Best value sockets?

[Ohio Andy]

Do you record each and every use of what each and every tool is used on and how many rotations of each socket to loosen and tighten something and don't forget how many clicks on the ratchet. My brother is pretty **** but his spreadsheet is in his head.

Nice, made me laugh...

I wrote an app for my phone that counts the clicks... The app also recognizes bad words, which then increases the abuse score for the tool. Honest...

Closest I come to tracking use is looking at my inventory and saying.... Oh yeah, forgot about that set. And my forgetting indicates I either don't use it much or have never used it.

If I do maintenance on a ratchet (open, clean, lube), it has either been a long time (years), something seems off, or something environmental (water, mud, ....). I try to avoid ratchets I cannot open.

I do have a USA made SK thumb wheel ratchet (https://a.co/d/fsV4sWJ) that I could not take apart... You have to put pressure on something so she other thing can pull out ... Ugggg.

I saw a set of large sockets on get rid of it now sale. I rarely use sockets 24mm and up and did not remember what sockets I have from 27mm to 36mm. I knew I had two of the six. Turns out I had three of the six, but it was worth the price for the extra three sockets.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Sounds like you are making fun of @Ohio Andy. His approach seems quite sensible to me. He’s thinking about his family after his death. Why would you criticize that? Apologies if I misunderstood.

He made me laugh....

And the detail is more for myself, it is actually relaxing for me to do. Honestly though, I include images to assist in identifying the different items, well sometimes I have a photo, but with screwdrivers it is either a picture of a set or of one driver.

 

[kage860]

I appreciate the discussion. But I've been using mostly USA craftsman sockets (budget sockets) and I never once thought to my self "if these sockets came from a tool truck this job would be so much easier". And today's budget sockets don't seem any worse to me than yesterdays budget sockets, if anything the markings and chrome might be a bit better now. I'd rather have a complete set of budget sockets than an incomplete set of expensive sockets. I've broken one ratchet in my life, but never a socket. That tractor supply set looks nice for a first set.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I appreciate the discussion. But I've been using mostly USA craftsman sockets (budget sockets) and I never once thought to my self "if these sockets came from a tool truck this job would be so much easier". And today's budget sockets don't seem any worse to me than yesterdays budget sockets, if anything the markings and chrome might be a bit better now. I'd rather have a complete set of budget sockets than an incomplete set of expensive sockets. I've broken one ratchet in my life, but never a socket. That tractor supply set looks nice for a first set.

If you're just buying by the pound for coverage, you're using the right system. I would agree it's difficult to buy something unusable today.

 

[Mr_B]

Do you think the ICON sockets are much better, and better enough to justify the higher price, than Quinn?

To me yes .
Icon has full length shouldering on deep sockets, more slender dimensions/stepped sizing and better broach profiles and 1/4 inch range socket lengths are noticeably shorter compared to usual taiwan/china 1/4 sockets that almost same lengths as 3/8 drive, other plus is semi deep set . Value very much down to personal factors and how you intend using the tools .
For me I find the more professional features of ICON sockets more pleasing and capable in use thus pretty good value at 3 to 4 bucks a socket .
Cheaper isn't always true value & value isn't always everyone’s price choice .

 

[AEAdam]

I appreciate the discussion. But I've been using mostly USA craftsman sockets (budget sockets) and I never once thought to my self "if these sockets came from a tool truck this job would be so much easier". And today's budget sockets don't seem any worse to me than yesterdays budget sockets, if anything the markings and chrome might be a bit better now. I'd rather have a complete set of budget sockets than an incomplete set of expensive sockets. I've broken one ratchet in my life, but never a socket. That tractor supply set looks nice for a first set.

I think today’s budget sockets are BETTER than 30yrs ago Craftsman.

I think it’s a well documented fact you can pull harder on truck tools and get away it with whereas with cheap tools something could go wrong.

The objective, money aside decision becomes:

1) what are you doing? will you ever really need to pull that hard or could you use impact or heat for those rare occasions?

This happens to me on near,y every job. Sounds like it never happens to you. Good info.

2) What is your patience/tolerance for a tool failure? No big deal? No time limits? Working on a daily driver must complete task this afternoon?

My patience/tolerance for tool failure is essentially zero. Therefore, I have what I consider to be the best tools so I don’t have to deal with tool failures as often (or ever). Note I define a tool failure as a socket rounding a fastener head..

If we define “best value” as highest performance for lowest price, The Torque Test channel rankings would be a good guide. Hint: Icon.

I think you are still unsure of what quality level you need. I suspect your real question is what are the cheapest sockets that still function as sockets. Can I “get away” with Kobalt Husky Great Star (whatever). Yes, you probably can if your performance expectations are low enough.

