1/2" socket set reccomendations Please

[jake00]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to get a 1/2" socket set (both sae/ metric for mostly hobby/ homeowner use, my budget is 200 bucks, unless there's a smoking deal that makes more sense.

What would you guys get?

 

[gnx547]

Snap on, Matco, Mac, SK, Crapsman, I would look at craigslist or ebay for good deals

 

[back2class]

Craftsman, GREAT sockets for the money.

 

[dwm]

What's the largest socket size you need in metric and SAE? Deep, shallow or both?

For around-the-house stuff, my 1/2" drive tools never get used; 1/4" and 3/8" covers it. The cars are the only place where I use my 1/2" drive tools, and I only really need them in a few spots which are rarely touched (wheel bearings, subframes, etc.).

 

[shampoop]

Craftsman, GREAT sockets for the money.

+1 especially for the average homeowner. Easy to find used and warranty too.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Another vote for Craftsman here, or even Harbor Freight. There's really not a lot of call for an expensive ½" drive set for home/hobby use.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

hoarding freight has a lifetime guarantee

 

[Coach James]

C-man.

Coach

 

[pipsters]

hoarding freight has a lifetime guarantee

With a receipt. That fades to nothing in 2 months.

 

[timesrgood?]

I got an sae set on ebay this week, Armstrong 12 pt. deep, 15 sckts from 7/16 to 1 3/8, came to about $50. Brand new on rails. I don't care if anyone says the Taiwans have a better finish I want the USA steel and mark. I think they make them for Sears, but are very expensive retail, way more than c'man. Apparently Sears will warranty the Armstrongs. Guy is putting out more.
Also got a set of Armstrong ratcheting reversible box wrenches, 8, 3/8-3/4 for same price.
USA Craftsman socket sets are always a good choice IMO.

 

[silversix]

I hate 1/2" socket sets that start at a really small size, I never use 1/2" drive for anything under 3/4". Most 1/2" drive worthy SAE work can be covered with 3/4, 7/8, and 15/16. Also, those sockets cover 19mm, 22mm, and 24mm respectively. I would just buy individual sockets.

 

[wmartin]

I hate 1/2" socket sets that start at a really small size, I never use 1/2" drive for anything under 3/4". Most 1/2" drive worthy SAE work can be covered with 3/4, 7/8, and 15/16. Also, those sockets cover 19mm, 22mm, and 24mm respectively. I would just buy individual sockets.

Seriously, that's a really great observation. Looking back through the years as a car hobbyist, I can see where you're exactly right.

My problem is that I'm too good at finding deals, so I ended up going to ebay and getting a briefcase sized Lawson Products 1/2 set (Williams, USA) for $50 a while back. It looks really cool, but I'll bet I never use 80% of it.

An interesting angle to the individual socket concept, aside from the fact that now you can afford to buy more $$$$ sockets, is that a 'set' might be considered every style of a given size. Long, short, flex, impact, 6 point, 12 point,etc. Keep a size grouped together rather than a style.

 

[4x4gearhead]

just get some craftsmans for home theyre more than enough for the homeowner.

 

[LawnDart79]

For homeowner/hobby use, I wouldn't be afraid to go with Craftsman.

I used Craftsman sockets professionally (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, chrome, sae and mm, deep and shallow) for years without much trouble, so for most people, they will work well. I think I only ever broke three of them in a 10 year span.

Good quality for a good price.

 

[mofo62]

.


I recomendted Proto...high quality...



V!

 

[kartracer55]

Craftsman is probably your best bet. Most other US made stuff will be out of your price range if you want SAE/Metric in deep and shallow

 

[muskaman67]

Craftsman for sure or Sunex/Grey Pneumatic.

 

[jk47]

I picked up a set of Koken shallow 12 point in SAE and Metric for $118 and $125. ALL sizes from 3/8"-1 1/4", and 10mm-32mm. A little more than your budget but they contain all the sizes, even though you may not need some of them, it's good to know they are there just in case.

 

[PDACPA]

With a receipt. That fades to nothing in 2 months.

That's why I scan my receipts when I get back to my PC. I can find the receipt quickly and print it out.

They must use disappearing ink at HF!

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

.


I recomendted Proto...high quality...



V!

He's right, high quality and very good prices.