Help with a 3/8 socket set for home use

[Frottage]

Hi all, I'm looking for some help selecting a new socket set for the house. Use will be repairs around the house, general tinkering, light automotive, and general hobby use. I've read older posts here and find myself in the "in between" budget area - I'd like something better quality than big box store brands, but the high end sets are way out of reach for me. Ideally it would be a set in a case with a basic selection of standard and metric 6 point sockets, and a wrench with a push button release. So far, I've considered:

SK 94547. Great, but twice my budget:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Gearwrench 80550. Nice, except no push button release: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NICEVW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tekton 13101. Checks all the boxes, if the quality is OK: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RCYX4WI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is there anything you'd recommend over the above that fits my budget and use? Any help or direction you can offer is greatly appreciated!

 

[shawndp]

I have a Tekton 3/8 impact set at work and they work really well. I beat on them almost daily and none have gone to pieces. Once I upgrade my sockets the Tekton are going home. The rub is that I don't know how their ratchets are... On the other hand I have been using Gearwrench ratchets and really like them - all 7... The only GW I have with a push button release is my oil change ratchet and it's a 36T affair - you aren't missing anything by not having that button. Maybe get the Tekton set and buy a GW 84T flex head with a long handle for those moments when you need the leverage. All the best!

 

[PJNJ]

How about this Gearwrench bogo instead -
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MIq9Ho-5av1QIV24izCh0tVwGiEAQYASABEgJ8XPD_BwE

Both a 3/8 set and 1/4 set for the price. Hard to beat.

 

[gdocktor3]

I vote Gearwrench. They're awesome quality stuff at an awesome price, that can be warrantied if necessary at your local Advance Auto. SK and Tekton are not as easy.

 

[Codejack]

I just went through an agonizing process of spec'ing out a new tool set:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365989

What I finally decided on for 3/8" was a used Snap On ratchet and a new set of Gearwrench impact sockets:

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...andard-Industrial-Handle-Ratchet-P647465.aspx

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrenc...nt-sae-metric-std-deep-impact-socket-set.html

$50 for the used ratchet and $60 for the sockets; $110 for a complete 3/8" set of basically indestructible tools.

---------------------------------------------

Alternatively, the Pittsburgh Pro line from HF is quite well regarded for a lot less money (I'm getting their 1/2" impact sockets):

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-composite-tear-drop-ratchet-62318.htmll

And if you really want chrome, their Pro 3/8" sockets are supposed to be pretty solid:

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-Pc-38-in-Drive-SAE-High-Visibility-Socket-Set-67924.html

And you could put together a complete 3/8" set for $60-70.

 

[Biomed]

I vote Gearwrench. They're awesome quality stuff at an awesome price, that can be warrantied if necessary at your local Advance Auto. SK and Tekton are not as easy.

What part of S-K or Tekton warranty is not "easy"? I have warrantied stuff from both manufacturers and all it took was a simple phone call. They FedEx the stuff to you (I did not have to return the defective) and never even have to leave the house.

I have tried to buy and warranty stuff from Advance Auto and if they do not have it in stock you wait and have to make TWO trips to the store.

 

[LB-1911]

Is there anything you'd recommend over the above that fits my budget and use? Any help or direction you can offer is greatly appreciated!

I second PJNJ's Recommendation, Within your budget and added bonus of the 1/4" set. You can acquire your quick release ratchets later.

How about this Gearwrench bogo instead -
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MIq9Ho-5av1QIV24izCh0tVwGiEAQYASABEgJ8XPD_BwE

Both a 3/8 set and 1/4 set for the price. Hard to beat.

Link to 1/4" drive set above, Specifications tab lists the contents.
http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchet-a...80300-51-pc-1-4-drive-6-point-socket-set.html

 

[bob15]

Go with the SK and be done with it.

I get a kick out of people bragging about warranties; I'm still using Bonney tools that haven't broken in decades of use. If you are breaking sockets and their associated tools, they are probably being misused and should not be warrantied anyways. How often do you think the OP will need to warranty a tool for what he is doing? Probably never.......so that is a mute point. And if there was an issue, SK will fix it with a single phone call.

 

[Codejack]

if you are breaking sockets and their associated tools, they are probably being misused (or were **** in the first place) and should not be warrantied anyways.

ftfy

 

[KWtech90]

How about this Gearwrench bogo instead -
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MIq9Ho-5av1QIV24izCh0tVwGiEAQYASABEgJ8XPD_BwE

Both a 3/8 set and 1/4 set for the price. Hard to beat.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

The set with 120xp ratchets is actually cheaper. I have this exact set and I love it. I really wish the 3/8 ratchet was a little longer though.

