Affordable made in U.S.A. metric hex bit socket set

[MattPersman]

For 80-90 bucks you can get some used gold snap on's on ebay. The best hex out there IMO. May be out of your price range. They are very nice though. I used a USA Mac set for years probably at least 10 years before I got snap on ones and they are much nicer.

 

[Crackerballer]

Funny I found this thread, as I was recently wondering the same thing. The SK sets are EXPENSIVE, especially since I read they are hit or miss.

However, looking on Amazon, I did find this interesting link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCHEL7O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just in case the pic changes or the product moves, here it is.

If it really was a case of buying 19763 kit ($226 alone on Amazon) and getting the 89039 kit for free ($198 on Amazon) then it'd be a pretty damn good deal at $287 shipped.

HOWEVER there is no mention of the free set in the product name, description, or anywhere else.

 

[cludwin]

OK *not* US made but I found that this Carlyle hex bit set is a great value for the price.
It includes stubby, short, and long hex bit in both SAE and metric.

Worst case if you do end up breaking a bit or rounding one off you have all the bit sockets you could always press out the bad bit and press in a new one.

I bought my set here on ebay and it showed up at my door for ~$90. It was a brand new never opened set.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carlyle-BSH42-42-Pc-Master-Hex-Bit-Socket-Set-/151242102592

I've used these a little bit since I bought them and the s2 steel bits seem to hold up just fine.

Hope this helps,
Courtney

 

[d4dawg]

Where are the vim ones made? Might be taiwan now but always in high regard especially the one piece (if hex is available; I know they exist in torx). Price might be too high though.

VIM ones are Taiwan made. I know their Triple Square/XZN bits are highly regarded by professional VW/Audi techs. VW loves to use those Triple Square bolts at high torque places (suspension, brake carriers, etc).

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hey guys, SK just had a deal over in Hot Deals section on some 3/8 and 1/4 hex sets if interested in that. I agree with everybody above, Proto, SK, Wright all great.

I don't use hex that much so got myself an ebay deal recently on a 14 piece set of Sunex Impact 3/8 hex bits for about $35. I can use either with impact or just normal use too. Ebay isn't a bad way to go for lightly used, but you don't see that many Proto,SK,Wright bits on ebay really. Have to look for some time to find these. Pretty scarce. The Sunex should be fine for my needs. - Paul

 

[txdude87]

Funny I found this thread, as I was recently wondering the same thing. The SK sets are EXPENSIVE, especially since I read they are hit or miss.

However, looking on Amazon, I did find this interesting link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCHEL7O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just in case the pic changes or the product moves, here it is.

If it really was a case of buying 19763 kit ($226 alone on Amazon) and getting the 89039 kit for free ($198 on Amazon) then it'd be a pretty damn good deal at $287 shipped.

HOWEVER there is no mention of the free set in the product name, description, or anywhere else.

Can anyone confirm there is the free set included? I am very tempted!

 

[ninjamunky85]

Well not long after I started this thread I discovered Menards and their Masterforce line of tools. Ended up getting both a metric hex and torx bit socket set as well as a set of metric wrenches. All for less $$$ than the SK hex bit socket set that I was looking at.

Of course the Masterforce stuff isn't as pretty as SK's stuff, but everything seems of good quality so far and all made in the U.S.A.

 

[defektes]

Well not long after I started this thread I discovered Menards and their Masterforce line of tools. Ended up getting both a metric hex and torx bit socket set as well as a set of metric wrenches. All for less $$$ than the SK hex bit socket set that I was looking at.

Of course the Masterforce stuff isn't as pretty as SK's stuff, but everything seems of good quality so far and all made in the U.S.A.

I believe those are made by Allen. Good set.

 

[Cope]

Ultimately, I ended up with the VIM set (HMS26) due to it's price and completeness. When compared to my Blackhawk USA, Kobalt USA, and Proto bit sockets, the socket isnt finished as nice, but the bit is as good or better.

I have that set coming today. From the picture they look a lot like Hazet or Stahlwille.
ETA, just got them. They have a semi gloss chrome finish. Not bad for the cost.

 

[newspeed]

I wont use any bit sockets other than snap on. I've tried countless brands and none have held up like the gold snap on bits. They are expensive but well worth it.

 

[ClineWrench]

When it comes to torx bits, I can't say I've tried them all. I went from Lisle single molds directly to Snap-on. For what I was doing day in and day out, I realized that snapping Lisle torx every 3rd day wasn't going to be fun. So I made that incredible leap from bargain basement to top shelf.

Triple squares are VIM. I'm aware they are made in Taiwan, but I just couldn't itnore thier cult like following among European car techs.

So my advise is buy american anytime possible, except when you stumble upon something like the triple square tools where literally everyone you know says to go to VIM.

Hope that helps.

 

[winlinmac]

What's the take on Wright for this one? I don't use hex bits everyday, but on occasional use

 

[bob15]

What's the take on Wright for this one? I don't use hex bits everyday, but on occasional use

See you other post for a better response....but the Wright hex bit sockets ****. They are too brittle, will snap off easily and are of a stepped design, so need need to keep extra bits on hand.

Find a used Snap On set.....they are worth the money

 

[anndel]

I have SK 1/4" and 3/8" metric hex socket sets and love them both. I'm glad I bought them though they were double and even triple some made in Taiwan sets. I bought these years ago when all I had was a mortgage. Now with a mortgage and car payment I would go with a Taiwan made version as they are just a good as the USA made ones.

 

[Jacobson]

I use these Craftsman for $13 and they work great

ADT for $20

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