DIYer needs input on socket purchase(s)

[lostindc]

Hi all,

I read this board a ton. Thanks for the great threads. I am looking for some advice in regards to purchasing either a medium sized socket set such as this gear wrench set using advance auto parts coupon code.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/gear-wrench-68-piece-1-4-and-3-8-drive-6-and-12-point-standard-deep-socket-set-sae-metric-83000d/9010414-P?searchTerm=socket+set+gear+wrench


Or going with individual smaller socket sets of 14 sockets such as this socket set linked below. These seem to be more encompassing.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/gear-wrench-14-piece-3-8-drive-6-point-deep-socket-set-metric-80554/25984282-P?searchTerm=socket+set+gear+wrench

I ask this because these medium to larger sets always seem to have a few sockets missing on either the beginning, end, or somewhere in between. I am DIYer that workers on my crappy cars and home. My cars are American (2003, 2000).

What would you do in my situation?

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench 83000D will float your boat...

Good set, good price...

Go for it...

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'd get a set that contain a 1/4 drive, 3/8 drive, and a 1/2 drive. With those three sizes you can take apart most every car (3/4 drive is only really needed in heavy duty applications like trucks/Large SUVs, and even there if you are smart, you can get by with a 1/2 drive).

Download the Gearwrench PDF file and look at what socket sets they offer there.

 

[mechanicalmoron]

First off, this is just me and many strongly disagree, but screw gearwrench. They feel like they're made of plastic, they're ugly, their logo is ugly, "made in taiwan" is as prominent as they can make it, they don't feel like they use enough steel, etc....

I don't have the patience or mental acuity to figure out what sockets, if any, are missing.... that's the thing I love about metric, it's one, two, three... not complicated fractions, where you don't know how many extra steps there might be that you're missing. BUT, I would NOT buy sockets individually, if you don't have a full set already. I'd bite the bullet, and buy the biggest set you can afford. house-brand (or gw, or similar) are really generally so affordable, just buy the biggest most complete one before it rolls over into more pieces, but less complete (you get a bunch of combo wrenchs, hex keys, and sockets, but a less complete set of each, for instance - but it looks better on the box).

Beware that the deep sockets and such are often pretty much a lie, they give you little or off-size deep sockets, or they give you very shallow, and very slightly deeper, for the large sizes. That set looks like it's PRETTY good about this.

If I was in your position, I'd get duralast. Whatever you do, don't touch napa-crapa - I had to buy a socket adaptor there the other day, from their ultra-huevos-impact-professional-blah-blah-blah line... asked about the warranty, they said it's 30 day. And they always make it sound like it's somehow your fault that their **** is bad, or out of it's limited warranty. They are not a serious business (anymore), IMO. Autozone is very consumer-y, their business is about getting people who wouldn't want to deal with the grouchy "customer service" at napa to wrench on their own cars, and make some money supplying all the stuff they'll need - so they're obnoxious about that, but they also generally do give good help, have great tool warranties and guarantees, and their duralast tools are, if not the best, forgeries of the best, anyway - I've never managed to break one. They look and feel good, can take a real beating, and if they can't, they'll be replaced.

 

[Adam.C]

If you are serious about working on cars, you'd be crazy to choose anything but Snap On. For $100, you can get a pristine set of shallow metric 3/8 drive on ebay. Less for 1/4 drive and SAE. I don't see the difference in price between the best and the worst sockets as significant ($50?).

That said, if you aren't a serious mechanic or are just starting out, why not choose the absolute cheapest sockets that are still decent? I recommend second hand craftsman. These are as good or better than Taiwan for half the price used on ebay. I fixed many cars with mine. You can poke around here and learn how they were marked to get the very best tools for your money.

Last thing I would recommend would be to buy a set of Chinese tools for a significant amount of money. Not as long as ebay is stuffed with lightly used US made stuff.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The average DIYer does NOT need both 6 and 12 point sockets. I have gone almost 50 years with ONLY 6 point sockets.

You do need standard and deep, SAE and metric.

