Good Quality 3/8 Socket Set - Facom or Span On

[Steven001]

Hi folks,

I'm looking to purchase a good 3/8 socket set. I currently have a Halfords Professional 3/8 12 point socket set and set of Sealey AK2693 Wall Drive Scokets but I'm not overly fond of either of them. I would like a good quality 6 point socket set which which will grip the nut/bolt well and last me a life time. I'm in the UK and have pretty much narrowed it down to Facom or used Snap on.

The Facom set is £48 and includes a ratchet and extension bars (I don't NEED the ratchet, but it would be good to have spare). Facom J.4APB - http://www.thetoolacademy.com/product_detail.asp?productId=4076

For a shallow 3/8 Snap On 8-19mm socket set I'm looking at £85, which is for the sockets alone.

I'm basically wondering if there will be a noticeable difference between the Facom and Snap on sockets? How good is the Facom brand?

Oh and I'm just a DIY mechanic, doing repairs to my car/motorcycle as required.

Thank you.

 

[Shippy95]

I've always had cheap stuff like Stanley and bergen.
Finally bit the bullet and bought my first snap on ratchet a few days ago, all I can say is you definitely feel the quality difference and I'm very happy with it.
Can't comment on facom stuff

 

[shockwave]

Snap on is great been using them for years now

But unfortunately facom is rare in the us so not many places carry them I do know facom is very big in Europe

 

[JonnyMac]

Bought my first tools from snap on van in about 1997. It was a 3/8 metric socket set. They still take pride of place in my tool box. Ive got lots of facom and snap on ratchets too but i would say the higher tooth count facom ones are my preferred..

 

[Dave455]

Well, from a fellow Brit, I appreciate the dilemma!

Snap On stuff is superb, and it is a notch above Facom, but... used Snap On tends to go for silly money in the U.K. If you were set on used tools consider something like Mac, which are very good, but not so well known in the U.K. so often better value used!

Bear in mind that Facom have been bought out, and are progressively switching their products for Taiwanese ones, which is sad! Some of the Taiwanese Facom seems o.k, some little better than what you have!

The good news is, provided you get the set shown in the picture, that would appear to be a non Taiwanese set, and at that price it's a steal! I'd buy it straight out! Even though you don't need the ratchet, it'll be a vast improvement on what you have!

If you really want the Snap On, keep checking in with your local dealer and picking up his specials flyer. A few times a year there are awesome deals (50% etc) which is the way to acquire a set! But be wary not to get flogged Blue Point shite - it's Taiwanese like the stuff you have already!

 

[monkeyspanners]

This might suit you,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAST-FEW-...540113?hash=item2a57230851:g:l4gAAOSwu4BV0b3j

I got one as a spare as they are cheap! Used it over Christmas to put some new belts on Dads car, its a nice set (I had a spare ratchet to put with it)

 

[GeorgeFromPa]

look at american made Williams.. there snapon sockets. i put them side by side and theres no diffrence.

 

[T45]

Facom in 3/8 is exceptional...I would not hesitate at all

snap on ratchets are a different design, and the facom 3/8 is a classic and also very strong

you can save a buncle buying regular chromes in facom and use your savings to buy

f80 long/flex etc ratchets and mid-deeps

the standard handle facom 3/8 made by usag in italy is a great compact 180mm design

the snappy ratchets are 250-300mm long and as strong as breaker bars

almost different tools...so buy both for different reasons

snap on 3/8 std depth chromes I don't think is remarkable in the present age

very good, yes...but now everyone has 'flank-drive' style

and decent wall thicknesses, etc.

 

[malykaii]

I've been reading that KoKen makes some world class percise quality sockets. A thought?

 

[Rossco]

Head to Cromwell tools and take a gander at Kennedy sockets. They also sell Proto.

 

[BK13]

I've been reading that KoKen makes some world class percise quality sockets. A thought?

That's the way I'd go, for sockets at least.

I like what Snap On stuff I have, but outside of a few tools at which they excel (ball joint press, flare wrenches) I'm not sure I'd spend the money if I didn't have a driver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I've been reading that KoKen makes some world class percise quality sockets. A thought?

I was going to post and recommend Koken. Excellent quality and value.

I would, however, have Snap-on ratchets, and German spanners/wrenches.

