Chequeac
Well-known member
is it even worth buying snap on 1/4 sockets?
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- Thread starter Chequeac
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gdocktor3
Well-known member
I was in this position about a year ago. I compared prices of Snap On to SK to Gearwrench. Then compared the amount I use them to that price. I do on occasion use 1/4", but I'm never really exerting a lot of force or anything like that on them. I'd instead use my 3/8" if it was too much for the 1/4" stuff. So, I opted to go with the 51 piece set from Gearwrench with the 120xp ratchet. It's done everything I've asked of it. Then, I spent the extra cash I saved on a new 47 piece 3/8" set from SK. I can't confirm if this is the exact set I bought, but if this has the 120xp ratchet I'd grab it up because I paid at least $120 for mine.
Plus, I have the Snap On T72 ratchet, and I swear I like the 120xp better. It is longer and feels smoother. I just wish it was sealed like the SO, but that's not a big deal.
http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-51-...ahDXNo-vY-EeP0-pUbE3PhoCmgrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Plus, I have the Snap On T72 ratchet, and I swear I like the 120xp better. It is longer and feels smoother. I just wish it was sealed like the SO, but that's not a big deal.
http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-51-...ahDXNo-vY-EeP0-pUbE3PhoCmgrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
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nutsnbolts
Well-known member
I buy Snap On used lots, and there are usually some 1/4" thrown in. Over the course of time I figure to get complete sets this way.
Do you use them a lot?
Do you use them a lot?
martin666
Well-known member
My ' core ' 1/4" sockets ( SAE deep, shallow 6 point, 12 point, Metric same thing)and Metric shallow impact are all Snap On. The rest, semi deep, impact shallow & deep, chrome & impact swivels are a mixture of Cornwell, SK, Gearwrench and Armstrong absolutely no complaints with any of them
Al Borland
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2016
- Messages
- 1,598
I've had a Horror Freight Pittsburg tool 1/4" socket set for at least a dozen years, and I use it at least once a week. None of the parts have broken, and all remain un-lost in the black plastic case.
It was a whopping 8.99 when I bought it. Ratchet's not that bad...
It would be hard to justify Snap-Off prices for something like this.
(Somewhere out there, a Snap-On fan-boy is reading this and crying... )
It was a whopping 8.99 when I bought it. Ratchet's not that bad...
It would be hard to justify Snap-Off prices for something like this.
(Somewhere out there, a Snap-On fan-boy is reading this and crying... )
Antique Engine
Well-known member
Some situations don't offer much clearance and the thinner walls of top quality sockets make it possible whereas some more inexpensive sockets with thicker walls won't even fit down onto the fastener. Only you know what application your tools will be used for. For me, 1/4" drive is absolutely my most used variety so it was well worth the added expense to me.
K-Dog
Well-known member
yes.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ as noted, it depends upon what you're working on and what kind of clearances you have around the fastener.
The only Snap-on sockets I own are a set of 1/4" drive 12-point metric deep-wells, because nobody else makes a 1/4" drive 12-point metric deep-well.
They are pretty, and they were spendy. They also get down into holes some others will not.
That said, I generally have no issues on SAE stuff with my 1/4" drive Indestro, Thorsen, Giller, Herbrand, Craftsman, or S-K.
(Actually my Craftsman 1/4" drive 5/16" 12-point deep-well has the thinnest wall of all the aforementioned - go figure.)
If you're looking for the best bang for the buck, your best choice is probably S-K or Proto (both of which are kind of spendy, but very well made and generally nicely finished.) (But that's only because you will have to really do a lot of searching for 1/4" drive Indestro, which is easily on par with Snap-on or Proto or S-K as far as product quality or finish.)
The only Snap-on sockets I own are a set of 1/4" drive 12-point metric deep-wells, because nobody else makes a 1/4" drive 12-point metric deep-well.
They are pretty, and they were spendy. They also get down into holes some others will not.
That said, I generally have no issues on SAE stuff with my 1/4" drive Indestro, Thorsen, Giller, Herbrand, Craftsman, or S-K.
(Actually my Craftsman 1/4" drive 5/16" 12-point deep-well has the thinnest wall of all the aforementioned - go figure.)
If you're looking for the best bang for the buck, your best choice is probably S-K or Proto (both of which are kind of spendy, but very well made and generally nicely finished.) (But that's only because you will have to really do a lot of searching for 1/4" drive Indestro, which is easily on par with Snap-on or Proto or S-K as far as product quality or finish.)