I almost NEVER use my 1/2" drive stuff except to remove lug nuts or work on car suspension parts.

 

[mechanicalmoron]

If you are serious about working on cars, you'd be crazy to choose anything but Snap On. For $100, you can get a pristine set of shallow metric 3/8 drive on ebay. Less for 1/4 drive and SAE. I don't see the difference in price between the best and the worst sockets as significant ($50?).

That said, if you aren't a serious mechanic or are just starting out, why not choose the absolute cheapest sockets that are still decent? I recommend second hand craftsman. These are as good or better than Taiwan for half the price used on ebay. I fixed many cars with mine. You can poke around here and learn how they were marked to get the very best tools for your money.

Last thing I would recommend would be to buy a set of Chinese tools for a significant amount of money. Not as long as ebay is stuffed with lightly used US made stuff.

So, buy used tool-nerd tools, instead of brand-new, with the same warranties and generally, pretty much the same quality? Especially nowa-days, it's basically what quality they feel like making things to - it's not like there's some secret greatness alloyed into snap-on steel.

Don't buy gearwrench, IMO.... but hey, if you do, there's plenty of professional mechanics who use it - you'd be crazy to go spend a bunch on snap-on, if you don't get regular tooltruck visits, and the money doesn't flow like water for you.

People who go on about how they break everything they touch, unless it's snap-on, are dirty liars, who want to be way more ******** than they are. They broke their chinese no-name set of socket-shaped-turds, and decided that they are so cool, strong, and into such ******** work that only snap-on or matco could hold their awesome strength. Get over yourself, man.... I understand buying good stuff from good companies for the sake of morality, or peace of mind, but absolutism about brands is just silly.

Why would you buy a pre-stressed tool, that might be at the very brink of failure, and have your first experience with a company trying to track down a truck and then get them to replace your janky used stuff, when you could just get new? I love used tools, and old tools, and all that, but when you're spending more on used stuff, and used stuff that, by virtue of the brand, probably WAS abused, WHY?

 

[AndrewV]

First off, this is just me and many strongly disagree, but screw gearwrench. They feel like they're made of plastic, they're ugly, their logo is ugly, "made in taiwan" is as prominent as they can make it, they don't feel like they use enough steel, etc....

I don't have the patience or mental acuity to figure out what sockets, if any, are missing.... that's the thing I love about metric, it's one, two, three... not complicated fractions, where you don't know how many extra steps there might be that you're missing. BUT, I would NOT buy sockets individually, if you don't have a full set already. I'd bite the bullet, and buy the biggest set you can afford. house-brand (or gw, or similar) are really generally so affordable, just buy the biggest most complete one before it rolls over into more pieces, but less complete (you get a bunch of combo wrenchs, hex keys, and sockets, but a less complete set of each, for instance - but it looks better on the box).

Beware that the deep sockets and such are often pretty much a lie, they give you little or off-size deep sockets, or they give you very shallow, and very slightly deeper, for the large sizes. That set looks like it's PRETTY good about this.

If I was in your position, I'd get duralast. Whatever you do, don't touch napa-crapa - I had to buy a socket adaptor there the other day, from their ultra-huevos-impact-professional-blah-blah-blah line... asked about the warranty, they said it's 30 day. And they always make it sound like it's somehow your fault that their **** is bad, or out of it's limited warranty. They are not a serious business (anymore), IMO. Autozone is very consumer-y, their business is about getting people who wouldn't want to deal with the grouchy "customer service" at napa to wrench on their own cars, and make some money supplying all the stuff they'll need - so they're obnoxious about that, but they also generally do give good help, have great tool warranties and guarantees, and their duralast tools are, if not the best, forgeries of the best, anyway - I've never managed to break one. They look and feel good, can take a real beating, and if they can't, they'll be replaced.

Not going to try, and beat you up for your opinion. But those auto parts stores change oem makers constantly. No consistancy what so ever, and even less reliable warranty in a few years.
I have gw, they're not snappy, mac, hardline matco, or who ever, they're there own brand, with an easy warranty for me atleast.

Now i have carlyle tools, i like them. But like gw over them, and my snappy's over them.