 

[shockwave]

Look at hazet as alternative but snap on is top notch and warranty is great here in the states not sure in uk thou

 

[mikebaker1129]

I really like the facom stuff made in France. A bit difficult to find here in the U.S. But very good quality. I cannot comment on the Facom Taiwan made stuff but Stanley is using the Facom design ratchets in both the Mac and Proto lines.

 

[nutsnbolts]

I would buy Snap On, no question. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it necessary? No. But you will have the best and it will last you a lifetime.

 

[jerseykat1]

I would buy Snap On, no question. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it necessary? No. But you will have the best and it will last you a lifetime.

Snap-on tools are awesome. and great quality. BUT, no tool that you use daily will last a lifetime. Every brand breaks.

I have had to warranty tools from Snap-on, Mac, Matco, Cman, Husky, GW, etc. There is no such thing as a tool lasting a lifetime if you actually use the tool daily.

 

[malykaii]

I would buy Snap On, no question. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it necessary? No. But you will have the best and it will last you a lifetime.

If someone can afford it, sure. However, no tool will last a lifetime of its smaller that the peice of cheese I accidentally just swallowed. Your more likely to loose a socket than to break any mid level one. If you can barely afford it once, you sure can't afford it twice. Nothing lasts a lifetime.

 

[SVTDice]

My suggestion is taking a look into JH Williams, Snap on quality without snap on price.

Take a look below!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JH-Williams...:g:0RsAAOSwoydWnDbk&item=141906058664&vxp=mtr

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

SK tools

 

[Steven001]

Well, from a fellow Brit, I appreciate the dilemma!

Snap On stuff is superb, and it is a notch above Facom, but... used Snap On tends to go for silly money in the U.K. If you were set on used tools consider something like Mac, which are very good, but not so well known in the U.K. so often better value used!

Bear in mind that Facom have been bought out, and are progressively switching their products for Taiwanese ones, which is sad! Some of the Taiwanese Facom seems o.k, some little better than what you have!

The good news is, provided you get the set shown in the picture, that would appear to be a non Taiwanese set, and at that price it's a steal! I'd buy it straight out! Even though you don't need the ratchet, it'll be a vast improvement on what you have!

If you really want the Snap On, keep checking in with your local dealer and picking up his specials flyer. A few times a year there are awesome deals (50% etc) which is the way to acquire a set! But be wary not to get flogged Blue Point shite - it's Taiwanese like the stuff you have already!

Hi Dave! Cheers for that. You're right, the second hand snap on stuff goes for a lot of money here, although I am looking at a set of 12 deep sockets on ebay at the moment for £80 which seems good?

So would recommend that Facom set then? I wasn't sure if that particular set was one of their newer and not-so-good sets or not. The Koken stuff that has been recommend also looks really good.

This might suit you,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAST-FEW-...540113?hash=item2a57230851:g:l4gAAOSwu4BV0b3j

I got one as a spare as they are cheap! Used it over Christmas to put some new belts on Dads car, its a nice set (I had a spare ratchet to put with it)

I actually saw that and thought about getting it, but for an extra £12 I would probably buy the ratchet as well. It now looks to be between that set, used Snap on deep sockets or Koken!

Facom in 3/8 is exceptional...I would not hesitate at all

snap on ratchets are a different design, and the facom 3/8 is a classic and also very strong

you can save a buncle buying regular chromes in facom and use your savings to buy

f80 long/flex etc ratchets and mid-deeps

the standard handle facom 3/8 made by usag in italy is a great compact 180mm design

the snappy ratchets are 250-300mm long and as strong as breaker bars

almost different tools...so buy both for different reasons

snap on 3/8 std depth chromes I don't think is remarkable in the present age

very good, yes...but now everyone has 'flank-drive' style

and decent wall thicknesses, etc.

Thanks for that T45, the Facom set seems to be getting good support so far.

I've been reading that KoKen makes some world class percise quality sockets. A thought?

I've just looked on ebay and I can get a set of 12 deep sockets for the same price as a good quality used Snap on set (£75). The Kokens' do look lovely.

My suggestion is taking a look into JH Williams, Snap on quality without snap on price.

Take a look below!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JH-Williams...:g:0RsAAOSwoydWnDbk&item=141906058664&vxp=mtr

I had a look at those and again they look great, but I'm struggling to find a supplier in the UK.

