3/4" Drive Socket sets

[xbanone]

I have been shopping around for a 3/4" drive socket set. Can anyone recomend a good quality set that is reasonably priced. New or used. I have been looking at the USA Blackhawk set, Imported Williams set, and even craftsman. I usually go to Snap-On first, but in this case they will be too pricey for such a seldom used set. Also, who's ratcehet do you like best? I'm trying to find a used Snap-on head but have also been eyeing up the Williams.

 

[Jason Ga]

I got an Armstrong industrial finish from ebay for $47.00 shipped. I thought it was a good deal.

 

[Seanbev24]

Since I seldom use 3/4" drive I just bought the set from harbor freight. It's dirt cheap and my only complaint is the ratchet is ****. So, I suggest buying the HF set and upgrading to the ratchet of your choice.

 

[Damian]

Check out Northern tool. They've got some decent 3/4" stuff and I bought a set a few years back. Most of it is Taiwan/China, but it holds up well. Back when I worked for the dealer and was doing big diesel stuff I used the 3/4" set and never had a problem or broke anything.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

MIT sold by JCWitney. i've got two of these sets and my dad has one. very good tools for the price. and the thing i liked best is they are 6pt.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I emailed an eBay seller about the ratchet head (not sure if it was this seller) and asked if it was a SO copy (looks identical) he said it was and that SO handle would fit it as well. Nice imported/lifetime warranted set for not too much $$
http://cgi.ebay.com/JH-WILLIAMS-20-...481?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5d5a9d51

 

[Ford12508]

Why do ou say "even craftsman." Everyone on here needs to get over themselves. I got a craftsman set for $100 including all the extensions and the ratchet. It is a great set, very strong, the sockets are thick as can be, and its not some lightweight set. The larger sockets weigh probably 3-5lbs off the top of my head. It has even been said on here that the 3/4" craftsman stuff is in fact good quality.

Do not buy new if you don't have to. People sell this stuff once in a while on craigslist, and its not a hot item in most places. The set I bought was up for 3 weeks the guy said. I told him I didn't need it, but at that price, it was hard to pass up with the warranty and the fact that the ratchet new costs $80 or something.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I emailed an eBay seller about the ratchet head (not sure if it was this seller) and asked if it was a SO copy (looks identical) he said it was and that SO handle would fit it as well. Nice imported/lifetime warranted set for not too much $$
http://cgi.ebay.com/JH-WILLIAMS-20-...481?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5d5a9d51

That set except for the ratchet is the exact same set I got from HF. The box is the same dimension and everything. Really for the money you can not beat the HF set if you are not using them every day. I bought the HF metric and SAE set and then instead of using the crappy ratchet that comes with it I purchased a used US made Williams ratchet on ebay for $15. You can also buy Proto 3/4" ratchets on ebay normally for less than $40. Here is a Urrea (Mexican Proto) for $20.
http://cgi.ebay.com/URREA-PROFESSIO...920?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb5d351e8

 

[cruiser808]

I emailed an eBay seller about the ratchet head (not sure if it was this seller) and asked if it was a SO copy (looks identical) he said it was and that SO handle would fit it as well. Nice imported/lifetime warranted set for not too much $$
http://cgi.ebay.com/JH-WILLIAMS-20-...481?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5d5a9d51

Complete with the box through swap meet finds, I put a used USA 3/4" Proto set together over a four year period and it came to about $150. For the price of that Williams, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble. But, it was'nt offered in my day. I say go for it.

 

[xbanone]

Thanks for all the quick replies.

I emailed an eBay seller about the ratchet head (not sure if it was this seller) and asked if it was a SO copy (looks identical) he said it was and that SO handle would fit it as well. Nice imported/lifetime warranted set for not too much $$
http://cgi.ebay.com/JH-WILLIAMS-20-...481?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5d5a9d51

I'm liking this set, just wish it was USA made, I know there is still some USA Williams stuff out there.

Why do ou say "even craftsman." Everyone on here needs to get over themselves. I got a craftsman set for $100 including all the extensions and the ratchet. It is a great set, very strong, the sockets are thick as can be, and its not some lightweight set. The larger sockets weigh probably 3-5lbs off the top of my head. It has even been said on here that the 3/4" craftsman stuff is in fact good quality.

I don't usually care for craftsman tools, I see there 3/4 stuff is very heavy duty and most of thier sockets are in fact decent.

I would perfer something made in the USA, I try to avoid Harbor Freight all together. Any expience with the Blackhawk USA stuff?

I only need SAE sizes <1" to about 1 1/2", and would like something thin enough to fit inside of driveshaft yokes and similar.

 

[Lump]

Are you wanting metric, SAE, or both? I have a lot of used USA 3/4 drive sockets here. Not sure I could make up a single-branded set, though. I've been trying to decide whether to list them on eBay, sell them in a GJ classified, or continue to allow them to just sit there.