But to op. Feel the tools out befor you buy. Make your own choice.

 

[healing]

My problem with this set is it stops at 17mm. And no deep mm 3/8 drive, so you would have to add them.

 

[lostindc]

GearWrench 83000D will float your boat...

Good set, good price...

Go for it...

It is a really nice set. My only concern is that I feel like I will be missing some sizes. For instance, the 18mm and 8mm for 3/8" and then likewise quite a few missing for 3/8" deep sockets. Thats why I was debating that set or going with the following below (all gear wrench cause of coupon codes from advance auto):
14 piece deep socket 1/4"
14 piece deep socket 3/8"
14 piece standard socket 3/8"
Some sort of low profile ratchet.

I have a two full sets of harbor freight 1/2" impact deep and standard sockets (suspension work). I have a hodge podge of sockets that got me through lean years of early marriage. I want an overall upgrade of sockets I can keep for a very long time and that will cover many various issues, like working on friends cars and my cars.

Thanks

 

[mechanicalmoron]

My problem with this set is it stops at 17mm. And no deep mm 3/8 drive, so you would have to add them.

He doesn't care about metric, or doesn't want to emphasize it, I believe. Though if you need a 17, you often need a 19 for the other end, I agree.

Not going to try, and beat you up for your opinion. But those auto parts stores change oem makers constantly. No consistancy what so ever, and even less reliable warranty in a few years.
I have gw, they're not snappy, mac, hardline matco, or who ever, they're there own brand, with an easy warranty for me atleast.

Now i have carlyle tools, i like them. But like gw over them, and my snappy's over them.

But to op. Feel the tools out befor you buy. Make your own choice.

While you're right, I feel like autozone is pretty reliable, and makes pretty good choices - if you buy their upper tier stuff, I don't see a problem.

Besides, I have all sorts of used or old tools with no warranty, I'm just careful and don't abuse or misuse the nice ones - good tools are good tools, no matter who made them - tool warranties are about the last thing on my mind, unless I know that I'm abusing something anyway. Properly cared for tools should last generations, get ones that feel good. A better warranty mostly just tells me how confident a store is in their product. Will I ever really twist off my napa 3/4-1/2 adaptor? well, napa thinks I might, and that it's likely enough that they don't want to replace it. Auto-zone doesn't think I'll break my duralast sockets or ratchets, and thus far, they've been correct. And I assume that companies with warranties collect and examine failed pieces, to determine the cause and avoid it in the future.

*edit* op, you say your cars are american.. not GM, right? Pretty sure they're metric since the 80s, though I've never worked on a modern GM vehicle.

*edit2* sk is a good american company, and seems to have just pulled through some tough times - they can use all the help they can get, and offer good american tools at a price point much more reasonable than snap-on.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Wrong set... for sae, a single row of 3/8" drive, 6 point sockets will fill your homeowner needs.

For your car hobby--metric stuff:
an inexpensive set of impact deep well sockets in 1/2" drive.
a set of 3/8" drive standard depth 12 point sockets.
a set of 3/8" drive deep well 6 point sockets.

add a few extensions and adapters, a GOOD 3/8" drive ratchet, a 1/2" drive breaker bar, and a 1/4" drive socket set with both metric and standard...

this would cover your needs far better than those bargain sets

 

[owen80]

I have 90% Snap On tools from my days of turning wrenches, now to complete what I want to have on hand I have been checking Ebay for good used Snap On sets but will be getting new SK from mechanicstoolswarehouse.com . Hard to beat good US made sockets for their prices.

 

[gagreen]

Blackhawk. Their sockets are stool made in the USA and nicer and cheaper than gearwrench. I use them professionally. Best deal in tools period.

Armstrong maxx aerospace ratchets compliment them really well.

Around 200 bucks will set you for life.

 

[BlksnshN]

AutoZone's newer stuff is pretty bad. I have quite a few of their older sockets and you can tell the difference in quality compared to the new stuff that is simply Great Neck rebranded as DuraLast.

