Help with a 3/8" Socket Set

[Slider20]

Looking to upgrade my Crescent 3/8" Socket set to something better.

I recently purchased the SK Tools 1/4" 48pc Set, comes with a nice set of Deep and Standard Sockets in SAE and Metric, some extensions, adapters and a Universal plus Two very nice Ratchets, a regular size and a Palm.

Very happy with the quality of the set, although it's certainly not Snap On level, but definitely good enough.

I am considering just getting the 3/8 49pc set from SK (SKT94549), found it new for under $180, and pretty much covers what I need.

Anything that I should consider, looking to spend under $200, It doesn't all need to be in one set, I am okay combining a few sets to get the variety (I don't really need the palm ratchet though), however the all in one case is convenient for me.

Would prefer to buy new, although I would consider used if I am really getting a step up.

I'm not a professional, just an average DIY guy, who likes nice tools.

Thanks all in advance.

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench #80718 63 Pc 3/8" Drive SAE/Metric Master Socket Set...

www.tooldiscounter.com

$ 72.60...plus freaight

GearWrench #80550F with free 1/4" Drive SAE/Metric Socket Sets...

www.cpooutlets.com

$ 119.99...free freight

 

[Dookie2122]

Looking to upgrade my Crescent 3/8" Socket set to something better.

I recently purchased the SK Tools 1/4" 48pc Set, comes with a nice set of Deep and Standard Sockets in SAE and Metric, some extensions, adapters and a Universal plus Two very nice Ratchets, a regular size and a Palm.

Very happy with the quality of the set, although it's certainly not Snap On level, but definitely good enough.

I am considering just getting the 3/8 49pc set from SK (SKT94549), found it new for under $180, and pretty much covers what I need.

Anything that I should consider, looking to spend under $200, It doesn't all need to be in one set, I am okay combining a few sets to get the variety (I don't really need the palm ratchet though), however the all in one case is convenient for me.

Would prefer to buy new, although I would consider used if I am really getting a step up.

I'm not a professional, just an average DIY guy, who likes nice tools.

Thanks all in advance.

I just picked up the SK 94547 set on Amazon for $164, basically the same as the set you are looking at.

 

[drtyler]

The SK 94549 set is very good. I've been pleased with mine. If you like nice, USA made tools for a reasonable cost, this is a fine set. You may find yourself using that palm ratchet too, it does come in handy!

The metric sockets only go up to 19mm, which is about as large as you would want with 3/8 drive anyway. Might as well get a 1/2 drive set while you are at it!

 

[PJNJ]

Get the set with the thumbwheel (palm) ratchet. I have tried using cheap thumbwheels over the years and always found them to be useless. But one day I saw the 3/8 for a good price on Ebay and bought it. I have found it's weight and heft along with light backdrag to be very useful when a nut or bolt is too loose to use the ratchet but won't easily turn by finger. So when I finally have some extra money I intend to buy the 3/8 socket set but the one without the thumbwheel since I already have it.

 

[Slider20]

Thanks everyone for all the help, the GearWrench looks pretty nice, but for this amount of money I would like a USA made set if possible, seems like the SK 3/8" set is a pretty good deal for what you are getting.

 

[sk farmer]

armstrong makes a similar set the sk and gearwrench with a ratchet, extensions and a full array of metric and sae. if you like your current sk 1/4 drive setup, sk may be the way you want to go for 3/8 as well.

 

[NedNorton]

Williams USA (snap-on's industrial arm) is also another option in that price range. Toolsdelivered.com would be the place to get them if you decide to go that route. They are great tools also.

On a side note... It is terrific to see SK stepping up to help fill the need for reasonably priced USA made tools. The industrial brands are good but sometimes lack the breath of offerings and average guy (non-industrial user) customer support. It appears that SK is giving customers a full offering of USA hardline tools that the weekend DIY guy can justify purchasing and the support to go with it. I'm excited to hear how you like the ones you have purchased.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Slider20]

Williams USA (snap-on's industrial arm) is also another option in that price range. Toolsdelivered.com would be the place to get them if you decide to go that route. They are great tools also.

On a side note... It is terrific to see SK stepping up to help fill the need for reasonably priced USA made tools. The industrial brands are good but sometime lack the breath of offerings and average guy (non-industrial user) customer support. It appears that SK is giving customers a full offering of USA hardline tools that the weekend DIY guy can justify purchasing and the support to go with it. I'm excited to hear how you like the ones you have purchased.

Cheers,
Chris

Thanks for the help,

Just went to ToolsDelivered and priced out a similar setup to the SK 3/8 setup (Less an adapter, and the palm ratchet, but it does include a breaker)

1) Williams WSB-23HFTB | 23 Piece Tool Set with TB-102 Metal Tool Box (USA)= 155.63
2)Williams MSBD-12HRC | 3\8in. Drive Deep Socket Set 6-Pt, 12 Piece (USA Made) $54.94
3) Williams MSB-12HRC | 3\8in. Drive Shallow Socket Set 6-Pt, 12-Piece (USA Made) = $41.19

= $251.76

If I tack on the cost of a 1/4 adapter to make the sets more even, that come to about an $85 premium to the Williams set, and it doesn't all come in 1 case (Which I prefer about the SK set)

any thoughts on a quality comparison between the two?