 

[Skellyii]

All my impacts are half inch. Is that 1/2 in or 3/8

I just snatched a stock picture off whatever website.

Personally, I have the Gen 2 stubby in 3/8". I bought it for trips to the pull yards, because of the small size and light weight. I have ended up using it more frequently in my shop as well.

While I have 1/2 battery and 1/2" and 3/4" air impacts, the stubby dude works pretty well and is very lightweight.

 

[Kscardsfan]

How much duplication is there in that Husky set? Do you need 6 & 12 point versions of the same size? does the set contain the sizes you need to complete the work you want to do?

Tekton is more expensive but, I don't think you'll find a wider range of no skip sizing off of a tool truck.
I second the Quinn recommendation above. They'll be missing sizes but, they're durable.
Also look at SATA as that's probably the maker of the Husky set.

This is GJ, of course he needs 6 and 12 points in the same sizes, and 8 point where applicable.

 

[Hohn]

Well, I'm wrapping up a timing belt job on my trusty 2005 Odyssey (it's 2nd since it just cleared 200k, but my first DiY) and I think it's given me some insight into socket selection and value.

1) I was wrong that you can make 3/8 impact sockets work every where. I had previously speculated about whether the "don't buy chrome in 1/2 drive" rule might apply to the next size down, but I can quite confidently now say I absolutely needed 3/8 chrome sockets. Both shallow and deep. In my case, though, the better option always seemed chrome 1/4 drive because the tightest spots always had smaller fastener heads where the 1/4" covered it well (<14mm)

2) Astro Nanos are still my #1 socket value, I have to say. And while there are occasional times where the Nanos won't fit and a chrome socket is needed, those are outnumbered at least 3:1 where the Nanos fit and a chrome will not. In other words, thinner wall sometimes matters, but shorter overall length seems to matter much more frequently. Anyone serious about DiY (or paid to turn wrenches) should probably own every Nano socket made and all the drive tools.

3) The Capri chrome 1/4 drive set is a gem. Superbly well made, an amazing value, and just so nice to use.

I'll finish the job tonight (I'm a one-man show with no lift and slowing down with age, so it takes me twice as long--or more-- to do everything).

 

[kage860]

That's funny. I'm using the craftsman system of 12 points on my 1/2" shallow. My 1/2" deep are mostly Pittsburgh impacts. Mostly everything else is 6 point USA craftsman. I have one chinese craftsman socket and it might be better than the USA I have, no more double detent and the markings are larger. The tekton sockets I have are machined to be tapered better on the outside and better chrome and markings. I also have a deep gearwrench socket that has the shallow broaching, if all gearwrench are like that now that's pretty nice. I saw the icon chrome sockets are made out of chrome molybdenum, not chrome vanadium, so they'll probably survive abuse by impact guns, not sure if that affects anything else.

 

[Professor Gascan]

That's funny. I'm using the craftsman system of 12 points on my 1/2" shallow. My 1/2" deep are mostly Pittsburgh impacts. Mostly everything else is 6 point USA craftsman. I have one chinese craftsman socket and it might be better than the USA I have, no more double detent and the markings are larger. The tekton sockets I have are machined to be tapered better on the outside and better chrome and markings. I also have a deep gearwrench socket that has the shallow broaching, if all gearwrench are like that now that's pretty nice. I saw the icon chrome sockets are made out of chrome molybdenum, not chrome vanadium, so they'll probably survive abuse by impact guns, not sure if that affects anything else.

I bought this Gearwrench GWMSSKT38MM 3/8 set not that long ago for a really good deal as an upgrade to my current set, and the GW deep sockets do indeed have shallow broaching on both 6 and 12 point. This more than doubled the number of 3/8 socket options to choose from for access on the vehicles I have to work on, all for well under 2 bucks a socket.

Granted I'm not a pro, or working on 1/2 ton pickups or larger, but the cars I work on are all 15 years old or older and lived in the rust belt their whole lives. Not once have I second guessed or regretted my purchase on the jobs I've used then on so far. Quite the opposite tbh, I feel like they've already paid for themselves in time and frustration.

I know through the research I did before buying the set that according to some here GW has gone down in reputation over the years, but that seemed to be more reflective of their ratcheting wrenches more than their sockets. And as much research as I did, I couldn't find one instance where someone complained that a GW socket failed to do the job or broke at rate that would give me second thoughts on their socket quality. And as anyone here knows, if a consumer product is even a little bit suspect, people will post about it far and wide.