 

[97nismo]

I really like the snap on sockets and I am not a pro but I do work at the dealer on weekends

 

[healing]

Blackhawk. Their sockets are stool made in the USA and nicer and cheaper than gearwrench. I use them professionally. Best deal in tools period.

Where's the best place to buy Blackhawk tools?

 

[quattroJoe]

Gearwrench is quite sufficient for a DIYer, I've got some of their stuff at work and some in my home garage too. The cost to quality ratio is about as good as it gets, in my book. Plus there are plenty of places to warranty them.

There may still be some USA made Craftsman sets kicking around too if you go dig through the inventory at your local Sears. Decent prices there too, and frequent sales, and likewise the warranty is a piece of cake (although most anything you warranty at this point will be replaced with a made in China part.)

If you've got the money to spend, there are plenty of US made tools out there that are a step above in quality, but still more reasonably priced than truck brands. As mentioned, SK, Armstrong, Proto/Blackhawk are all fine tools. I believe Williams still has a line that's produced in the US as well. I'm all for buying American if you can justify the price, but these are probably overkill for a DIYer. Not to say you won't appreciate them, but I think Gearwrench would serve you just as well. The other potential issue is the warranty is not as convenient with these brands as there aren't many retail outlets that carry them. I wouldn't expect that you'd need the warranty very often though, I think the frequency of breaking tools (even in pro use) is often exaggerated here.

 

[joel63]

The average DIYer does NOT need both 6 and 12 point sockets. I have gone almost 50 years with ONLY 6 point sockets.

You do need standard and deep, SAE and metric.

I almost NEVER use my 1/2" drive stuff except to remove lug nuts or work on car suspension parts.

Very sound and wise advice from theoldwizard.

 

[Adam.C]

it's not like there's some secret greatness alloyed into snap-on steel.

actually there is

Why would you buy a pre-stressed tool, that might be at the very brink of failure, and have your first experience with a company trying to track down a truck and then get them to replace your janky used stuff, when you could just get new? I love used tools, and old tools, and all that, but when you're spending more on used stuff, and used stuff that, by virtue of the brand, probably WAS abused, WHY?

No such thing as a prestressed tool. Tools can fatigue, but probably not without regular use on an impact gun, and even then unlikely.

We don't rate the quality of sockets by how often we stupidly break them. Sockets are designed to take more torque than a ratchet can produce. High quality sockets transmit more torque without rounding the fasteners. It is possible for used sockets to be worn out. But easy to avoid. High quality sockets make automotive jobs easier with less possibility of stripped fastener heads.

Good mechanics can typically use **** tools and do fine. But many pros push their tools beyond reasonable limits for the sake of speed. For this they need the best. While such tools are not absolutely necessary, they are helpful.

 

[gagreen]

Where's the best place to buy Blackhawk tools?

Trident supply they have a thread in the hot deals section and are alliance members.

I don't recommend blackhawk ratchets, they are ok art best. The Armstrong maxx ratchets are the best of the affordable ratchets. I reach for my snap on rats first but working in aviation I cannot justify snap on process for 3/8 and 1/2 drive and I'm very pleased with Armstrong for those. The Armstrong 1/4 rat is very nice tho

 

[97nismo]

I have used all brand ratchets and it's very close between the duralast snap on copies and my 936 series snap on ratchets....dual 80s are in a league by themselves

My advise hit up the local pawn shops and flea markets and buy older craftsman and snap on and it won't break the bank and better than new most stuff out there

 

[nicksnothereman]

If you are serious about working on cars, you'd be crazy to choose anything but Snap On. For $100, you can get a pristine set of shallow metric 3/8 drive on ebay.

Non transferable warranty. One and done for the guy not buying off the truck/guy who doesn't know the guy driving the truck.

OP. Buy something you can warranty in store even if it's the china town craftsman special or husky chinese special or (soon to be) kobalt chinese special.

You can pick up a 3/8" kobalt taiwanese 40 piece set for 20 bucks. They might be clearancing them out but could be considered the replacement for the craftsman entry level sets (at that price point). I wouldn't buy gearwrench unless I could check the coo in store...even then it's priced above most of the other taiwanese tools.

