DIYer needs input on socket purchase(s)

[lostindc]

UPDATE

Thanks all for commenting. Definitely a huge knowledge base with varied opinions. I decided to go with craftsman set that focused on 1/4" and 3/8" sockets. 108pc for roughly $27 after discount codes and $6 in points (75% off regular price). Unfortunately it is probably Chinese like many warned me but I like the ease of exchanging broken tools at sears and I imagine they won't take to big of a beating. I also found a great link on this board for gear wrench HOT DEALs and I am ordering a decent ratchet set and some open face 1/4 inch metric sockets (I have a bunch of rusty wrenches and a few ratcheting wrenches I wanted to replace). I like the feel of gear wrench more than craftsman but craftsman was a ton cheaper.

I have all the 1/2" I could need (chrome, deep impact, and standard impact). Did not do me a lot of good when working on my suspension this past week!!! Had to just cut off the sway bar links so off to find a better low profile cutoff tool on the cheap. Us weekend warriors are learning to get by the best we can. I have learned a ton from this board. I love the passion of this place. Thanks

 

[BK13]

Congrats.

But I have to say, I'm 46 years old, I started wrenching on Jeeps when I was 17, and I've broken two ratchets (CM 1/2" drive) on the same repair, replacing U-bolts. Never broken a socket, all the screwdrivers I've wasted we're totally misuse. I'm not too hung up on warranty...

 

[theoldwizard1]

UPDATE

Thanks all for commenting. Definitely a huge knowledge base with varied opinions. I decided to go with craftsman set that focused on 1/4" and 3/8" sockets.

For home repair and 90% of all auto repair, all I ever use is 1/4 and 3/8 drive.

 

[joel63]

UPDATE

Thanks all for commenting. Definitely a huge knowledge base with varied opinions. I decided to go with craftsman set that focused on 1/4" and 3/8" sockets. 108pc for roughly $27 after discount codes and $6 in points (75% off regular price). Unfortunately it is probably Chinese like many warned me but I like the ease of exchanging broken tools at sears and I imagine they won't take to big of a beating. I also found a great link on this board for gear wrench HOT DEALs and I am ordering a decent ratchet set and some open face 1/4 inch metric sockets (I have a bunch of rusty wrenches and a few ratcheting wrenches I wanted to replace). I like the feel of gear wrench more than craftsman but craftsman was a ton cheaper.

I have all the 1/2" I could need (chrome, deep impact, and standard impact). Did not do me a lot of good when working on my suspension this past week!!! Had to just cut off the sway bar links so off to find a better low profile cutoff tool on the cheap. Us weekend warriors are learning to get by the best we can. I have learned a ton from this board. I love the passion of this place. Thanks

Glad you found something you could be satisfied with.
I would only add that sometime in the future when you have the $$$$$, pay a visit to ebay and pick up a Snap On ratchet or two.
I think you might like it.

 

[331CID]

Glad you found something you could be satisfied with.
I would only add that sometime in the future when you have the $$$$$, pay a visit to ebay and pick up a Snap On ratchet or two.
I think you might like it.

I second that, it's a good investment in my book. You'll thank yourself. Congrats on finding something to suit your needs!


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[nicksnothereman]

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

Weight man...weight.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Weight man...weight.

Steel is lighter than iron, yet I dare anyone to say iron is stronger than steel....

 

[Givl Reggin]

for roughly $27 after discount codes and $6 in points (75% off regular price).

If you are making your buying decisions concerned about the price, you are going off in the wrong direction.

Tools are something you're going to have the rest of your life; buy once, buy good quality and buy a name brand that'll be around in 20-years to honor their waranty should you need it.

The most commonly used tools; screwdrivers, ratchets/sockets, wrenches should be of pro-quality sets. The main difference you'll find between high quality tools and lower quality ones lies primarily in quality control, manufacturing tolerances and their metal formula.

However, I'll admit that it's rare today to hear even the lowest of the low quality wrenches or sockets breaking under normal use. Note, I said 'normal' use... sometimes you have no choice but to use a tool for which it wasn't designed and that's where a better tool pays off.

But, I don't think anyone will argue that high quality screwdrivers, ratchets/sockets, wrenches simply fit better and are more likely to be able to remove fasteners without damage or ruining them. Just one rounded fastener in the middle of a project can quickly ruin your day.

 

[Zeroek]

I have had gearwrench chrome sockets at work for a year now with no problems yet. Even used my 21 deep on my 3/8 impact the other day. Didn't like it but I did. Our shop also gets parts from advanced so I can get my warranty done easy. Anyways the Craftsman sockets that are Chinese aren't that great but of course the warranty is there and craftsman has that awards system that is pretty cool.

 

[331CID]

Weight man...weight.

Soooo black iron pipe versus chromoly? [emoji57]


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