Help me choose a new socket set

[theivthking]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm looking for a new socket set. I sold my USA Craftsman, I wasn't ecstatic about them but they were also the very last of the USA stock (bought 3 years ago).

I'm not a pro but I do want quality. I'm looking for 3/8" and 1/4" Metric. I don't particularly want SAE sockets as I never use them working on cars. I'm also not worried about the ratchets as I have ratchets that I like. I've looked at a few sets and I'm debating whether to get SK, gearwrench, tekton. I know those are very different prices. If the SK is really worth it I won't hesitate. But if it's only marginally better I'd rather save the cash. I'm open to suggestions, I'd just like to keep it under $250.

Here is what I'm looking at;
SK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M9NEK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Gearwrench 80550 and 80300

Tekton
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M9NEK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jakemac]

My preference would be for the SK set, but that's a personal choice based on COO and customer service, not on quality or price. Others may choose differently base on other criteria.

 

[1950mercury]

I'd go with gw. From the few you have posted. I hate to say it but there fit and finish blows away sk

 

[dr_clyde]

SK. I have a bunch of SK sockets, and they are great. USA made and good quality.

Personally, I feel like Apex can shove it, I am still pissed at them for shutting down Armstrong and Allen to push GearWrench. I bought a lot of Armstrong tools. By doing that, they also took away Matco's USA manufacturer, so even more Matco is imported.

They have ruined Armstrong, Allen, Jacobs, Nicholson and Wiss.

I'll buy pretty much anything else before I support an Apex brand now.

 

[fordnut85]

I would recommend gear wrench. I have a couple of their chrome sets I use professionally and they have held up great and they are not as much of a sloppy fit as some of the other "budget" priced tools. If impact sockets are ever in your future I would look at grey pneumatic. They have a line of "duo" sockets that are impact rated but thin walled similar to chrome sockets. I beat the hell out of mine and have yet to split one. Pretty damn affordable too.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[gdocktor3]

Yea Gearwrench is hard to beat when you consider price and quality. SK is USA made, but that's about it... Nothing special....

I have sets by both brands and Gearwrench is the better choice.

 

[Gila Monster]

Another vote for GearWrench

 

[MattVette89]

I like the Gearwrench for the price. I have no SK sockets, just wrenches and ratchets, so I can't comment on those. I will say that the Napa Carlyle line is also very nice, just catch them on sale for the best prices. I think my Carlyle sets edge out the GW just slightly.

 

[SK-Mike]

Sk all the way. Made in USA!!!!!

 

[d.mcfarland]

Gearwrench. I'll even give you the link to exactly what will fit your needs all for $100.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-too...l?Session_ID=2c12fe007ee298a3d55e8a4fdde7399f

I'm all for USA made, but unless you want to shell out $500 right away get the cheap set and then slowly replace the stuff you use most with good USA made stuff.

 

[amishman]

Gonna throw this out... as I have found the new Teng Tools to be very well made, and now that they have office in USA and ship from USA, getting support is easy. I purchased this set for $199, free UPS Ground, no sales tax, and you get all metric (no SAE) 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Nice satin finish if that tickles your fancy. It does mine as I love euro style satin finish tools. Made in Taiwan but well made and they are designed in Sweden. Also love the organized boxes the tools come in and can be displayed in your main toolbox.

https://www.tengtoolsusa.com/promos-bundles/18-piece-1-2-inch-drive-12-point-socket-set.html

I am a big fan now that I have been buying and using their tools.

TJ

 

[californiaHank]

Another brand to consider is Williams. They sell two lines of sockets - very good US made one and a cheaper line of Taiwan made stuff.

 

[grumpychevy]

Yet another brand to consider is PROTO, they are also made in USA.

 

[jhnlngn]

My next set will be Williams USA line.

 

[gdocktor3]

Well shoot, may as well consider Mac and Snap On. Then there's Matco and NOS Armstrong. Cornwell, Wright, etc etc etc....

 

[bczygan]

Harbor Freight

 

[Wamsutta]

There seems to be two different definitions for "socket set."
1. A set of sockets in a blow molded plastic case with ratchets and extensions.
2. A set of sockets in a socket holder in sizes 10mm-19mm for example.

 

[anndel]

Snap On wins hands down. If too pricey look at used from the Classified section here on GJ or Ebay.

But from your list, I would go with SK. I have that set in my truck box.

 

[T45]

for $250 in 1/4 + 3/8 metric only you can buy any brand you want. Its really more about how many variations you want (deep, shallow, semi, swivels) and maybe how much coverage at that stage...do you need ratchets and drive tools as well? I wouldn't hesitate to mix brands a bit, either.

Without a doubt the best value is gearwerench sets for $100. There is also Toptul and Facom along with Napa/Carlyle...All of those are Taiwan coo and the quality is good to great and prices from dirt cheap to modestly expensive.

