First "Large" Socket Set Recommendations

[neoOberon]

Hi,

I'm in my infancy of fixing vehicles and I would welcome some input on my next socket purchase.

I want to purchase a set or larger socket sizes (larger than 7/8; impacts (CR-MO)). What I need help with is get a SAE set or a Metric set (can't afford both right now). I will be working on "newer" vehicles; 2000 and above.

I live in Canada; not sure if that matters any.

Thanks for viewing;
Chris

 

[nevertoomanytools]

I've been looking for a similar set of GP and sunex.

There's this... sunex has a $25 rebate going on it now http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEVI0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you need bigger sizes and no skipped uncomon sizes there are thesehttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MW2CGO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MWBOHW/?tag=atomicindus08-20


GP has pretty much identical sets to those at a similiar price. I have a 3/8" sunex set and they are good sockets. My only complaint is the rough texture as I prefer a smooth finish... for that reason I'm probably gonna go with GP for my 1/2" set.

edit: gp sets:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MWBOHW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRASK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XQ5JSE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XQ3OE0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ratchet.]

Not sure what the car situation is in Canada, but i would be going for Metric set firstly myself, as most manufacturers have switched to that now even US ones, particularly if you are going to be working on Euro/Japaneses manufacturers, not sure what makes are popular in Canada now?

though if you're going to be working on pickups/light trucks etc though it may be a different story?

Make of tools.. i'd go for the best i could afford, or something with a half decent warranty, not sure what you guys can get locally?

 

[Tree Cutter]

http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-2645.aspx

10mm- 36 mm cant be beat. I have the same set best purchase ever.

 

[patchap]

Pro point impacts impacts PA are really nice. Get the metrics, the SAE stuff you won't use much on newer cars.

 

[John in OH]

I, like Ratchet. above, don't know the car situation in Canada, but I suspect it is nearly identical to that in the US. If you are going to be working primarily on passenger vehicles later than 2000, most fasteners will be metric regardless of car manufacture.

Start with metric sockets, then later, if you find it necessary, add SAE.

 

[ken w.]

I would go with metric impact sockets. Most anything larger than 3/4" / 19 mm is going to be under the car and your going to impact it off anyway.

 

[neoOberon]

Thanks for the quick reply's...I think I should have titled my thread differently.

I currently own two larger sets of sockets; one impact, one traditional. Both sets have SAE and Metric. What I'm looking for is larger sized sockets. Typically found in 3/4 socket sets...you know from 1" to 2" (sorry, I don't know the MM inequivalent).

Since I don't have enough money to spend on both a SAE and Metric set; I wondered what set I would use more. Basically I need socket sizes that aren't covered in entry level socket sets.

So it seems Metric for the first set is the way to go.

I'm getting this set for myself; fixing up my own cars and later I want to buy a truck. Will mainly be ford;

Unfortunately things are more expensive her in Canada; Sunex is two to three times more expensive up here. I was leaning towards
Tekton, but I just checked their prices and they are jacked now to. Hard to win North of the Border sometimes. I need to go back to the "drawing" board to find the best bang for the buck...

 

[knobby]

http://www.princessauto.com/en/deta...-dr-metric-deep-impact-socket-set/A-p8476061e
Get these when on sale.

 

[neoOberon]

Have you used these very much?

If so, how do they hold up?

 

[neoOberon]

I was leaning towards these...$132 CAD with shipping and exchange (over $211 CAD if bought on amazon.ca)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MW9UW8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Would this set do "everything I need" in the short term? If so, what set would would you guys buy next.

For the record, this is the impact set I have now...

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/m...nd-tool-set-119-pc-0581228p.html#.VuRS0_krKUk

 

[knobby]

Have you used these very much?

If so, how do they hold up?

The PA pro-point impact sets hold up very well and unlike most lower priced impact sets have the size markings laser etched as well as stamped on so the size is readable even after heavy use. Many say that the pro-point sets are identical to the sunex impacts and i tend to believe that this is true FWIW.
The set that i linked to is also available in shallow just wait for a sale as this happens every couple of months and when on sale they are an excellent value.

