I'm looking for a all 1/4 drive metric hex socket set, from whatever up to at least 6mm, preferably 8. There are a bunch of sets that switch from 1/4 to 3/8 at 6mm, and I need a 6mm one. Probably not willing to pay snap-on money, but I don't think this is a place to cut corners, either.
1/4" socket drive metric hex set
- Thread starter dscheidt
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swsman
Well-known member
Look into Tekton offerings, they typically do not skip sizes.
Taiwan made last I looked.
Taiwan made last I looked.
Pointsnorth
Well-known member
The Capri sets include up to 6mm in 1/4” drive.
wolfinator
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- Sep 29, 2021
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You just want 1/4" drive metric sockets? There's so many options it's hard to know where to start!
Do you want deeps too, or just standard? 6 point only or 12?
Tekton is a good middle road brand and they have basically any configuration you could want.
www.tekton.com
You could go for "Snap-on lite" and get Williams sockets (USA): https://www.amazon.com/Williams-MSM...h-Shallow/dp/B001DNTDGK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
There's lots of options - Wright, Proto, Gearwrench, Koken... Almost endless decent options if your parameters are just "decent 1/4 sockets"...
Do you want deeps too, or just standard? 6 point only or 12?
Tekton is a good middle road brand and they have basically any configuration you could want.
Socket, Ratchet, and Accessory Sets | TEKTON
Shop hand drive socket sets in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inch drive. Choose from 6- or 12-point sockets and case, rail, or tool only options.
You could go for "Snap-on lite" and get Williams sockets (USA): https://www.amazon.com/Williams-MSM...h-Shallow/dp/B001DNTDGK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
There's lots of options - Wright, Proto, Gearwrench, Koken... Almost endless decent options if your parameters are just "decent 1/4 sockets"...
finn
Well-known member
He’s looking for hex sockets, not regular six or twelve point conventional socketsYou just want 1/4" drive metric sockets? There's so many options it's hard to know where to start!
Do you want deeps too, or just standard? 6 point only or 12?
Tekton is a good middle road brand and they have basically any configuration you could want.
Socket, Ratchet, and Accessory Sets | TEKTON
Shop hand drive socket sets in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inch drive. Choose from 6- or 12-point sockets and case, rail, or tool only options.
You could go for "Snap-on lite" and get Williams sockets (USA): https://www.amazon.com/Williams-MSM...h-Shallow/dp/B001DNTDGK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
There's lots of options - Wright, Proto, Gearwrench, Koken... Almost endless decent options if your parameters are just "decent 1/4 sockets"...
- Tekton
- Wera
Looks like Genius might make a set but I got bored after 30 seconds of googling.
Wera - black 003881 Zyklop 1/4" Drive In-Hex-Plus Bit Socket Set with Holding Function: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
Wera - black 003881 Zyklop 1/4" Drive In-Hex-Plus Bit Socket Set with Holding Function: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
a.co
Looks like Genius might make a set but I got bored after 30 seconds of googling.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Search ADV hex and RBRT hex. There are several past threads here. I think most offering those are subsidiary companies of SBD. And many may be 3/8 instead.
Grip Edge has a 1/4 set with that type of modified edge 1.5mm thru 7mm.
Sometimes I window shop pieces for a portable bike set and I specifically would consider a $10 set (for the sockets) and 1/4 hex bit set from Wiha. Depends on what sizes you need and want to put together and carry.
Grip Edge has a 1/4 set with that type of modified edge 1.5mm thru 7mm.
Sometimes I window shop pieces for a portable bike set and I specifically would consider a $10 set (for the sockets) and 1/4 hex bit set from Wiha. Depends on what sizes you need and want to put together and carry.
esben57
Well-known member
Blue point.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
If you can still get your hands on the 1/4” metric hex bit socket set from Napa’s Carlyle brand before they completely switch suppliers, I would highly recommend it. No steps on the bits and goes up to 6mm.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
esben57
Well-known member
Looks like I've mixed hex bits with hex sockets, D'OH!Are the hex bit sockets hiding in another layer?
The Blue point is very good and I use the spinner and screwdriver bits often. Can be had for a decent price over here often for a few at a time, build a bargain set.
wolfinator
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D'oh, reading comprehension fail! I still stand by my Tekton recommendation though. I have their standard length 1/4" drive hex sockets and like them. And they go to 8mm.
I also think Williams ought to be a good bet - this set goes to 8mm. https://www.amazon.com/Williams-30904-6-Piece-4-Inch-Metric/dp/B001DNPE0E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I have the VIM S2 steel stubby one-piece 2-10mm set. SHM400.
I know OP said not willing to pay Snap on prices but just wanted to say I've had my Snap on metric hex sockets with the gold colored bits since the 1980s and have never broken or twisted a bit. They are very good sockets. With that said it looks like you can buy the complete Tekon set for the price of one Snap-on socket so I get that too. I looked at Blue Point they're less expensive but don't use the same bits not sure if they're any better than a $30 set on Amazon.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Grip edge only goes to 7mm in 1/4 drive, but they're the best I've used. I've removed some absurdly screwed up fasteners, and they don't seem to do any damage to good fasteners. <$90 on Amazon.
four.cycle
Well-known member
First place I would be looking would be the Japanese and German makers.
Ko-Ken or Flag or...? ("tools of japan" thread guys should know)
Hazet or Wera maybe?
I would definitely consider that Tekton set for $29 - apparently they have a fabulous warranty program.
Ko-Ken or Flag or...? ("tools of japan" thread guys should know)
Hazet or Wera maybe?
I would definitely consider that Tekton set for $29 - apparently they have a fabulous warranty program.