As with most thing you buy, it's all about your objectives and use case and where you determine your point of diminishing returns. Will a Hyundai Sonata get you to the same place as a Mercedes C class? Yes they will, but you'll pay for the added luxury and experience. Will a tool truck brand socket break before a consumer grade one will? More than likely not, but if it does, the tool truck will come to you and replace it rather than you having to take your chances and do the dance yourself. Again, you'll most certainly be paying for that.

 

[Jtels85]

Husky, Duralast and Master Mechanic sockets are all Apex sourced and the same sockets as the Sears/Craftsman China made sockets from the 2010's, which are somewhat similar to Craftsman USA sockets. They also feature the double detents on the drive end just as the USA sockets did.

The China made Apex sockets have better chamfering to allow the drive end of the ratchet to attach easier. I also find the chrome to be nicer and they just feel like a better quality socket than the last of the Craftsman USA sockets.

 

[PowrKraftsman]

To me yes .
Icon has full length shouldering on deep sockets, more slender dimensions/stepped sizing and better broach profiles and 1/4 inch range socket lengths are noticeably shorter compared to usual taiwan/china 1/4 sockets that almost same lengths as 3/8 drive, other plus is semi deep set . Value very much down to personal factors and how you intend using the tools .
For me I find the more professional features of ICON sockets more pleasing and capable in use thus pretty good value at 3 to 4 bucks a socket .
Cheaper isn't always true value & value isn't always everyone’s price choice .

Thanks. I picked up some 3/8 ICONs on sale a couple of months ago and I like them, but subsequently had wondered whether the Quinns would have been just as good for less $.

 

[bobg03]

He made me laugh....

And the detail is more for myself, it is actually relaxing for me to do. Honestly though, I include images to assist in identifying the different items, well sometimes I have a photo, but with screwdrivers it is either a picture of a set or of one driver.

That was the intent, not everybody has a sense of humor...thanks for proving some do

 

[ecotec]

I would say that budget sockets, made after the patents ended for off-corner-engagement, are better than the vintage high end sockets that don’t have it.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I would say that budget sockets, made after the patents ended for off-corner-engagement, are better than the vintage high end sockets that don’t have it.

You know I'd never given that a thought, but you're probably right.

To most of these sockets have off corner engagement these days? This tekton?

Good point

 

[Ohio Andy]

You know I'd never given that a thought, but you're probably right.

To most of these sockets have off corner engagement these days? This tekton?

Good point

Apparently tekton sockets feature flank drive design which enables off corner engagement

 

[ecotec]

The patent ran out ages ago. It would not make sense for any modern socket to be made without it.

 

[liliysdad]

I would say that budget sockets, made after the patents ended for off-corner-engagement, are better than the vintage high end sockets that don’t have it.

By that logic, and I don’t disagree, high-end sockets made today would be even better by the same margin.

 

[ecotec]

By that logic, and I don’t disagree, high-end sockets made today would be even better by the same margin.

Maybe… I would guess that there are diminishing returns. I would guess that modern top of the line is only a little better than modern big box store level sockets. It is unlikely, that with modern metallurgy and expired flank drive patents, that the high end sockets could be better by the same margin.

The same math would apply to the open ends of modern wrenches with their own versions of flank drive plus. Over time the other brands probably get better and better. The margin between Snap-on flank drive plus and competing brands with similar technologies has to get smaller.

You know that I still want to find the top of the line sockets. I just have so much hardline that I can’t justify buying the common stuff for anywhere near retail. I would buy a semi-deep set at retail, but I would not pay anywhere near retail for shallows or deeps. The same with RBRT and similar technologies. I don’t already have it, so I am more inclined to buy it at retail… or at least on sale.

 

[ecotec]

Even Pittsburgh level Harbor Freight sockets have flank drive off corner engagement.

When we were kids, only the Snap-on ones had it.

There are plenty of modern mechanics that use Harbor Freight impact sockets every working day of their lives.

 

[mikey03]

You keep your tools cataloged? On a spreadsheet?

You don’t?

 

[Notgrownup]

Since my budget for sockets is fairly plain I would use HF Quinn or Icon simply because of the warranty.

 

[Rinspeed]

There are plenty of modern mechanics that use Harbor Freight impact sockets every working day of their lives.

For what they charge you would to be a fool to pay three or four times more for Taiwan impact sockets that are not a bit better.

 

[liliysdad]

For what they charge you would have to be an idiot to pay three or four times more for impact sockets that are not a bit better.

I’d argue that “not a bit better” part….I've got SnapOn impacts that are three times as old and twice as used as Pittsburghs, and in much better shape.