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Richard Cranium
Well-known member
My answer is no, Buy a good quality socket set and be happy, save some money. S&k would be where I would be looking if I didn't already have a set. Mine is a usa craftsman set.
four.cycle
Well-known member
S-K 19-pc 1/4" drive 6-pt SAE socket set w/box
3/16" - 1/2" - shallow and deep-well (see ad text for content)
used
$27.99 + $15.09 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sat. 03/19
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-K-Tools-1...:g:Br8AAOSwoBtW5JFA&item=201540587623&vxp=mtr
3/16" - 1/2" - shallow and deep-well (see ad text for content)
used
$27.99 + $15.09 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sat. 03/19
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-K-Tools-1...:g:Br8AAOSwoBtW5JFA&item=201540587623&vxp=mtr
shockwave
Well-known member
Yes I have had my set for years and I have yet to crack or wear out sockets from snap on but I have rounded out a few Matco,sk and Cornwell sockets
And 1/4 like that has been mentioned before is my most used set where 3/8 is over doing for engine work at times
Look around Craigslist or classified for 1/4 set
And 1/4 like that has been mentioned before is my most used set where 3/8 is over doing for engine work at times
Look around Craigslist or classified for 1/4 set
methomas70
Well-known member
Yes.
Do it and get it over with.
Buy once, cry once.
I have a set I bought off the truck 25 years ago.
Money well spent.
Much better than the Craftsman sockets they replaced.
If you're not in a hurry, shop eBay or craigslist and be picky.
Do it and get it over with.
Buy once, cry once.
I have a set I bought off the truck 25 years ago.
Money well spent.
Much better than the Craftsman sockets they replaced.
If you're not in a hurry, shop eBay or craigslist and be picky.
Rileysan
Well-known member
No.
While I have purchased Snap-on 1/4" sockets (new & used), I have decided they are not worth the price simply because they are never put under that much stress. I'm not saying it won't happen, but I have never broken a 1/4" socket by any manufacturer. Mind you, I only buy USA made tools, but even the cheapest - Craftsman - have worked flawlessly over the years but I can't speak for the foreign made Craftsman sockets.
Now if you are asking about ratchets - that's a different story altogether!
Brian
While I have purchased Snap-on 1/4" sockets (new & used), I have decided they are not worth the price simply because they are never put under that much stress. I'm not saying it won't happen, but I have never broken a 1/4" socket by any manufacturer. Mind you, I only buy USA made tools, but even the cheapest - Craftsman - have worked flawlessly over the years but I can't speak for the foreign made Craftsman sockets.
Now if you are asking about ratchets - that's a different story altogether!
Brian
Wamsutta
Well-known member
It all depends on who you are out how much patience you have. I have zero patience for tools that don't work right, therefore I pay the price for the professional grade stuff.
ssdave
Banned
Yes.
A few years ago, I was in the "NO" camp. I had Craftsman and Proto, and they were just as good to me as the Snap-on I didn't have and didn't want to pay for. Then, I bought a 10 piece set of 1/4" shallow Snap-on Metric at a yard sale. Think I paid $8 for the set. I soon found that I was using them almost exclusively, even where I used to use 3/8" Proto. I already had 1/4" sets of proto and craftsman. I had trouble with both of them stripping out and breaking, and the Snap-on did not. Since I had easy access to Snap-on warranty, I pushed them more than I did the craftsman and proto, and they still held up. I was soon using them in lieu of my 3/8" Proto set.
So, I bought a complete set (SAE and Metric, shallow and deep) of the Snap-on and they became my primary use sockets in my garage box. Then I bought a SAE set of shallow and with the original shallow metric set, they became my primary use set in my portable box. So, I've disposed of my Craftsman ones, and retired my Proto ones to my nostalgia set.
So, my answer now is a definite YES. With the way I use the sockets, I'd buy the 1/4" Snap-on again. I could get by with a cheaper 1/4" set, and use a 3/8" set more, but I really like using the lighter, thinner, better clearance 1/4" set. My experience has been that they've held up where two other major brands did not. Are they worth the premium paid? Only you can decide what that is worth to you, but to me they have been worth it.
A few years ago, I was in the "NO" camp. I had Craftsman and Proto, and they were just as good to me as the Snap-on I didn't have and didn't want to pay for. Then, I bought a 10 piece set of 1/4" shallow Snap-on Metric at a yard sale. Think I paid $8 for the set. I soon found that I was using them almost exclusively, even where I used to use 3/8" Proto. I already had 1/4" sets of proto and craftsman. I had trouble with both of them stripping out and breaking, and the Snap-on did not. Since I had easy access to Snap-on warranty, I pushed them more than I did the craftsman and proto, and they still held up. I was soon using them in lieu of my 3/8" Proto set.