 

[PJNJ]

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

The set with 120xp ratchets is actually cheaper. I have this exact set and I love it. I really wish the 3/8 ratchet was a little longer though.

The 120xp set doesn't come with the 3/8 stubby ratchet.

 

[earlthegoat2]

The GW bogo deal is a hard one to pass up IMO. I've bought two now and both times I wondered if I should buy Tekton or SK. The value is too great with the GW. I have used GW ratchets and sockets pretty hard. The ratchet will wear out but I have never broken a socket, extension, or swivel. The swivel does get sloppy though and should be replaced with a nicer one.

 

[icthruu74]

I picked up that Tekton set a few weeks ago. Haven't really used it, but it looked nice for a basic set to throw in the car. My local Ace is carrying Tekton now and I've been pretty happy with the the few things I've picked up so far.

 

[Tallpilot]

The Tekton set is good and the warranty process is excellent. They occasionally have sales on sockets and then it is an even better value. The BOGO on the Gearwrench is so good though that you should get that and whatever ratchet you want. I recommend you try one with a long handle and a flex head.

 

[cherrybomb]

Listen to Bob15,buy a set that will last a lifetime.SK is a USA company that has turned it around.Tool truck quality with out the price.E mail with a question,they will respond the same day.The latest ratchet wrenches received numerous awards.They will instill a sense of pride in ownership.

 

[PJNJ]

Go with the SK and be done with it.

I get a kick out of people bragging about warranties; I'm still using Bonney tools that haven't broken in decades of use. If you are breaking sockets and their associated tools, they are probably being misused and should not be warrantied anyways. How often do you think the OP will need to warranty a tool for what he is doing? Probably never.......so that is a mute point. And if there was an issue, SK will fix it with a single phone call.

Listen to Bob15,buy a set that will last a lifetime.SK is a USA company that has turned it around.Tool truck quality with out the price.E mail with a question,they will respond the same day.The latest ratchet wrenches received numerous awards.They will instill a sense of pride in ownership.

Ordinarily, I would recommend the SK set but the OP says that it is twice his budget. I have both SK and Gearwrench sockets, ratchets, etc.. They are both very good but I would give the nod to SK. That said the Gearwrench have held up very well and I have used the heck out of their mid-depth sockets. Sometimes the budget dictates which item can be purchased and he should get good service out of the GW sets.

 

[gdocktor3]

What part of S-K or Tekton warranty is not "easy"? I have warrantied stuff from both manufacturers and all it took was a simple phone call. They FedEx the stuff to you (I did not have to return the defective) and never even have to leave the house.

I have tried to buy and warranty stuff from Advance Auto and if they do not have it in stock you wait and have to make TWO trips to the store.

Sure, if you can wait 3, 4, whatever days for the item to ship. I've warrantied SK items and they took well over a week to arrive. You break a GW ratchet, socket, whatever and go right to AA to replace it. The time it takes you to call Tekton or SK, in my case, is the same as driving to AA. FWIW, I have plenty of SK and support them all the way, but a homeowner looking for a set to do odd jobs around the house doesn't need to spend $200 or whatever the cost is these days.

 

[EOC_Jason]

The SK 94547 set is really nice with the regular & deep in a large SAE & Metric sizes with no skips. I'm still regretting selling the set I had...

I found one considerably cheaper at a pawn shop, looked brand new... I've also seen them on eBay floating around $100 for a nice used set...

 

[Rarified27]

ftfy

I have to admit I laughed out loud at this one.

 

[Fedwrench]

The SK set is a great set but, would be overkill for home use. The Gearwrench set & Taiwan made Tekton sets are really outstanding value and offer you the best bang for your dollar. The sets are are also very complete.

 

[mbshop]

I know I'll get flack for this but this is really being over analyzed. Just get any basic 3/8 set and you will be more than fine. Just get a set for what you need and at the price you want to spend and get to work. Jeez.

 

[dar24601]

I upgraded from a craftsman (bought back in '96) to sk last year. For me very little difference in the sockets so IMO for your intended use there will be little to no difference between tekton and sk sockets. The ratchet is where you'll notice the difference sk is light years better than the craftsman. Tekton is supposed to be better than craftsman So I'd get the tekton set and can 'upgrade' ratchet later. Youll probably find you'll "need" a 3/8 ratchet in a 1/4 frame ( handy for appliance repairs) sk or wright make it. Depends on which style you like better

http://https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/ratchets-3-8-drive-26901.html

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-dr-ratchet-w-ratchet-handle.html

 

[jrockford]

I would look no further than Harbor Freight for your ratchets and sockets. Very comparable in quality to GearWrench.