 

[GTO]

Snap on.......you will never look back

 

[autobon7]

Either one would be fantastic but if it were me I'd go Facom and use the money saved (vs buying snap-on) to buy more tools. Seeing as how you are not using them daily to make a living Facom will serve you just as well as snap-on.

 

[Dave455]

Hi Dave! Cheers for that. You're right, the second hand snap on stuff goes for a lot of money here, although I am looking at a set of 12 deep sockets on ebay at the moment for £80 which seems good?

So would recommend that Facom set then? I wasn't sure if that particular set was one of their newer and not-so-good sets or not. The Koken stuff that has been recommend also looks really good.

Yes, I'd totally recommend that set! The newer / Taiwanese Facom seems to include the Taiwanese made "pear head" ratchet and a different style of box.
95% sure that set would be made in France/Italy and they are very good tools!

I have a couple of colleagues who don't own much Facom, but have those 'Palm control' ratchets, they really are good!

When buying used Snap On, bear in mind that the 'lifetime guarantee' only applies to the original owner! I have seen new sets of sockets on 'special' for little more , so don"t think £80 is a mega deal unless those are new/unused!

Snap On deliberately don't offer Williams tools in the U.K, probably 'cos they realise those cheeky Brits would soon be buying it instead of Snap On. You can import it, but then it's working out at Snap On money. Something to bring back from the the U.S. though!

I'd agree with the folks recommending KoKen! I have a lot of this too, in fact it's pretty much my daily user stuff at the mo as I'm working out of my 'road box' so much! Very good quality, very close to Snap On, and for some reason a really good deal in the U.K. (My 1/2 inch ratchet was about a third of the price of the Snap On equivalent, but I reckon it's about 90% of the quality and just as tough)

I get mine from Consolidated Tools in Manchester / online, who will do you a great deal. Worth giving them a ring, but check the KoKen website first and decide what you want! Pricing is fair so there is little penalty for ordering parts instead of a set!

 

[ultgar]

Snap on is great been using them for years now

But unfortunately facom is rare in the us so not many places carry them I do know facom is very big in Europe

There are not many dealers in the US but Ultimate Garage stocks more Facom part numbers (3500+) than any dealer in the UK (or France). I have to because lead times are 4-6 weeks to bring items into the US where UK dealers can get stock orders from the Facom UK distribution center in 2-5 days.

Here's my inventory list which shows Country of Origin and New Products / Supercessions..... see http://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom-Inventory.xls .

The Facom set listed at the top of the page (J.4APB) has mixed COO....the ratchet is made in Italy, the case and tray in France, and the sockets and drive accessories in Taiwan. It appears this set was a "special" for a few years and does not appear on the 2016 Price sheet. There should be some aggressive pricing on this item.

Steve D (Ultimate Garage)

 

[Steven001]

Yes, I'd totally recommend that set! The newer / Taiwanese Facom seems to include the Taiwanese made "pear head" ratchet and a different style of box.
95% sure that set would be made in France/Italy and they are very good tools!

I have a couple of colleagues who don't own much Facom, but have those 'Palm control' ratchets, they really are good!

When buying used Snap On, bear in mind that the 'lifetime guarantee' only applies to the original owner! I have seen new sets of sockets on 'special' for little more , so don"t think £80 is a mega deal unless those are new/unused!

Snap On deliberately don't offer Williams tools in the U.K, probably 'cos they realise those cheeky Brits would soon be buying it instead of Snap On. You can import it, but then it's working out at Snap On money. Something to bring back from the the U.S. though!

I'd agree with the folks recommending KoKen! I have a lot of this too, in fact it's pretty much my daily user stuff at the mo as I'm working out of my 'road box' so much! Very good quality, very close to Snap On, and for some reason a really good deal in the U.K. (My 1/2 inch ratchet was about a third of the price of the Snap On equivalent, but I reckon it's about 90% of the quality and just as tough)

I get mine from Consolidated Tools in Manchester / online, who will do you a great deal. Worth giving them a ring, but check the KoKen website first and decide what you want! Pricing is fair so there is little penalty for ordering parts instead of a set!

Thanks again Dave. Ultgar (poster bellow you) seems to think that the sockets are actually Taiwanese which is putting me off a little. I'm think I'm more inclined to go for a set of 3/8 deep Koken sockets, which are £69.95 here: http://www.consolidatedtools.com/ep...th=/Shops/s3zpvuf584b3/Products/"KOK3300M/12" I've already got a few sets of "cheap" standard length sockets, so if I get the deep sockets just now and like the brand, I can upgrade the standard ones at a later date.

