3/4" drive sockets ???

[radrush]

???

Sockets?

 

[tshetter]

I would probably go with the impact set. You can always get a 3/4" drive breaker bar and use a 1/2" ratchet for most of what you need.


What type of work do you plan on needing the 3/4" drive stuff for?

 

[Csmnlm]

I only use 12 point sockets when I have no other choice. They round off bolts easier than 6 point sockets do. I would go with the impact socket. i've also been known to use a socket as a driver once in a while when there is no other option. Impact sockets are thicker walled and can withstand more abuse.

 

[bobcatdan]

Personally I bought a sunnex master impact socket and a Cornwell ratchet. Never had a need for chrome 3/4" sockets.

 

[bob15]

Go with the chrome 12 pt. Thinner walled for tighter places. As for stripping nuts or bolt heads, with the larger sizes, it becomes more rare. A rounded 2" bolt head isn't as common as the 3/8" bolt head. So, I wouldn't put much worry into that.

Also, how often do you need or use a 3/4" impact? I have only a few 3/4" drive impact sockets for those i used to use regularly, with the most common being 1 1/2".

Stick with the chrome with the ratchet, extensions, etc. Also, have you looked on e-bay? Many good deals there for an upgrade over Craftsman.....

 

[Rossco]

Buy em both.

Or, Buy individual. For home use IDE only need 19mm & 21mm impact for 1/2 ton work. The rest make good seal drivers.

 

[bluebolt]

If only you had asked 4 weeks ago, had an all USA 3/4 drive set, sold it to a friend for $80.

 

[Wakefield]

Impact 3/4" drive ones are huge.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I think for 300 bucks you could find another set of better quality. You could probably find a Blackhawk, Proto, Armstrong, Williams etc. especially if you dont mind used. I would get the 24 piece set.

 

[Pooch897]

I've hit harbor freight 3/4" sockets with a 1" impact all the time and I have yet to break one. I had low expectations but was in a pinch and no one else had them in stock. Now I have had a few buddies go get a set.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[metaldad]

get the 24 pc. no case set.
it's more better

 

[dtt454]

i have alot of 3/4 and 1 inch drive sockets, i have just bought them individually according to what i need. the sets come with a whole bunch you will never use. i usually only buy impact sockets, however i have come across chrome at the flea market and places such as that, usually i only end up using those as seal drivers.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I sold off my 3/4" chrome sockets, barely used any of them (USA Kobalt from Cripe). Ended up buying a set of IR impact sockets on ebay, and they've been great.

http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com/ir/ingersoll-rand-8pc-3-4-drive-sae-deep-impact-socket-set

EDIT: If you do go with the one of the chrome Craftsman sets, don't spend the extra $40 for a plastic case. Epstein's has the metal Williams 3/4" box on closeout for $17.50 + shipping. It's what I stored my 3/4" chrome set in. Holds everything you'd need (up to 2" socket), and is build SOLID.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WilliamsD/50081.html

 

[Strouty]

I know the OP probably wants USA made, but I would buy cheap taiwanese sockets and spend some money on a good USA made ratchet and breaker bar. That is what I always did, then I slowly started collecting USA made sockets. It is kind of funny that I do not have many USA 3/4" drive sockets, yet I have up to 3 1/2" USA in 1" drive. I think it comes down to what you are using them for, the impacts will have thicker walls and be harder to get into tight places.

For what it is worth I have 20 year old 3/4" drive and 1" drive cheap made in China sockets that get used hard.

 

[Jon.R]

I have been looking into getting a 3/4 set of snap on but for the amount of a new set off of the truck and the amount I would be using it figured it would be good to look for a use set . When searching eBay I found this Williams set for $200 .

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[Strouty]

That is a non USA Williams set. The USA one is closer to $500 IIRC.

 

[Strouty]

This is the place with the best prices for new Williams both USA and overseas made.

Toolsdelivered.com

 

[92integra]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612519_200612519

it say's master set for a reason !

 

[nicksnothereman]

For various work.

Just looked up the same 20-piece impact set on Grainger
Impact Socket Set, 3/4 In Dr, 20 pc
CRAFTSMAN INDUSTRIAL (HOLY inflated prices Batman) Price: $869.00

Curiously the Grainger web site states, "This item is restricted for international sale."

http://www.grainger.com/product/CRAFTSMAN-INDUSTRIAL-Impact-Socket-Set-22N734?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP

What's the torque?

The difference between the price of 1/2 and 3/4 is pretty significant. If you're only using it on high torque in a couple sizes might be better to go 3/4" drive ratchet with a reducer for 1/2" set (impact cr mo preferable) and just buy a couple of individual sockets in 3/4" for the most used high torque bolt sizes.