 

[shockwave]

Anything above 7/8 or even 20mm usually needs impact grade and working on all types of passenger vehicles usually is suspension work

Either sunex or grey pneumatic are top notch

 

[PJNJ]

I don't know of any passenger car using a 2 inch or 50mm socket to work on it. The largest size I have used on a car is 36mm for an wheel bearing hub.
The sizes you are looking at I would consider getting a set of deep sockets first.

Here's an axle nut socket set on Amazon from Sunex -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VNCBI0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Then get a master set up to 30mm shallow and deep.
Here's a master set of shallow and deep up to 30mm on Amazon from Sunex -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPQ88RY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Between those two sets you would be covered for just about anything you come into contact with.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, don't waste you money on SAE impact sockets. You won't need them unless you are working on older cars or farm equipment.

Second, start with a 3/8" drive set. Get an Astro Nano 1828 3/8 Impact - Amazon CDN$163 (wrong title on Amazon.ca, but correct images and description) I doubt that you will EVER need anything larger, except for axle nuts a PJNJ mentioned. If you need larger sockets, buy them when you need them and buy a HF Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Breaker Bar, a steal at $25US

I like Sunex and this set, Sunex 3329 3/8-Inch Drive Standard and Deep Metric Master Impact Socket Set, 29-Piece - Amazon CDN$155 is all you will need.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't know of any passenger car using a 2 inch or 50mm socket to work on it. The largest size I have used on a car is 36mm for an wheel bearing hub.

I doubt he will ever encounter anything larger than 22mm on a car, EXCEPT on an axle nut !

Then get a master set up to 30mm shallow and deep.
Here's a master set of shallow and deep up to 30mm on Amazon from Sunex -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPQ88RY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

IMHO, total overkill !

Here's an axle nut socket set on Amazon from Sunex -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VNCBI0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Now that is a GOOD addon to the 3/8" set I mentioned.

 

[TigerDude]

Is this for industrial work? A 3/4 set should give you what you need.

If you're just collecting, get them from ebay

 

[theoldwizard1]

I currently own two larger sets of sockets; one impact, one traditional. Both sets have SAE and Metric. What I'm looking for is larger sized sockets. Typically found in 3/4 socket sets...you know from 1" to 2" (sorry, I don't know the MM inequivalent).

That would be 25 to 50mm. But WHY, WHY, WHY !

As a DIYer, I have been twisting wrenches probably longer than you have been alive. The largest fastener I have EVER encounter is a 32mm axle nut ! Bought the socket, did the job. It will probably sit in my tool box until I have another FWD wheel bearing to replace !

Second, when I first cam on board here, I caught the "tool fever" and decided to fill out my 1/2" drive impact set. The biggest 1/2" drive SAE socket I could find was 1-1/2" (about 33mm). I bought. It is just taking up space and likely WILL NEVER USE IT !


Spend your money wisely, young grasshopper. There will ALWAYS be more tools than you can possibly afford !

 

[nevertoomanytools]

Thanks for the quick reply's...I think I should have titled my thread differently.

I currently own two larger sets of sockets; one impact, one traditional. Both sets have SAE and Metric. What I'm looking for is larger sized sockets. Typically found in 3/4 socket sets...you know from 1" to 2" (sorry, I don't know the MM inequivalent).

Since I don't have enough money to spend on both a SAE and Metric set; I wondered what set I would use more. Basically I need socket sizes that aren't covered in entry level socket sets.

So it seems Metric for the first set is the way to go.

I'm getting this set for myself; fixing up my own cars and later I want to buy a truck. Will mainly be ford;

Unfortunately things are more expensive her in Canada; Sunex is two to three times more expensive up here. I was leaning towards
Tekton, but I just checked their prices and they are jacked now to. Hard to win North of the Border sometimes. I need to go back to the "drawing" board to find the best bang for the buck...