Now…the question is, are they “enough” better to justify the exorbitant cost? No, probably not.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I’d argue that “not a bit better” part….I've got SnapOn impacts that are three times as old and twice as used as Pittsburghs, and in much better shape.

Now…the question is, are they “enough” better to justify the exorbitant cost? No, probably not.

The big difference is failure mode. Snap On impacts wear out, items like Pittsburgh Pro crack or break a section off. Of course, wear is annoying if you don't have a driver to swap them on a schedule, and you can weld a broken socket to return to service temporarily.

Depends how you use them as well. High power impacts on bolts that don't turn just wallow out anything you expose to their power. I've got both brands in my box, and a bunch more, each have their purpose.

 

[Rinspeed]

I’d argue that “not a bit better” part….I've got SnapOn impacts that are three times as old and twice as used as Pittsburghs, and in much better shape.

Now…the question is, are they “enough” better to justify the exorbitant cost? No, probably not.

I have a couple SO as well and they are great sockets. I've been using the Pittsburgh Pro impacts for at least eight years and they have held up very well. Living in the rust belt can be hard on tools. I'm not a big fan of HF either.

 

[lardy1]

This will probably be buried in the multiple pages, however.....

Giant socket sets are generally not efficient. There's a cost with storing them, and an implied lack of current tooling if you're asking that question. That may be the cheapest way to buy a ton of sockets - is that what you're looking for? Why?

The general advice I give people who want to buy sockets has a few assumptions. A variety of work expected (not specialty use). The fact a specific use case was not offered implies this. A lack of previous tools/tooling. No information as to upgrades, prior experiences and likes/dislikes offered, needing large amounts of sockets in a single purchase.



In this situation, I highly recommend a basic 1/4 and 3/8 metric and SAE kit, in a blow molded case. They're a basic drive size capable of doing larger and smaller tasks, it's centralized and easily stored, and it's a foundation upon which other tooling choices can be made. The goal is not ALL THE SOCKETS, the goal is having what you need. IMO the fact someone asks about the cheapest way to buy the most sockets is telling us that their use case is unknown, including to them. That basic pair of blow molded cases will likely be sub $250, have large amounts of everyday homeowner things covered, include some drive tools and extensions, and be easily moved and stored.

Buying sockets by volume is not the typical goal, they're a tool, a means to an end. What do you want to do? That decides what the tooling requirement is. A homeowner who does not do any automotive work could likely handle a 1/4 drive blow molded case, a few screw drivers, and some pliers.

This hits home for me. I'm just a homeowner/woodworker/fix-it guy. I somehow decided I needed all these sockets that were outside the basic set and they never get used. I paid a lot of money for them and have to store them. I'm an impulsive type person and I can see now how the "What if I need it and don't have it?" has cost me a lot of money. I did much the same with ratchets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. Multiples of many things that basically just lay in the drawer. Fortunately, I don't have money problems so I've been able to absorb it without pain. But, if I were to be totally honest about it......I wasn't very smart.

 

[KnurledNut]

This hits home for me. I'm just a homeowner/woodworker/fix-it guy. I somehow decided I needed all these sockets that were outside the basic set and they never get used. I paid a lot of money for them and have to store them. I'm an impulsive type person and I can see now how the "What if I need it and don't have it?" has cost me a lot of money. I did much the same with ratchets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. Multiples of many things that basically just lay in the drawer. Fortunately, I don't have money problems so I've been able to absorb it without pain. But, if I were to be totally honest about it......I wasn't very smart.

With the current uncertainty of availability and rising costs of goods, you probably did yourself a favor. I wouldn’t say all was lost in your decisions.

 

[lardy1]

With the current uncertainty of availability and rising costs of goods, you probably did yourself a favor. I wouldn’t say all was lost in your decisions.

Thanks for that. I'll use that one on my wife.

 

[Donka22]

I am a sucker for the "Mini" sets by Craftsman at Ace Hardware. Often and 11 piece 1/4 or 3/8 sockets set w/ratchet and case under 20 bucks. they go 1/2 price around holidays. I give them as Christmas presents.
But for real budget and quality, Its Stanley. They make Proto, blackhawk, and a slew of others , albeit at their own factory/ branding. A 90 piece in a case is about 100 bucks. I have 2, a set in the truck and another in my Workshop (seperate from garage) Also, i got a free Gearwrench 80-something set as a demo from H.D. and its was superior to craftsman. (Edit: yes, i get free stuff to do reviews on HDs Seeds program).
OR., shark older sets on Ebay. I got a MAc S&S edition set for 40 bucks (80 sockets) and complete S-K sets for cheap, to keep the pile growing. Collecting tools is a disorder. My wife is right.

