1/2" SK socket set

[Ruahrc]

I have a pretty complete set of SK sockets in both 1/4" and 3/8" drive. For black Friday this year I was thinking to pick up a basic 1/2" set of sockets and ratchet to compliment and replace some of the no-name 1/2" stuff I have now.

I don't really use 1/2" sockets that often mainly I just use it for loosening lug nuts from my car tires. Therefore I only need to pick up a small set, not a comprehensive set like I have in 1/4 and 3/8. Do you guys think it is better to try and go piecemeal (picking up small sets of sockets and ratchet individually) or just go for one of SK's green blow-case socket sets? I would like to get a basic set of sizes in both imperial and metric.

For example SK 4147 set has ratchet, imperial and metric sockets and ratchet but honestly its probably a bit more than I really need. Would I be better off trying to buy the ratchet on its own and then smallest set I could find of imperial and metric sockets? I don't think I need both short and deep well sockets probably just one or the other would work.

Also where do you think I might be able to find a good deal on SK stuff for black Friday? I was figuring Zoro, Acme, or maybe HJE would be the good places to try.

Thanks!
Norman

 

[PJNJ]

I also have a both 1/4 and 3/8 SK sets in the blow molded cases along with a couple of full sets of Cman in those sizes and shallow 1/2 up to 36mm. But over the last 15 years I have found myself reaching mostly for my 1/2 impact sockets. I generally use them with a ratchet, air and cordless tools.

So I would recommend getting some good sets either from Grey Pneumatic or Sunex along with a good long handle flex ratchet. I bought the SK 1/2 flex (it's about 18 inches long) and it is a real bear - big, heavy and great leverage. I also picked up a couple of used Wrights (10 and 15 inch) along with a used SK 10 inch ratchet. Between them, I can reach and loosen almost any nut or bolt.

 

[hangfirew8]

It all comes down to your future needs, if you'll ever go impact, and your price tolerance.

Buying piecemeal is more money in the long run, sometimes much, much more. Of all tool investments, a ratchet set is one of the most likely to be put to use. Unless you never, ever plan to do suspension work...

 

[jrockford]

What size do you typically use for loosening your lugs? The set you mention has a 19mm deep well which seems popular.

I am guessing you are more interested in metric deep wells. More complete than the set you mention, but you don't get the case, ratchet, extensions, or other sockets. I'm in the same boat as you and am thinking about just going this route. I would add either the 6 or 12 point shallow sockets later on though.

http://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-21-piece-1-2-drive-6-point-deep-metric-socket-set.html

Here's a smaller set with a better price.
http://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-1945-15-piece-1-2-drive-6-point-deep-metric-socket-set.html

 

[gdocktor3]

Just get yourself an SK (or any brand) flip socket set if you're only using them for wheel lugs. The set shown covers 3/4" x 13/16" and 19mm x 21mm. Then, pick up a 1/2" ratchet of your liking. The 1/2" ratchets included in the blow molded sets are too short to be used for lug nuts anyways. Get a 15" ratchet or a breaker bar....

 

[Rarified27]

Just get yourself an SK (or any brand) flip socket set if you're only using them for wheel lugs. The set shown covers 3/4" x 13/16" and 19mm x 21mm. Then, pick up a 1/2" ratchet of your liking. The 1/2" ratchets included in the blow molded sets are too short to be used for lug nuts anyways. Get a 15" ratchet or a breaker bar....

Good recommendation- The 15" SK round head is a monster and would be great for these.

 

[four.cycle]

your heart set on S-K?
gotta have both SAE and Metric in one set?

PROTO J54126
(listed as used - see photos)
$149.99 incl. shipping
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STANLEY-PR...009293&hash=item3d50415e2d:g:TQoAAOSwx3NZYmxO

 

[mmason7764]

Also where do you think I might be able to find a good deal on SK stuff for black Friday? I was figuring Zoro, Acme, or maybe HJE would be the good places to try.

Thanks!
Norman

Norman,

In addition to the Circle C mentioned above, for SK try:

HJE: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/tool-brand/sk-tools.html

and Tool Discounter: http://www.tooldiscounter.com/catalog/SKT.htm

Also, you may want to go through the exercise of pricing sets and all the singles, sometimes they are not all that different. Example at HJE:

SK 4033, 10 Piece 1/2" Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Impact Socket Set, (10 through 19 mm)
$ 85.02

The Singles:
Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 10mm
Part Number : SK34260
$8.76

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 11mm
Part Number : SK34261
$8.76

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 12mm
Part Number : SK34262
$8.76

SK Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 13mm
Part Number : SK34263
$8.76

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 14mm
Part Number : SK34264
$9.16

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 15mm
Part Number : SK34265
$9.16

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 16mm
Part Number : SK34266
$9.16

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 17mm
Part Number : SK34267
$10.09

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 18mm
Part Number : SK34268
$10.17

Socket Impact 1/2" Drive Deep 19mm
Part Number : SK34269
$10.17

Total: $ 92.95 or 9.3% more than the set. A definite difference but not huge.

Mark

 

[mmason7764]

Just get yourself an SK (or any brand) flip socket set if you're only using them for wheel lugs. The set shown covers 3/4" x 13/16" and 19mm x 21mm. Then, pick up a 1/2" ratchet of your liking. The 1/2" ratchets included in the blow molded sets are too short to be used for lug nuts anyways. Get a 15" ratchet or a breaker bar....

The advantage of these SK flip sockets escape me. Per the SK catalog:

19mm x 21mm flip socket, SK #46119; Outside Diameter: 1.19 inches

19mm Deep 6 point socket, SK #34269; Outside diameter: 1.13 inches
21mm deep 6 point socket, SK #34271; Outside diameter: 1.19 inches

Am I reading the catalog wrong?

Mark

 

[vssjim]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/S-K-1-2-Dr...245917?hash=item3d4d248c5d:g:9qwAAOSwi0xZ9q9O
this is a like new SK set you were looking at but on Ebay for a good savings this and a long SK ratchet or there 24" breaker bar and you are good to go

 

[gdocktor3]

The advantage of these SK flip sockets escape me. Per the SK catalog:

19mm x 21mm flip socket, SK #46119; Outside Diameter: 1.19 inches

19mm Deep 6 point socket, SK #34269; Outside diameter: 1.13 inches
21mm deep 6 point socket, SK #34271; Outside diameter: 1.19 inches

Am I reading the catalog wrong?

Mark

The advantage is 2 sockets in one. What, you think the advantage of buying separate is saving .06" of an inch??

 

[mmason7764]

The advantage is 2 sockets in one. What, you think the advantage of buying separate is saving .06" of an inch??

No, I was under the impression that flip sockets were intended to not damage aluminium wheels, and to do this they were thinner wall. But the SK catalog list no difference in outside diameter.

 

[Al Borland]

I have an old Proto socket on an ancient Husky (New Britain) breaker bar for my lug nuts.
It lives in my truck under the seat.
No fuss, no muss.
Try a pawn shop for the size you need and get a HF breaker.

 

[Bluejoe]

I have the BluePoint set and the size I use on my older Blazer gets stuck in the lug holes of aluminum rim. I guess I need a thinner wall set.