Complete mechanics socket set sources.

[Ulrich1able]

Tekton or Sunex, both have hands down the best warranty of any brand (even vs. tool trucks). Just email them a picture of the broken socket, you get sent a new one. No pictures of receipts, no going to home depot, no questions asked. Free shipping.

I personally have Sunex and have seen plenty of other mechanics besides myself that have them, they are without a doubt a pro-grade tool.

I have some tekton tools but none of their sockets, all the tools I have from them have been great quality. They definitely have an easier way to order replacements sockets that get lost, plus their socket sets will come with ratchets and extensions, I don't think Sunex has kits with ratchets.

It took about a week from when I emailed Sunex to get a replacement 1 5/16 socket in the mail, not sure about Tektons turn-around time.

 

[AEAdam]

Devil's advocate - I think there are a lot of sockets in your list you don't need, will never use (as was said earlier). I paid about that (maybe less) for my 6 or 7 basic Snap On socket sets second hand, but in like new condition.

Point is, when you are thinking about new sets and spending (my opinion) kind of a lot of money, there may be an alternative that gets you better quality for the most used tools. You decide what brand represents "better quality".

I think the holders in your boxes are a problem for many many GJers, who limit their choice of tools based on what fits their Hansen rails. Socket organization is important so I won't call us dumb for that, but it really is the tail wagging the dog.

 

[kilgorq]

Devil's advocate - I think there are a lot of sockets in your list you don't need, will never use (as was said earlier). I paid about that (maybe less) for my 6 or 7 basic Snap On socket sets second hand, but in like new condition.

Point is, when you are thinking about new sets and spending (my opinion) kind of a lot of money, there may be an alternative that gets you better quality for the most used tools. You decide what brand represents "better quality".

I think the holders in your boxes are a problem for many many GJers, who limit their choice of tools based on what fits their Hansen rails. Socket organization is important so I won't call us dumb for that, but it really is the tail wagging the dog.

I think you'd be better off thinking about the specific sizes you need to fix what you are fixing and ensuring you've chosen the quality you need for those specifics and maybe saved money for the tool you won't use every week, month or maybe year.

FWIW, I do not own 1/4" deep sockets. I have shallows and semi deeps. I prefer semis to deeps. I almost never use my 3/8" dr deeps. I only own 1 set of chrome 1/2" dr and they are 12 pt metric. I've put my money into the tools I use most regularly.

Obviously you get to do what you want with your money. Obviously. I'd just encourage you to think a little deeper about this before you buy a toolbox full of bargain tools.

I follow you, and I am rethinking the whole thing. I put all the sockets I already have on a table and shook my head at myself. Obviously, I am addicted to buying tools.

I decided to hold off on upgrades for now and concentrate on getting my pile trimmed down. I am in the process of making a list of what I use and what is just taking up space.

I mean really who needs 30 sets of wire strippers, 20 sets of wire cutters, 10 3/8 end wrenches, etc. I counted my #2 Phillips screwdrivers, and I have 33 of them. And don't even want to look at the stupid insert bit pile. I actually considered just scrapping it and buying a nice set.

 

[Jstylez]

Tekton.

Don't waste your time with Craftsman. Stanley Black & Decker's Craftsman brand is more interested in selling you screwdriver bits and hex keys in your mechanics sets than actual tools that are useful.

Unfortunately, I have a set of this and while I am a lay person that is just getting into messing around with tools and my vehicle's, the more I read, the less impressed I am with my purchase. I am tempted to sell and buy a better one. Any rec's?

 

[kilgorq]

Unfortunately, I have a set of this and while I am a lay person that is just getting into messing around with tools and my vehicle's, the more I read, the less impressed I am with my purchase. I am tempted to sell and buy a better one. Any rec's?

When did you get the Craftsman set? Craftsman pre-2017 is pretty good stuff.

 

[AEAdam]

I follow you, and I am rethinking the whole thing. I put all the sockets I already have on a table and shook my head at myself. Obviously, I am addicted to buying tools.

I decided to hold off on upgrades for now and concentrate on getting my pile trimmed down. I am in the process of making a list of what I use and what is just taking up space.