Or harbor freight if you have it. For 80 bucks you can buy a **** ton of pittsburgh pro stuff at harbor freight. Lemme see...all 4 3/8" sets in shallow and deep, a composite ratchet, an extendable flex ratchet, a breaker bar, and something else for 10 bucks for the cost of that gearwrench. But it only works if you have a harbor freight in your area and buy the better quality stuff they sell.

 

[gagreen]

Snap on warranty transfers. It's the drivers discretion whether or not he will warranty for an off route customer. My driver will warranty anything i get from am estate sale, even put new shanks in my grandpas screwdrivers for me.

Snap on is overkill for diy tho.

I feel like I've been reading a lot of negative feedback on the newer gear wrench stuff, maybe just me tho. I do know that the blackhawk sockets paired with the Armstrong ratchets will provide you a lifetime of warranty free issues as long a you keep the impact off of them.

You can always go the used route if you have time to hunt down decent deals. There are no good pawn shops in my area and Ebay is a hassle. Craftsman sets come with the worst ratchets in the game. Their last batch of USA sockets (which i have) are borderline at best. I find they need a substantial length of the bolt head or nut to engage. I'm replacing every one of them. Gearwrench gets decent reviews, but you can build a full set of blackhawk for right around the same money and they are very nice. Proto will be the same as blackhawk but with a wider selection of sizes and a higher price tag. Sk is nice but your steeping up in price unnecessarily.

The auto store brands are constantly changing and rarely changing for the better. I ask never impressed with their quality when I mess with them in the stores. In a pinch they will work, but use quality stuff once and the extra couple bucks makes sense.

 

[Adam.C]

Snap on warranty transfers. It's the drivers discretion whether or not he will warranty for an off route customer. My driver will warranty anything i get from am estate sale, even put new shanks in my grandpas screwdrivers for me.

Non transferable warranty. One and done for the guy not buying off the truck/guy who doesn't know the guy driving the truck.

OP. Buy something you can warranty in store even if it's the china town craftsman special or husky chinese special or (soon to be) kobalt chinese special.

I do not recommend choosing tools based on Warrantees. When used properly, it's close to impossible to break a socket, wrench, or ratchet. Guys break their tools with cheater bars or by hitting them with hammers.

Choose good quality tools that will get the job done.

 

[monomach]

Snap on warranty transfers. It's the drivers discretion whether or not he will warranty for an off route customer. My driver will warranty anything i get from am estate sale, even put new shanks in my grandpas screwdrivers for me.

*technically*, Snappy requires a receipt for a warranty. That's one of the ways a jerk driver can just turn someone (even a tech on his route) away when they don't spend enough money with him.

 

[Adam.C]

Forget the warranty issue. Its a red herring. If you legitimately break a socket, buy a new one. Even Snap On sockets aren't that much money. Factor in the cost of a few replacements into the discounted price for used top notch gear. Its like people who buy new cars for the warranty thinking they are cheaper than used cars with no warranty. Fuzzy thinking.

Just surfed ebay completed auctions for Snap On sockets. You can get set up with Snappy sockets pretty inexpensively. Nearly rivaling these taiwanese sets in some instances. Do some research before you decide Snap On is too expensive. You may be surprised.

Where guys like me spend big money for Snap On is for complete sets, matching handles, additional do-dads that aren't absolute must haves.

 

[OxJaw]

It never ceases to amaze me how Snapon is always recommended to diyers and people just starting out. If I was just starting to build a socket set I'd buy the set in the following link. There is no way you can even come close to the price of this set and what is offered in this set with truck tools, not even used.