 

[Donka22]

I have 2 Home Depot’s and 2 harbor freight stores less than a mile from work. I buy husky and HF tools, it’s easy to warranty a broken tool. My husky combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, and ratchets have help up as good as my proto, Thorsen, snapon, and old craftsman tools. I recently bought a set of husky’s new bite wrenches for stuck and rounded fasteners. They’ve worked well so far. I wouldn’t be afraid to buy a set of husky sockets with the warranty that goes with them. I have a husky extendable flex head ratchet with a low profile head that might be my favorite ratchet. I seem to use it a lot.

I have been on the Bay buying up older Thorsen , Powr-Kraft and SK loose tools, and partial sets. Im addicted to Thorsen for some reason. Maybe since they were made in Dallas TX. and i had those Montgomery Wards catalogs as a kid. I never looked at the lingere , only tools...lol.

 

[bonneyman]

With the current uncertainty of availability and rising costs of goods, you probably did yourself a favor. I wouldn’t say all was lost in your decisions.

Big 10-4. Many purchases one can make are depreciating assets. But hand tools are a win-win.

You can use them for decades given care and maintenance. If you can't use them they make wonderful gifts for the next generation family members. An alternative is donation to a trade school - those places are always scrounging for funds. Lastly you can sell them on tool websites, ebay, or an estate sale. You might get top dollar for every tool but basically every estate sale I go to that lists tools are just about bare by the time I get there (9 AM). Someone is sucking up that old stuff.

Take heart, Lardy!

 

[Donka22]

I have been on the Bay buying up older Thorsen , Powr-Kraft and SK loose tools, and partial sets. Im addicted to Thorsen for some reason. Maybe since they were made in Dallas TX. and i had those Montgomery Wards catalogs as a kid. I never looked at the lingere , only tools...lol.

I have a inherited set of newer H.D. Huskys and they are excellent. I have older Husky and Challenger set my dad gave me from the 70s and still arent broken. Shockingly stout wrenches.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

This hits home for me. I'm just a homeowner/woodworker/fix-it guy. I somehow decided I needed all these sockets that were outside the basic set and they never get used. I paid a lot of money for them and have to store them. I'm an impulsive type person and I can see now how the "What if I need it and don't have it?" has cost me a lot of money. I did much the same with ratchets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc. Multiples of many things that basically just lay in the drawer. Fortunately, I don't have money problems so I've been able to absorb it without pain. But, if I were to be totally honest about it......I wasn't very smart.

I've done the same, that's life.

If I stopped buying tools every time I got a bad ROI I wouldn't have very many. Certainly there are things I would not have bought in hindsight, but that's 20/20 as always.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The best value is something you acquire when you need it. Just-In-Time expenses.

That describes some of my sets. Others, like my SK sets, were hardline tools that needed to be on hand.

 

[Mr_B]

I always tend buy in advance as it tends save money as you can buy the tools at sale/coupon/used prices and be selective on the product choice .
Do I use/need everything i bought, no but if only bought when in a jam and needed it the cost would end up greater and your choice on what get would be limited on what immediately available which generally means not a great product at high price .
Just look at the hike in prices currently, most of my regrets is not buying when I known potentially useful tool was a smoking deal .

 

[Donka22]

I whittle the night hours away, on the Bay looking for the mixed spare sets of Matco, Mac and Snap On. I put my go to wrench set with onesy-twosey Snap ons (top drawer pic) Sometimes i score a decent lot. All my Craftsmans are in the workshop toolbox and keep the good set in garage (even though i cant park a car in there , its a nice den now), im newish , and its cool to chat with expert knucklebusters..cheers

 

[Donka22]

My dad taught me how to set timing and adjust dwell, and that’s about as relevant as the advice concerning breaker bars.

When the norm was a junky Craftsman 36t, or a round head S-K if you were fancy, that advice was appropriate. Any decent ratchet mechanism will survive past the failure point of the drive itself. Why drag two tools around when one will do?

My Dad ism is "why do you have a club" ,aka the Adjustable crescent wrench i always grab first.

Another is when mowing over a snapon wrench in the yard, that i left fixing my bike. "Im taking this out of your allowance, but if it happens again, its out of your rear end!"

 

[Rinspeed]

I whittle the night hours away, on the Bay looking for the mixed spare sets of Matco, Mac and Snap On. I put my go to wrench set with onesy-twosey Snap ons (top drawer pic) Sometimes i score a decent lot. All my Craftsmans are in the workshop toolbox and keep the good set in garage (even though i cant park a car in there , its a nice den now), im newish , and its cool to chat with expert knucklebusters..cheers

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