I mean really who needs 30 sets of wire strippers, 20 sets of wire cutters, 10 3/8 end wrenches, etc. I counted my #2 Phillips screwdrivers, and I have 33 of them. And don't even want to look at the stupid insert bit pile. I actually considered just scrapping it and buying a nice set.

Good! Happens to the best of us. And having more tools than we need doesn't make us bad people.

Somewhere here, I created a fastener size chart with little country flags on it. You could look at that and quickly determine what metric sockets you are most likely to encounter based on the origin of the item you are working on.

I included Torx and Allens too. I added a few columns indicating std torque values. That way, you can relate a socket, with a reasonable drive size based on the torque capabilities of each drive.

1/4" 90ftlbs
3/8" 250ftlbs
1/2" 750ftlbs

I think its pretty obvious for automotive stuff, having sockets from 8-19mm is pretty essential. There are obviously a few you can live without, but I don't recommend it. 20 is an oddball. 21, 22, and 24 are also common but really require too much torque for 3/8" drive.

I think US vehicles sometimes use 5.5mm heads which I believe is just the metric version of 7/32". I never checked to see if those fasteners had metric threads or not. I don't think 5.5 is a metric std.

Found it:

 

[kilgorq]

Good! Happens to the best of us. And having more tools than we need doesn't make us bad people.

Somewhere here, I created a fastener size chart with little country flags on it. You could look at that and quickly determine what metric sockets you are most likely to encounter based on the origin of the item you are working on.

I included Torx and Allens too. I added a few columns indicating std torque values. That way, you can relate a socket, with a reasonable drive size based on the torque capabilities of each drive.

1/4" 90ftlbs
3/8" 250ftlbs
1/2" 750ftlbs

I think its pretty obvious for automotive stuff, having sockets from 8-19mm is pretty essential. There are obviously a few you can live without, but I don't recommend it. 20 is an oddball. 21, 22, and 24 are also common but really require too much torque for 3/8" drive.

I think US vehicles sometimes use 5.5mm heads which I believe is just the metric version of 7/32". I never checked to see if those fasteners had metric threads or not. I don't think 5.5 is a metric std.

Found it:

Some fords have 20mm Lug nuts. But I always use an impact on those.

I am down from 5 Drawers of sockets to 1.

 

[finn]

You missed your chance, but two years ago HD had a Christmas special featuring a 200 piece set of Husky sockets. After the holidays they clearances them for &50 / set, so I bought two sets.

They aren’t SnapOn quality, and the stamping on a few are a little wonky, but they work and I haven’t broken any. Best of all, I could have bought ten sets with your budget.

Keep looking. The deals are out there.

 

[kilgorq]

You missed your chance, but two years ago HD had a Christmas special featuring a 200 piece set of Husky sockets. After the holidays they clearances them for &50 / set, so I bought two sets.

They aren’t SnapOn quality, and the stamping on a few are a little wonky, but they work and I haven’t broken any. Best of all, I could have bought ten sets with your budget.

Keep looking. The deals are out there.

There are a lot of tool sales on Father's Day. I may just wait until then and just clean up what I have for now.

 

[Jtels85]

Unfortunately, I have a set of this and while I am a lay person that is just getting into messing around with tools and my vehicle's, the more I read, the less impressed I am with my purchase. I am tempted to sell and buy a better one. Any rec's?

If you prefer USA made, hop on eBay and find a new old stock Craftsman mechanics tool set. $300-600 can buy a fairly comprehensive set.

If you prefer new and having a warranty, Tekton hands down. No skips, great company that appreciates their customers. You can’t go wrong.

 

[M6erfan]

I think US vehicles sometimes use 5.5mm heads which I believe is just the metric version of 7/32". I never checked to see if those fasteners had metric threads or not. I don't think 5.5 is a metric std.

I think 5.5mm an older standard (ANSI/ISO & JIS?), not 100% sure. It's very common for JIS wrench and socket sets to include 5.5mm and skip 6mm. Anyway, 5.5mm wrench/socket size is quite common for M3 fasteners on older Japanese motorcycles. I can't remember the last time I used a 6mm outside of a mikuni main jet.

Or somethings amiss with the chart you posted.

 

[cgrutt]

5.5mm is used alot on Ford and GM dash trim IIRC. I know my F150 has some. My Snap on 1/4 metric sockets and nut drivers included 5.5mm back in late 1980s.

