Best 3/4 drive socket set for the money?
- Thread starter MTNSleder
- Start date
Full set with extensions ratchet ect.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I have a lot of Proto 3/4" stuff, I have been very happy with it. I also have a few Snap-On pieces in there as well.
If you're going to be using it on the regular, I'd invest in Wright, Snap-On or Proto, IMO.
The occasional use? Cman or HF is probably more than adequate.
If you're going to be using it on the regular, I'd invest in Wright, Snap-On or Proto, IMO.
The occasional use? Cman or HF is probably more than adequate.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Buy used, there are so many little used decent 3/4" sets out there for a lot less than new, unless you need one now, I dont think you would get a complete new USA made set for your budget.
Sae..
decableguy2000
Well-known member
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- Nov 4, 2012
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- 658
I picked up a complete SAE miss-matched set of Allen, Napa, Masterforce, Craftsman industrial, all new and US made. All of it was Ebay, or Summit (in stock old stock). Probably around 400-450ish range. This is ratchet, breaker, t-handle, extensions, adapters, and universal. I'm not worried about warranty issues with dead companies. If I break a 3/4 socket it wasn't made to be moved by me. Mine is mostly for a few sizes on the tractor and implements, the rest is just in case and to drive seals.
crf450x
Well-known member
Not sure about ratchets and such but grey pneumatic has great prices on 3/4 socket sets.
speed bump
Well-known member
Harbor freight or in your case Princess Auto. $60 for the initial set and maybe buy a better ratchet or breaker bar if you use these tools a lot. If you ever manage to break something buy a better one of that specific item.
Tekton to get the sockets (six point) and a then buy a high quality ratchet of your choice. There was a SK on CL forever asking $60 about 100 miles away from me. 50 miles and I would own it.
I bought the HF set and the 12 points are too loose fitting for my tastes.
I bought the HF set and the 12 points are too loose fitting for my tastes.
crewchief888
Well-known member
co worker of mine found a NIB Allen 3/4" dr set in a pawn shop for $60
ive only managed to break one of my el cheapo no name 3/4" dr sockets in 30 years wrenching on const eq. i replaced it with a truck brand socket.
i have a mixed set from 15/16" - 2 1/4" some truck brands, some CM
ive only managed to break one of my el cheapo no name 3/4" dr sockets in 30 years wrenching on const eq. i replaced it with a truck brand socket.
i have a mixed set from 15/16" - 2 1/4" some truck brands, some CM
Utahtrapper
Well-known member
I have a 1980's Complete Craftsman set with Craftsman tool box I bought used for 180.00 bucks 4 yrs ago like New. Prior to that I bought a HF set and after about 5 uses ratchet fell apart. I also have ran across 2 PAR X 3/4 drive sets and picked up both for less than 300.00 Check the classifieds you can find some real deals
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
I doubt I could get more than $20 for my Chineseum set, but it works fine. and has a lot of SAE sockets. As far as $ per bolt rev, something like that is probably the way to go.
619DioFan
Well-known member
All my 3/4 drive stuff is from HF ( chrome and impact ) I don't use them all the time so spending alot was not going to happen. when I do use them I beat on them like a red headed step child and they have yet to fail.
sberry
Banned
co worker of mine found a NIB Allen 3/4" dr set in a pawn shop for $60
ive only managed to break one of my el cheapo no name 3/4" dr sockets in 30 years wrenching on const eq. i replaced it with a truck brand socket.
i have a mixed set from 15/16" - 2 1/4" some truck brands, some CM
This. I have a Cman set, actually broke some of those but have seen a lot of super survivors of China sets in gang boxes, roughneck trucks where they work day after day in brutal conditions. The ratchets are notorious ****.
I agree about shopping a little for this item. A guy could get a deal with a little looking I think.
DFB
Well-known member
For a guy looking to spend $500 I probably wont advise the 12 point chromed HF sets for $59 
I have flipped a few of them but never used one in service. I even own an early style 6pt MIT/Tekton set and although I have never broke one (and I've used a few) probably wouldn't be my choice either. They are all just kind of really rough looking. And personally I would just buy HF 3/4" impact set if needed something now.
And if I was to do over again would highly consider some of the newer Tekton impact sets they offer both standard and deep
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037JFLBY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPLNLWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have no doubt they can take beating.
But if it's name recognition one is after obviously look elsewhere.
