3/8 sockets above 19mm?

[mrjaw14]

I need to replace my 3/8 drive metric sockets. I have it narrowed down to a 8-19mm Snap-on set, the 212FSMY for $197, or a Williams MSB-20HRC 5.5-24mm set for around $75.

I like the idea of the expanded coverage of the Williams set. But I think less than 8mm in 3/8 drive is mainly filler I won't use. Not sure about the 3/8 drive larger than 19mm. Admittedly I'm more on the electrical side of the house, so I've not personally needed a larger than 19mm socket in 3/8 drive. I can see some merit when used with 3/8 torque wrench possibly, or if I need a smaller setup than my 1/2 drive sockets and ratchets.

Do any of you actually use 3/8 sockets above 19mm?

 

[ssdave]

Zoro says that the COO of the williams set is USA, so I think it's a no-brainer. The sockets are essentially identical to the Snap-on, and with 20% off at Zoro, you'd pay $60 for the Williams set. I'd wait a week or two for a 20% off coupon at Zoro and buy the Williams set. No negative to having the same socket quality in a wider range of sizes, for less money, whether you think you need them or not.

 

[turbodave]

I use 3/8" for some lower torque 21mm occasionally, and a 27mm oil filter cannister socket. Otherwise don't really see the need for larger than 19mm when I've got 1/2" drive options right next to them in the drawer.

 

[ItsNemo]

I use 21mm in 3/8" drive quite often as it's a typical wheel lug size and I can buzz them down snug with my cordless impact. Also have a 22mm 3/8" that I picked up for a certain job that I can't remember what now (might have been some sort of drain plug IIRC).

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Why not just go with Williams MSB-12HRC, that's the same setup as the Snap-on set (8-19mm) for a fraction of the cost ($41 + shipping)
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets

I had the 20pc Williams set (before I sold off my chromes) and for me it was overkill. The smallest size I ever used was 7mm, and the larger sizes just sat unused (maybe used the 22mm once, IIRC). Individual Williams sockets are so cheap, it's easier to buy the standard base set and buy singles in other sizes if you need them.

 

[mrjaw14]

Zoro says that the COO of the williams set is USA, so I think it's a no-brainer. The sockets are essentially identical to the Snap-on, and with 20% off at Zoro, you'd pay $60 for the Williams set. I'd wait a week or two for a 20% off coupon at Zoro and buy the Williams set. No negative to having the same socket quality in a wider range of sizes, for less money, whether you think you need them or not.

I get what you're saying, and have had the same thoughts. Not to hash this out again, because it's a dead horse on GJ, but I was concerned that Williams MAY have thinner chrome than the Snap-on. I know there's debate on them being exactly the same or not, but nothing is conclusive. I've seen plenty of Snap-on sockets with pealing chrome as it is, so I am reluctant to get something that may be thinner because the warranty process is harder with Williams. I've had great experiences with Snap-on customer service in the past, so that's factoring in as well. If I warranty a socket it's probably going to be for something like peeling chrome vs. actually breaking one. I also like the knurling the SO sockets have on the metric sockets as a differentiator vs SAE. Those two reasons are what led me to consider the 212FSMY set over the Williams set in the first place.

I had the 20pc Williams set (before I sold off my chromes) and for me it was overkill. The smallest size I ever used was 7mm, and the larger sizes just sat unused (maybe used the 22mm once, IIRC). Individual Williams sockets are so cheap, it's easier to buy the standard base set and buy singles in other sizes if you need them.

I thought about that too. If I go Williams, I'll get the 20 pc set because oddly enough I use my 1/2 drive tools on oddball sized things, like a 27mm plastic nut for pluming at home or some larger size. I like the idea of having a large assortment of sizes. I'm already prepared to pony ou $200 for SO, if I'm going Williams I might as well get the big set lol

Zoro says that the COO of the williams set is USA, so I think it's a no-brainer. The sockets are essentially identical to the Snap-on, and with 20% off at Zoro, you'd pay $60 for the Williams set. I'd wait a week or two for a 20% off coupon at Zoro and buy the Williams set. No negative to having the same socket quality in a wider range of sizes, for less money, whether you think you need them or not.

This may make this thread worth it right there. Zoro is about the same cost as tools delivered when you factor in shipping, so if Zoro does 20% of that will make the Williams set pretty much a no-brainer. This is why I ask dumb questions lol

 

[ssdave]

Here's a current zoro 20% off from the hot deals thread; I think I had the same in my emails:

"For those that are looking for more 20% discounts at $50+, here are additional trade codes":

Code: TOOL5
Percent: 20% off $50+
Categories: N/A
Date: Now - 03/10, 11:59 CT

Code: MATERIAL4
Percent: 20% off $50+
Categories: N/A
Date: Now - 04/10, 11:59 CT

 

[M6erfan]

I use 21 & 22mm in 3/8 drive, mainly due to use with my 3/8" torque wrench that's in the range I need. I agree, in 3/8" sockets anything under 10mm really is pretty useless. I grab my 1/4" set for those low torque applications

 

[Wamsutta]

Why not just go with Williams MSB-12HRC, that's the same setup as the Snap-on set (8-19mm) for a fraction of the cost ($41 + shipping)
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets

That's the way to go right there; plus, you're not having to deal with a giant conglomerate like Zoro that doesn't know how to package their items to prevent damage.