 

[kilgorq]

5.5mm is used alot on Ford and GM dash trim IIRC. I know my F150 has some. My Snap on 1/4 metric sockets and nut drivers included 5.5mm back in late 1980s.

I use 5.5 all the time. It is common place in electronics Equipment.

 

[M6erfan]

I use 5.5 all the time. It is common place in electronics Equipment.

I just went over to BelMetric's website and all the M3 nuts and bolts I looked at use 5.5mm wrench size.

 

[Robinson1]

I know in Europe it's pretty common to use 1/4" drive and 1/2" dive for the most part and 3/8" drive isn't used as much. I too have kind of migrated that way over the years, despite 3/8" drive being very popular in the U.S.

I sort of agree with this.

On my work truck I only carry 1/4 and 1/2 drive it freed up quite a bit of space to eliminate the 3/8 set and for the most part I haven’t missed it.

In my shop I’ll almost always grab 1/2 drive over 3/8.

 

[Steve_P]

Capri or Tekton on your stated budget. I'd recommend Tekton.

 

[RAS61]

I personally have Sunex and have seen plenty of other mechanics besides myself that have them, they are without a doubt a pro-grade tool.

I don't think Sunex has kits with ratchets.

I bought some Sunex sockets a couple years ago for a set in a second house and am very impressed with them. Nicer than the USA Craftsmans I've had for decades

For a ratchet I'd go with Ko-Ken

 

[cherrybomb]

I follow you, and I am rethinking the whole thing. I put all the sockets I already have on a table and shook my head at myself. Obviously, I am addicted to buying tools.

I decided to hold off on upgrades for now and concentrate on getting my pile trimmed down. I am in the process of making a list of what I use and what is just taking up space.

I mean really who needs 30 sets of wire strippers, 20 sets of wire cutters, 10 3/8 end wrenches, etc. I counted my #2 Phillips screwdrivers, and I have 33 of them. And don't even want to look at the stupid insert bit pile. I actually considered just scrapping it and buying a nice set.

I think in the long run,sitting back,reevaluateing and taking your time,you maybe will have a sleeker yet very functional set.L.OL take those Hanson trays and toss them,they tend to get a guy in trouble.Get some Ersnt and build your own

 

[Jstylez]

When did you get the Craftsman set? Craftsman pre-2017 is pretty good stuff.

I bought my set 1.5 years ago. https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...0589285p.0589285.html?rq=stanley+tool+set#srp

If you prefer USA made, hop on eBay and find a new old stock Craftsman mechanics tool set. $300-600 can buy a fairly comprehensive set.

If you prefer new and having a warranty, Tekton hands down. No skips, great company that appreciates their customers. You can’t go wrong.

How do I determine its a new old stock?

 

[belvedere]

Tekton or Icon

 

[kilgorq]

I just discovered that Wiha makes socket sets. Anyone have any experience with them?

I have been using the screwdrivers for years. Simply because they are the IMHO the best precision screwdrivers made. I also have a few of the Micofinish Torx and really like them.

EDIT: Never mind the Wiha Sockets, they are all 12 point.

 

[kilgorq]

I think in the long run,sitting back,reevaluateing and taking your time,you maybe will have a sleeker yet very functional set.L.OL take those Hanson trays and toss them,they tend to get a guy in trouble.Get some Ersnt and build your own

I do not like the Hansen trays. They are just waiting to get broken. I am using Magnetic socket holders. They really work. I am replacing the Aluminum Strips with magnetic socket holders, The Aluminum strips are wonderful for my go box, But not so good for my bench work.

The magnet strips are great. I can stick them to the underside of the car and have my sockets right where I can see them, instead of fumbling around behind my back and trying to pull the socket off of the strip with one hand.

If I am doing bench work, I can stick them to the cabinet beside me. No more losing the socket strip on the bench. I do a lot of custom machine builds. It is really easy to lose anything that is on the bench under the wires, one of the sub assemblies, the pile of notes, or some part that gets sat over the top of it. Some of the builds will turn a large workbench into a battlefield.

 

[richfinn]

I think rationalizing your socket set/organisation is a great idea, I did the exact same thing a few years ago.