There are not many dealers in the US but Ultimate Garage stocks more Facom part numbers (3500+) than any dealer in the UK (or France). I have to because lead times are 4-6 weeks to bring items into the US where UK dealers can get stock orders from the Facom UK distribution center in 2-5 days.

Here's my inventory list which shows Country of Origin and New Products / Supercessions..... see http://www.ultimategarage.com/Facom-Inventory.xls .

The Facom set listed at the top of the page (J.4APB) has mixed COO....the ratchet is made in Italy, the case and tray in France, and the sockets and drive accessories in Taiwan. It appears this set was a "special" for a few years and does not appear on the 2016 Price sheet. There should be some aggressive pricing on this item.

Steve D (Ultimate Garage)

Thanks Steve. I did wonder why it was so cheap compared to other Facom branded products I've seen, but I'm guessing it's now because the sockets are made in Taiwan. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[ultgar]

Thanks again Dave. Ultgar (poster bellow you) seems to think that the sockets are actually Taiwanese which is putting me off a little.

The finish on the Taiwanese sockets is on par if not better than the older ones that came out of France. Mainland China still has some spotty quality issues....I'd take Taiwan production over mainland China any day.

No one talks about COO with their Apple products. They'll gladly pay expensive retail pricing for the latest iphone or ipad. SD

 

[Dave455]

Ultgar seems to have some good info! I'd trust it!

I said what I did because I know that those ratchets are Italian made (by USAG) and the last of those sets I saw in the U.K. was clearly marked as to it's origin!

I'm not surprised that Facom are now doing a 'mix and match', but it may be worth checking the COO of the particular set you are considering, as it sounds like variations abound!

I don't have a problem buying Taiwanese, so long as I know that, the price reflects it, and Taiwanese suits that particular need! I do have a problem paying European, or worse still U.S, prices for Taiwanese tools I could get elsewhere cheaper!

Facom do seem to have done a better job than some, with regard to their outsourcing. As I said in my initial post, some of it is good, some not. The good includes stuff such as their 440 series wrenches. They have never concealed the origins of these tools, and they sell on their merits. If your Taiwanese tools are really as good as you say, this is the way to go!

Electronic products are not quite the same as tools! Unfortunately, even some managers of tool manufacturers don't understand this, which is why we keep seeing the same foulups!

If you like the look of the KoKen, go for 'em! I doubt you will be disappointed, though I still reckon that Facom set is a good price!

 

[nutsnbolts]

Snap-on tools are awesome. and great quality. BUT, no tool that you use daily will last a lifetime. Every brand breaks.

I have had to warranty tools from Snap-on, Mac, Matco, Cman, Husky, GW, etc. There is no such thing as a tool lasting a lifetime if you actually use the tool daily.

He is a DIYer

 

[nutsnbolts]

Every thread offers a lesson to be learned. l believe this thread's offering is this: There is a boatload of money to be made distributing tools in the UK

 

[ticci]

He is a DIYer

...so both sets will last forever. I'd go with the Facom set, for cheaper price and propably easier warranty. At least in here there isn't many snappy trucks driving along.

Oh wait, I already went that route.

 

[Dave455]

Every thread offers a lesson to be learned. l believe this thread's offering is this: There is a boatload of money to be made distributing tools in the UK

Yep, I reckon so!

You can source just about any euro brand here - we've got Facom, SAM, Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore, Elora, Saltus, Beta, USAG, etc, etc, but... Euro tools tend to be very functional. Nothing wrong with that, but British tastes are traditionally very different!

We like tools of decent steel that are hard enough to hand down to our grandkids! We like highly polished chrome and red boxes, and above all we expect a full range of tools to be available! If grandfather could get a long series flex head ratchet, we expect to be able to do the same!

Most Brits, like their U.S. cousins, also have to buy their own tools, all of which helps to explain why Snap On, and to a certain extent Mac, are so popular here! (Though the 'tool truck' method of selling suits the U.K too, where distances are short, customers are plenty, but retail premises are costly)

The only thing that boggles the hell out of us is why firms should start taking 'Made in USA' off of their tools, when they are still made there! That's what we're paying for, and in fact we'd like some Stars and Stripes on the box too!

I reckon that the first person to offer quality U.S. made tools (Something like Wright) at a slightly lower price than Snap On would probably clean up!