Wait for the set to go on sale again. This is more than adequate for a DIYer. I've had CMAN stuff for years and only ever broke sockets that I was more than abusing. Even if you don't want the wrenches and what not it's still a good deal.

http://www. garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246348

 

[NYTurfTech]

You can get a 3/8'' drive set from SK that contains both shorts and deeps to 7/8'' in SAE and 19mm in Metric including a ratchet and 2 extensions for around 200 bucks. A set comparable to that in snappy would be over $500.I have tools from both manufactures and am very happy with both. They have provided me with years of trouble free use in a shop setting.If you like to jump out the window and buy snappy...cool. Just saying there is no need to. I've have Craftsman sockets that I use professionally that have lasted for years. In fact the only time I have ever broken a chrome socket of any make is when I've misused it.Use the right tool for the job and You'll be fine. A lot of knuckleheads will put a chrome craftsman socket on a 36'' breaker bar with 4' pipe then have there 200lb. cousin lean on it then pow. that's how ****** tool threads start.

 

[Farmall450]

First off, this is just me and many strongly disagree, but screw gearwrench. They feel like they're made of plastic, they're ugly, their logo is ugly, "made in taiwan" is as prominent as they can make it, they don't feel like they use enough steel, etc....

I don't have the patience or mental acuity to figure out what sockets, if any, are missing.... that's the thing I love about metric, it's one, two, three... not complicated fractions, where you don't know how many extra steps there might be that you're missing. BUT, I would NOT buy sockets individually, if you don't have a full set already. I'd bite the bullet, and buy the biggest set you can afford. house-brand (or gw, or similar) are really generally so affordable, just buy the biggest most complete one before it rolls over into more pieces, but less complete (you get a bunch of combo wrenchs, hex keys, and sockets, but a less complete set of each, for instance - but it looks better on the box).

Beware that the deep sockets and such are often pretty much a lie, they give you little or off-size deep sockets, or they give you very shallow, and very slightly deeper, for the large sizes. That set looks like it's PRETTY good about this.

If I was in your position, I'd get duralast. Whatever you do, don't touch napa-crapa - I had to buy a socket adaptor there the other day, from their ultra-huevos-impact-professional-blah-blah-blah line... asked about the warranty, they said it's 30 day. And they always make it sound like it's somehow your fault that their **** is bad, or out of it's limited warranty. They are not a serious business (anymore), IMO. Autozone is very consumer-y, their business is about getting people who wouldn't want to deal with the grouchy "customer service" at napa to wrench on their own cars, and make some money supplying all the stuff they'll need - so they're obnoxious about that, but they also generally do give good help, have great tool warranties and guarantees, and their duralast tools are, if not the best, forgeries of the best, anyway - I've never managed to break one. They look and feel good, can take a real beating, and if they can't, they'll be replaced.

I totally disagree, Gearwrench is quality, well proved stuff.
Excellent warranty too.

They aren't any thinner than a snappy, and they aren't impact sockets, so that doesn't really matter.

 

[Farmall450]

Excellent value too! ^

 

[Loscaldazar]

This thread has degenerated terribly.... dear god. I feel bad for the OP

For a DIY, Snap On is way overkill- both in terms of price and the quality it delivers.

IF you want a quality made US tool, SK is a great choice. $200 will get you a very comprehensive 3/8 drive set that will do most of the work you need it too.

Gearwrench is a great import brand. I own a lot of Gearwrench along side my SK, Snap on, Proto, Williams, and Craftsman (US made). I've had more problems with my US made stuff than I have Gearwrench. Earlier I said that you would want a 1/2 drive ratchet too, and I'm going to revise that. If you aren't going to be doing any heavy suspension work, 3/8 and 1/4 drive will get you by, and that set you linked to is perfect. Since you don't need metric, the only thing I might otherwise mention is to get a dedicated SAE 1/4 set, and dedicated SAE 3/8 drive set from gearwrench or SK.

 

[OxJaw]

Since you don't need metric.

I'm not calling you out, you were just easier to quote, but when did he say he doesn't need metric? I've seen a few people say that but don't see where he said that. He will most definitely need metric to work on his current cars and most any future car.

 

[Adam.C]

I too agree Snap On is overkill for beginners and DIYers. But facts are facts:

Ebay completed auctions show sets of metric 3/8" drive Snap On sockets starting around $40 (possibly missing one piece - that usually brings the price way down). Individual new sockets are available for about $10 sometimes including free shipping.

