buy socket sets or individual?

[David9726]

I'm missing a bunch of 6pt mm sockets it seems like it's cheaper to buy a hole set vs just buying the sockets that you are missing as they are around $5 each.

Do any other socket makers besides craftsman have that easy to read marking? All mine are craftsman bought many years ago.

Some of the sockets i'm missing i can't even buy from sears so you almost have to buy a set.

I have 12pt sockets but i rounded off my cars oil plug using it.

 

[Wesley B]

I would buy sets. Sunex impact sockets are what I use for hand tools and power tools.

 

[bob15]

Not really sure what a bunch is....4 or 10 sockets or ???

Are you looking at impact or chrome sockets? Laser etched? Why not look at used C-man?

Not really sure how you could round off an oil drain plug with a 12 pt socket, unless it's the wrong size.

What sockets are so tough to find?

 

[David9726]

Not really sure what a bunch is....4 or 10 sockets or ???

Are you looking at impact or chrome sockets? Laser etched?

Not really sure how you could round off an oil drain plug with a 12 pt socket, unless it's the wrong size.

Because it needed a 6pt that i do not have. Looking for chrome sockets, lazer etched like i said above.

I've been buying gearwrench stuff just bought a set of impact deep sockets.

 

[bcexplorer]

A good pawnshop may have em for a buck or two each?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Buy a set and keep the old ones as backups.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Tell Us which sockets are missing, and state the numbers on the ones You still have.

There are GJ Members that may have what You are looking for.

 

[Fialaja]

Cripe distributing sells sockets in both sets and one offs for really great pricing. Armstrong and Napa both had etching on their sockets just like craftsman... they carry Armstrong, Allen, Napa, KD and Kobalt. I picked up sets of Napa and KD 18 piece 3/8 drive standard and metric mixed with a 3” extension bar and a flex adapter for under $20 a set. A set of 1/2 inch drive 12 point Armstrong sockets was under $50. Williams made Kobalt deep 3/8 drive impact sockets were under $30. Be sure to ask for combined shipping as that can really add up.. they will reduce it for multiple items

 

[Jlbc212]

I've often purchased a single socket or wrench to replace one that I may have lost or in most instances one that I've broken. I wish it was easier to get "guaranteed for life" tools replaced. Most times it hasn't been worth the hassle. For instance, where do you go to get an SK socket replaced?

 

[Empty Pockets]

Buy a set and keep the old ones as backups.

^^^^ That's what I'd do

 

[Empty Pockets]

I've often purchased a single socket or wrench to replace one that I may have lost or in most instances one that I've broken. I wish it was easier to get "guaranteed for life" tools replaced. Most times it hasn't been worth the hassle. For instance, where do you go to get an SK socket replaced?

Call or email SK customer service, you'll have a rebuild kit in a matter of days

 

[unslow1]

A good pawnshop may have em for a buck or two each?

That's what I do. A couple of bucks at a pawnshop and you're done.

 

[James-W]

I usually just buy the socket that I need. I don't normally round them off or anything like that. But I do occasionally lose one, although I have no idea where they go, they just turn up missing. I have Craftsman sockets, SK sockets, a few Penncraft sockets, and a few off the wall brand sockets. I used to have a friend get me SK sockets when I needed them, but he retired and moved to the Southwest. Not sure just where though.

 

[Kent_B]

"For instance, where do you go to get an SK socket replaced?"
I get them from my local Auto Value, about 2 miles from where I work.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I've often purchased a single socket or wrench to replace one that I may have lost or in most instances one that I've broken. I wish it was easier to get "guaranteed for life" tools replaced. Most times it hasn't been worth the hassle. For instance, where do you go to get an SK socket replaced?

My local Auto Value sells SK, I usually go there if I need it right away. If it’s not time sensitive I wait until I have a few pieces and send them directly to SK. Never had any issue either way.

 

[Tonyuk]

Sockets are always cheaper in sets, buy a good set and then any individuals if you want.

I would go with embossed size markings myself, i find them easier to see on the shiny chrome.

 

[byoungblood]

If you don't care about them being brand new or matching exactly, check out the classifieds here, eBay, or a pawn shop. I replaced the missing sizes in my sets (plus a set for the camper) for about $30.

 

[derosa]

I've never had luck with pawn shops, when I needed 1 or 2 for a job I'd just buy the sockets but when I was buying sockets I usually knew I needed several for a job and would buy sets as they're cheaper. I know I have a couple holes in the collection but as I don't know what they are since I don't typically use them I won't bother looking just to replace them. If I was worried about matching, which I'm becoming as I get more organized, I just buy a complete set of the size and toss the old one in the shed where there's a bench for tinkering on. My logic there is that is also where my boys will go scrounging for tools when they get a couple years older and they can learn and use the ok/decent tools and not the really good ones.

 

[Druder]

I just brought this up in another thread but Craftsman sets are always missing key sizes but you'll get all the obscure ones for cheaper and then you can fill in the blanks. I always thought it was odd to call something a mechanics set and then skip sizes that are highly used all over Jap cars.

 

[MFortie]

I've just bought a whole bunch of SK sockets to fill in my missing ones and populate the empty pegs on my Hansen socket trays. Spent way too much money (but had a bunch of gift cards burning holes in my pocket). It would've been a lot cheaper to buy new sets (in some cases) and throw out the old ones, but I just couldn't do it.

Should be set for life now!

 

[Fialaja]

Local flea market perhaps.