice against pawn shops... The basic idea: If you see more pawn shops opening in your community, that's usually a sign of economic stress. More people are selling their belongings for cash.

... but by buying from pawn shops, you increase the demand, which increases prices, which can raise acquisition payouts to those economically stressed enough to sell their tools, helping them more. Might as well buy a good tool if it's just sitting there going to waste already.

 

[Bacon!]

I work on my own vehicles, farm equipment, and occasionally do some construction work around our place. When I built a new 1/2 set a few years back, I went all impact.

My reasoning was that anything larger than my 3/8 set covers will likely require the services of an impact wrench to get loose, and anything inside the overlap of the two sets gives me options to handle tight clearance or tight fasteners.

In my case, it's proven time and again to be the best solution.

I'll take that even further. If I had to start over from scratch, I'd buy 3/8" and 1/2", six point impacts for my go-to sockets.

The few times I need a thinner walled socket, or a 12pt, are few enough that I'd be better off adding to an impact set with those few chrome 12pt pieces I needed for those cases. Of course it depends on what you're working on, I suspect the cramped engine bays of modern smaller cars will be where those are more necessary.

Wrenches on the other hand, gotta have 12pt too if they don't ratchet.

 

[ecotec]

I'll take that even further. If I had to start over from scratch, I'd buy 3/8" and 1/2", six point impacts for my go-to sockets.

The few times I need a thinner walled socket, or a 12pt, are few enough that I'd be better off adding to an impact set with those few chrome 12pt pieces I needed for those cases. Of course it depends on what you're working on, I suspect the cramped engine bays of modern smaller cars will be where those are more necessary.

Wrenches on the other hand, gotta have 12pt too if they don't ratchet.

The only 12pt sockets, that I keep in my main socket drawer, are sockets that I actually need for 12pt fasteners.

 

[m6z]

There's nothing cheap about USA Craftsman on eBay. I was shocked at the pricing that people are getting for rusty 8 mm wrenches.

OP, other brands to consider are Williams or Proto.

Proto 15 piece 1/2"-drive metric socket set $115

Good prices on NOS Craftsman stuff can still be found. I've recently bought a couple replacements wrenches for my 20 year old set. Typically $10-15 shipped for single wrenches. Sets can be found for $5-$8 a wrench pretty regularly. So it's not out of line compared to other USA made tools.

Saying that, if I was starting today I'd go with Tekton on the cheap end and SK or Proto on the higher end.

 

[m6z]

Does the SK socket of the month club offer 1/2" sockets? That' might be a cheaper route to stick with SK.

Edit: looks like they do.

https://sktools.com/shop/sockets-sets/sockets/socket-of-the-month.html?drive_size=169