1/4 inch sockets.

[OHMS LAW]

Ok so I have a complete set of craftsman 1/4 sockets. They do they job. The other day on the truck my coworker tells me I need snap on 1/4. Now I already have short mid and deep and deep impact 3/8 and impact 1/2 mm short and longs. For those sizes yes I need snap on. But for the smaller ones what do you guys say??

 

[hangfirew8]

I would say, his bro-in-law the snap-on truck guy needs tuition money for his boy.

That, or he needs to justify to his SO that "so-and-so at work had to upgrade too!"

 

[AceofSpad3s]

If you don't need them then don't bother.

 

[Kirbot]

Ok so I have a complete set of craftsman 1/4 sockets. They do they job.

I think you just answered yourself.

 

[oldldh]

Go stone crazy...

Spend $ 37.47 at www.tooldiscounter.com and get...

Gearwrench' #80314D 1/4" Drive 6 Point SAE/Metric Shallow and Deep Socket Set...

That's 80 cents a socket!!!

And if you've got to have mid-length sockets...(And, in 1/4" sizes...I don't know why you'd need them...)

#80304S and 80305S will get 23 mid-length SAE/Metrich sockets for $ 53.67 from Amazon...(You could probably beat that price by a diligent internet search...)

But, if you're happy with what you've got...WHY DO IT???

The set in the photo is in my toolbox...and I love them...

 

[Malczewski]

That's funny and ridiculous.Most people on the planet never even heard of Snappy and, believe it or not, there are mountains of complex infrastructure outside of the US. Yes. It's true
If you aren't having a problem; carry on.
I remember back in the seventies tho...the Crafty wouldn't hold up at a roller skate factory( 3 shifts of literally thousands of 3/8,7/16 to 1/2 inch nuts installed per day).They burned through a bunch.
They successfully switched out those kits for Snappy. A HUGE difference that does NOT normally apply to folks like us.
Don't waste good money on mythology.

 

[Scimmia]

Of course you need them! You also need this bridge I just happen to have for sale...

 

[Adam.C]

I too was happy with my craftsman 1/4 sockets. But I wanted to use THLD72 Snap On ratchet. The craftsman detent recess didn't mate well with the snap on ratchets. The sockets were very loose on the ratchets. So I bought snap on sockets cheap on eBay.

I kept my craftsman and am happy to use them with the small pro ratchet (which I like).

 

[GTA Matt]

One thing I've noticed on the smaller sized c-man sockets (8mm and smaller) is that on occasion, they just don't have as tight or as positive of a grip on the fastener. 90% of the time it doesn't make a difference, as most of these fasteners aren't super tight anyhow. The higher end, and even gearwrench brand sockets I've used don't have this problem and in the circumstances where a c-man socket will slip or try to round a fastener, they are really needed. Is it worth the $399 price of entry for a new snap on set? Well, that is pretty subjective as there are many other viable options.

 

[mrjaw14]

I'd go SK before I went Snap-On for 1/4 unless you're really hard on your 1/4" sockets. Since you say craftsman does the job it doesn't sound like you really need to upgrade. If anything I'd use a good ratchet on your craftsman sockets and call it a day

 

[Chevy-SS]

I've been happily using Craftsman tools for 40 years. They work great and rarely break. When they do break (usually through my abuse), Sears has replaced the tool every single time. I hope Sears can keep their doors open for another 40 years.......

I've got tools from Snap-On, Mac and SK too. Those are all good names IMHO.

 

[SantaAna12]

If Craftsman is working for you, why switch? Did your friend have a specific example of where his.Snap on 1/4 tools saved time or made the job quicker, or him more productive?
I have Cman, SK Wayne, Snap On, Koken, Krueter, and a little Japan thumbwheel with one small extension and 8 SAE sockets in 1/4. They are all good tools.
I do not use my Cman 1/4 ratchet though. I suggest you consider a.different ratchet.
The SO locking flex with a SO wobble.extension set you might look into. And SK off ebay for the sockets will save you some dollars.
Or......just pick up the SK 1/4 ratchet off ebay and maybe an affordable wobble set?
Whatever works.

So many great choices.

 

[sonvolt]

Craftsman sockets will loosen fasteners just as well as other brands

 

[OHMS LAW]

Since I mainly do drivability and suspension work the U.S. made crafty sockets wrk fine with my tf72. His thing was that since I'm professional I need to use professional tools and crashed into a professional. WhateverI am fine with my craftsman sockets like I said earlier but maybe one day it would be nice to have a full complement of snap on sockets but for now I'm still a young tech crafts will do just fine

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

One thing I've noticed on the smaller sized c-man sockets (8mm and smaller) is that on occasion, they just don't have as tight or as positive of a grip on the fastener. 90% of the time it doesn't make a difference, as most of these fasteners aren't super tight anyhow. The higher end, and even gearwrench brand sockets I've used don't have this problem and in the circumstances where a c-man socket will slip or try to round a fastener, they are really needed. Is it worth the $399 price of entry for a new snap on set? Well, that is pretty subjective as there are many other viable options.