 

[M_George]

Check the ACE Hardware site. They had a sale on the 3/8 Craftsman set for $10 last week. Might still be there.
http://www.acehardware.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=135580406&cid=CME_ACE_Rewards_20170725

 

[shawndp]

The SK set is a great set but, would be overkill for home use. The Gearwrench set & Taiwan made Tekton sets are really outstanding value and offer you the best bang for your dollar. The sets are are also very complete.

This is very sane advice! For home use, GW and Tekton will be more than adequate. Don't feel pressured to buy tools that cost more than you intend to spend - there are enough techs out there doing that already. The warranty part too - unless you are doing something you shouldn't be, or some freak incident arises, you won't need weekly / monthly warranties.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have to agree with BOB. I have a lot of SK tools, never a problem. I did warranty 2 sockets, some time ago. They came to me through my dad's estate, both were cracked. SK sent replacements in short order.

I can't say enough good about SK customer service or their current tools.

Next on my want list is their new 90 tooth ratchets

 

[Codejack]

SK is out of the price range.

OP, I think that you will be happy with any of the options, here; Gearwrench and Tekton have excellent reputations, and the pro-line at Harbor Freight are apparently pretty good, too.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Why just 3/8ths? Why above big box store "quality?"

Any of the big box store brands as well as the often suggested GearWrench and Tekton are all the same level of quality and most likely come out of the same factory using the same steel and manufacturing processes.

Unless buy American is your primary goal, COO is irrelevant and the only factor for you as the end user to be concerned with is ergonomics.

Nobody here can tell you how a tool feels in your hand. Go to the stores and experience the tools in your hand. Brand means nothing.

Also note that quality does not only mean "strength" of the tool, it also includes fit and finish. So a shinier chrome tool will also be considered higher quality even if it does not impact durability or usability of the tool.

For a home owner, unless you already have decent tool storage, buying sets piece by piece guarantees you keep buying the same piece repeatedly as they get lost with no "home" to go to.

 

[lbhsbz]

Harbor freight Pittsburg pro. Excellent sockets.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I am not going to recommend a brand, but I will give you some tips ! I got mt very first set of tools about 50 years ago, a set of Craftsman 3/8" and 1/4" sockets and ratchets. I still have them and use them often for household repairs and light automotive.

• You will need both SAE and metric. SAE is fading, but still pretty common for non-automotive. ALL SOCKETS MUST BE 6 POINT !
• You will need 1/4" drive, standard length (I don't have 1/4" deep; never been a problem).
• You will need both deep SAE and metric 3/8" drive.
• You will need several 3/8" extensions; 3", 6" 12". 6" 1/4" drive is a nice to have.
• Universals for both 1/4" and 3/8".
• 3/8" to 1/4" adapter.
• Eventually, you will get a 3/8" long, flex head ratchet.
• You do NOT need a 1/4" ratchet, but you DO need a 1/4" breaker bar.
• The most useful tool I have in this set is a 1/4" hand spinner/extension. It look like a screwdriver but has a 1/4" male drive on it. I have never bought . Craftsman makes one with a 1/4" female built in to the handle so you can add a breaker bar/ratchet for a little extra torque.

 

[ssdave]

Advice is an artifact of the experience of the person giving it. I'd respectfully disagree with theoldwizard in his post above on a couple of points. I think those are an artifact of his use of craftsman tools. My experience is different, based on the use of Snap-on and Proto tools.

I disagree that all sockets need to be 6 point. I use 12 point almost exclusively, and don't experience round off problems. But, mine are Snap-on and Proto. When I had Craftsman, I experienced round off, but instead of going to 6 point, I went to better sockets and the problem went away.

I also use a 1/4" ratchet a lot. But, I use 1/4" sockets a lot, instead of 3/8". Again, an artifact of my experience with better quality tools; the 1/4" does the work of cheaper 3/8" tools. I also do not use a 1/4" breaker bar. The ratchets are more than strong enough, and longer ratchet handles have eliminated that advantage of a breaker bar. I only use a breaker bar in 1/2" and 3/4" sizes.

However, to address your original question: almost anything will meet your needs. Just buy a set that spans your range of sizes and has the case and features you like, at a price you can afford. 3/8" is the best universal size for getting most household stuff done.