Thoughts in general about one or the other

 

[Don53]

Checkout Jet.com. If you're a first time user, use coupon code 15NOW for 15% off. With that (& free shipping / no tax) -

94547 - $138 delivered
94549 - $161 delivered

I picked up the 1/4" set for $110 a few days ago & happy with the transaction (& product). Jet is just a "reseller" site, so who actually fulfills the order is TBD (until after you place the order). e.g., on my order, the SK set came from CPO, and I picked up an Eagle gas can as well (came from Zoro).

 

[Slider20]

Checkout Jet.com. If you're a first time user, use coupon code 15NOW for 15% off. With that (& free shipping / no tax) -

94547 - $138 delivered
94549 - $161 delivered

I picked up the 1/4" set for $110 a few days ago & happy with the transaction (& product). Jet is just a "reseller" site, so who actually fulfills the order is TBD (until after you place the order). e.g., on my order, the SK set came from CPO, and I picked up an Eagle gas can as well (came from Zoro).

That's a great price, I have never purchased anything from Jet, but it's almost $20 less than tooltopia

 

[Don53]

I was a little leery, not knowing who the vendors would be, but at least in my case, both were reputable for the two products I ordered (CPO and Zoro). Customer service was great too. I bought a 1 gal. Eagle gas can... description said it included a funnel. Arrived without one. I sent Jet an email & same day they offered to credit me $6... which was fair since I can get the funnel on Amazon for $5 shipped.

Kinda wishing I'd used the 15% to grab the 3/8 set too!

 

[NedNorton]

Slider20,

This is a long response. Sorry. I just feel like these are lifetime purchases so they are worth the space and time to figure out.

I haven't seen the new SK stuff in person so I can't comment about it, but I have read great things. What I can comment about is the quality of the Williams tools as compared to what I use, mostly Snap-On. I had a buddy buying good tools for the first time (age 42) a little while ago and I purchased a few Williams sockets to evaluate before recommending them. He enjoyed using my tools but was in sticker shock when he looked online at the prices Snap-On asks. For the home mechanic, buying Snap-On retail just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me as you don't get one of the best parts of the model, the service. Other's mileage may very and it is just one guy's opinion. (I'm treading lightly as folks here have very strong opinions on this subject)

Here is that review. Feel free to skip all the comments as it gets into a price value rant / hardness testing / nonsense that really added little to the discussion, unfortunately.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220196

My buddy bought a bunch of Williams on my recommendation. (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers) I have used them at his place and I can say they are great tools. He has the 36 tooth ratchets (old Snap-On design) and they work great. Smooth with little drag. The newer S-O 80's are better but again, 4X the price. He did buy a round head high tooth count 1/4 ratchet that also works great. The sockets have the finish and, more importantly, the faster fit of my S-O sockets. If you were to hand me one or the other, without looking at them, I wouldn't know which was which. The wrenches have a thicker beam and it comes down to personal preference. I believe, and others will have their .02 I'm sure, that when you buy Williams USA hardline tools you get a product that plays in the same league as it's more well known red and white truck brethren. Just without the excellent, at the shop, service and truck credit. Is it worth the $85 premium? I'm not sure. I do know that I would be happy to have a reasonably stocked 3/8 set for $250. I wish I could see some new SK stuff in the flesh. The reviews I have read sound good.

I hope that this helps and I would ask that if my comments hit a cord in a reader, that you start your own thread to discuss it and keep the OP's thread clean.

To the OP - Please let me know if I can elaborate on anything.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Slider20]

Slider20,

This is a long response. Sorry. I just feel like these are lifetime purchases so they are worth the space and time to figure out.

I haven't seen the new SK stuff in person so I can't comment about it, but I have read great things. What I can comment about is the quality of the Williams tools as compared to what I use, mostly Snap-On. I had a buddy buying good tools for the first time (age 42) a little while ago and I purchased a few Williams sockets to evaluate before recommending them. He enjoyed using my tools but was in sticker shock when he looked online at the prices Snap-On asks. For the home mechanic, buying Snap-On retail just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me as you don't get one of the best parts of the model, the service. Other's mileage may very and it is just one guy's opinion. (I'm treading lightly as folks here have very strong opinions on this subject)

Here is that review. Feel free to skip all the comments as it gets into a price value rant / hardness testing / nonsense that really added little to the discussion, unfortunately.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220196

My buddy bought a bunch of Williams on my recommendation. (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers) I have used it at his place and I can say they are great tools. He has the 36 tooth ratchets (old Snap-On design) and they work great. Smooth with little drag. The newer S-O 80's are better but again, 4X the price. He did buy a round head high tooth count 1/4 ratchet that also works great. The sockets have the finish and, more importantly, the faster fit, of my S-O sockets. If you were to hand me one or the other, without looking at them, I wouldn't know which was which. The wrenches have a thicker beam and it comes down to personal preference. I believe, and others will have their .02 I'm sure, that when you buy Williams USA hardline tools you get a product that plays in the same league as it's more well known red and white truck brethren. Just without the excellent, at the shop service and truck credit. Is it worth the $85 premium? I'm not sure. I do know that I would be happy to have a reasonably stocked 3/8 set for $250. I wish I could see some new SK stuff in the flesh.