As time goes by certain sizes and dare I say measuring systems become obsolete and you simply don't need them anymore.

I personally would concentrate on upgrading my metric stuff first and then holding onto what SAE stuff you already have (I have a small separate kit with some old Imperial spanners and a few AF sockets, just in case I ever buy an old car or motorcycle, these tools are decades old and probably as good a quality as anything you can buy today and it would be pointless to upgade).

Thanks to GJ Ko-ken have become my favourite socket brand as they specialize almost entirely on sockets, handles and extensions and I can easily get what I want very quickly and they are reasonably priced (for the quality). That said I don't think the brand is really the important thing here.

My advice would be to layout all the sockets you actually use on a daily basis for a month or two on a cart or workbench and build your own personalized sets around that on "modular organisers" (where somebody else hasn't decided which sizes you need)

I think as toolboxes have grown and tool organisers have become more sophisticated we feel a compulsion to fill them up with cheaper products, partly due to clever marketing and the exploitation of mans desire to "be prepared for every eventuality".

I'm moving away from that and trying to be more minimalist and efficient as I get older and only buy high quality non tool truck brands (which is difficult when you are hopelessly addicted to tools and equipment)

 

[RAS61]

I personally would concentrate on upgrading my metric stuff first and then holding onto what SAE stuff you already have (I have a small separate kit with some old Imperial spanners and a few AF sockets, just in case I ever buy an old car or motorcycle, these tools are decades old and probably as good a quality as anything you can buy today and it would be pointless to upgrade).

That might be the case in England where you're from, but in the USA SAE is very common, I personally use them more than metric. Not sure where the OP lives, but he seems to have a good idea on what he wants/needs

 

[richfinn]

That might be the case in England where you're from, but in the USA SAE is very common, I personally use them more than metric. Not sure where the OP lives, but he seems to have a good idea on what he wants/needs

Yep, I know SAE is still fairly popular in the USA (I have an American Wife who still measures things in "cups" whatever that means??), but it won't last forever!!!

These are apparently measuring cups

 

[kilgorq]

Yep, I know SAE is still fairly popular in the USA (I have an American Wife who still measures things in "cups" whatever that means??), but it won't last forever!!!

These are apparently measuring cups

He-He, Ha-Ha, Ho-Ho

It means 236.5ml

About 30ml in an ounce and 8 ounces in a cup. This is a rough estimation, of course.

I am pretty sure that is not going anywhere in the US.
Cups, Pounds, Ounces, Teaspoon, Tablespoon are still used in everything here. SAE hardware is still everywhere, but since so much of our stuff is imported, we see a lot of Metric Hardware.

The USA Automotive industry is pretty much all metric now. I was actually surprised when I had to break out the SAE set on an American Car made in 2011. I still think it was because someone fixed it with the wrong hardware.

 

[four.cycle]

My mother has been collecting cookbooks since the early 1960s.
I do not recall ever seeing metric measurements in any of them.
America will convert to the metric system when Crown subjects stop misspelling simple words like "color" and "theater".

 

[kilgorq]

My mother has been collecting cookbooks since the early 1960s.
I do not recall ever seeing metric measurements in any of them.
America will convert to the metric system when Crown subjects stop misspelling simple words like "color" and "theater".

Or these fun ones.
US-UK

Fries -- Chips
Chips -- Crisps
Cookies -- Biscuits
Biscuits -- Scones
Jello -- Jelly (I Once told a guy from England that I was having a Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwich for lunch. His reaction was priceless.)
Sidewalk -- Pavement
Underwear -- Pants
Pants -- Trousers

 

[four.cycle]

well... trousers are trousers. dogs pant. men wear trousers.
one of those things like "jacket".
potatoes have jackets.
men wear coats.
all depends on where your mother grew up, I suppose.

"biscuits" is an interesting one, though... the Asian stores have vast assortments of "biscuits" that I recently discovered are actually cookies. fortuitously, the package I grabbed (pretty much at random, as I wasn't able to read any of the labels) wasn't too bad!

 

[richfinn]

My mother has been collecting cookbooks since the early 1960s.
I do not recall ever seeing metric measurements in any of them.
America will convert to the metric system when Crown subjects stop misspelling simple words like "color" and "theater".

