1/4" Drive deep SAE 6 point sockets - Socket replenishment thread

[RickP330]

I really want to update my socket collection. The 1/4" drive stuff is an assortment of odd brands. I'd really like a quality Snap on set, but it's been a while since I ordered on line before and for $400 for the set OUCH. I know you guys have some ideas, what to do?
Keeping in mind the 1/4" set is not used frequently...
RP

 

[liliysdad]

I ordered Williams USA to fill in the places where I didn't have Snap-On. I haven't been disappointed.

 

[Wamsutta]

Another vote for USA Williams. The first time I've ever agreed with liliysdad.

 

[drtyler]

Williams USA set are good quality, but the size markings tend to be small and lightly stamped.

 

[AEAdam]

eBay. There are several like new sets available for around $120. If you choose used, you can probably do better. The cheapest approach is to buy a used set missing sizes. Then just buy the missing sockets individually. That usually results in the lowest priced set. But I have purchased many sets in like new condition. These can be part of buy one get one deals etc.

 

[liliysdad]

Another vote for USA Williams. The first time I've ever agreed with liliysdad.

I’ll take what I can get!

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Williams USA the others mentioned are nice, I also like Wright, the size stamping is easier to read. Proto has some that are nice and easy to read too but they have changed designs a lot recently so it can be hard to know what you're getting unless you have somewhere you can shop in person.

 

[Dave455]

The Snap On are superb, but yes, prices are breathtaking at present.

The guys suggesting Williams USA, yes, good plan, very similar in style.

There is no shortage of European makers that generally offer better value than Snap On, however, not all of them do 1/4” anywhere near as well. And for those that do, the prices for more specialised tools such as deep sockets, can be much closer to Snap On.

I’d probably consider Japanese. KoKen make nice 1/4 SAE deep sockets.
Available in sets of sockets on a rail, 6 point or 12
or complete sets.


KTC offer them too, including their premium “Nepros” range. I only see pre packaged sets in 12 point, but they won’t load the price of individual tools, so you could put your own set together.

 

[demarpaint]

Another vote for Williams.

 

[Alfisti]

Another vote here for Koken, bought some 1/4 drive deep sockets a few years ago and they've held up very well. I've also got some Beta sockets, very good value as well.

 

[KnurledNut]

Williams USA will function well but the finishing/stamping can be inconsistent if that matters. Some have even got a different branded socket in their set.
I havent used Koken but I imagine they would be superb.

I really like the quality/dimensions of Snap-on in quarter drive. If I was in your shoes, I’d probably keep my eyes open for a used set.
MAC does them well too. They do neck the drive end down which some may not care for.

I have NAPA Carlyle in standard deep and they are well machined and beautifully finished. They are deeper broached which can be loved/hated.

I’d have no problem considering VIM SM400D. Nice range of sizes, easy-to-read size ID, and they have a reputation of sourcing high quality manufacturing to their specs.

Craftsman V-Series would be another consideration, but they are a smaller size range.

 

[micromind]

Generally speaking, I will but Wright but they don't have everything.

Then ones Wright doesn't have, I will buy Proto.

I believe both brands are every bit as good as Snap-on but less $$$.

 

[RickP330]

Wow, lots to sift through here fellas, thanks!
Currently surfing Ebay for used sets
I'll take a close look at Williams.
Thank you
Rick

 

[budget76]

heck, I'm happy with the $20-30 Dewalt 1/4" set I grabbed to get rid of the cobbled together set . I have been trying to grab the 1/4" stuff more but I still don't use it often.

not sure I could justify a hundred for a 1/4" drive socket set personally. Good luck on the hunt

 

[RickP330]

heck, I'm happy with the $20-30 Dewalt 1/4" set I grabbed to get rid of the cobbled together set . I have been trying to grab the 1/4" stuff more but I still don't use it often.

not sure I could justify a hundred for a 1/4" drive socket set personally. Good luck on the hunt

Hey nothing wrong with that. That's actually what I have right now. Always looking to plus up and dress up my tool kit is all.

 

[budget76]

don't let me stop you from continuing with the addiction

 

[lilredex]

When I wanted to complete another 1/4" set for my basement workshop, I went to HD and found Huskys for about $11 a set. Mine are seldom used too.

 

[liliysdad]

My 1/4 drive tools are my most used tools in my box. I cannot imagine doing interior or body work on vehicle without using 1/4 drive tools.