Capri Tools hex sockets are pretty good, especially for the money. They also sell 1/4" drive 6mm hex bit socket in standard and long lengths, so Capri would get my vote.
I have a large set of the Carlyle bit sockets (bought on deep sale), and they appear to be very similar to the Capri in design. Most likely made by same manufacturer.
four.cycle
Well-known member
for that price, I just ordered two sets of the Tektons - I'll give one to my buddy and let you know what he thinks.
03/10/25 10:38 PDT
Adam on the phone said they put a "lifetime warranty" on them.
03/10/25 10:38 PDT
Adam on the phone said they put a "lifetime warranty" on them.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Can I be your friend?
four.cycle
Well-known member
at that price, with free shipping, I couldn't pass it up.
aforementioned buddy has kept my Ranger running for 31 years. it's the least I can do for him.
these looked pretty sweet, I just haven't figured out a way to justify the cost
I'm ordering these next time I place an online order from HD. I'd like another size or two on the large side but not for the premium the other sets demand. Not when I have a full 3/8 set and some 1/2 as well already
Submariner733
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Both Proto and Tekton offer 1//4 drive sets up to 6mm (Proto) and 8mm (Tekton). Below are two Imperial's for comparison as I rarely use metric at work.
These two hex bits were used to adjust the Wilde/Proto 7" Flush Fastener pliers with shallow socket head. Where my Bondhus L-Key struggled, both Proto and Tekton did just fine.
These two hex bits were used to adjust the Wilde/Proto 7" Flush Fastener pliers with shallow socket head. Where my Bondhus L-Key struggled, both Proto and Tekton did just fine.
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
For anyone buying tekton, I'd recommend going direct. They do 10% back towards future purchases.
Plus it keeps a little extra money in their pocket vs amazon's
Plus it keeps a little extra money in their pocket vs amazon's
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
What is the difference between a hex socket set and a 6 point sticker set?
I would look at wright tools
Even though I also want their dedicated hex socket set, I did grab a set of Tekton's magnetic hex bit holder sockets awhile ago.
I use the 1/4" drive size by far the most, and I do wish the magnet was a teeny bit stronger sometimes, (tape to the rescue)
but they are a pretty cost-effective option if you already have a bunch of bits and want to attach them to a ratchet.
I use the 1/4" drive size by far the most, and I do wish the magnet was a teeny bit stronger sometimes, (tape to the rescue)
but they are a pretty cost-effective option if you already have a bunch of bits and want to attach them to a ratchet.
ronkz650
Well-known member
I like the Grey Pnuematic set. I have gobs of Grey sets of all sizes and shapes and they have worked fabulous for me. I don't care $0.02 about warranty and never break tools. On 1/4" of course you must use some common sense.
9298HC | 1/4" Drive Standard Length Set
The 9298hc is a 1/4 inch drive standard length set from Grey Pneaumatic.
www.gpsocket.com
thanks for this. i may go this route (cheaper brand but same idea) with a $10 hex bit set. then I've got the multi-use potential if I need low clearance, I can use the little hex driver ratchet that sits in the drawer instead of the 1/4" setup
nicks78camaro
Well-known member
That's a bold statement
Love my Tekton 1/4 & 3/8 sets, however I use them so much I kinda wish I would have paid more & bought Koken - at least for shallow sockets.
If someone reading this needs a 3/8 set, look at NAPA Carlyle. 3/8 on good sale right now. These are really nice if a product of Taiwan.
If someone reading this needs a 3/8 set, look at NAPA Carlyle. 3/8 on good sale right now. These are really nice if a product of Taiwan.
Tint Shady
New member
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- Mar 14, 2025
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- 1
Proto has the RBRTs up to 7mm in 1/4", they've been great for me
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Check eBay ! You should be able to get a used Craftsman 1/4" set for under $20 ! Craftsman 18 pc 3/8 and 1/4 Metric Socket Set (no drivers) $20 I added a couple of socket to my 1/4" set which now goes 5.5mm to 15mm.
IMHO 1/4" are a waste of money. What you want is ...
I do NOT own any 1/4" deep socket. In 55 years of DIY twisting wrenches and sockets, I have never needed one or my 3/8" deep cover what I need !
If you can not find a set with a box, buy the cheap, plastic socket rails from HF. Cut to length.
IMHO 1/4" are a waste of money. What you want is ...
- 1/4" screwdriver/driver handle/extension/spinner with a female 1/4" socket in the top (Craftsman 43371)
- a 1/4" breaker bar
- a short 3/8" ratchet
I do NOT own any 1/4" deep socket. In 55 years of DIY twisting wrenches and sockets, I have never needed one or my 3/8" deep cover what I need !
If you can not find a set with a box, buy the cheap, plastic socket rails from HF. Cut to length.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
What is a hex socket? I can't wrap my brain around that this morning.
finn
Well-known member
Hex bit in a socket.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I would've called that a "hex bit socket" or an "Allen socket."
I'm inclined to disagree.
I don't need heavier clunkier 3/8" tools for a mtn. bike or on the roof of a vehicle.
I see no problem having both, but I don't think 1/4" is a waste by a long shot.
Now, SAE? Don't get me freakin' started. I don't like having to buy new tools
to match a company's "MaDE iN AMeRIcA" product that can't get on board with metric.
That’s the most weirdly wrong info I’ve seen in a single post in a very long time.
1/4 Inch Drive Long Hex Bit Socket Set (2–8 mm) | TEKTON
11-piece set includes 2–8 mm (metric) 1/4 inch drive long hex bit sockets with rail organization. Large, stamped size markings. No skipped sizes. SHB90107.
Post #4 was close........all somebody had to do was look beyond the original item.
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