Building a socket set collection

[biscuit141]

OK, so I know the easy way is to go out an buy one of those 2 or 300 plus piece socket sets from Craftsman and get most all the sockets one will ever need. However I have already acquired a few socket sets over the years and plus I also enjoy the hunt of picking up a good deal on a set when they pop up.

Here is what I have so far:
1/2: SAE deep and shallow impacts (SK brand)
3/8: SAE and Metric shallow 6 pts (old USA-made Kolbalt
1/4: SAE deep 6 pts (old USA-made Kolbalt)

I know some people will say get every size in every configuration, but what sets and sizes do you find yourself using the most? For example, since I have 1/2" SAE in impact sockets, do I need them in chrome? If I have them in 6pt, do I need them in 12?

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Depends on what you're working on

Most of my stuff is SAE as I wrench on mostly older stuff. Broncos, blazers, jeep CJs

I have some metric, basically for when other people bring their newer junk over..Chrysler built jeeps, toyotas

 

[shoturtle]

Also 1/2 is a bit much for allot of applications. 3/8 configuration is allot more useful unless you work on large things. I find that I use 3/8 and 1/4 allot of the time. With motorcycles 1/4 is king for 90% if the work, on around the house and car 3/8. So I keep a pretty complete set of 1/4 and 3/8 in chrome with 6pt, 12pt, e-torx, spline, hex socket and torx socket in those 2 sizes. With 1/2 I have the basic 6pt, and 12pt as it came with my master set, and just added 1/2 impact. Only reason was it was 12 dollars for the set a pep boys. I have only used it on wheel lugs.

On impact, 1/4 is not as useful. Allot of the smaller size fastener, you will break with impact. I deal with metric allot more the sae, so I would not impact a fastener smaller the 7mm. So I am looking at a impact kit in 3/8 that covers 7-19mm.

If you do not work on large things that require allot of torque. You might want to skip on the 1/2 socket build out.

 

[Tony N.]

I use 1/2" drive on anything bigger than 18mm. There are a lot of bigger bolts when you start doing suspension work.

 

[camarotoolman]

My best sellers are: 1/2 drive standard short, long, metric shorts, 3/8 metric deeps, 1/4 metric longs. So I guess thats what most people use. 1/2 metric deeps are good but Sears only has 12 point and no one wants 12 point.

 

[RRmech]

Depends on what you work on?

On the RR, it was 1/2" SAE Standard & Deep

At home, it's 3/8" Metric Standard & Deep for Japanese cars and motorcycles


Steve

 

[concealer404]

Everything i work on is Japanese.

I find myself using and losing every 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm in my possession. 3/8" is my go-to. If it won't come off with a 3/8, then the 1/2 comes out.

 

[purplezr2]

I work on all kinda of stuff, more metric the standard though

1/4 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow
3/8 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow
3/8 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow Impact
3/8 Metric low clearance
1/2 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow
1/2 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow Impact
3/4 SAE Shallow

I have some Larger misc 1/2 Impact sockets for axle nuts and what not.

 

[rodknocker]

I work on all kinda of stuff, more metric the standard though

1/4 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow
3/8 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow
3/8 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow Impact
3/8 Metric low clearance
1/2 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow
1/2 Metric and Sae Deep and Shallow Impact
3/4 SAE Shallow

I have some Larger misc 1/2 Impact sockets for axle nuts and what not.

X2 exactly, once you have this basic set, then start going for the non conventional stuff, like torx, inverted torx, allen head, etc.

 

[biscuit141]

Is it best to start out just buying one giant set of sockets with most all these sizes in there? I guess that would be the easier option, but I kind of like the hunt and the mix and match and trying different brands. Anyone else?

 

[geologist]

Is it best to start out just buying one giant set of sockets with most all these sizes in there? I guess that would be the easier option, but I kind of like the hunt and the mix and match and trying different brands. Anyone else?

It's probably cheaper (if you catch it on sale), but Sears gives you a lot of oddballs you'll probably never use in the 299 piece "every socket we make" set.

 

[concealer404]

And a bunch of 12-points because they're annoying like that.

 

[cbracer]

Why do people dislike the 12 pt stuff? OK, okay I understand everything thinks they can get more torque with 6 pt and 12 pt rounds stuff off. But are there other reasons than max torque and worry of rounding off? 12 pt is easier with 3/8 or 1/2 when you have to use a breaker bar. Personally I don't see any problem in 12pt sockets when the bolt size is 15mm or larger. Maybe I'm all wrong....

 

[Stick Figure]

If you ever change a clutch on an older Honda you will absolutely need 12 point sockets. 10mm to pull the pressure plate and a 17 for the flywheel. Toyota used a 12 point bolt with a pointer (timing mark) for the timing belt tensioner on the 4AGE engine as well. If you ever need to pull the head off a Toyota their is a chance you will need a double hex socket, and if you switch over to Euro cars, then triple squares, torx and inverted torx and going to need to fill your tool box.

Basically you have two choices ... buy anything you don't own when you see it and be prepared, or be prepared to buy what you need when you have to have it for whatever price someone wants to sell it to you for.

 

[chriswin3]

12pts are not so bad on brand new 6pt bolts/nuts. The trouble comes in when you get that old partially rounded off nut and try to stick a 12pt on there. Just personal experiences, I'd rather be safe and confident in the tool I am using.

 

[shoturtle]

If you have a rounded both that is really bad, 12 pt with a hammer can get the bolt off allot of times is you do not have the wavey bolt outs.

 

[meal4zombies]

Bolt extractor sockets are a must if you're doing any suspension or exhaust work. Irwin/Hansen bolt grip or grip tite super sockets are good. I think the grip tites are better than the bolt grips, and they're cheaper too.

If you're working on newer cars (like anything with OBD2) they will likely be mostly metric, even for american made cars, but you'll always find that one SAE fastener so you'll need both sets unfortunately.

Hex sockets are always a plus. Especially if you're doing brake work. You can get by with hex keys (allen wrenches) with a combo wrench to use for leverage, but you can get a master bit socket set for relatively cheap.

Spline sockets claim to adhere to many different fasteners, including hex, partially rounded, spline, and others. Never tried them but it might be worth it if you could find a set that isn't made in China.

 

[meal4zombies]

Why do people dislike the 12 pt stuff? OK, okay I understand everything thinks they can get more torque with 6 pt and 12 pt rounds stuff off. But are there other reasons than max torque and worry of rounding off? 12 pt is easier with 3/8 or 1/2 when you have to use a breaker bar. Personally I don't see any problem in 12pt sockets when the bolt size is 15mm or larger. Maybe I'm all wrong....

I think 12 points get a bad rep from people buying cheap tools. They end up rounding out the insides of the socket. 6 point is less likely to round out the socket or the fastener. I rarely use 12 points and rely on fine-tooth ratchets and indexable heads for better angles.

 

[geologist]

I think 12 points get a bad rep from people buying cheap tools. They end up rounding out the insides of the socket. 6 point is less likely to round out the socket or the fastener. I rarely use 12 points and rely on fine-tooth ratchets and indexable heads for better angles.

I agree. Early on (and with cheaper tools) round-offs are much more common. On a quality set, there are concave walls to prevent bulging and rounding the fastener.

I also agree that fine tooth ratchets have started to make the sort of positional indexibility of a 12 point a moot point in some regard, although I still keep them in my box. However, all of my wrenches are 12 point. Very high quality wrenches, but they're all 12 point due to the doubled number of starting positions.