I had high hopes to inherit my ex FILS 3/4 drive Craftsman set...but with "ex" in the equation not gonna happen!
I have flipped a few of them but never used one in service. I even own an early style 6pt MIT/Tekton set and although I have never broke one (and I've used a few) probably wouldn't be my choice either. They are all just kind of really rough looking. And personally I would just buy HF 3/4" impact set if needed something now.And if I was to do over again would highly consider some of the newer Tekton impact sets they offer both standard and deep
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037JFLBY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPLNLWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I have no doubt they can take beating.
But if it's name recognition one is after obviously look elsewhere.
I had high hopes to inherit my ex FILS 3/4 drive Craftsman set...but with "ex" in the equation not gonna happen!
wolf_from_wv
Well-known member
For a guy looking to spend $500 I probably wont advise the 12 point chromed HF sets for $59
They are quite rough looking. I've used the ratchet and a 1/2" drive socket on a suspension bolt. Also used a couple of the smaller 3/4" drive sockets on one side of the bolt and large 1/2" drive sockets on the other side of the bolt/nut on an F350 with a snow plow.
Musicinabottle
Banned
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- Jul 24, 2016
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I bought a complete SK set with a Snap on breaker bar for $100. It has sockets from 1 inch to 2 1/4 in 1/16th inch increments plus 3 extensions. I have used someone else's 3/4 inch harbor freight set and shattered a socket once, but it actually didn't do to bad really, but I'd look at a used American made set.
The cheap princess auto 3/4 ratchet is a pile of ****. But their sockets and extensions are fine. Get an old quality ratchet off Kijiji, there is always a handful.
I used a 3/4 drive westward for a couple years pulling wrenchs on trucks, never failed me. It was generic Taiwan, just overpriced.
I used a 3/4 drive westward for a couple years pulling wrenchs on trucks, never failed me. It was generic Taiwan, just overpriced.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Williams Taiwan set.
https://www.toolsource.com/34-in-dr...etlok-tool-set-20pc-w-metal-box-p-123850.html
https://www.toolsource.com/34-in-dr...etlok-tool-set-20pc-w-metal-box-p-123850.html
Moose Legs
Active member
This. We have a Williams Taiwan set on our service truck that is holding up pretty good in oil patch conditions. If you’re in western canada Vallen has it at a decent price.
DFB
Well-known member
That Astro Pneumatic 2134 21-Pc 3/4" Square Drive Socket Set at Tool Source looks identical to my Tekton set
A good question is who makes a nice 3/4" ratchet for a sensible price. Tool co's sell like a few 1000 3/8" rats for every 3/4" they sell so they don't seem to invest in that drive size. A lot of what I've seen in rats are low tooth count old designs that are copies of old low tooth count designs. The brands like Koken, SO and others want serious $$ for their 3/4" drive hand tools.
crf450x
Well-known member
I have a cheap harbor freight set at work. Last fall I needed to get the front pinion nut off of a kershaw klearway 500 (look it up). Couldn't get an air line to where I was. I set the ratchet on the nut and tried to break it loose with the machine. It was so tight the rear wheels were spinning. I bounced the machine back and forth on that harbor freight ratchet several times and it finally popped loose. Ratchet is still in good shape.
Had my first opportunity to NEED to use my wright 6425 42" long ratchet. My two piece weight distributing hitch needed some TLC and one of the 3/4" bolts holding it together would not give up. It laughed at my 1/2" IR impact. Mocked me mercilessly with my 24" breaker bar. Clamped insanely tight in my vise, I moved the 1000lb table the vise is bolted to breaking it free. Where the shank meets the threads, the bolt had stretched so much that it was about .1" narrower than it should have been. Absolutely reefing on the 42" ratchet finally popped it. Thought I had a hernia...
If it absolutely, positively has to either loosen or be broken, I highly recommend the Wright 6425. It also doubles as an effective unwanted guest deterrent. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWAAJG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
ahm
If it absolutely, positively has to either loosen or be broken, I highly recommend the Wright 6425. It also doubles as an effective unwanted guest deterrent. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWAAJG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
ahm
That ratchet looks like a snap on.. could you use the Snap on 36" 3/4 ratchet handle on that ratchet head?
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
SO did a size change on their handle/head ratchets.
Something like old was a 7/8" bar, new is 15/16" or similar.