For coo conscious tools, I'd look at Proto first. There is also williams and wright and SK but that tend to be in sets and you'd have to like the ratchets.

Also, don't forget you can score some basic kits from german brands like stahlwille if you catch them on sale and just need shallows with drive tools.

If you need deep and universals, that will stretch your budget a bit and force you down into lower pricepoints because the number of pieces will double or triple. and the per-item cost will be also higher as those tools have more materials and time involved in the production.

I'd strongly consier the GW kit with deep/shallows in 1/4+3/8 dive and bogo universals. with whats left over, a snap on or maybe a couple of carlyle long ratchets -- if you need the more comprehensive type solution on that fixed budget.

 

[Mhyde52]

I don't think any of the sets the OP mentioned are any better than USA Craftsman. Of the ones OP mentioned I'd probably go SK or GW. Also Napa Carlyle, as someone mentioned, is a decent socket if bought on sale.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap On wins hands down. If too pricey look at used from the Classified section here on GJ or Ebay.

Usually in these threads where an OP will mention GearWrench, SK or Tekton; Snap-on doesn't stand a chance.

 

[T45]

I don't think any of the sets the OP mentioned are any better than USA Craftsman.

I agree on this, you can defititely buy better sockets but you will need to search out the better brands and have enough quality drive tools etc lined up (within the budget) to really notice them day in and out. Cman USA sockets on snappy ratchets is gonna go pretty far for alot of people. Nice sockets on sloppy extensions and skipping ratchets is likewise sort of the opposite, not really ideal or going to be all that obviously better.

 

[rjvjeepster]

I'd seriously get Pittsbourgh Pro- I have a set of deep well 1/2" metric and they've held up well. I'd expect the same for 3/8" drive set. Taiwan made.

If Harbor Freight gives you the chills, I'd do Gearwrench. Not that much more expensive and great quality. Anything more expensive than Gearwrench, I'd want USA made.

Could also look on eBay etc for Krauter sockets. Same as SK, according to one source, it's the K in SK. Most of my SAE 3/8" drive stuff is from them, must be 40 years old and the sockets are still good. But forget any warranty with them, not that you'll need it.

 

[Tallpilot]

I feel the same way about Gearwrench. I have a toolbox full of it but I don't like Apex management. The warranty can occasionally be a pain as wel. So if I think I am going to break it I buy Tekton. I just bought their new large SAE impact set. They are chrome molybdenum and quite nice for $50. 1 3/16 to 1 1/2 in.

Snap On would be awesome but hundreds of dollars for a socket set is rediculous unless you are literally using them all day every day.

 

[anndel]

Usually in these threads where an OP will mention GearWrench, SK or Tekton; Snap-on doesn't stand a chance.

I know, just had to throw it out there. But GW doesn't stand a chance against Harbor Freight though there was 1 post for HF.

 

[Finky198]

T45 ^^^+1 100% agreed

I have reg set USA Craftsman 1/4"-3/4" drive, HF and Sunex impacts and Snappy for 1/2 chrome, specialty, and swivels. Are some a bit nicer than the other yes, but they all do their job. Quality drive tools and extensions make the work go smoother. The difference in sockets are subtle. All my stuff is used professionally and Very rarely do I break sockets I think 5-7 in 8 years out of 500-600 plus sockets. It's Very Low failure rate they fail at all sizes and brands it's quite random. More about using the proper drive size for the given torque.

I'll take my Craftsman socket and dual 80s Over
Snap on sockets and Craftsman Rp ratchets any day...

Boy there's a lot of "Cman" talk for a tool forum.

 

[Wamsutta]

Snap On would be awesome but hundreds of dollars for a socket set is rediculous unless you are literally using them all day every day.

Some guys are just overly sensitive to the differences in quality between home owner tools and professional tools. I fall into that category.

 

[Finky198]

You can find almost anything hardline Snap on for roughly 50% off so I don't get this argument. Are their sockets that much better, yes compared to most they are top notch they have very nice chrome, tight fit, and they are heavy yet thin. As the price gap closes between snap on and the latter one has to question at what price are those few extra features worth. Prices are sometimes much closer than you think.

Do a little price matching and find the best deal..... within your budget.
eBay is a great resource of info even if you don't purchase them their.

 

[bpjr]

Comparing my 1/4" G2 (2004-2008?) vintage USA Craftsman sockets with my much older 1/4" SK sockets and the quality is obvious. The SK is beefer and should be much stronger...but I've had zero problems with the thinner Craftsmans. There are times when thicker sockets don't fit so I reach for the Craftsman or USA Kleins (which are thin too) Chrome and markings are better with SK but Craftsmans not bad. I think SK quality and price is overkill for most DIY guys who wrench on weekends. So, if you want to feel warm and fuzzy with pride of ownership with higher quality go with SK and don't look back.

