1/4" wrench set recommendation
- Thread starter popit
- Start date
oldldh
Well-known member
GearWrench...
1.)...80314D....47 pc 6 point 1/4" drive SAE/Metric Standard and Deep Socket Set...$ 38.59
2.)...81011P....120 tooth 1/4" drive Ratchet...$ 16.23
3.)...81012F...84 tooth 1/4" drive Flex Ratchet...$ 16.45
4.)...81002D...5 pc 1/4" drive Extension Set...$ 18.54
5.)...81004D...4 pc 1/4" drive Wobble Extension Set...$ 17.11
6.)...81235...9 pc Magnetic Drive Tool Set...$ 43.68
All prices are from www.tooldiscounter.com except #6 which is from Amazon...
You're looking at $ 106.92 for 47 sockets, 2 ratchets (both with a bunch of teeth), 5 pc straight extensions, and 4 pc wobble extensions...
58 pieces of good quality tools---less than two bucks a piece!!!...I own everything but the wobble extensions, maybe for Father's Day...
I also own the 9 pc magnetic tool set, it has 3/8" and 1/2" drive tools, and it keeps things from rolling to Narnia (that line is from another GJ member...), I really like them...
Good quality tools at a reasonable price...
1.)...80314D....47 pc 6 point 1/4" drive SAE/Metric Standard and Deep Socket Set...$ 38.59
2.)...81011P....120 tooth 1/4" drive Ratchet...$ 16.23
3.)...81012F...84 tooth 1/4" drive Flex Ratchet...$ 16.45
4.)...81002D...5 pc 1/4" drive Extension Set...$ 18.54
5.)...81004D...4 pc 1/4" drive Wobble Extension Set...$ 17.11
6.)...81235...9 pc Magnetic Drive Tool Set...$ 43.68
All prices are from www.tooldiscounter.com except #6 which is from Amazon...
You're looking at $ 106.92 for 47 sockets, 2 ratchets (both with a bunch of teeth), 5 pc straight extensions, and 4 pc wobble extensions...
58 pieces of good quality tools---less than two bucks a piece!!!...I own everything but the wobble extensions, maybe for Father's Day...
I also own the 9 pc magnetic tool set, it has 3/8" and 1/2" drive tools, and it keeps things from rolling to Narnia (that line is from another GJ member...), I really like them...
Good quality tools at a reasonable price...
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Flivver250
Well-known member
Snap-On, Wright, MAC or SK. In that order. Stay away from Asian junk.
Dave455
Well-known member
Like all these things, it depends on your budget!
Top end would be Snap On, and some of the top European makers such as Stahlwille or Hazet! The European makers are generally not such a good buy in the U.S. due to shipping, but if you're looking at top end consider Nepros from Japan! Buy any of these if you can afford them or get a deal. You won't regret!
Next down, and almost as good, are firms such as Facom, Wright, SK, etc! Again, the U.S. makers are better value in the U.S. My favourite at this level would be Koken, as it's awesome value here in the U.K. and super tough! Not sure how it's priced in the U.S. though!
Finally, you have the 'mid tier'/industrial makers such as Gedore, King ****, Beta and their U.S. equivalents! In all cases you will notice a difference between these and the top end, but they will all be much more usable than anything from Taiwan!
In all cases, beware of being sold Taiwanese tools at high prices with some brand name on! Blue Point, a lot of the MAC range, and a host of other firms come to mind! You can buy better quality U.S. made tools from Wright or S.K. for similar money!
Nowhere have I included Wera. Their tools are made in Czech Republic (screwdrivers etc) or Taiwan (sockets etc) not Germany, and while they are o.k. at their price (they are a budget brand in Europe) they are by no means top end!
Top end would be Snap On, and some of the top European makers such as Stahlwille or Hazet! The European makers are generally not such a good buy in the U.S. due to shipping, but if you're looking at top end consider Nepros from Japan! Buy any of these if you can afford them or get a deal. You won't regret!
Next down, and almost as good, are firms such as Facom, Wright, SK, etc! Again, the U.S. makers are better value in the U.S. My favourite at this level would be Koken, as it's awesome value here in the U.K. and super tough! Not sure how it's priced in the U.S. though!