 

[Steven001]

Thank you very much for your help guys - much appreciated! I bought the Facom set tonight and I'm excited to see what it's like! With the money I've saved I'm going to buy a few extra tools like a 8oz, 16oz and 32oz hammer set and hub puller! (changed my girlfriends wheel bearing today and the axle was stuck inside the hub, not fun!

Next on the list will be a good 1/2" set for doing work to the suspension etc!

 

[Exceller8]

I've never been much of a fan of Span On tools. I'd go with the Facom myself.

 

[pozidriv]

Yep, I reckon so!

You can source just about any euro brand here - we've got Facom, SAM, Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore, Elora, Saltus, Beta, USAG, etc, etc, but... Euro tools tend to be very functional. Nothing wrong with that, but British tastes are traditionally very different!

We like tools of decent steel that are hard enough to hand down to our grandkids! We like highly polished chrome and red boxes, and above all we expect a full range of tools to be available! If grandfather could get a long series flex head ratchet, we expect to be able to do the same!

Most Brits, like their U.S. cousins, also have to buy their own tools, all of which helps to explain why Snap On, and to a certain extent Mac, are so popular here! (Though the 'tool truck' method of selling suits the U.K too, where distances are short, customers are plenty, but retail premises are costly)

The only thing that boggles the hell out of us is why firms should start taking 'Made in USA' off of their tools, when they are still made there! That's what we're paying for, and in fact we'd like some Stars and Stripes on the box too!

I reckon that the first person to offer quality U.S. made tools (Something like Wright) at a slightly lower price than Snap On would probably clean up!

I always enjoy reading your posts, Dave. You always draw a very clear picture of British 'tool and work situation'

I think it really makes a huge difference if people have to buy their own tools vs. being provided by the workplace. People here simply seem to care less. BTW, almost all automotive workplaces are filled to the brim with facom or SAM. Industrial seem to prefer Gedore.

 

[clown]

Just my .02 cents here.

I'm an American currently living in Germany, and I love me some "Made in USA" tools!

If you can find a U.S. web site that doesn't shaft you on shipping charges, most of the "Made in USA" tool brands are about the same price, or cheaper than comparable European brands (except wrenches) when you calculate the exchange rate.

For example, I bought a Wright Tool 1/2" impact socket set and 3/8" chrome socket set from this web site: http://www.hardwaresales.com/wright-tool.html

The shipping cost was $36 and I received them in about 5 days...Seattle to Frankfurt.

Epstein has a much better selection, but their international shipping is extortionate...about $100.

If I bought Hazet or Stahlwille sets here in Germany, I would have easily spent double that!!

If you can buy more tools in one shipment , i.e. wrenches, pliers, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, you can save on shipping costs. << I'm sure everybody here will think this is a great idea!!

This web site: http://www.tbs-aachen.de/ has very good prices on wrench (spanner) sets.

I have found that European made sockets, ratchets and hammers are insanely expensive!!

I saw at that Facom socket set you linked in a store in France...I live on the border, they are made in Taiwan. You have to decide if it's a big deal to you, it is a huge deal-breaker for me.

I hope this helps a little.

 

[Steven001]

Just my .02 cents here.

I'm an American currently living in Germany, and I love me some "Made in USA" tools!

If you can find a U.S. web site that doesn't shaft you on shipping charges, most of the "Made in USA" tool brands are about the same price, or cheaper than comparable European brands (except wrenches) when you calculate the exchange rate.

For example, I bought a Wright Tool 1/2" impact socket set and 3/8" chrome socket set from this web site: http://www.hardwaresales.com/wright-tool.html

The shipping cost was $36 and I received them in about 5 days...Seattle to Frankfurt.

Epstein has a much better selection, but their international shipping is extortionate...about $100.

If I bought Hazet or Stahlwille sets here in Germany, I would have easily spent double that!!

If you can buy more tools in one shipment , i.e. wrenches, pliers, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, you can save on shipping costs. << I'm sure everybody here will think this is a great idea!!

This web site: http://www.tbs-aachen.de/ has very good prices on wrench (spanner) sets.

I have found that European made sockets, ratchets and hammers are insanely expensive!!

I saw at that Facom socket set you linked in a store in France...I live on the border, they are made in Taiwan. You have to decide if it's a big deal to you, it is a huge deal-breaker for me.