So, I bought a complete set (SAE and Metric, shallow and deep) of the Snap-on and they became my primary use sockets in my garage box. Then I bought a SAE set of shallow and with the original shallow metric set, they became my primary use set in my portable box. So, I've disposed of my Craftsman ones, and retired my Proto ones to my nostalgia set.
So, my answer now is a definite YES. With the way I use the sockets, I'd buy the 1/4" Snap-on again. I could get by with a cheaper 1/4" set, and use a 3/8" set more, but I really like using the lighter, thinner, better clearance 1/4" set. My experience has been that they've held up where two other major brands did not. Are they worth the premium paid? Only you can decide what that is worth to you, but to me they have been worth it.
Imperial sets are on special this month in the UK. You should ask your driver about when there will be deals on metric sets. I think pricing was about 50quid +vat.
You've received a lot of American answers recommending brands you might not be able to get or warranty.
The T72 snap on ratchets are super strong. 90ftlbs IIRC. And the newish TLL72, with its super long handle, will allow you to put more torque through your 1/4" sockets than ever before, making the whole drive more usable.
The reason some people don't use their 1/4 drive is because the socket sizes are vague and the ratchets are ****.
So my answer is: IF you are a pro mechanic (I believe you are IIRC) IF you work on passenger cars, motorbikes etc, IF you think you might buy a TLL72, then the better quality of snap on 1/4 drive sockets will be worthwhile for you.
Compared to what else you have ready access to (halford's, bluepoint, teng, etc) Snap On sockets are a significant upgrade. They are strong, but not having broken a socket is not a good measure of quality or usefulness. They fit bolt heads tight, not all these other brands do. Many will round a bolt before you break the socket, but that's a failure of the system either way.
I would also recommend the extensions. I find them to be thin, and yet amazingly stiff. Cheap extensions wind like springs.
You've received a lot of American answers recommending brands you might not be able to get or warranty.
The T72 snap on ratchets are super strong. 90ftlbs IIRC. And the newish TLL72, with its super long handle, will allow you to put more torque through your 1/4" sockets than ever before, making the whole drive more usable.
The reason some people don't use their 1/4 drive is because the socket sizes are vague and the ratchets are ****.
So my answer is: IF you are a pro mechanic (I believe you are IIRC) IF you work on passenger cars, motorbikes etc, IF you think you might buy a TLL72, then the better quality of snap on 1/4 drive sockets will be worthwhile for you.
Compared to what else you have ready access to (halford's, bluepoint, teng, etc) Snap On sockets are a significant upgrade. They are strong, but not having broken a socket is not a good measure of quality or usefulness. They fit bolt heads tight, not all these other brands do. Many will round a bolt before you break the socket, but that's a failure of the system either way.
I would also recommend the extensions. I find them to be thin, and yet amazingly stiff. Cheap extensions wind like springs.
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I agree with the posters that say they are worth it. To me, with 1/4", it's not as much about socket strength as it is about bolt/nut fit. I have a mixture of Snap On and Williams USA socket sets and cannot find a single difference between them. Through Toolsdelivered, I find the best deals on Williams. Here is a great deal on a metric 1/4" set:
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-1-4-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-1-4-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets
Holzarbeiter
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2014
- Messages
- 212
I'm in the yes camp
Strouty
Well-known member
Personally, I would buy a decent set of SK in the green blow molded case. I love them and I don't have to worry about them at all. I always know if one was not put back, so they are my go to set for travel.
With all that being said, I also own both SAE and metric Snap On 1/4" drive in deep, semi, and shallow.
Another option is the blue point set that they have on sale many times a year for under $100 bucks. It is the same warranty, just not the same quality as it is made outside the USA. The kits that come in the Snap On cases are just way too expensive. I bought almost all mine on BOGO from the truck or new on ebay.
All this being said, you may be able to buy other brands cheaper that we can't get as easily.
With all that being said, I also own both SAE and metric Snap On 1/4" drive in deep, semi, and shallow.
Another option is the blue point set that they have on sale many times a year for under $100 bucks. It is the same warranty, just not the same quality as it is made outside the USA. The kits that come in the Snap On cases are just way too expensive. I bought almost all mine on BOGO from the truck or new on ebay.