Finally, you have the 'mid tier'/industrial makers such as Gedore, King ****, Beta and their U.S. equivalents! In all cases you will notice a difference between these and the top end, but they will all be much more usable than anything from Taiwan!
In all cases, beware of being sold Taiwanese tools at high prices with some brand name on! Blue Point, a lot of the MAC range, and a host of other firms come to mind! You can buy better quality U.S. made tools from Wright or S.K. for similar money!
Nowhere have I included Wera. Their tools are made in Czech Republic (screwdrivers etc) or Taiwan (sockets etc) not Germany, and while they are o.k. at their price (they are a budget brand in Europe) they are by no means top end!
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I am using one from gearwrench, its pretty good. You can also check Roark Supply for wrench set
Koken isn't junk.
KCT_Jordan
Well-known member
Do you already own other drive sizes? If so, and you're happy with them & it's within your budget, you may consider sticking with the same brand.
I would agree with all of the suggestions thus far, particularly aidindog's mention of the Wera set
If you want to buy American made, you may want to check out the upcoming Epstein day thread for potential savings on 1/4" sets. (Btw, if you're ever in Kansas City, Epstein's is definitely worth checking out!)
You may also want to check out ToolGuyd and Real Tool Reviews for additional recommendations & feedback.
Hmmm. Gonna get a lot of opinions. Here's what you can know for sure:
1) The swing arc angle associated with a really short handled ratchet means super fine tooth count ratchets won't make as much of a difference in the actual room you have to work. You will benefit from low back drag however, and typically the finer toothed ratchets have lower back drag. There are 100 tooth round heads out there that may be advantageous. But weigh the pros and cons carefully.
2) The short length of 1/4" ratchet handles will limit how much torque you can practically apply, making high strength ratchets and sockets (Like Snap On for example) less important for many many tasks.
3) Standard socket tolerances will have a larger negative effect on smaller fasteners, so tight toleranced sockets (Snap On, Koken) will function a bit better, round tight fasteners less. So if you had a positive experience with 3/8" drive Craftsman sockets for example, you may be unhappy with the fit of their 1/4" drive.
A few opinions from me:
a) I think the shallow broach of Snap On's sockets is a positive, especially for 1/4" drive. It stops loose nuts from turning sideways on you and makes it easier to thread a nut onto a screw.
b) Depending on what you are after, a cheap set might be good enough. I actually like the little Craftsman USA ratchet. And the sockets are so cheap, especially on ebay, they are hard to pass up. You could probably buy a set of Craftsman sockets on ebay for $10.
c) Teng make nicely packaged sets, sorta kinda like Wera, but a lot less expensive (and lower quality). SK make a very comprehensive set- just be careful about paying a premium for them ($200). If you don't need all the tools included in the set, than there may be better alternatives, albeit with fewer pieces, for similar money.
d) Might be worth considering a low profile set like Snap On's or Koken's Z-eal sockets. These are specialty or niche tools, but if you want small, it can be good to get the absolute smallest.
e) If you need strong, reliable, tight fit, the basic Snap On set is an obvious choice you will never regret. One advantage is the size range, 5-15mm and 3/16" to 9/16" in inch sizes. These larger sizes really expand one's capabilities. 14mm (M10) is an oft used size on Japanese cars. (Equivalent to German 17mm). 15mm is an oft used size on US cars (M12 flange bolts). But Snap On comes at a price. SK offer a similar size range for less money, as does Craftsman, so compare what you get carefully.
1) The swing arc angle associated with a really short handled ratchet means super fine tooth count ratchets won't make as much of a difference in the actual room you have to work. You will benefit from low back drag however, and typically the finer toothed ratchets have lower back drag. There are 100 tooth round heads out there that may be advantageous. But weigh the pros and cons carefully.
2) The short length of 1/4" ratchet handles will limit how much torque you can practically apply, making high strength ratchets and sockets (Like Snap On for example) less important for many many tasks.
3) Standard socket tolerances will have a larger negative effect on smaller fasteners, so tight toleranced sockets (Snap On, Koken) will function a bit better, round tight fasteners less. So if you had a positive experience with 3/8" drive Craftsman sockets for example, you may be unhappy with the fit of their 1/4" drive.
