Cheap 3/4 drive sockets

[Matt Irvine]

I was just wondering if cheap 3/4"drive sockets are of any acceptable quality? I already have a pretty decent imperial set with ratchets and breaker bars, but I need some metric sockets and am a bit tight on cash.
I need up to 55, if not bigger. Are the sockets in cheap sets on eBay any good? Even if just in a pinch. I would expect 3/4 sockets to be of a size where they can make them fairly crude and still get the job done, but I'm no expert. Any opinions?

 

[MattPersman]

I haven't had any problems with any random 3/4 drive sockets I have ever bought or used. All have stood up to impacts and or breaker bars

 

[Spinaker01]

Like most tool related questions, it depends on the expected usage. If only to be used on rare occasions, cheap ones should be OK. If you were working on large diesel or farm equipment daily that required these, I would recommend a higher quality set. I would think for most handy man type applications, a cheaper set would be fine.

 

[Matt Irvine]

I'm a fitter and turner by trade, which I believe is the Australian equivalent to millwright, that actually does machining, but I'm unsure on this. We commonly work on alluminum smelting equipment, and wood chipping/forestry gear, so big equipment. Is buying a cheap set and replacing the commonly used sockets a good way to go? The hardest thing is finding just a set of sockets, decent or low quality, because I don't need anything else, just sockets.
The "cheap" no brand sockets add up to more singly then to buy a complete no brand socket set.

 

[fatfillup]

To me it would depend on amount of usage as others have said. Occasional use, cheap will suffice, lots of use, you better buy good.

I would say buy used, but while I have probably 200 individual 3/4 sockets in SAE for sale, I only have a few metric. I just don't see them on the used market.

 

[finn]

Most of mine are used Blackhawk with some Mac and Proto. I've had to buy one or 2 new (Craftsman). They seem to go pretty cheap used.

I did bend my breaker bar (unknown brand) and later snapped the end off. Had a 6' cheater bar on it trying to loosen the lug nuts on an F600. I replaced it with a Harbor Freight piece which seems to be ok so far.

Summary: the cheap stuff may work, but if you are at a remote site frequently and have to rely on your tools, pony up for known quality: Used is good and will (surprise) save you money.

 

[decableguy2000]

Check at Northern tool. I just picked up a few on clearance for 3.75 a peice 50mm, 55mm, 60mm.

 

[1982fxr]

just bought the SAE harbor freight 3/4" set a few weeks ago. cheapest, crappiest big set I've ever seen. And not bashing hf on that, just a fact. I would not want to waste time on them if I had your job.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I have a friend that I was in the military with who now works on locomotives and he beats the living daylights out of his harbor freight 3/4" sockets and he said only one has broken in 3 years. I have the odd few King Tony brand that I bought at my local agri supply when I needed them and they are actually pretty nice quality.
http://www.agrisupply.com/drive-socket-set-3-4-in-drive-23-piece-sae/p/34094/&sid=&eid=/
http://mower-blades.agrisupply.com/search#w=3/4 socket&asug=

 

[transittech]

Here in the US we can go to pawn shops, flea markets, craigslist, etc. and find good tools for cheap. IIRC from other Australian posters, the used market down there isn't as good as it is here, and thus may not be worth your time??

Also, remember that Genius tools and Grey Pneumatic tools make good quality sockets (Taiwanese). The internet/Ebay might be your best bet if the local used market doesn't work.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[Packard V8]

just bought the SAE harbor freight 3/4" set a few weeks ago. cheapest, crappiest big set I've ever seen. And not bashing hf on that, just a fact. I would not want to waste time on them if I had your job.

I'm no HF fanboy, but I got a set of their Pittsburg 3/4"dr with an Earthquake impact as part of a whole toolbox deal and they've handled everything I've thrown at them and no problems. Your opinions and results may vary.

jack vines

 

[Matt Irvine]

Does anybody have any opinions on Kincrome sets or would be able to look and give an opinion, Millers Falls are very cheap, anybody have any idea about those? Or recommendations on cheapies in Aus?

 

[sir bat]

The kincrome 3/4 drive sockets are comparable to modern day sidchrome sockets, Have used the kincrome 3/4 drive sockets in workshop situations and they seem to hold up pretty good. Personally I found it easier just to get impact 3/4 drive sockets as they are more readily available and generally cheaper in boxed sets. You could also try places like cash converters or machinery auctions they generally have complete sets at reasonable prices. Would highly recommend older Australian sidchrome sets but they fetch a premium price.

 

[Matt Irvine]

The kincrome 3/4 drive sockets are comparable to modern day sidchrome sockets, Have used the kincrome 3/4 drive sockets in workshop situations and they seem to hold up pretty good. Personally I found it easier just to get impact 3/4 drive sockets as they are more readily available and generally cheaper in boxed sets. You could also try places like cash converters or machinery auctions they generally have complete sets at reasonable prices. Would highly recommend older Australian sidchrome sets but they fetch a premium price.

My AF set and ratchet is Australian Sidchrome, all my favourite 1/2 drive set and ring spanners are as well at that, but I'm unsure if ill be able to shell out the cash for Metric Aussie sidchrome too, $125 for a 46 & 55 on eBay, no thanks!

 

[sir bat]

E-bay prices for Australian sidchrome are pretty unrealistic, especially when some of the sellers are buying gear at garage sales and local auctions for next to nothing and asking astronomical prices when reselling. I have both metric and af Australian sets that were brought At a local auction recently, cost $180 for both sets and they are like new. Also scored a 1 inch drive combo set when a local business shut down, just pays to look around.

Hope you don't mind my asking but what part of Australia are you in.