Dead set on 3/4" I would probably go with impact vs. chrome. The only bad thing about impact is that the black oxide finish can be kind of abrasive when you pick it up (if you don't wear gloves). The walls are thicker but in these sizes it's not going to be much of an issue.

Another option is to get the harbor freight 8 piece cr-mo set (around 40 bucks), a good quality 3/4" ratchet, and fill in the other sizes with other manufacturers. Not a set but if price is a concern that's probably the way to go. Might be able to pick up a good quality used ratchet in that size for under 50 bucks; there are other options but 3/4" ratchets are pricey new. You could buy the harbor freight one for 20 bucks but I doubt it's going to be very durable for high torque. Better to go with something like sk or proto for a 3/4"

 

[Loscaldazar]

The only thing I would caution against, is if you haven't seen a 3/4 drive impact socket (especially the smaller sizes, the drive end is massive and they only have a small taper to the hex end), be warned on how THICK they are. You need to be working pretty much in a completely open environment for them to fit. If you want I can upload a pic of a 22MM impact next to a 23MM chrome (both 3/4 drive) and you can marvel at the size difference. For me, many 3/4 drive impact sockets wouldn't fit where I want them to (suspension bolts on a Subaru and also crank pulley nut, no way a 3/4 drive impact socket will fit to get those, chrome is required).

Go hold some in your hand and then decide.

Another note, if you are good at eBay, CL, etc, you should be paying about $3-$8 dollars for a brand new looking 3/4 drive USA made socket each. I've pieced together 14 SK, 5 Craftsman Industrial, 4 Armstrong, 1 Allen 3/4 drive sockets, 1 SK 3/4 drive ratchet all pretty much brand new or at least new looking for $125. It'll take time, patience and dedication, but it can be done! 3/4 Drive is vastly superior to 1/2 drive- the bulk of the ratchets and breaker bars eliminates the flex so many people complain about with 1/2 drive.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Personally, I'd agree with whoever said they use 12 pt. sockets only when necessary. 90% of my sockets are 6-point- I basically buy 12 point sockets only when I have too. I have a handfull for things like small block head bolts and the like that use 12-pt nuts, but I rarely use them.

 

[McKay]

I have the older craftsman chome sockets in 3/4" drive and also have deep and shallow sae and metric Grey Pneumatic impact sockets. Rarely ever grab a chrome socket. Seams whenever I am working on larger items clearance is not an issue for me. (Usually construction equipment)

 

[NYTurfTech]

I'm in the market for a 3/4'' set as well and was gonna go with an SK set because all the sockets and ratchets i have are either SK or Snap On but then I saw the price!I expected to see the SK set for a lot less than the Snap On set . Needless to say I don't want to spend anywhere near a thousand dollars for some thing I'm going to use maybe 3 times a year. There's a nice set by Blackhawk for around $500 in Grainger I may pull the trigger on.

 

[littletoes]

Guys----Why not list the sockets you use all the time. Those would most likely be the ones anyone would most likely need.

I have a couple of 3/4" and a 1" drive. Haven't needed any others as of yet (at home!). I have that 40" Snappy breaker bar, and adaptors. Plus my Snappy 1/2" set goes to 1 1/2" on the SAE side, and my PROTO set goes to 36"mm.

Not sure, but What is the largest 1/2" socket made, either metric or sae???

 

[bob15]

Guys----Why not list the sockets you use all the time. Those would most likely be the ones anyone would most likely need.

I have a couple of 3/4" and a 1" drive. Haven't needed any others as of yet (at home!). I have that 40" Snappy breaker bar, and adaptors. Plus my Snappy 1/2" set goes to 1 1/2" on the SAE side, and my PROTO set goes to 36"mm.

Not sure, but What is the largest 1/2" socket made, either metric or sae???

1 1/2" unless you are talking axle nut sockets which are 4"+.

Metric...not sure but Wright makes a 36mm

 

[MJD1]

I would go with the 12 point chrome set and then get impact deep well sockets. The deep well really aren't much taller but often give you just enough engagement on a but with a protruding bolt. That Williams set looks pretty nice for around 200$. If set on US made I would look for used SK or Armstrong. For impact sockets the Chinese ones have served me fine using a snap on 3/4" impact or with the big CP 1" tire gun with a reducer.

 

[56FordGuy]

1 1/2" unless you are talking axle nut sockets which are 4"+.

Metric...not sure but Wright makes a 36mm

I have a 1 9/16", 1/2" drive.



Just realized my typo. Oops.

 

[MJD1]

SK makes 1/2" impact in some pretty good sizes, I have 1-5/16" and 1-1/2" in short and deep.