 

[mudflap]

Carlyle gets my vote...GW is great too. I love S-K...but like somebody else said,,if your buying sets, u have to like their ratchets. Anything above GW (xcept a few specialty items) is a vanity purchase..I have seen tool trucks come and go...own them all.. You have your tool polishers/collectors..and people trying to justify the dump truck full of $$$$ they have blown on Snap-On...

 

[theivthking]

Thanks for all the replies.

I think if I'm understanding the concencious the difference between the SK and gearwrenchset is not enough to justify the price in practicality.

For clarity's sake. I am looking for shallow and deep wells in both 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive. I have ratchets that I like so the ratchet isn't a necessity. I have USA craftsman drive tools from varying time periods over the last decade or so.

What would the thoughts be on getting the Sunex master 3/8" inch Metric socket set (that include universals, an added bonus) and then a gearwrench 1/4" set? Would I ever run into an issue where I really wanted/needed 3/8" chrome sockets over the impact sockets? That way I could use an impact wrench with them.

 

[toyodajeff]

To me it seems like a pain to use a impact swivel with a ratchet. I don't have any gw sets but I do have sk. Sk sets are very compact in the blow molded cases compared to most other brands besides tekton. I also try to buy American when I can afford it. It helps keep another man in a job. Someday it might be your job being outsourced to asia.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have all Snap on and picked up that complete 1/4 GW set....Super impressed.

If I lost all my Snappy I would probably go all GW chrome and Sunex impact and Vim/Bondhus hex/torx etc.

 

[Schurkey]

I think if I'm understanding the concencious the difference between the SK and gearwrenchset is not enough to justify the price in practicality.

It's your money. "I" wouldn't walk across the street for imported Gearwrench.

For clarity's sake. I am looking for shallow and deep wells in both 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive.

Four socket sets. Might as well buy good ones.

I have ratchets that I like so the ratchet isn't a necessity. I have USA craftsman drive tools from varying time periods over the last decade or so.

You have my sympathy. There will come a time when you step up to a real ratchet or six. You're going to be amazed. I was...and that was back in the middle-'80s. Crapsman has only gone downhill since then, while the quality brands have never been better.

Would I ever run into an issue where I really wanted/needed 3/8" chrome sockets over the impact sockets? That way I could use an impact wrench with them.

There's something to be said for buying just impact sockets in 3/8 and/or 1/2 drive, as a temporary measure. You will probably have clearance for the thick-wall impact sockets. Impact sockets are softer and might wear faster, but I don't see that as a legitimate concern for about 95% of users.

12-point wrenches are very handy, because even with a 6-point fastener, you can have twice as many wrench positions. Helps a lot if wrench swing is restricted. A 12-point socket brings nothing useful to the party unless you have 12-point fasteners. In fact, 12-point sockets in 1/4" drive are detrimental. If you're buying impact sockets, get 6-point. You can fill-in with 12-point chrome sockets later, if you ever have a need for 12-point sockets at all.

 

[espyking83]

With 100% honesty i think SK would be the best choice for you. You get superb quality without the typical tool truck price. You should also look at williams, toptul, etc. craftsman isnt enough for the home diy'er these days tbh, complete ****. I think anything from HF would be better than todays craftsman.


Dont forget to look at NOS classic usa brands on ebay, some good deals there.

 

[espyking83]

I agree with mudflap as well, carlyle is a damned solid bang for the buck. I have several odds and ends from them and have no complaints

 

[1969]

You should have kept the US craftsman. I have US Craftsman that I bought 45 years ago and have used them considerably, they work just fine.

 

[theivthking]

I meant I have USA craftsman accessorys from the last ten years or so. My ratchets are gear wrench and maybe 25 year old craftsman.

The USA craftsman from 2014 (when it was bought not necessary produced) I think might have been different from USA craftsman from 45 years ago. Every socket looked like it had a different color chrome, was rusty, and the detents weren't consistent.

I sold the USA craftsman because I wasn't completely satisfied and figured I could get my money out of them, and I did. I'm thinking about doing the impact socket route does anyone have any other thoughts towards that? Or does anyone have the opinion that an SK socket is measurably better than Gear wrench/tekton etc.?

 

[disston]

I have this set in 3/8 drive from Gearwrench.

Bought it last year before Christmas because they were only 80 something bucks.

My 1/4 set has been the Snappy for the past twenty years. Even tho I'm not a pro I use this set a lot. It has served me well.

I bought that when they were going for $300 used. They are now much higher. Used Snap On is over priced. Period. I shop very carefully.

The biggest bang for the buck is Gearwrench. SK is made in America if you want to go that route. But my GW set is very high quality. I would buy the SK if I could afford it but when money is tight I have to be more careful like most.

 

[armycw2]

Give SK a chance!