 

[Pig_Pen]

Even if you have to pick up the quick release ratchets separately you can't beat the gearwrench deal with the free 1/4" set. Lowe's has a set 90 tooth quick release ratchets with all three drive sizes for $30. Huskys at Home Depot seem really nice for the money too but will be a little more.

 

[T45]

Quick and dirty summary: Buy chrome sockets made in taiwan. Virtually any brand will do. If they are made in "China", don't buy them. Ratchets can be anything with 60 teeth or more; most 72t ratchets are copies of proven designs these days and are fine.

Longer comment/s:

1) Whatever you do, don't buy IMPACT sockets for DIY use around the house. Its sort of Histper-trendy to buy black oxide impacts for some reason but its poor advice to any newbie. The alloy is wrong, the coating is wrong, the color is wrong, and the dimensions are wrong.Buys sockets made out of the discoveries of the 1930s:CrV alloys coated in silver chrome. The are smaller, harder, thinner, stiffer, brighter, longer lasting...and more visible if dropped.


2) As for budget, SAE+Mertic are needed and so are deep or semi-deep. so you are talking 4 sets of sockets + ratchets, extensions, swivel. I'd say about 10-20 per rail of sockets is about right (so maybe $50-80 for bare sockets) and Ratchets are 10-20 each (probably want 7 and 10 inchers). The drive tools are probably $20 for a complete set.

3) The best bang for your buck here is the $100 gearwrench set. Easy to buy, easy to warranty, all in one kit, and good enough for anyone not working on high-grade machined surfaces (think open engines/motors). In those environments, you will be asking for different types of qualities in your sockets...not DIY grade tools.

4) Also, the easy to replace nature of GW means you don't need to get emotionally attched tot the tools, which is healthy for a DIY kit that is subject to lots of neglect and abuse.

(Just my $0.02, many ideas above...probably are repeated from other posters of course.)

 

[kb1982]

Here are you some SAE USA made Blackhawk deep wells that are NOS. I've bought several sets from this seller, and they absolutely cant be beat for the price. If I were you, I would piece together a set on the cheap, then add on a good ratchet.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-D...794114?hash=item569d923c82:g:eCgAAOSwidlZZjsM

 

[derosa]

Sears has a craftsman set that has all three of their 75t ratchets in a 185 piece set that sales for 100, couple it with the 84 piece socket bit seat that also includes a 75t ratchet and it will do virtually any job in the house. Might need to fill in a wrench or two. This is what I bought for working on things in the house. I'm not convinced craftsman is really worse then it was and for home purposes it is more then good enough. I use better tools on my cars and equipment but I don't consider that home use. Also keeps certain tool snob family members from borrowing tools as I hand them the cases and don't tell them about my nicer tools.

 

[Frottage]

Thank you all for the great advice! I appreciate you guys taking the time to offer some direction. I'd love to get one of the pro sets some of you mention but it's just not in my price range (at least, not if I want to fill out the rest of my tool plan). I ended up fondling the Gearwrench, Tekton, and HF. If there's an appreciable difference between the Gearwrench and Tekton stuff I couldn't tell. I bought the Tekton 3/8 set. I bought the HF pro 1/4 inch composite ratchet and some shallow 1/4 inch 6 point pro sockets (for like nothing - between sales and coupons I think they ended up paying me to take them, lol. Really, the whole thing was less than $25). Honestly, If I'd have handled the HF pro stuff before I pulled the trigger I probably would have gone that route for everything - very nice ratchets and ridiculous for the money. I never would have expected it but their pro line socket stuff is really nice (thank you guys for suggesting it). I spent the weekend re-building a belt grinder, hanging a wood gate, and installing a Gaines mailbox - typical weekend homeowner stuff - and everything worked as it should. From a bang-for-the-buck standpoint, for non-professional use, Tekton and HF pro seem fine. I'll update as I bang things around.

I spent a good deal of time lurking and reading here. It seems like there's not a tool question that hasn't been answered here at some point. I'm going to have to post a "basic homeowners' bang-for-the-buck tools" thread summarizing what reads like the majority consensus here for most essential tools ...

Anyway, thank you all again for your help!

 

[openwheelracing88]

Gearwrench XP120 in my tool chest. Extremely happy with my decision.

 

[mowkep]

You mentioned SK, Tekton and Gearwrench. Checkout DeWalt, Williams, Huskey and Kobalt and see if you like them. If you want higher end, I'd search on line for deals. We get flyers at work and they sometimes have decent deals. Good luck