A few opinions from me:
a) I think the shallow broach of Snap On's sockets is a positive, especially for 1/4" drive. It stops loose nuts from turning sideways on you and makes it easier to thread a nut onto a screw.
b) Depending on what you are after, a cheap set might be good enough. I actually like the little Craftsman USA ratchet. And the sockets are so cheap, especially on ebay, they are hard to pass up. You could probably buy a set of Craftsman sockets on ebay for $10.
c) Teng make nicely packaged sets, sorta kinda like Wera, but a lot less expensive (and lower quality). SK make a very comprehensive set- just be careful about paying a premium for them ($200). If you don't need all the tools included in the set, than there may be better alternatives, albeit with fewer pieces, for similar money.
d) Might be worth considering a low profile set like Snap On's or Koken's Z-eal sockets. These are specialty or niche tools, but if you want small, it can be good to get the absolute smallest.
e) If you need strong, reliable, tight fit, the basic Snap On set is an obvious choice you will never regret. One advantage is the size range, 5-15mm and 3/16" to 9/16" in inch sizes. These larger sizes really expand one's capabilities. 14mm (M10) is an oft used size on Japanese cars. (Equivalent to German 17mm). 15mm is an oft used size on US cars (M12 flange bolts). But Snap On comes at a price. SK offer a similar size range for less money, as does Craftsman, so compare what you get carefully.
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Sprintman
Banned
Idiotic comment
Sprintman
Banned
If you want incredible quality at unbeatable prices then Toptul can't be beat. But if yiou are U.S based then almost impossible to get so swings and roundabouts as usual.
Flivver250
Well-known member
Asked for my advice, given. You like Asian junk, good for you. Bask in it.
Sprintman
Banned
Take Asian junk over seppo **** any day thanks.
MilwaukeeFish
Well-known member
Popit, so far you've gotten plenty of great advice.
To echo what others have said... Snap-On is the top of the list as far as quality and also for price. Williams USA is SO's industrial line and it is basically the same sockets for relatively less money. Williams Taiwan is not a good value for the money IMHO. You can get Taiwan quality for a lot less money.
Wright, SK, Proto, etc are all quite good. Prices vary but they are made in the USA and most cost significantly less than Snap-On.
I have no experience with Koken but I understand they are very good. I will be looking in to them for myself.
I'm not very familiar with all the European tools but as noted above there are brands that are excellent quality to flat-out outstanding as I understand it.
Further on down you have the house brands. Masterforce, available at Menards, is made in the USA and is essentially rebadged Allen product as I understand it. This is quite reasonably priced. Below that you have the Husky and Kobalt stuff from the other big box places. Quality varies and it has been trending downward. Most of it is made in China.
Dewalt has some nice sets though I don't know if they are in 1/4" or not. Reasonably priced. Lots of folks here pick these sets up for gifts and for tools to keep in the car.
Craftsman really is not worth mentioning because the quality is not worth the money. The guarantee (when honored) is the only saving grace of Craftsman. There are other brands in the same price range that offer the same or better quality but the ease of warranty replacements with these brands often isn't so great.
Next you've got Taiwan. GearWrench is a great brand here, though some of their production has shifted to China. GearWrench China is still mostly very good quality and for sockets I'm not sure if there is much of a difference. I will say that the ratchets are still made in Taiwan as far as I know, and if you buy a set with a ratchet you will most likely be getting Taiwan sockets too. Tekton is another O.K. Taiwan/China brand.
Below that you get to China where lots of the house brand tools are made. Quality is all over the place from somewhat respectable to horrid. Harbor Freight gets a lot of heat from the pros and serious garage junkies, and often deservedly so. The stuff really isn't made to go all day every day, and is often just unreliable enough that if you get in a jam you may find yourself with tools that will let you down. Some HF stuff is made in Taiwan, like some of their ratchets and sockets, and the quality for the money is a good value.
There are other brands not mentioned yet for example Crescent and Armstrong. Both are under the Apex Tool Group banner along with GearWrench. Quality varies.
Beyond that: I will say that I think the best value per dollar in an offshore brand right now is GearWrench.
Where a tool is made is a helpful indicator of quality, but the best indicator is the quality of the tool itself. Tools made in Asia can be great for the money or complete garbage. It all depends on the specs to which the tool is manufactured. As it happens when a cheap tool is spec'd out by a company to hit a certain price point: one of the most economical [read cheapest] places to get that done is China.