Brand new in wrapper from $70. (3/8" drive 8-19mm shallow).

If you are interested in working on cars, your 3/8" metric sockets will be the most used. And Snap On will do a better job. The only question in my mind is, are they worth it?

Realistically, it could cost $100 for a set, brand new from ebay. Comparable Gearwrench could be $40 (amazon.com). Of course the Gearwrench are almost worthless used, where the Snappies would retain a good portion of their value. But most of us don't care about that. We'll likely never sell our tools.

I think if you try to make this comparison about every tool, you will indeed spend thousands of dollars on truck tools. So if you ask this question generally, even I may answer differently. But here in this specific instance, for a 3/8" drive metric set of sockets, I think it makes sense to go with Snap On. (if you are serious about automotive repairs). If you are fixing lawn mowers and bicycles, I stand by my earlier answer; buy Craftsman. Completed auctions show $10-20 for a full set, essentially brand new.

 

[331CID]

This could be debated for hours, the best advice you'll get without throwing brands in a hat is go feel the tool in person if possible, find a price range, and buy something. If your price range is ten bucks for, lets say, short 3/8 sockets, then get them. When they quit doing what you need to, buy something better. If they do what you need to, great. If your price range is 70 bucks, buy snap on or Mac or whatever you want. It's your wallet, do as you please good sir


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Adam.C]

This could be debated for hours, the best advice you'll get without throwing brands in a hat is go feel the tool in person if possible, find a price range, and buy something. If your price range is ten bucks for, lets say, short 3/8 sockets, then get them. When they quit doing what you need to, buy something better. If they do what you need to, great. If your price range is 70 bucks, buy snap on or Mac or whatever you want. It's your wallet, do as you please good sir


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How can you tell a good socket from bad by feel? You can barely detect the difference with a micrometer.

 

[healing]

How can you tell a good socket from bad by feel? You can barely detect the difference with a micrometer.

I agree however you can "feel" the quality of a ratchet but you can't tell the strength of the ratchet until you put it to work.

 

[331CID]

You can't, but lets be honest guys . He posted this for advise, and hand tools as we all know are highly preference. One guy may think harbor freight tools are as good as the truck brands. Some people won't buy anything but one brand.

So in the wonderful world of human difference we have shown him there's no one answer to what sockets to buy. If its in his price range and feels good to him, he should get it. If it turns out to be low grade, he can upgrade


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Adam.C]

I agree however you can "feel" the quality of a ratchet but you can't tell the strength of the ratchet until you put it to work.

Sorry, I was thinking about sockets. Personally, I think premium ratchets are nice to haves.

For sockets, the differences between best and worst are:
1) metallurgy I.e uniformity (strength), hardness, I.e. Resistance to yielding
2) dimensions- good sockets fit fasteners better, allowing more torque thru put for a given applied force. Good sockets are also less likely to round fastener heads. The difference between good and bad can be less that .001". Most modern sockets use some form of Snap On's flank drive (corner relief), making dimensional comparisons more difficult.

For ratchets, modern fine tooth models are generally preferable as long as they are not weaker. Traditionally finer toothed ratchets HAVE been weaker than coarse toothed models. This is why Snap Ons dual 80 are so popular here. They are fine toothed and yet stronger than previous models. In my opinion, this is a nice to have.

We also rate ratchets on their head size, and back drag, the force needed to make the ratchet click. I look for ratchets with low back drag. A tight fit on the socket is also important for strength and durability.

While I respect all the opinions of my fellow GJers here, I lean toward objective comparisons whenever possible. I assume the OP is aware of his personal preferences and budget. I also leave room for the possibility that the objective differences between tools won't make a hill of beans of difference in use. But that's different from saying all tools do the same job and are essentially the same.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Shopping eBay for a friend who wants to start building a tool collection.

You can buy NOS Made in the USA, Craftsman 6pt 3/8" SAE or Metric sets more complete than what Sears ever sold (1/4" - 1" or 6mm - 22mm) standard depth for under $20 a set.

3/8" 6pt SAE deep, made in the USA (3/8" - 1") - $30.