I can confirm this as well. My 8mm and 7mm 1/4 US CM had a sloppy fit and rounded some small stubborn bolts. My GW sockets do not have that problem.

 

[OHMS LAW]

I was just more peeved that he tried to get me to spend $500 in the truck

 

[shockwave]

Look at grey pneumatic 1/4 magnetic impact sockets they are great for engine work since the deep sockets have spring inside them a lot cheaper than snap on too

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I wouldn't think for 1/4 drive you would have any issues with what you have. I don't know how often you reach for 1/4 inch but I see no issues w/ Craftsman when it comes to that.

 

[johninct]

I am going to get a lot of flack for this but your co-worker is right. Someday, you will run into a situation where the Snap-On socket may fit better or will fit in a tight spot where another brand won't. I have a 1/4" SK set and did notice that their OD is more than my Snap-On's. But don't go out tomorrow and buy a Snap-On set. Buy other tools that you need more. Use what you have and watch out for a used or great deal on a Snap-On set.

 

[vga]

95% of the sockets in my kit are Craftsman. I use them on every car that I own and have never had a single problem with them. The few times that I have rounded off a bolt head or nut it was more operator error on my part caused by rushing than anything having to do with the brand of socket I was using.

 

[stearn786]

I have 1/4" Craftsman in a pro environment and they've been fine. I did replace the 10mm with a Wright one because I lost it, and the chrome on the Wright is fantastic compared to Craftsman. That's just cosmetics though functionally they're the same.

I just have a thing for really shiny sockets.

 

[shockwave]

I will say that having a craftsman set in a pro environment can be a life saver because of there full broach design compared to truck brands that are not

 

[Jake79]

The worst is losing a 1/4 Snappy. I lost my 8mm about 10years ago and still haven't been able to bring myself to replace it with a new SO one

 

[bczygan]

Ok so I have a complete set of craftsman 1/4 sockets. They do they job. The other day on the truck my coworker tells me I need snap on 1/4. Now I already have short mid and deep and deep impact 3/8 and impact 1/2 mm short and longs. For those sizes yes I need snap on. But for the smaller ones what do you guys say??

Tell your coworker that yes, thank you, you would be very happy to accept the gift of a set of 1/4" SO sockets that he is offering...

 

[rednotch]

unless its metric 12pt, which craftsman doesn't offer the only reason would be tool ego. I like the Mac usa set better my self for those.

 

[Givl Reggin]

The main difference you'll find between high quality tools and lower quality ones lies primarily in quality control, manufacturing tolerances and the percent of alloys used in their metal formula.

However, I'll admit that it's rare today to hear even the lowest of the low quality wrenches or sockets breaking under normal use. Note, I said 'normal' use... sometimes you have no choice but to use a tool for which it wasn't designed and that's where a better tool pays off.

But, I don't think anyone will argue that high quality ratchets/sockets and wrenches simply fit better and are more likely to be able to remove fasteners without damage or ruining them.

Remember this; just one rounded fastener in the middle of a project can quickly ruin your day.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I was just more peeved that he tried to get me to spend $500 in the truck

Yikes! Yeah, either stick with your Craftsman set, or if you want matching sockets with your other Snappys, pick up some sets of the 1/4" drive Williams USA sockets. With the print that small, you'll never notice they don't say Snap-On (my rail of 1/4" deeps even had a Snap-On socket on the rail).

 

[Jim C.]

Ok so I have a complete set of craftsman 1/4 sockets. They do they job. The other day on the truck my coworker tells me I need snap on 1/4.........

I tend to believe that almost any application requiring the use of 1/4" drive tools could be adequately accomplished with your Craftsman sockets. You yourself said they get the job done. If you can afford a snap on set, and think they'll do a better job, then buy them. Still, I'm not so sure that I'd let a co-worker talk me into something "better" when I was perfectly satisfied with what I already had.

Jim C.

 

[e30bradley]

I wish I didn't buy snap on 1/4" drive sockets.. too small, low torque. Buy them somewhere else for less.

 

[OHMS LAW]

If I wasn't on my phone I have pics of the stuff I bought the long flex 1/2 ratchet Nd got the 18 breaker bar free. Also the mid length sockets in 3/8s. They Are my fave. I've yet to round a nut off yet but when that day comes I'll make the plunge

 

[OHMS LAW]

He's an older guy so I'll cut him some slack but this guy loves him some snap on.