Having said all of that, there are some questions you need to answer for yourself (and for us) to help you zero in on something that will work for you:
Are you a professional?
If you are a pro will you be using these tools at work or at home?
What will you primarily be using these tools for?
How frequently do you see yourself using them?
Does where they are made matter to you (I.E. supporting the local economy)?
What is your budget like?
Finally I will say that money well spent on tools is almost never regretted. As the old saying goes: Buy a cheap tool and you cry every time you use it. Buy a good tool and you cry only once.
***If I forgot to mention someone's favorite brand, I apologize. I mentioned that which I am familiar with.***
To echo what others have said... Snap-On is the top of the list as far as quality and also for price. Williams USA is SO's industrial line and it is basically the same sockets for relatively less money. Williams Taiwan is not a good value for the money IMHO. You can get Taiwan quality for a lot less money.
Wright, SK, Proto, etc are all quite good. Prices vary but they are made in the USA and most cost significantly less than Snap-On.
I have no experience with Koken but I understand they are very good. I will be looking in to them for myself.
I'm not very familiar with all the European tools but as noted above there are brands that are excellent quality to flat-out outstanding as I understand it.
Further on down you have the house brands. Masterforce, available at Menards, is made in the USA and is essentially rebadged Allen product as I understand it. This is quite reasonably priced. Below that you have the Husky and Kobalt stuff from the other big box places. Quality varies and it has been trending downward. Most of it is made in China.
Dewalt has some nice sets though I don't know if they are in 1/4" or not. Reasonably priced. Lots of folks here pick these sets up for gifts and for tools to keep in the car.
Craftsman really is not worth mentioning because the quality is not worth the money. The guarantee (when honored) is the only saving grace of Craftsman. There are other brands in the same price range that offer the same or better quality but the ease of warranty replacements with these brands often isn't so great.
Next you've got Taiwan. GearWrench is a great brand here, though some of their production has shifted to China. GearWrench China is still mostly very good quality and for sockets I'm not sure if there is much of a difference. I will say that the ratchets are still made in Taiwan as far as I know, and if you buy a set with a ratchet you will most likely be getting Taiwan sockets too. Tekton is another O.K. Taiwan/China brand.
Below that you get to China where lots of the house brand tools are made. Quality is all over the place from somewhat respectable to horrid. Harbor Freight gets a lot of heat from the pros and serious garage junkies, and often deservedly so. The stuff really isn't made to go all day every day, and is often just unreliable enough that if you get in a jam you may find yourself with tools that will let you down. Some HF stuff is made in Taiwan, like some of their ratchets and sockets, and the quality for the money is a good value.
There are other brands not mentioned yet for example Crescent and Armstrong. Both are under the Apex Tool Group banner along with GearWrench. Quality varies.
Beyond that: I will say that I think the best value per dollar in an offshore brand right now is GearWrench.
Where a tool is made is a helpful indicator of quality, but the best indicator is the quality of the tool itself. Tools made in Asia can be great for the money or complete garbage. It all depends on the specs to which the tool is manufactured. As it happens when a cheap tool is spec'd out by a company to hit a certain price point: one of the most economical [read cheapest] places to get that done is China.
Having said all of that, there are some questions you need to answer for yourself (and for us) to help you zero in on something that will work for you:
Are you a professional?
If you are a pro will you be using these tools at work or at home?
What will you primarily be using these tools for?
How frequently do you see yourself using them?
Does where they are made matter to you (I.E. supporting the local economy)?
What is your budget like?
Finally I will say that money well spent on tools is almost never regretted. As the old saying goes: Buy a cheap tool and you cry every time you use it. Buy a good tool and you cry only once.
***If I forgot to mention someone's favorite brand, I apologize. I mentioned that which I am familiar with.***
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I have the mini version of the 1/4 Wera set shown above.
I also have several other sets. SK green box set. Craftsman box set. A few 1/4 inch box sets from Kobalt. A box set from proto. As well as partial sets from SK and Wright.
I use 1/4 inch sockets all the time - either individually or with my impact for assembling and disassembling things.