 

[Tallpilot]

That's the way to go right there; plus, you're not having to deal with a giant conglomerate like Zoro that doesn't know how to package their items to prevent damage.

Exactly. Plus I don't like their pricing model. Their normal prices are high so that the 20% coupon makes them just about the same as everyone else. I prefer places that just offer a fair everyday price so I don't have to screw around playing games just to fool myself into thinking I saved $10.

 

[bonneyman]

I use 3/8" for some lower torque 21mm occasionally, and a 27mm oil filter cannister socket. Otherwise don't really see the need for larger than 19mm when I've got 1/2" drive options right next to them in the drawer.

10-4

I've always followed the "X2 rule", and it's never let me down. The largest socket you should use on a square drive is twice the drive size. So - for 3/8" drive - the largest socket you should use is 3/4" or 19mm. For low torque jobs or stubby ratchets, larger will probably be OK. But to really yank on it you're surpassing the design limits of a drive when you surpass the times two rule. Perhaps that's why manufacturers limit their socket sizes when they get to twice the drive size - they realize it's over-stressing the knuckle and they don't want unnecessary warranty claims.

There are a few 1/4" drive sockets like 9/16 or 5/8, but not many. And I have a 22mm Bonney Loc-Rite in 3/8" drive, but I would hesitate to use it hard. I can always bump up to the next larger drive if needed. JMHO.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I thought about that too. If I go Williams, I'll get the 20 pc set because oddly enough I use my 1/2 drive tools on oddball sized things, like a 27mm plastic nut for pluming at home or some larger size. I like the idea of having a large assortment of sizes. I'm already prepared to pony ou $200 for SO, if I'm going Williams I might as well get the big set lol

Makes sense, I was already on GJ with the (cursed) Hansen style Kobalt trays and wanted to have every peg filled. In the end I couldn't justify all the extras and crossover taking up space in the box, especially since I was using 99% impact sockets in 3/8" & 1/2". Sold off the chromes and once I moved to mobile work, I really started trimming the excess.

Exactly. Plus I don't like their pricing model. Their normal prices are high so that the 20% coupon makes them just about the same as everyone else. I prefer places that just offer a fair everyday price so I don't have to screw around playing games just to fool myself into thinking I saved $10.

I just hopped on Zoro when I read about the current 20% to see what the pricing on the M18 Grease Gun would be. Ends up that with Zoro's high starting price, I'd save a whopping $2.05 over a new one on Ebay. I can wait.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Sure, my sets go up to 1" & 24mm. 3/8 is the new 1/2. I have standard length 1/2 drive ratchets but I never use them.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Sure, my sets go up to 1" & 24mm. 3/8 is the new 1/2. I have standard length 1/2 drive ratchets but I never use them.

This. Ratchets, air guns, and battery tools are so strong anymore. I wish all my 3/8 sets went up to inch and an eighth and maybe 27mm. Half the time the Fasteners aren't super tight like a bulldozer would have.

I just bought that 3/8 Astro pneumatic low profile socket sets and they only go to 19 and 3/4. Kind of bums me out.

 

[65k10]

That's the way to go right there; plus, you're not having to deal with a giant conglomerate like Zoro that doesn't know how to package their items to prevent damage.

FWIW, when I've bought Williams tools through Zoro I'm pretty sure it was all dropped shipped directly from Williams. It always has come in the two piece box with plastic banding that Williams seems to like.

 

[Wamsutta]

FWIW, when I've bought Williams tools through Zoro I'm pretty sure it was all dropped shipped directly from Williams. It always has come in the two piece box with plastic banding that Williams seems to like.

I bought a paint roller extension pole from Zoro that came in a long cardboard tube. It arrived totally bent to hell with one end of it poking through the metal cap on the end of the tube. All they needed to do is put some padding on both ends so that the pole wouldn't bounce around inside the tube, but they didn't.

 

[65k10]

I bought a paint roller extension pole from Zoro that came in a long cardboard tube. It arrived totally bent to hell with one end of it poking through the metal cap on the end of the tube. All they needed to do is put some padding on both ends so that the pole wouldn't bounce around inside the tube, but they didn't.

I get that you have had issues with Zoro's packaging (I've always got my stuff form them, but agree the packaging could be better). What I was getting at was in the case of buying Williams from Zoro, packaging shouldn't be an issue since I'm pretty sure most of it is drop shipped directly from Williams and Williams is the one packing it. I base this on the fact that when I buy something Williams from Zoro it comes in the same style of box that I see when I order something Williams from Toolsdelivered.

 

[bcradio]

Thanks guys, I just bought the 20pc set that I didn't need haha

 

[Parrothead]

I'll just chime in, I use 3/8 for almost everything, even though I have the 1/2 drive stuff to do it. About the only thing I use 1/2 stuff for is lug nuts. Haha.

And yes, I have 3/8 sockets over 19mm. I think I go up to 22mm off the top of my head. I know I have 21mm (and yes, the 20mm too)

If it were me, I'd get the Williams for much less money and call it a day.

 

[kb1982]

I have metric Proto deep sockets all the way up to 28 or 29mm. They pair up great with my snap on 3/8 long handle flex head ratchet.

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[thatguysb]

i carry from 8-22mm