Can you not order from a US site? I'd imagine it'd still be a lot cheaper even after shipping.

 

[oldldh]

Look on Amazon at...

Tekton #4816.....3/8" to 1 1/4" for $27.91...

Tekton #4817.....11 - 32mm for $26.06...

Tekton #4880.....3/8" to 1 1/4" Deep for $40.03...

Tekton #4883.....10 - 24mm Deep for $42.35...

Or...$ 136.35!!!!

For 57 Good Impact Sockets and 4 cases!!!

Your Welcome...

 

[carcajou]

Look on Amazon at...

Tekton #4816.....3/8" to 1 1/4" for $27.91...

Tekton #4817.....11 - 32mm for $26.06...

Tekton #4880.....3/8" to 1 1/4" Deep for $40.03...

Tekton #4883.....10 - 24mm Deep for $42.35...

Or...$ 136.35!!!!

For 57 Good Impact Sockets and 4 cases!!!

Your Welcome...

Best advice!

 

[DeliveryGuy]

The PA pro-point impact sets hold up very well and unlike most lower priced impact sets have the size markings laser etched as well as stamped on so the size is readable even after heavy use. Many say that the pro-point sets are identical to the sunex impacts and i tend to believe that this is true FWIW.
The set that i linked to is also available in shallow just wait for a sale as this happens every couple of months and when on sale they are an excellent value.

Agreed. I have a mix of Gearwrench impacts, and ProPoint. I began buying the Pro Points because they were cheaper in my area, and I noticed that they were identical in appearance to the Gearwrench stuff. Even their 1/2" universal swivel adapter is identical to the Gearwrench. They look the same as the Sunex ones too, although I've never seen Sunex sockets in person.

The Princess Auto ProPoint impacts are definitely a respectable product, and they're cheap, especially if you have a local store.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Biggest I've come across for metric is 33mm on a fwd axle nut (heard they come up to 36mm) and 1 1/2 in SAE on a trailer hitch ball. My metric impact set goes up to 32mm and I added a 33 for that axle nut, and my SAE set goes to 1 1/4 and I added a 1 1/2. I've been working on cars as a hobby for close to 25 years and worked in a shop for a couple years after high school before joining the military. For a long time I got by with just a Harbor Freight metric impact set as my only impact sockets, and got by just fine for the most part. I think I paid around $20 for that set in 2005 (my entire tool collection got stolen while I was stationed overseas), and they're still in use today.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

That would be 25 to 50mm. But WHY, WHY, WHY !

As a DIYer, I have been twisting wrenches probably longer than you have been alive. The largest fastener I have EVER encounter is a 32mm axle nut ! Bought the socket, did the job. It will probably sit in my tool box until I have another FWD wheel bearing to replace !

Second, when I first cam on board here, I caught the "tool fever" and decided to fill out my 1/2" drive impact set. The biggest 1/2" drive SAE socket I could find was 1-1/2" (about 33mm). I bought. It is just taking up space and likely WILL NEVER USE IT !


Spend your money wisely, young grasshopper. There will ALWAYS be more tools than you can possibly afford !

+1

Why the need for such large sockets… at that size you better have a big breaker bar or impact. Usually axle nuts are the largest fastener on a passenger vehicle and they can range in size. Doubt you'll see anything above 32 mm (I think the biggest I one I have is 36 mm). Sockets of that size ain't cheap either… so I would just buy individuals as needed for your vehicles. Sunex sells quality impacts.

 

[BK13]

I needed a 36mm socket to get the oil filter canister open on the GF's Ovlov (Volvo) (granted, hardly a high stress usage).

 

[anndel]

Get a metric set maybe say up to 32 mm but only if you're going to remove spindle nuts to do wheel bearing/hub assemblies. I needed a 54 mm socket and got the OTC to remove the axle nut on my 93 yota but only get something bigger when the time comes.