Normally I will use whichever set I have nearby at the time I'm needing it. I will always pull out the Wera set first, but it's the small set, so sometimes I need a wider variety of sockets. My second choice is always the green SK box, because they are quality tools and with the green box you get a complete set of tools that will not let you down. Everything else is OK. The Kobalt sets were on sale dirt cheap a couple years ago so I bought a set for each one of my cars - nice tools for the money and I like the socket markings, but I've worn one of the ratchets out already.
If Wera is 2nd tier in Germany, as the poster above says, then I can't imagine a use for 1st tier. The Zyklop ratchet is totally different than anything else out there, and is incredibly useful in 1/4 inch size. The Wera sockets are also hard to beat. They have more of a brushed chrome finish rather than a buff chrome, but that makes them easier to handle when your hands are greasy. And I love the markings on them - easy to see what size you have.
I also have several other sets. SK green box set. Craftsman box set. A few 1/4 inch box sets from Kobalt. A box set from proto. As well as partial sets from SK and Wright.
I use 1/4 inch sockets all the time - either individually or with my impact for assembling and disassembling things.
Normally I will use whichever set I have nearby at the time I'm needing it. I will always pull out the Wera set first, but it's the small set, so sometimes I need a wider variety of sockets. My second choice is always the green SK box, because they are quality tools and with the green box you get a complete set of tools that will not let you down. Everything else is OK. The Kobalt sets were on sale dirt cheap a couple years ago so I bought a set for each one of my cars - nice tools for the money and I like the socket markings, but I've worn one of the ratchets out already.
If Wera is 2nd tier in Germany, as the poster above says, then I can't imagine a use for 1st tier. The Zyklop ratchet is totally different than anything else out there, and is incredibly useful in 1/4 inch size. The Wera sockets are also hard to beat. They have more of a brushed chrome finish rather than a buff chrome, but that makes them easier to handle when your hands are greasy. And I love the markings on them - easy to see what size you have.
I would also say Nepros ain't junk.
Sprintman
Banned
This
Hard to say this without qualifying it. I could agree depending on the situation and excluding at least Japanese tools.
Just a word of caution- We typically recommend the very best of everything (except tool boxes, interestingly). I could argue that the small $$ premium we pay for "best" (however you define best) is worth it for SOME tools (bit sockets, long ratchets, possibly 3/8" shallow sockets, possibly extensions...for example).
But without a long handle, you can't physically get close to the breaking strength of a Snap On 1/4" ratchet. Hazet may make the strongest wrenches, but why does that matter if we can't humanly produce enough force to break one? Or any wrench for that matter? So why pay a premium for capability we can't utilize?
One way of looking at this is to answer "what could be acceptable and why?". I think that would be more useful to readers than proclaiming our favoriate brands.
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ssdave
Banned
I think that the defining thing in 1/4" socket sets for me is the thickness of the socket versus the strength. Some of the cheap ones are made so thick that the socket is essentially unusable anywhere where clearance is important. A secondary factor is the quality of the broaching. Tolerances are so poor on some of the inexpensive ones that they don't fit well. Sometimes it's hard to decide which socket is right as one almost fits (too tight) and one is too loose.
I don't want to use the term "junk" to describe import sockets. Unfortunately, most of the imports have been the lowest dollar that can be bought and imported to sell to those that are price sensitive. I have a hard time believing that industrial machinery and cars are maintained in the country of origin by those same tools. Rather, they are producing a tool for export that matches the expectation for lowest possible cost and still looks like a tool enough to sell.
Back to the thickness: Many of the less expensive tools are much heavier made (wall thickness) than better tools. Using bulk instead of metalllurgy to try to make the tool servicable. This makes the tool too thick to get into some fasteners, and the steel is usually softer and more yielding, causing it to wear out quickly. Look for thin, well made tools with a good warranty.
In my particular case, I have a full set of Snap-on 1/4 inch sockets. They were the ones that worked the absolute best for me. Mac are nice also. It pains me to say this, because I really like Proto, but my Proto 1/4 inch are not up to the quality of the Snap-on. They are very thin wall, but I have had several stretch and round out where the Snap-on have not. I have one on my workbench right now that needs warranted out.
I would love to see the quality of the asian tools that the poster from Australia is using that makes US quality made tools seem like ****. If that is a knowledgeable comment and not just nationalism, it would be very informative to post out some specifics of the brands of asian tools that are available to you that compare to Snap-on, Proto, Mac, and SK.