I am curious as to why so many say they hardly use them?

 

[908Jim]

When I wanted to complete another 1/4" set for my basement workshop, I went to HD and found Huskys for about $11 a set. Mine are seldom used too.

I'm liking these holders! Where are they from?

 

[RickP330]

don't let me stop you from continuing with the addiction

Great, always knew I could count on you guys LOL.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

The eBay pricing on the older MAC stuff in metal trays has passed my limit. I have however had decent luck with SO SAE on eBay, I would go that way. I have been going to Williams and Proto when I need a new set.

 

[cherrybomb]

I bought some Proto intermediates,I find them more useful than my deeps.They are 12 points,not sure if they come in 6 points or if you could get by with intermediate. Maybe some one has the six that can answer my question.Great quality and price,highly recommended, got mine on Zoro

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

I really want to update my socket collection. The 1/4" drive stuff is an assortment of odd brands. I'd really like a quality Snap on set, but it's been a while since I ordered on line before and for $400 for the set OUCH. I know you guys have some ideas, what to do?
Keeping in mind the 1/4" set is not used frequently...
RP

Then what’s wrong with what you have if you don’t hardly ever use them? Just don’t understand why the majority of people who show us their tools never use them. All shiny and new. You can tell by looking at a real user because his tools are a little dirty and have ware marks

 

[lilredex]

I'm liking these holders! Where are they from?

My workshop.....

Tool Box Socket Trays

Tool Box Socket Trays: If your tool box is a mess with loose sockets rolling around, and you do not want to spend $$$$ on those commercially available organizers that waste sooo much space, this DIY idea may be just for you. And no welding is involved........th…

www.instructables.com

 

[lilredex]

My 1/4 drive tools are my most used tools in my box. I cannot imagine doing interior or body work on vehicle without using 1/4 drive tools.

I am curious as to why so many say they hardly use them?

In my case it is the location, basement workshop. In the driveway/garage, they are the most used drive size.

 

[RickP330]

In my case it is the location, basement workshop. In the driveway/garage, they are the most used drive size.

My point is that I would probably go to them much more frequently if I had a complete / nice set. IMO the smaller tool is easier to handle and maneuver. I didn't mean to give the impression that I don't use them....

 

[alinc100]

I have the EZ read Craftsman ,last of the USA made ones in my main garage box, but I keep this Milwaukee set under the seat in my truck as it handles the range I deal with at work(up to 9/16") . I haven't used it alot but the sockets seem well made,ratchet is smooth, covers a lot of sizes in one kit. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ool-Set-50-Piece-48-22-9004/305143966#overlay That said Williams USA is nice, Wright is nice, used Snap On is nice, if you hunt for a deal.

Here's a Williams set via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Williams-WSM...ch-Socket/dp/B001DNWRNG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[f121]

EBay. It’s been a couple of years, but I’m sure I paid <$100/set for my shallow and deep 1/4s. They’re great sockets, fit noticeably better and the shallows are a touch shallower than my other 1/4 sockets.

 

[JWC86]

EBay for sure, I just bought a set of 1/4 6pt deep metric Snap on sockets new in wrapper on Ebay for about 1/2 the price of new.

Also, if you have a CAT dealer you can get them branded as CAT sockets for probably 1/4 -1/3 the price of SO but they might be one or two sizes short of the SO set.

CAT part number for the 1/4 SAE Deep 6pt is 213-9965, 10pc set 3/16 - 9/16.
It should be around $51 USD but it can varry from dealer to dealer.

Your dealer might not know they even sell tools but you just give them the part number, I bought 3 sets from my CAT dealer.

 

[RickP330]

I have the EZ read Craftsman ,last of the USA made ones in my main garage box, but I keep this Milwaukee set under the seat in my truck as it handles the range I deal with at work(up to 9/16") . I haven't used it alot but the sockets seem well made,ratchet is smooth, covers a lot of sizes in one kit. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...ool-Set-50-Piece-48-22-9004/305143966#overlay That said Williams USA is nice, Wright is nice, used Snap On is nice, if you hunt for a deal.

Here's a Williams set via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Williams-WSM...ch-Socket/dp/B001DNWRNG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Awesome, thanks! I put the Williams sockets in my cart, lets see what else I can find...

