HF go-thru socket set for auto

[RoundedCorners]

I was thinking of getting a cheap socket set to put less wear & tear on my US made craftsman set, and the harbor freight "go thru" socket set looked like it might fit the bill. Is there any reason not to go with it? Are they Taiwan-made like other Pittsburgh pro types? Last question, did anyone find a source of longer extensions for it?


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[mrvm]

Some may consider the HF Pro ratchets a step up from CM RP. IMO continue using the CM set and save up for an upgrade from the CM, not that there is anything wrong with them for diy mechanics.

 

[RoundedCorners]

Some may consider the HF Pro ratchets a step up from CM RP.

Would that still be the case for the older US-made sets? The one I have is a hand-me-down from a while back. I was trying to figure out who made them originally, but I couldn't find 'em. I'll keep looking, though.

 

[MrGiggles]

The Pittsburg Pro ratchets are worlds ahead of any Craftsman raised panel, USA or not. Craftsman Pro is a different story.

I think go through sockets have a pretty limited range of use, I'd just go with another set of sockets for backups, or to carry in a vehicle.

 

[dnschmidt]

For the ridiculously cheap price that HF charges for their go thru set it's crazy not to buy it. It's quite good quality and there are instances where the go thru can save the day. For under $20 with a coupon this is a no-brainer. Just do it.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

If the main use is for suspension shocks and struts then sizes 21mm and 22mm are a must. I would look for a set that goes to 24mm, as unlike normal sockets you can't easily just buy single sizes....

 

[winlinmac]

Don't underestimate Harbor Freight, not a HF fanboy here, much of the Pittsburgh Pro Sockets and Ratchets are built to last when used appropriately, and perfect for the Avid DIY'er.

 

[winlinmac]

Oh, and the 20% off coupon really helps in this case

 

[LEVE]

I've had a set of those go-thu sockets for almost two years. So far, so good. I don't always use them, but they're handy when I need to. IIRC, I paid about $17 for the set. IMHO, it was worth the money.

 

[Finky198]

I have not tried the HF version but I have the craftsman pass thru set 2yrs and counting

I've used them as my low profile set when access is an issue. ( hence the max axess ) I guess the name was pretty spot on

I have been debating getting another set for my Jeep as they fit just about any where in a pinch. I don't have many stuck fasteners where need a longer tool now that it's being rebuilt

 

[PJNJ]

Why purchase a cheap set to supplement a good set? Older USA Craftsman socket set are just fine. My main set for the last 13 years has been the 4 drawer, red/black blowmolded plastic case set. It's worked very well and done everything I wanted. And the raised panel wrenches also worked.

Are there better? Absolutely. Have I upgraded? Yes. I have purchased better ratchets, wrenches and now I am working on better socket sets. And that's my point. Why would you want to go cheaper and possibly less quality? Williams USA, SK, Wright (especially wrenches), and Armstrong (for ratchets) are all good brands and a big step up in quality. If money is tight, save up and buy a little at a time. Or buy a good 3/8's set, then 1/2 and then 1/4 set.

Right now, among other tools I am purchasing, I am putting aside money to buy some SK sets like this -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYCJU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The ratchet is good but not great but you get a lot of quality sockets for a very good price. Get an Armstrong locking 3/8's ratchet and you have a nice set.

But in the end it's your money to do what you wish with it.
Good luck either way.

 

[kball]

I don't know if it's just the set I got or if it's just the one size but the 3/4 socket will not fit over 1/2" all thread. If the socket for the nut size won't fit over the thread size for that nut, what good is it? For a deep socket... no good at all.

 

[PJNJ]

If you really want a go-thru socket set, then this is the set to get.
Comprehensive, has both 3/8's and 1/2 size ratchets and goes from 6mm to 27mm. I bought it a couple of years ago since I needed a larger size that my old GearRatchet didn't have. It works well and is inexpensive for all that you get.

And you can usually pick it up at your local Walmart. If you purchase it, buy online and choose pick up. It's actually $10 more expensive in the store for some strange reason.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bostitch-65-Piece-Pass-Thru-Socket-Set-3-8-1-2-BTMT72287/25440928

 

[Robbie B]

I have them, used them when I turned wrenches for a living. I needed them for some tight access nuts that a ratchet was too tall to get on and we're in a hole so a gearwrench wouldn't work. I think that's probably the only time I've used them. They seem well built. But my rule was if it's something I rarely use I won't spend alot on it. If it used a lot spend a little more on it.

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[RoundedCorners]

Why purchase a cheap set to supplement a good set?

It might sound strange, but I dread the day when I break anything in that kit (like a ratchet) and I find that the only replacement is some of the newer China-made products. I'll still use it, but as a secondary set. I wouldn't care as much over the cheaper HF set. If it breaks, then I can just swap out and warranty the other one when I get a chance.

 

[RoundedCorners]

Thanks for the input everybody.

 

[wafrederick]

I have the Craftsman Max access set and has come in handy a few times.One was access to the right side lower motor mount nut in a 2008 Chrysler 300 C with the hemi.Only complaints I have about this set is it has a 3.5mm and no 11/32.I don't have an use for the 3.5mm socket.

 

[defektes]

It might sound strange, but I dread the day when I break anything in that kit (like a ratchet) and I find that the only replacement is some of the newer China-made products. I'll still use it, but as a secondary set. I wouldn't care as much over the cheaper HF set. If it breaks, then I can just swap out and warranty the other one when I get a chance.

That's why I switched to SK. I don't have that problem anymore. I retired my entire set of CMAN sockets to the original case they came in as a relic of a time passed. I'll probably hand them to my son one day.