I hope that this helps and I would ask that if my comments hit a cord in a reader, that you start your own thread to discuss it and keep the OP's thread clean.

To the OP - Please let me know if I can elaborate on anything.

Cheers,
Chris

Chris,

Thank you so much for the thoughtful and thorough response, I did see your last thread, and it got so derailed that I had a hard time being able to extract much useful information.

It's such a hard decision being able to make a sight unseen purchase like this, although hearing that the Williams USA sockets are so close to Snap OPn (Less the ease of Warranty), may make me want to bit the bullet and spend the premium, it's hopefully a once in a lifetime purchase, so maybe the extra $85 is worth.

I do really like my SK 1/4 set, but there are some minor finish issues, that I may just go for the Williams.

Thanks,

Will

 

[NedNorton]

Will,
Glad I could help. Please let us know what you decide and how you like the tools, either way.

Edit:
Looking at the part numbers you listed I would put something together with separates instead of the kit SAE kit w/box. You can loose the 3/8 breaker bar and gain a wider range of sizes for the same cost.

Shallow: Williams WSB-13HRC | 3\8in. Drive Shallow Socket Set 6-Pt, 13-Piece
Deep: Williams WSBD-13HRC | 3\8in. Drive Deep Socket Set 6-Pt, 13-Piece (USA Made)

My buddy has all his tools in a 4 drawer HF cart. I think he paid under $100. Just a thought.

Happy wrenching!

Cheers,
Chris

 

[spanimal]

I Don't think gearwrench should be recommended, their sockets are identical to crescent but dearer. They're the same company. I Don't think Gearwrench is better than other Taiwan tools, in that Taiwan tools today are generally excellent quality.

Taiwan Stanley, Kobalt, Crescent, Sidchrome, Kincrome, Bluepoint, Toptul all of excellent quality.

Hazet and Snap-On exhibits noticeable socket retention tolerance differences on their matching extensions, in that there was much less wobble, their sockets have more meat around the female square end. I think Hazet and Snap-On are consistently of higher quality sockets and extensions in all drive sizes.

I should buy some Proto, Armstrong and SK stuff to see how they compare. I suspect Proto will be like my 1/2 inch Stanley Taiwan socket set... Same company, the chrome finish on those sockets are flawless, better than all of my sockets period.

I can only suggest that if Williams Sockets are Snap-On sockets, then, yes - absolute improvent is obtained and unquestionably so.

 

[T45]

Look at Facom in 3/8, the prices from the UK are good.

SK is a good product, a major step up from entry level, and if you are happy with it it may be worth the consistency to keep one brand as an 'index set'.

As your tastes evolve, you can then add more stuff, in limited sizes, without worrying about covering your bases (which you've already done).

For example, you can then make next purchase to be snap on 3/8 mid-deeps.

 

[CornwellTools]

If you can find a used Proto ratchet with sockets on Ebay, they should hold up well for you.

 

[Slider20]

Thanks everyone for all your help, after thinking about it for most of the day I went with the Williams made in USA for the whole setup, Toolsdelivered was out of stock on the shallow metric 6pt sockets, so I'll pick them up when they get in stock.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I've had my SK 47 piece 3/8 set for over 19 years.

Zero failures.

Add a roto ratchet and a knurled spinner to accessorize and you're set.

 

[NedNorton]

Will,
I think you will be happy. Please post up your observations when they show up and you have had a little time to work with them.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[drink]

http://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-49-...ket-set.html?gclid=CPvn0szU5MoCFdgDgQod1W0DCw

Why not have a matching set of SK sockets to go with the other set?

 

[drink]

Armstrong has a set of 3/" drive sockets in a plastic case. It might take until March to get them unless you can find a stocking dealer.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/ARM-15-299.html

 

[Slider20]

Thanks again for help, I will certainly share my initial impressions once I receive them, and have a chance to use them for a bit.

 

[Yv.]

I have some williams (USA) sockets, they are really good sockets IMO.

 

[Slider20]

The 3/8 USA Williams Ratchet and Socket set came a few days ago, my initial impressions are quite positive, very nice fit and finish, probably a step up from my SK set, functionally, the sockets seem like a big step up from my Crescent set, and probably a bit better than the SK set.

The Ratchet, Extensions, Universal and breaker bar are all excellent.

My only complaint is the case, it is overly large, if it was better laid out, and a bit larger, it would have been able to hold twice as much. The SK has a much better case.

Overall, I am happy with the decision, however I have only used a few of them briefly, so take my impressions for what they are, just some basic initial thoughts of a new owner.

 

[NedNorton]

Will,
Glad it worked out. Thanks for posting the follow up. Post a picture or 2 if you have a chance. I'm sure folks here would be excited to see your new additions.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought the 47 piece SK set last year for around $140 I think off eBay. Then bought a Snap On swivel and a better ratchet. I have Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc sockets and they all do the same job equally as well. The ratchets are what make the difference.