IF you want inexpensive -Sunex, Tekton, Grey Pneumatics are excellent choices.

Mid-range - SK, Williams, Proto, Armstrong.

High End - Snap On, Mac, Matco.

 

[ZRX61]

That would be 25 to 50mm. But WHY, WHY, WHY !

As a DIYer, I have been twisting wrenches probably longer than you have been alive. The largest fastener I have EVER encounter is a 32mm axle nut ! Bought the socket, did the job. It will probably sit in my tool box until I have another FWD wheel bearing to replace !

Second, when I first cam on board here, I caught the "tool fever" and decided to fill out my 1/2" drive impact set. The biggest 1/2" drive SAE socket I could find was 1-1/2" (about 33mm). I bought. It is just taking up space and likely WILL NEVER USE IT !


Spend your money wisely, young grasshopper. There will ALWAYS be more tools than you can possibly afford !

So because YOU never use something, no one else will either?
I have the 3/4in drive SAE Horrible Fright set & it gets used more often than my 1/2in drive stuff.

 

[L.Cheapo]

So because YOU never use something, no one else will either?

x2. Anyone who owns/maintains aircooled VWs will get good use out of 36mm and 46mm impact sockets.

 

[joel63]

x2. Anyone who owns/maintains aircooled VWs will get good use out of 36mm and 46mm impact sockets.

For what applications?

 

[Jazz1]

Tooltown sells a 3/4" drive set complete with ratchet and breaker bar,, sockets up to 2". I think it retails for $150, watch for sale. My son found one on kijiji for $50. He works only on heavy equipment. I have JET 3/4" drive set for 30 years now. These offshore tools do not have the showroom finish of the local product but I have never broken any of the large sockets or ratchets. Princess Auto in your area possibly also may carry similar sets.

 

[GSMotorrad]

For what applications?

Axle nut. I know I bought a 36mm specifically for by bug, back in the day.

I love my DUO Grey Pneumatic set that goes to 36mm in metrics without skipping any sizes, and 1.5" in Imperial. (I think). The cases are even rreally nice, and the sockets are sick. They're full-on CroMo too, not Chrome Vanadium. Thin impact sockets.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So because YOU never use something, no one else will either?
I have the 3/4in drive SAE Horrible Fright set & it gets used more often than my 1/2in drive stuff.

OP said he only worked on cars. I don't think you are using your 3/4" set on any "light" vehicles.

 

[GSMotorrad]

Look on Amazon at...

Tekton #4817.....11 - 32mm for $26.06...

That Tekton 4817 set skips a lot of sizes (missing 16, 20, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 31mm) , and those hinges on those cases wear out and break off after a while.

For only like 6x the price, the GP lid snaps off for tool drawers, and the case is very nice. It skips 31mm.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I agree with the old wizard.... I can't remember the last time I used my SAE tools on a late model car. Go metric first. My SAE stuff is mostly used on household stuff, outdoor equipment and my New Holland tractor and implements.

As to the price of things in Canada, if you're close to the border, why not bring your spouse down to the Lower 48 on Holiday, and "just happen" to buy a tool or few?

 

[ibedayank]

OP said he only worked on cars. I don't think you are using your 3/4" set on any "light" vehicles.

guess you never work on any 1ton trucks then huh?
350# plus tourqe on lugnuts

 

[crane_guy]

I can vouch for the princess auto impact set, pretty tough sockets. They hold up in heavy industrial use with a Milwaukee cordless impacts. I have sold those sets to many guys. I will also say the princess auto 3/4 drive deep impact set is good as well. I bought it to use the sockets for pressing out bearings and so on. But it turned out the sockets were pretty good.

 

[L.Cheapo]

For what applications?

Axle and flywheel nuts. 217 and 253ftlbs, respectively.

 

[neoOberon]

First off, I just want to thank everyone for taking the time to read/post in my thread. And also to apologize for taking so long to respond back; been away from the comp...no patience to reply via phone.