All this being said, you may be able to buy other brands cheaper that we can't get as easily.
toddoky
Well-known member
I've had a Horror Freight Pittsburg tool 1/4" socket set for at least a dozen years, and I use it at least once a week. None of the parts have broken, and all remain un-lost in the black plastic case.
It was a whopping 8.99 when I bought it. Ratchet's not that bad...
It would be hard to justify Snap-Off prices for something like this.
(Somewhere out there, a Snap-On fan-boy is reading this and crying... )
If you were a mobile tech out on a night call or one in the middle of nowhere and found out your dollar store 1/4 drive socket didn't fit a fastener that had to come out, or stripped the head on it, the cost of the Snap-on (or other pro-grade socket) would quickly justify itself. The majority of professional technicians are not fan-boys, they merely buy what allows them to do their job the most efficient way possible. They also aren't bothered when someone else finds a $10 socket set that works for them in their home garage.
Personally, I would buy a decent set of SK in the green blow molded case. I love them and I don't have to worry about them at all. I always know if one was not put back, so they are my go to set for travel.
With all that being said, I also own both SAE and metric Snap On 1/4" drive in deep, semi, and shallow.
Another option is the blue point set that they have on sale many times a year for under $100 bucks. It is the same warranty, just not the same quality as it is made outside the USA. The kits that come in the Snap On cases are just way too expensive. I bought almost all mine on BOGO from the truck or new on ebay.
All this being said, you may be able to buy other brands cheaper that we can't get as easily.
X2 on the SK, the #91844 or #91848 are great grab and go sets. Never had a fastener they wouldnt fit, plus my favorite 1/4 ratchet. Used a buddies back in high school so much had to buy my own. The #91844 was the first SK tools I ever purchased.
X2 on the SK, the #91844 or #91848 are great grab and go sets. Never had a fastener they wouldnt fit, plus my favorite 1/4 ratchet. Used a buddies back in high school so much had to buy my own. The #91844 was the first SK tools I ever purchased.
Oh yeah great advice. Got a UK link for the OP? Here's one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0186ML92G/?tag=atomicindustr-21
Yep, that's $550 for S K superflakykrome.
Blue Point might be okay in 3/8" drive I think it ***** in 1/4" drive.
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Some situations don't offer much clearance and the thinner walls of top quality sockets make it possible whereas some more inexpensive sockets with thicker walls won't even fit down onto the fastener. Only you know what application your tools will be used for. For me, 1/4" drive is absolutely my most used variety so it was well worth the added expense to me.
Have to agree 100%. At the same time I have broken them just like any other socket and I swear it's always an hour before I see the snappy man!!!!!!! Like it's cursed to hold me up for an hour..... I do alot of engine work and interior work. My trans guy uses 1/4 exclusively...
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
My answer is no, Buy a good quality socket set and be happy, save some money. S&k would be where I would be looking if I didn't already have a set. Mine is a usa craftsman set.
I couldn't agree more...... There are plenty of high quality 1/4 drive socket sets out there, including, but not limited to SK and Wright.
With 1/4 inch drive, you're not likely to exert enough force to break a socket, and why pay the extra money for the truck showing up once a week.
Just one Old guy's opinion
Imperial sets are on special this month in the UK. You should ask your driver about when there will be deals on metric sets. I think pricing was about 50quid +vat.
You've received a lot of American answers recommending brands you might not be able to get or warranty.
The T72 snap on ratchets are super strong. 90ftlbs IIRC. And the newish TLL72, with its super long handle, will allow you to put more torque through your 1/4" sockets than ever before, making the whole drive more usable.
The reason some people don't use their 1/4 drive is because the socket sizes are vague and the ratchets are ****.
So my answer is: IF you are a pro mechanic (I believe you are IIRC) IF you work on passenger cars, motorbikes etc, IF you think you might buy a TLL72, then the better quality of snap on 1/4 drive sockets will be worthwhile for you.
Compared to what else you have ready access to (halford's, bluepoint, teng, etc) Snap On sockets are a significant upgrade. They are strong, but not having broken a socket is not a good measure of quality or usefulness. They fit bolt heads tight, not all these other brands do. Many will round a bolt before you break the socket, but that's a failure of the system either way.
I would also recommend the extensions. I find them to be thin, and yet amazingly stiff. Cheap extensions wind like springs.
thanks for the reply, im a apprentice HGV mechanic so im debating if to get them or not ive just bought the snap on 10-24mm deep 1/2 impact sockets where you got the shallows for free got them for just 220 plus vat. Also can anyone recommend a good 1/2 gun