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06wt

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Apr 12, 2009
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chicago 434 UNION CARPENTER
well thats actually good that it does not come with ratchets, cuz it leaves the ratchet option open. so yes thats a good socket kit and get some good ratchets, either get some new snap-ons or good to ur local flea market and get someused ones , but out of all the truck brands i grab my snap-on ratchets most often, and i have a ton of different ratchets from a number of different brands.
 
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MotoDave

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Jul 1, 2009
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Ventura, CA
That one is very complete, however I question how useful it is to have full sets of both 6 point and 12point. I have not yet come across a 12 point fastener that I couldn't just use a box wrench on.
 
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Tlag

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Jan 17, 2009
Messages
151
06wt said:
well thats actually good that it does not come with ratchets, cuz it leaves the ratchet option open. so yes thats a good socket kit and get some good ratchets, either get some new snap-ons or good to ur local flea market and get someused ones , but out of all the truck brands i grab my snap-on ratchets most often, and i have a ton of different ratchets from a number of different brands.
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It also is not loaded up with hex wrenches, plastic screwdrivers, and screwdriver bits, like they have in those blow-mold case packages!
 
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MotoDave

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Ventura, CA
Were I starting from scratch today, I would buy a full set of Proto sockets. I am very impressed with all of the Proto sockets ive bought so far.
 
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06wt

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chicago 434 UNION CARPENTER
Merkava_4 said:
GearWrench sockets are 500 times better than Craftsman. I picked up a 1/2" drive set this week and I was amazed by the high quality and consistency.
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well i dont own any gearwrench stuff, but i have never had a problem with craftsman quality, is it the best no, but for the money u spend on craftsman its well worth it. And the ask no questions replacement is nice, cuz i have murdered my fair share of craftsman sockets and took them back to sears and got a new one with no problem
 
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Merkava_4

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06wt said:
well i dont own any gearwrench stuff, but i have never had a problem with craftsman quality, is it the best no, but for the money u spend on craftsman its well worth it. And the ask no questions replacement is nice, cuz i have murdered my fair share of craftsman sockets and took them back to sears and got a new one with no problem
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The main problem I have with Craftsman sockets is the new stepped detent retention system they're using now. I can't stand it and will never buy another Craftsman socket because of it. It's another one of your Sears corporate cost cutting measures at work. :wtf:
 
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06wt

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chicago 434 UNION CARPENTER
merkava, im not sure what ur talkin bout, althoughmost of my craftsman stuff its 12+ years old, i never noticed a differance between my old stuff and the new replacments, ill have to go look at an old one and new one side by side
 
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mkdive

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Oct 11, 2008
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NPB (Socal)
Cman & Gearwrench (i have both) are good quality for the money they ask for them (pretty dang low compared to truck brands). I know alot of guys that have multiple truck brand ratchets.....but still use cman sockets.
 
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RLRRLRLL

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Sep 8, 2009
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Spearville Kansas
that would be a good set to start with...and im sure 40 years down the road you would still have them. Any tool that works can be a good tool, just take care of them. Im using duralast sockets from autozone, ive had no issues, i even have a stanley kit in my car that i used to use primarly, they held up fine. But id say get that set, or wait till the 299 socket set goes on sale...thats alot of sockets. I agree on snap on ratchets, sure, they are pricey..but you get what you pay for. I hear the craftsman pro ratchets aint bad either.
 
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X1 Mike

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Dec 4, 2008
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Flagler, Fl
Starting out that is a great set. On a limited budget I would rather get C-man sockets and some Matco 88's. Right now I have a fairly complete set of Snap-On sockets and I would consider buying that set for extras if it went on sale. In my opinion it's best to invest in quality ratchets.
 
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Big Bad Jon

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Jun 14, 2008
Messages
719
The one thing that the C-man sockets have over the gearwrench is the relative ease of warranty. Most sears employees will not question a socket. Wrenches and pliers that is a different story. Then I would try either matco or snappy ratchets. I own both after upgrading my ratchets over the last year. Try them both and see which you prefer.
Also on a side note, when you get your extensions. The gearwrench wobbles are just fine, but try to go with Snap on for the standard ones. Extensions are always going to get abused, especially if used professionally. I have used some of my extensions in ways that I don't care to admit on this forum, and they have held up very well.

Don't worry about getting breaker bars, the new snap on and Matco ratchets are tough enough that you will never miss having them.

As far as impact sockets which you will need at some point, try to pick up a set of used Mac (the USA ones) or Snap on, you will save some $$$ which you can use to buy a killer impact. Good luck I hope this is a help.
 
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jshillin

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Nov 9, 2008
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PA
Nothing wrong with Craftsman, Gearwrench, Toptul, etc. I have all of them and wouldn't have a problem recommending any for a 1st set. I have since got a lot of Snap-on because I got a SMOKING DEAL on them, but if it weren't for that I'd still be using the above mentioned 3.
 
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usmc_noma

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Mar 9, 2009
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virginia
that's a nice set to start out with. i do agree with another post in regards to the amount of 6pt and 12pt. there's many in that set i'm sure most would never use. regardless if that set went for half off, i'd think about making that purchase. i don't need it by any means because i get by plenty with the ones i have. good luck with the decision, and let us know what you end up doing.
 
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strkar

Active member
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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
42
Location
FL
Thanks for the info fellas. I might take a look at the Gear Wrench stuff. There are some nice sets on Amazon. Are the molded plastic cases that come with the sets any good?
 
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Fedwrench

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Dec 9, 2007
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Location
Valley of the sun
strkar said:
Thanks for the info fellas. I might take a look at the Gear Wrench stuff. There are some nice sets on Amazon. Are the molded plastic cases that come with the sets any good?
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The only weak spot is the plastic pins on the lid hinge. However, you can remove the lid and lay the bottom section in a toolbox drawer for organization.
If I was starting out or needed a basic set of sockets, I would look at these setsand wait for when they're on sale:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...o+&+Mechanics+Tools&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ls&cName=Auto+&+Mechanics+Tools&sName=Sockets
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ls&cName=Auto+&+Mechanics+Tools&sName=Sockets
 
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