EBay. It’s been a couple of years, but I’m sure I paid <$100/set for my shallow and deep 1/4s. They’re great sockets, fit noticeably better and the shallows are a touch shallower than my other 1/4 sockets.

Yes, for Crack-on I think it's the way to go. Looking like $100 for nice used set. I watched a bunch of them, lets see if I get any discount offers.

EBay for sure, I just bought a set of 1/4 6pt deep metric Snap on sockets new in wrapper on Ebay for about 1/2 the price of new.

Also, if you have a CAT dealer you can get them branded as CAT sockets for probably 1/4 -1/3 the price of SO but they might be one or two sizes short of the SO set.

CAT part number for the 1/4 SAE Deep 6pt is 213-9965, 10pc set 3/16 - 9/16.
It should be around $51 USD but it can varry from dealer to dealer.

Your dealer might not know they even sell tools but you just give them the part number, I bought 3 sets from my CAT dealer.

Cat dealer? Who would have known.

Guys this is great information thanks a bunch!
RP

 

[JWC86]

Cat dealer? Who would have known.

Ya the CAT sockets are 100% just re-branded Snap-On, like I said I picked up 3 sets. Lifetime warranty at the CAT dealer if I remember correctly.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Ya the CAT sockets are 100% just re-branded Snap-On, like I said I picked up 3 sets. Lifetime warranty at the CAT dealer if I remember correctly.

I have purchased 4 sets over the last few weeks and several loose sizes , all ( 10 mm)

 

[VolvoRyan]

Does any/every CAT dealer have tools for sale?

On the subject of 1/4" tools, I used to ask myself.... "how hard is it to mess up 1/4" drive stuff?"...... the answer is that it's apparently pretty easy to do. It's wise to get some good stuff.

-Ryan

 

[flushcut]

I'm rocking the Grey Pneumatic 1/4" impact master set. I really like that set.

 

[Steve_P]

I have Williams USA and Capri in 1/4 drive. And some ancient HF, etc. I hate the terrible size markings on the Williams and always have regretted that I didn't buy SK solely for the larger markings. If I had to buy today I'd go with Tekton or Capri. Both are ~3mm longer than Williams USA in the short sizes.

 

[liliysdad]

I have Williams USA and Capri in 1/4 drive. And some ancient HF, etc. I hate the terrible size markings on the Williams and always have regretted that I didn't buy SK solely for the larger markings. If I had to buy today I'd go with Tekton or Capri. Both are ~3mm longer than Williams USA in the short sizes.

I have the same Williams sockets and the markings have yet to be an issue. They live on a Hansen tray with the sizes marked…. And it’s not like the size markings are invisible, they are just small.

I sure as hell have never considered anything from Capri, Tekton, or any other Taiwanese reseller in preference to them. They are identical to the Snap Ons in the drawer with them other than the markings.

 

[Fedwrench]

Proto. Excellent chrome, widely available, nice large, crisp size markings. Don't make it harder than it has to be.
Actually, cherrybomb made a great recommendation in post#22, buy a set of semi deep or mid length sockets. They're much more versatile than regular deep sockets. Unfortunately, Proto doesn't make them in six point but, there are plenty of other choices

 

[cat-mechanic]

I'll just add to the guys saying to go to your local Cat Dealer and order them. Yes, all dealers will sell them and have access to them. If you go into a dealer, ask to look at the Cat Dealer Service Tools catalog, All the 1/4 drive stuff I bought, a couple of the sets even had Snap On plastic packaging and the pieces were marked Cat. I put together the same full 1/4 drive set that Snap On gets $1400 for. I made it out of Cat for less than $300 including buying the $100 Snap On case. The Cat ratchet is a little longer than the Snap On, so it doesn't fit in the case. I can deal with that since I saved so much money.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Do CAT tools still have Snap-On's terrible markings? Snap-On makes great tools, but their sockets are sooo hard to read.

Actually, cherrybomb made a great recommendation in post#22, buy a set of semi deep or mid length sockets.

SK made some nice semi-deep in 1/4" at the end of their run. Who knows, now? I only use "actual-deep" sockets for special things.... where a fully broached socket is needed anyway, so a cheap set of something works here.

-Ryan

 

[JWC86]

Do CAT tools still have Snap-On's terrible markings? Snap-On makes great tools, but their sockets are sooo hard to read.

Yes same number markings and yes i agree they are a bit hard to read.