If someone would import higher than US quality tools here at competitive prices, they'd have a huge market share quickly. Obviously he's not talking about the ones that are being imported here now. Some European tools, and some of the higher end Japanese tools might compete, but the typical Tiawan and China stuff isn't suitable for anything except casual use.
I don't want to use the term "junk" to describe import sockets. Unfortunately, most of the imports have been the lowest dollar that can be bought and imported to sell to those that are price sensitive. I have a hard time believing that industrial machinery and cars are maintained in the country of origin by those same tools. Rather, they are producing a tool for export that matches the expectation for lowest possible cost and still looks like a tool enough to sell.
Back to the thickness: Many of the less expensive tools are much heavier made (wall thickness) than better tools. Using bulk instead of metalllurgy to try to make the tool servicable. This makes the tool too thick to get into some fasteners, and the steel is usually softer and more yielding, causing it to wear out quickly. Look for thin, well made tools with a good warranty.
In my particular case, I have a full set of Snap-on 1/4 inch sockets. They were the ones that worked the absolute best for me. Mac are nice also. It pains me to say this, because I really like Proto, but my Proto 1/4 inch are not up to the quality of the Snap-on. They are very thin wall, but I have had several stretch and round out where the Snap-on have not. I have one on my workbench right now that needs warranted out.
I would love to see the quality of the asian tools that the poster from Australia is using that makes US quality made tools seem like ****. If that is a knowledgeable comment and not just nationalism, it would be very informative to post out some specifics of the brands of asian tools that are available to you that compare to Snap-on, Proto, Mac, and SK.
If someone would import higher than US quality tools here at competitive prices, they'd have a huge market share quickly. Obviously he's not talking about the ones that are being imported here now. Some European tools, and some of the higher end Japanese tools might compete, but the typical Tiawan and China stuff isn't suitable for anything except casual use.
hangfirew8
Well-known member
I see a 1/4" socket set as a place that many can afford to splurge on a brand name. Not so easy to splurge on a 3/4" ratchet and socket set.
If you expect to use it a lot, go ahead and get a nice brand name set.
If you expect to use it a lot, go ahead and get a nice brand name set.
bcradio
Well-known member
Doing lots of engine rebuilds on the side of the road?
It's 1/4 dr and unless you're a Pro they're not going to take a lot of torque so a nice mid-priced set is fine. The SK deeps have a short shoulder to hold the nut near the top so as you unscrew the socket will rise up. The Craftsman are fully broached I believe.
Get a nice swivel head ratchet like the Snap-on. I find it great to be able to use it like a screwdriver and then swivel down to add the torque. SK has a nice fine tooth regular ratchet.
Search for a set in a box with both metric and SAE to make it easier to grab the set.
Get a nice swivel head ratchet like the Snap-on. I find it great to be able to use it like a screwdriver and then swivel down to add the torque. SK has a nice fine tooth regular ratchet.
Search for a set in a box with both metric and SAE to make it easier to grab the set.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
If you want to spend some coin, get a Dual 80 (really 72) ratchet and a set of Williams USA sockets. A great lower priced alternative is an Armstrong Maxx 88 ratchet with any set of made in USA sockets. There are so many cheap, quality 1/4" drive sets on ebay that I would have a hard time buying them retail.
LordPsychon
Well-known member
I'd stay away from CHEAP Asian junk - a lot of discount socket sets made in the PRC are absolute garbage and aren't even worth the slag metal you'd create from smelting them into something useable. GW generally is a safe bet as is most Taiwanese origin tools. For affordable American tools, Blackhawk by Proto or Williams by Snap-On is a great bet. For top of the line American, I'd agree with Flivver's assessment.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
Not with a 1/4 inch ratchet!
I have used one of the Kobalt ratchets so much that it's gotten a little sloppy in the mechanism. About 5 years of use. It still works, but I suspect the hardening on the ratchet mechanism parts isn't quite what the higher end models get.
TejDarkmoon
Active member
proto sockets and snap on ratchets are what i use
You are familiar with:
Snap-On,
Williams USA,
Williams Taiwan,
Wright,
S-K,
Proto,
Masterforce,
Husky,
Kobalt,
Craftsman,
Gearwrench
Tekton,
Harbor Freight,
Crescent, and
Armstrong?