We do have some USA cookbooks (Missus makes me an assortment of good American grub), if I'm cooking it tends to be English- Irish or Italian food and I just guess the quantities until it tastes kind of edible.

If I make Yorkshire Puddings (like a savoury pancake that rises in a hot oven) I use the empty eggshell to measure out equal parts of egg, milk, flour (it saves on washing up dishes)

 

[richfinn]

Or these fun ones.
US-UK

Fries -- Chips
Chips -- Crisps
Cookies -- Biscuits
Biscuits -- Scones
Jello -- Jelly (I Once told a guy from England that I was having a Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwich for lunch. His reaction was priceless.)
Sidewalk -- Pavement
Underwear -- Pants
Pants -- Trousers

We have grown up watching American TV and Movies so translation is easy for my generation, my Californian Stepdaughter however was totally shocked when she first arrived in the UK and started mixing with Brits talking local slang in Northern accents, she got used to it pretty fast but still struggles with some Scottish accents.

When you hear Yorkshire phrases spoken in a Californian accent it's absolutely hilarious, within a year she was adding "luv" to the end of sentences and "off for a pint" to the pub with her "mates"

 

[VolvoRyan]

I have been looking at several manufacturers, and I am finding it to be so frustrating. There are so many "Used to Be Good Brands" that are not anymore.

On the other hand, there are so many (more?) "used to be ****" brands that aren't anymore. In the last 10 years we lost Craftsman and SK.... but now have a zillion import brands that make good stuff.

Honestly, Tekton is just fine for fleshing out a set of tools..... plus they come with Ernst rails, which is what all of my sockets are on anyway. You can also get them in a case..... or with nothing. I like that Tekton gives these options. The rails are handy, as you can put whatever socket you want anywhere, and accomplish what you want: Empty spots mean missing tools. Pre-fab socket storage means you have to buy sockets you may not need.

Tekton kind of came of age right when Craftsman disappeared. For me it was a natural changeover.

-Ryan

 

[AC-WC]

Most of my tools are the older Craftsman but when I struggle paying $20-30 for 1, 18mm wrench I have found Menard's Masteforce to be a really decent tool, especially for the price. I would have to double check but likely made in Taiwan. Can't deny Tekton, recent aquire for a torque wrench and so far so good.

 

[four.cycle]

"... there are so many (more?) "used to be ****" brands that aren't anymore ..."

^quoted for truth.

There are also so many more brands that didn't used to exist that are bringing out new and innovative products that many not necessarily be built to the "battleship" standards of old Craftsman and other U.S. brands, but they don't necessarily need to be for their purposes. The Japanese and Taiwanese are the cutting edge - they got ahead of us in the hand tool game. Germany seems to be a distant second - and they're outsourcing all kinds of stuff from southeast Asia now (as well as others, like Slovenia.)

The "full line" tool companies are rapidly becoming a thing of the past - more of them are narrowing their product lines and focusing on what they do best.

 

[Wamsutta]

I still think Williams USA is the best value in tools.

 

[mcj115]

Just happened to see this deal.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0871323N6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kilgorq]

I just picked up a DeWalt DWMT45226H for $130.00. It is a used set, but from looking at it, I only found 1 socket and one ratchet that looked like it have ever been touched. No, It is not everything I wanted, but It is a nice upgrade to my go-box.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Tekton.

Don't waste your time with Craftsman. Stanley Black & Decker's Craftsman brand is more interested in selling you screwdriver bits and hex keys in your mechanics sets than actual tools that are useful.

Sears did the same thing. Lots of tiny hex keys, but skipped socket sizes.

 

[Jtels85]

I bought my set 1.5 years ago. https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/...0589285p.0589285.html?rq=stanley+tool+set#srp

How do I determine it’s a new old stock?

Sears did the same thing. Lots of tiny hex keys, but skipped socket sizes.

I have a couple USA sets I bought in the late 2009’s that are very comprehensive without skips.

 

[Notgrownup]

I hate to say this but nowadays I put the Harbor Freight stuff like Icon and Quinn ratchets and sockets about as good or better than Craftsman, Kobalt or Husky. I won’t spend much more on Craftsman, I will buy icon or Quinn from now on. Their warranty replacement is the easiest ever. For what I do, it works fine.