The only 3/4" drive ratchet I have is a Plomb...but it's huge, with coarse teeth.

EDIT: SORRY, you were apparently posting just before me, and now that I have read your last post, my Q's were answered.

 

[cundifc]

I just picked up both sae and metric sets from HF and the sockets look good but the ratchets are worthless. I just bought a SO head off ebay for $112 bucks and im looking for a handle and breaker bar attatchment. I would suggest HF sets and picking up a good ratchet.

 

[bindernut]

Lumpy, do you have a metal 3/4" drive set box? If so, how much?

 

[HankMurphy]

Wright.

 

[Lump]

Lumpy, do you have a metal 3/4" drive set box? If so, how much?

Bindernut,
No, I don't think so. I'll keep a lookout though.

(Sorry for the hijack, OP!)

 

[joeydawrench]

Hey Ford 12508 you are 100% right! I love my craftsman set. It must be us ford guys in NJ!

 

[rsanter]

I have the craftsman set and it works fine for me
I really think you only need a few pieces the sizes you need.
I mostly use them as bushings for use with the press

bob

 

[crewchief888]

Thanks for all the quick replies.



I'm liking this set, just wish it was USA made, I know there is still some USA Williams stuff out there.



I don't usually care for craftsman tools, I see there 3/4 stuff is very heavy duty and most of thier sockets are in fact decent.

I would perfer something made in the USA, I try to avoid Harbor Freight all together. Any expience with the Blackhawk USA stuff?

I only need SAE sizes <1" to about 1 1/2", and would like something thin enough to fit inside of driveshaft yokes and similar.

if you're only looking to go to 1 1/2" why not stay with 1/2" dr?

for the most part 3/4" dr 6 point sockets are fairly thick, may have some clearance problem on driveshaft yokes.

the only 3/4" dr sockets ive ever broken were CM,
the last CM 3/4 ratchet i laid my hands on broke on the 1st pull.

 

[bindernut]

Ok, thanks Lump. Thought I saw one in a photo you posted of your haul from last year.

OP, all my sockets are Craftsman and they work just fine. I do have the snap on ratchet head & 36" handle(bought new), but I bought them for removing tractor wheels that hadn't been changed in 50 years. Believe me, that 36" handle is really nice on those big old bolts. I picked up a used ratchet head, 19" handle, breaker bar head, & 2 extensions(all snap on) off of here for $200 shipped. Sold the ratchet head to my dad & he's going to make his own handle.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

I have a couple of the 3/4" craftsman ratchets and every single craftsman 3/4 chrome socket, i have no complaints in fact I would buy more given the chance on a good deal

 

[Lump]

Sorting tools again today. I found most of a set of older Indestro 3/4" drive, from 1-1/16 to 1-5/8", with two extensions and a slider-type breaker handle.

Here is a photo:

The old metal box is rough. It was repainted (poorly), and it is bent, rusty, etc. But the sockets seem pretty nice.

Sizes of the seven sockets I have are 1-5/8, 1-1/2, 1-7/16, 1-3/8, 1-1/4, 1-1/8, and 1-1/16. I have LOTS of other big USA-made sockets, but don't think I could get another "set" together. I'll check and see.

Is this close to what you were looking for, or would you prefer something newer? Are there any sizes missing which you would really need?

Thanks for looking.

 

[sselander]

Also, Boiler had some 3/4 drive sockets on ebay recently

 

[Wrenches of Death]

I have been shopping around for a 3/4" drive socket set. Can anyone recomend a good quality set that is reasonably priced. New or used. I have been looking at the USA Blackhawk set, Imported Williams set, and even craftsman.

Unless something has changed in the last few months, there's nothing wrong with the Craftsman 3/4" ratchet. For the money, it's a solid deal and a tough ratchet.

As of the last time I looked at one in a Sears, they hadn't turned to the dark side of the force like the smaller ratchets.

WoD

 

[diesel research]

if you're only looking to go to 1 1/2" why not stay with 1/2" dr?

Crewchief has hit the nail on the head!

The the next question goes back to the "new OTR tech" thread. That question is why/for what? Not to suggest they are not needed, but to gauge the needs of others.

In the light duty world there are a few sockets that could be of benefit, such as 1-11/16. That is actually available in 1/2" drive as well, but at 3x the cost of a impact 3/4 deep of same size. So 3/4 drive is handy for certain pinion nuts/wheel nuts although I would much prefer impact.

The question is also relevant to gauge whether you are better off with chrome or impact?

I can say with a certain level of certainty that chrome 3/4 drive hand tools are becoming mostly obsolete, hence the fire sales on used pieces.

I've used drive sizes between 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, #5 spline, and 1-1/2 square drive, so that is where I am trying to gather ideas by asking.