I hope this helps a little.

Thanks for that extremely useful post, Clown! As you might have read, I have now bought the Facom set following recommendations from this forum. What is it about Tiwanese manufactures that would put you offf the sockets?

 

[Steven001]

So the Facom set arrived today and I was initially quite disappointed, as the ratchet ins't the same one as shown in the image. I should have looked closer at the description which stated that the ratchet was a Facom J.161, but it is definitely smaller than the one shown in the photograph. It's only 6.6" inches long and I was hoping it would be a little bigger (now now). The sockets themselves look good; they have an almost satin finish to them (don't look as good as a Koken ones), but as long as they perform well I'll be happy. I have some work to get done on the car this week and I'm looking forward to testing them out, although I'll need to get a 3/8" breaker bar as the ratchet is tiny!

 

[drtyler]

Something to consider if you want a longer 3/8 Facom ratchet.

The J.161L has been discontinued, but they are still on ebay. I saw two new ones on there recently, one in the US and the other in the UK. It is the 1/2 ratchet body with 3/8 drive. As all of the parts are available for the round head ratchets, you could likely buy the S.161 and use a 3/8 drive to create one yourself.

So the Facom set arrived today and I was initially quite disappointed, as the ratchet ins't the same one as shown in the image. I should have looked closer at the description which stated that the ratchet was a Facom J.161, but it is definitely smaller than the one shown in the photograph. It's only 6.6" inches long and I was hoping it would be a little bigger (now now). The sockets themselves look good; they have an almost satin finish to them (don't look as good as a Koken ones), but as long as they perform well I'll be happy. I have some work to get done on the car this week and I'm looking forward to testing them out, although I'll need to get a 3/8" breaker bar as the ratchet is tiny!

 

[ultgar]

So the Facom set arrived today and I was initially quite disappointed, as the ratchet ins't the same one as shown in the image. I should have looked closer at the description which stated that the ratchet was a Facom J.161, but it is definitely smaller than the one shown in the photograph. It's only 6.6" inches long and I was hoping it would be a little bigger (now now).

3/8" drive sockets and drive tools are recommended for fasteners with a 15-50nm torque range. The J.161 used to be the mid-size 3/8" drive ratchet at 175mm (6.9") with the J.161E (4.25") and J.161L (10") as the other 2 palm control ratchets. I personally like a longer 3/8" drive ratchet but some inexperienced users could get into trouble stripping fasteners (especially with softer metals) with the extra length/leverage/torque of the longer driver. SD

 

[Steven001]

Something to consider if you want a longer 3/8 Facom ratchet.

The J.161L has been discontinued, but they are still on ebay. I saw two new ones on there recently, one in the US and the other in the UK. It is the 1/2 ratchet body with 3/8 drive. As all of the parts are available for the round head ratchets, you could likely buy the S.161 and use a 3/8 drive to create one yourself.

I think I thought it was the J.161L that was included and not the smaller one. Thanks for letting me know, I don't have a 1/2 set and the moment and I think I'll just wait until I purchase one, rather than buying a third 3/8 drive ratchet!

3/8" drive sockets and drive tools are recommended for fasteners with a 15-50nm torque range. The J.161 used to be the mid-size 3/8" drive ratchet at 175mm (6.9") with the J.161E (4.25") and J.161L (10") as the other 2 palm control ratchets. I personally like a longer 3/8" drive ratchet but some inexperienced users could get into trouble stripping fasteners (especially with softer metals) with the extra length/leverage/torque of the longer driver. SD

I have to say I thought 3/8 drive sockets were capable than a lot more than 50nm... From the things I've read I assumed that 3/8 drive was the most common used socket size on cars (other than suspension/wheels etc), but going by those torque figure it should be 1/2" drive. I have to admit, I don't even own a 1/2" set at the moment and do most stuff with 3/8 drive (although I have borrowed a 1/2" set for changing my struts). I've torqued bolts up to at least 85nm without an issues using 3/8 drive.

Obviously I need to add a 1/2" set to my collection, is there a brand you would recommend? I have used a set of Teng impact sockets http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000Y8FW56/?tag=atomicindustr-21 (on regular ratchet and breaker bar) and they were excellent, I was very impressed. However, I know that they are thicker than regular sockets and are less accessible in tight spaces.

Thanks again for posting, you're obviously very knowledgeable on the subject.