 

[nelstomlinson]

If you have to ask if you need them, you don't.

My 1/4" sockets are a mix of craftsman, snap on, proto and SK. They are all just fine.

 

[Kirbot]

If you ever really feel the need to upgrade for some reason, look at SK.
They're pretty cheap with the $40 off $100 coupon from advance, and they have deep, semi deep, and shallow
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...set-skt4910/22980257-P?searchTerm=1/4"+sk+set

 

[ihateminimumwage]

If you ever really feel the need to upgrade for some reason, look at SK.
They're pretty cheap with the $40 off $100 coupon from advance, and they have deep, semi deep, and shallow
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...set-skt4910/22980257-P?searchTerm=1/4"+sk+set

Why oh why did you have to point that out? I've been on the fence with a set of 1/4" SK semi-deeps, and $40 off for both (SKT41880 & SKT41692) is pretty killer. Especially since they already have the lowest prices on them I've seen so far...

 

[SantaAna12]

Why oh why did you have to point that out? I've been on the fence with a set of 1/4" SK semi-deeps, and $40 off for both (SKT41880 & SKT41692) is pretty killer. Especially since they already have the lowest prices on them I've seen so far...

Damn Wage......with the coupons.......that is a great deal.

AiiYiiYii!

 

[Adam.C]

I wish I didn't buy snap on 1/4" drive sockets.. too small, low torque. Buy them somewhere else for less.

Sorry can't let this pass. Snap On 1/4 drive is one of the strongest 1/4 drives on the market. The weak link is the ratchet. The T72 family of ratchets are super strong, capable of handling 90ftlbs of torque. That's enough to loosen a stuck M12 (15mm flange head). They can easily dispense with M10 (15mm head optional for ISO).

I use mine most often for M8 (13mm) and M6 (10mm). If I can't pull hard enough, I switch to the longer ratchets and pull as hard as I can without fear.

To achieve the max torque on a T72, you'd need to apply a 270 lb load on the handle. You won't do that accidentally pulling too hard.

Seems to me all the Snap On ratchets are designed to torque the highest grade bolt they make a socket to fit. This is why they don't make 17mm sockets in 1/4 drive.

I use the heck out of 1/4 drive. I think guys just aren't confident with it. Pull hard, it won't break, I promise!

 

[1950mercury]

I wish I didn't buy snap on 1/4" drive sockets.. too small, low torque. Buy them somewhere else for less.

Ive switched to using 1/4 whenever i can. They are smaller,easy to get in tight spots. 90% of the time i use either sk or snap on mid length and the snap on 1/4 drive comfort handle ratchet has not broke yet even though i thought it was going to many times.

The mid length sockets are sweet and id buy the sk over the snap on just because of the price difference and one of the drivers stocks sk so warranty is easy. Although i do like the snap on more because they have a step machined in them that makes them easier to take off the ratchet when your hands are greasy. If i had to mail the sk in i would spend the extra cash and buy snap pn of i had access to a snap on truck

 

[Rickster]

A lot of good points here. I've always used my 1/4dr for the most part in low torque situations and the Craftsman sockets have served me well. But if you're finding yourself reaching for the 1/4dr's a lot then the Snap-on's stronger/thinner sockets would be a good option at least in the metric.

 

[toolaholic]

I have ctaftsman and kobalt 1/4 drive sockets. Both have served me well. I purchased via Amazon a proto 5/8 and 15mm in 1/4 drive. Plus a sk 15mm deep 1/4 drive at paul b zimmerman hardware. The proto and SK do look and feel like higher quality. But the kobalts and craftsman never failed me.

 

[BK13]

Sorry can't let this pass. Snap On 1/4 drive is one of the strongest 1/4 drives on the market. The weak link is the ratchet. The T72 family of ratchets are super strong, capable of handling 90ftlbs of torque. That's enough to loosen a stuck M12 (15mm flange head). They can easily dispense with M10 (15mm head optional for ISO).

I use mine most often for M8 (13mm) and M6 (10mm). If I can't pull hard enough, I switch to the longer ratchets and pull as hard as I can without fear.

To achieve the max torque on a T72, you'd need to apply a 270 lb load on the handle. You won't do that accidentally pulling too hard.

Seems to me all the Snap On ratchets are designed to torque the highest grade bolt they make a socket to fit. This is why they don't make 17mm sockets in 1/4 drive.

I use the heck out of 1/4 drive. I think guys just aren't confident with it. Pull hard, it won't break, I promise!

I read this as the FASTENERS being too low torque, not the tools...