Okay
Handyfarmer
Well-known member
how much do you plan on using it, years ago, I bought a SK set, and there a excellent set, but a few years ago, I needed a socket for a truck to keep on the truck, I bought a harbor Freight set, and the sockets, are good, the ratchet is no the greatest, by no means are they the quality of the SK, but they do the job,
and years ago, to supplement the SK set, I bought a large sized socket set, harbor freight socket set, they have been very good,
I f you were just using for occasional use I would most likely get the HF set if doing it again,
and years ago, to supplement the SK set, I bought a large sized socket set, harbor freight socket set, they have been very good,
I f you were just using for occasional use I would most likely get the HF set if doing it again,
I plan on using it a fair amount not crazy more like 1-3 times a week or so when im working on heavy machinery
racinfarmer
Well-known member
Quick search of Facebook Marketplace turned up a new black oxide Proto 3/4" ratchet for $60. I'd think that would be a good start.
OP, let me know if you are interested in a link to that.
OP, let me know if you are interested in a link to that.
nelstomlinson
Well-known member
For applications where you have lots of clearance, get a Swench hand impact wrench. Th e1" drive claims 2,000 foot pounds of torque, and I believe the claim.
jabberwoki
Well-known member
Bam best advise .
Finky198
Well-known member
I pieced together a complete USA Craftsman set in SAE and Metic for around $200 Off of eBay. Couple that With a wright 42” ratchet that was posted above and your at or around 400$...
Something else to add to my list of things I need like a hole in the head.. thanks amolaver
Something else to add to my list of things I need like a hole in the head.. thanks amolaver
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catalytic
Well-known member
^^ This. Nothing hits like a swench. I have the 3/4" drive model 750. Swench wrenches are very large and very heavy -- not exactly handy... but when something is really stuck, a swench is the best thing. No more cranking on long breaker bars.
In response to your original question, I have picked up a couple of Wright 3/4" drive complete sets on Ebay in very nice shape for under $300, complete with sockets 7/8" - 2", breaker, ratchet, and metal box. I highly recommend this route.
Although if you do end up with a swench, you'll want impact sockets instead. I have the Wright impact 3/4" -to- 1/2" adapter to use 1/2" impact sockets with the swench.
Handyfarmer
Well-known member
I plan on using it a fair amount not crazy more like 1-3 times a week or so when im working on heavy machinery
the SK set if bought today is over $700, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
the HF set is about $70 https://www.harborfreight.com/20-pc-34-in-drive-sae-jumbo-heavy-duty-socket-set-69878.html,
I would hope there would be some quality difference,
my neighbor who is a mechanic, was working on a semi truck and did not have the correct socket so he borrowed my HF jumbo socket, and used his SK T-slider, and was trying to remove the nut on the rear of the transmission to replace the seal, under the U joint yoke, they put the truck in gear, and place in gear, and twisted up the SK T-bar, the socket was fine, never did hear how they got the nut off,
as of yet I have never broke a HF socket, (not that I use them that often), and in general not a fan of HF product, but they do seem to sell some OK sockets,
about the only mid point price set is a WIllams for about $300 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LCRB98/?tag=atomicindus08-20 I see a place that is selling for aobut $200, https://www.toolsource.com/34-in-dr...MIxcDH9PfD2gIVxsDICh3ChwmzEAkYAiABEgLs7fD_BwE
I see gear wrench has a nice set for about 300 as well https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HDTATKW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
and my guess is if it in the less than $100 range the quality would be nearly the same, ( I had never heard of williams before coming on this board,)
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davethorik
Well-known member
Koken's smaller ratchets are ripoffs of Proto, which is why I'd personally never buy one, especially not in 3/4 drive.
2 of the most common 3/4 ratchets on used market are the Wright 6400 and Proto 5649, I've seen both for stupid cheap. Hell the Proto is like $87 new on Amazon. That being said, it is low tooth count...Wright about double at 45 teeth, $113 on Amazon. If that isn't fine enough, the SK 47170 3/4 ratchet is 72 teeth, and they are plentiful used as well, and new $125 on Amazon.
I would still check used market first. 3/4 stuff can be had very cheap, as others mentioned. I think I have ~$120 in my all USA made mishmash used sae set...ratchet, breaker bar, 3 extensions, universal, 3/4 to 1/2 & 1/2 to 3/4 adapters, and sockets 3/4" to 2-3/8", which are all chrome shallow 12pt.