This post summarizes the general consensus of almost every thread on GJ that answers a "What should I buy?" query with regards to basic hand tools
so you wound choose facom over gedore and you claim gedore is grade below facom?? lol facom is on a pair with carolus,grade under the gedore...and beta is above facom as well,same as usag.
For the smallest sockets (4mm and above) I prefer the 1/4" wrench, since the 3/8" and 1/2" have the head much bigger, so in tight spaces that sockets won't fit.
I already have the BGS 20100 - 121 Bit Set with screwdriver so bits are not really needed
Also the wrench would prefer it small, for bigger sockets I could use a 1/2 to 1/4 adapter and alike.
I already have the BGS 20100 - 121 Bit Set with screwdriver so bits are not really needed
Also the wrench would prefer it small, for bigger sockets I could use a 1/2 to 1/4 adapter and alike.
Buying individual pieces is something I already considered, however I won't find a case to fit them all, surely don't like having them piled up in some random box.
Since I live in europe, some american brands you guys named are really expensive here due to taxes, some brands are almost impossible to see here. Amazon has its own shop for each european country, and one doesn't ship to another. With eBay is similar.
Also, I've noticed that here's very little knowledge on european brands (there are a lot), so I think I will look for a local brand for less pricing and even aesthetics (you know, that tool on your box that looks from another planet and you expect never need to use).
For a home use, Snap-on or Hazet are too way overpriced. SK seems cheap and even is sold on Dealextreme, but doesn't have likeable sets. Also some kits are missing pieces, like the 4mm socket, the universal joint, the short adapter, the bulky ratchet, so better leave them alone. Sets with long sockets are even worse to find, maybe for a second buy.
I'll take a look around for some brands and tell something later
Since I live in europe, some american brands you guys named are really expensive here due to taxes, some brands are almost impossible to see here. Amazon has its own shop for each european country, and one doesn't ship to another. With eBay is similar.
Also, I've noticed that here's very little knowledge on european brands (there are a lot), so I think I will look for a local brand for less pricing and even aesthetics (you know, that tool on your box that looks from another planet and you expect never need to use).
For a home use, Snap-on or Hazet are too way overpriced. SK seems cheap and even is sold on Dealextreme, but doesn't have likeable sets. Also some kits are missing pieces, like the 4mm socket, the universal joint, the short adapter, the bulky ratchet, so better leave them alone. Sets with long sockets are even worse to find, maybe for a second buy.
I'll take a look around for some brands and tell something later
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Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
Fill out your profile so we know where you're at. 95% of us are in the USA or Canada.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, absolutely!
Bear in mind that we are talking specifically about 1/4 drive drive sets here!
Facom (and I'm talking about the original French made/Italian made stuff here) do these smaller tools very well! I have a few Facom 1/4 drive tools that ride around in my road box. They are 15 plus years old, fit well, work well and are superbly finished!
About the same time I bought some Gedore 1/4 drive. I got it specifically because I wanted some BA sockets where I was working at the time, and Gedore still offer them. Compared to the Facom, it's very poor quality. The ratchet and T bar are smaller, and much more flimsy. The extensions are thinner, the finish of all the items is poorer, and the overall fit of the parts isn't good. The Facom ratchet, extension and socket lock up rigidly, the Gedore is shakey as hell!
Now, I accept that Gedore make some superb tools, but I think their speciality is the larger items. If we're talking SPECIFICALLY 1/4 inch drive, which we are, the Facom is better!
Beta is o.k. I don't own their 1/4 drive so won't comment on it specifically, but suspect it's on a par with their other tools. Wouldn't rate it above Facom, but it's good value! Carolus is difficult. I saw some of the first to hit the U.K. I think it was Spanish made, and it looked quite good. Value wise, very good! My local hardware shop has some of their wrenches now, and they are quite poor. Made in Taiwan, but without the decent finish you get on Taiwanese tools generally. Wouldn't rate it highly myself!
i was talking about today's taiwan made facom,yea old french made facom was awesome,but i doubt original poster will be able to find NOS old 1/4 facom set
new taiwan made facom is nothing better then a toptul...but the price is 50% above toptul...