I'm looking for a large size sae set of 1/2 drive sockets like 1"to 1 1/2", any suggestions? Not looking for small sizes, I've got that covered by 3/8 drive. Sears has a set of the big sizes but I can't stomach those chinese sockets. Would prefer US made but would settle for Taiwan, and hopefully in the 50 or less range. Best I've come up with is individual williams from tools delivered, I'm at 75ish to go that route. The duralasts look ok but are only a couple bucks less than williams usa. A set would be preferable to buying individuals just for uniforminity and economy. These are for use in a semi professional enviroment.
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best source for large size 1/2 drive sockets
- Thread starter thor80
- Start date
geartow
Well-known member
Tekton
ssdave
Banned
I'd go with Williams or Proto. I have Proto, and also Snap-on in large sizes, 1/2" drive. The Proto cost a bit less than Snap-on, and I'm just as satisfied with them in the large sizes. Being cheap, I wouldn't have the Snap-on if I hadn't got them used at a good price.
byoungblood
Well-known member
I'd just go to a pawn shop and sort through their socket bins until you have a set made up. As infrequently as those sizes are used, no need to spend big bucks on them, particularly when you'll probably find S-K, Proto, Williams, Craftsman, etc., in the bins for $1 per socket or less.
lazer50
Well-known member
If you can get proto or williams usa or sk for close to your range i advise you to do that.especially when you mention semi professional use.the only time i would consider a taiwan would be light occasional use.
I'd be down for the tekton but they are impact only in those sizes unless I'm not seeing something, was looking for chrome. Proto set pieced off fleabay is an option, I have a good bit of proto stuff now at it is obviously great. I dont have a snap on truck and it doesnt make much sense to me to go that route over williams usa that seem to be very similar. Most of my tools now are williams usa, armstrong, proto, a few choice snappys and old craftsman.
bob15
Well-known member
Look used at flea markets, pawn shops, e-bay, swap meets, etc.
Brands: Snap On, Proto, SK, Wright, Bonney (no warranty, but damn-near impossible to break)
Brands: Snap On, Proto, SK, Wright, Bonney (no warranty, but damn-near impossible to break)
ken w.
Well-known member
I have found some great deals on larger sockets on Ebay. You can get name brand USA made very reasonable and sometimes with free shipping. Craigslist is another , but you sometimes have to deal with some asses. I picked up a set of SO impact sockets a few weeks ago. 1/2" drive . 1" - 1 9/16" for $ 40.00. Off CL.
Typical sets top out at 1~1/4. You will have to dig a little for sizes larger than that. Occasionally Williams show up on eBay but not very often.
In reality, its probably easier to find 3/4" drive sizes in the range you are looking for and pick up a 1/2-3/4 adapter. Plus you can get larger sizes as well.
Don't blow up your ratchet busting loose a 1~5/8 or a 2" nut.
In reality, its probably easier to find 3/4" drive sizes in the range you are looking for and pick up a 1/2-3/4 adapter. Plus you can get larger sizes as well.
Don't blow up your ratchet busting loose a 1~5/8 or a 2" nut.
The CAT tools tend to be a shade less expensive than their Williams and Snappy cousins.
Whats the best way to get CAT tools?
NFH2740
Well-known member
Whats the best way to get CAT tools?
Any Caterpillar dealer can order them.
FOCUS.FREAK
Well-known member
TEKTON 4886 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket Set, Inch, Cr-Mo, 6-Point, 1-3/16-Inch - 1-1/2-Inch, 5-Sockets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPT6DE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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COL911
Well-known member
I have some mismatched 1/2 in. sockets that I saved from garage sales, mostly older vintage, that could use a new home. I just can't pass up the quality and patina of vintage stuff. PM me to talk trade or to adopt them!
1 1/4 Craftsman 12 pt., V mark
1 1/8 Craftsman 12 pt., BE mark, underlined Craftsman
1 1/16 Craftsman 12 pt., BE mark, underlined Craftsman
1 Craftsman 12 pt., BE mark, underlined Craftsman
15/16 Craftsman 12 pt., V mark
3/4 Proto 12 pt.
5/8 Craftsman 12 pt., V mark
11/16 Proto 6 pt.
1/2 S-K
1 1/4 Craftsman 12 pt., V mark
1 1/8 Craftsman 12 pt., BE mark, underlined Craftsman
1 1/16 Craftsman 12 pt., BE mark, underlined Craftsman
1 Craftsman 12 pt., BE mark, underlined Craftsman
15/16 Craftsman 12 pt., V mark
3/4 Proto 12 pt.
5/8 Craftsman 12 pt., V mark
11/16 Proto 6 pt.
1/2 S-K
555
Well-known member
I saw a bunch of large SK 1/2" sockets this weekend at a local flea market. The booth owner cleans out garages/buildings and resells on Sundays. He also had Snap On lower chest at a good price. You may have one in your area that does the same.
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
Look used at flea markets, pawn shops, e-bay, swap meets, etc.
Brands: Snap On, Proto, SK, Wright, Bonney (no warranty, but damn-near impossible to break)
I couldn't say it any better. I have a couple of Bonney pieces, used them hard, never a failure
Greg85mcss
Well-known member
I'd check out kobalt. I picked up a 1 1/2 for about $5. Not sure where it's made but the quality is decent and for a socket I only needed every couple months I didn't want to put much money into it.
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I'm looking for a large size sae set of 1/2 drive sockets like 1"to 1 1/2", any suggestions? Not looking for small sizes, I've got that covered by 3/8 drive. Sears has a set of the big sizes but I can't stomach those chinese sockets. Would prefer US made but would settle for Taiwan, and hopefully in the 50 or less range. Best I've come up with is individual williams from tools delivered, I'm at 75ish to go that route. The duralasts look ok but are only a couple bucks less than williams usa. A set would be preferable to buying individuals just for uniforminity and economy. These are for use in a semi professional enviroment.
You can't stomach the chinese craftsman, but the duralast look ok? If its the same auto parts store garbage I'm thinking of you'd be better off with craftsman. I own those sizes in Wright and Proto and very happy with both, granted they are impact sockets.
However what I recently found out is that Sunex is now making 1/2 impact sockets in sizes up to 2-1/4 they are middle of the road as far as quality and price.
Farmall450
Well-known member
The CAT tools tend to be a shade more expensive than their Williams and Snappy cousins.
Fixed it for you.
You can't stomach the chinese craftsman, but the duralast look ok? If its the same auto parts store garbage I'm thinking of you'd be better off with craftsman. I own those sizes in Wright and Proto and very happy with both, granted they are impact sockets.
However what I recently found out is that Sunex is now making 1/2 impact sockets in sizes up to 2-1/4 they are middle of the road as far as quality and price.
Perhaps its changed but not long ago Autozone had some really nice sockets, wrenches, and ratchets under the Duralast brand. The tools were a fad here for a year or two, cosmetically looked like very nice stuff.
Great Neck is the cheapo China tools you might of seen. Most stores push the latter because its so inexpensive.
Last edited:
wvrailroader
Well-known member
For SAE stuff, I have had great luck at the two local flea markets. Most of my 1"+ 1/2" drive sockets came from there. I have also pieced together a decent 3/4" drive SAE set for very little money the same way. Usually $1 or less for the 1/2" stuff and $2 or less for the 3/4". I also bought a very nice old Plomb pebble 3/4" drive ratchet a few weeks ago for $30. I have found very little in the way of metric tools, though.
As for pawn shops, the ones around here have very little in the way of hand tools and what few they do have are chrome plated gold.
As for pawn shops, the ones around here have very little in the way of hand tools and what few they do have are chrome plated gold.