Some tool background information about myself; I work in the trades (Electrician). I have zero qualms about buying quality tools. Power tools; Milwaukee through and through. I own other brands, but I bleed Red. Hand tools of my trade; Knipex, Wera, Klein, Milwaukee and Greenlee. Why would anyone own a screwdriver other than Wera?

You can either spend too much and lose a little or you can spend too little and lose everything. Also, you can't afford cheap tools...

I just purchased the Milwaukee Fuel 1/2 High Torque Impact (w/ Friction Ring) and it's beautiful.

Not sure what the car situation is in Canada

I'd say 99.9% identical to what it is in the US.

Make of tools.. i'd go for the best i could afford, or something with a half decent warranty, not sure what you guys can get locally?

Most backyard mechanics will buy their hand tools from Princess Auto (Canada's Harbour Freight) or Canadian Tire.

I hate Princess Auto; their store brand line of tools (Power Fist) are complete garbage as far as I'm concerned. But there are a lot of people that love it. Unbeknownst to me, they have a second store brand with better quality (Pro Point); learned that because of this thread.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/

Canadian Tire has three store brand line of tools;

Jobmate - Princess Auto Power Fist brand quality, but worse.
Mastercraft - Middle of the road; OK for tools that get occasional use.
MAXIMUM - Their "Professional Quality" line...but your mileage may vary.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en.html

If I buy a hand tool from Canadian Tire, it will be Maximum (Breaker Bar, set of Wrenches etc). Occasionally I will buy a Mastercraft tool. I can honestly say, I've yet to be disappointed by any Maximum tool I've purchased...

http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-2645.aspx

10mm- 36 mm cant be beat. I have the same set best purchase ever.

This is the set I decided on; narrowed down my choices to three; Pro Points, Grey and Sunex. I went with Sunex...I may buy a few Pro Points to test their quality; you know, for science.

That would be 25 to 50mm. But WHY, WHY, WHY !

I'm so new to car repair, I assumed you needed to buy a 3/4 set to get "large" sockets. My regular socket set has a 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 ratchets...largest socket is 7/8 and 22mm (I think). I assumed I needed a 3/4 set to get a socket large enough to remove an axel nut; the whole reason that brought me to Garage Journal.

Spend your money wisely, young grasshopper. There will ALWAYS be more tools than you can possibly afford !

Very wise words...

Can you not order from a US site? I'd imagine it'd still be a lot cheaper even after shipping.

Yes; getting my sockets off ebay from CPO.

Three factors when shopping online via US based sites;

1) Do they ship to Canada?
2) Exchange rate (not the best right now).
3) Shipping...this is usually the killer. If UPS is involved, the deal is off; they are criminals dressed in brown! USPS for the win!

For 57 Good Impact Sockets and 4 cases!!!

Your Welcome...

Hah; I feel compelled to buy these because the amount of effort that went into your post; and thank-you!

my entire tool collection got stolen while I was stationed overseas

That's ******** brother and I'm sorry that happened.

I have two tool bags for work; my large one with all my electrical hand tools. Then a small one (purse size) I use to carry what I need for the job. One day someone stole my purse (about $200 worth of gear in it). You don't steal a man's (or woman's) tools; especially ones used to put food on his or her table. it's really that ******** simple!


The ironic thing about this thread...I only wanted to know if I should buy Metric or SAE. I heard all newer cars used Metric, but I wasn't sure how accurate that information was. That being said, if I asked the right question, I wouldn't have learned anything really. However since I asked the right question the wrong way, I learned quite a bit and I thank everyone for that.

 

[gdocktor3]

Sunex 5153DD. Check it out. It's 29 piece mm/sae. They have $25 rebate on it. Goes up to 1-1/4" http://www.sunextools.com/rebates/Q1_mail_in_rebate_120715.pdf
http://www.sunextools.com/index.cfm?s=detail&subcat=104&item=2403

 

[bcradio]

Why would anyone own a screwdriver other than Wera?

Cause Wiha is better