Homeowner + Car Builder - Complete Socket Set Opinions

[idriveahonda]

Good morning all!

I've been really thinking into this, and seem to have found a conundrum.

With Sears going belly-up, and the Craftsman "lifetime warranty" obviously going with it, what other options are available for a homeowner/hobbyist/DIY user in regards to a complete socket set.

Currently have everything I need, and do most of my work with my complete impact socket sets, but a good set of hand tools is always a requirement. Looking for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2", both standard and deep, in both 6pt and 12pt. Want something that will cover the largest array of the available sockets, with individual larger options being purchased as singles as necessary.

Previously the Craftsman 299-piece was just the go-to, and it does not look like Husky or Kobalt offer any large socket sets.

Input? This isn't a pro vs. homeowner argument, just looking for some help considering I have not found many other viable options.

Thanks all!

 

[buffalobill]

I think all inclusive sets like that are getting rare. I never had one , I started with the sk 3/8 sae/metric, deep and standard set, and kept buying until I have a pretty comprehensive setup. If you want brick and mortar stores, Lowes seems to carry a pretty good supply of hand tools, seems much better than home chepot, and not as cheap and gimmicky as hazard fraught....

 

[619DioFan]

For chrome sockets the pittsburg pro line at HF are pretty nice. lifetime warranty as well. pretty hard to beat them price wise. if you don't care for HF then check out the carlyle line at Napa. I have their semi deeps in sae and metric and they are very nice.

 

[idriveahonda]

I think all inclusive sets like that are getting rare. I never had one , I started with the sk 3/8 sae/metric, deep and standard set, and kept buying until I have a pretty comprehensive setup. If you want brick and mortar stores, Lowes seems to carry a pretty good supply of hand tools, seems much better than home chepot, and not as cheap and gimmicky as hazard fraught....

I've never had one of the sets either, however the gaps in my box are large should my requirements change (have no standard sockets minus the most frequently used).

If the best bet is to buy one of the 299 sockets sets from Sears...I will go about that. Just ***** because we all know that some of that price is for the "lifetime warranty" that will more likely be needed due to changes in production...but won't be available due to closing.

 

[buffalobill]

I don't think that sets a good deal, if you have complete sets in most areas of metric, just buy the sets of sae sockets you need, unless you need other stuff too. Cman 299 pc set isn't so hot once you factor in hex keys and driver bits...

 

[Hugemoose]

I recently bought the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 Gearwrench master socket sets from tool discounter. Looks like they are still having the promotion where if you buy the 3/8 set you get the 1/4 set for free. They include SAE and Metric.

https://www.tooldiscounter.com/hf/TDC_GWPromoFREE9412Flyer_6_16_p1.pdf

It has nearly every size you'll use in stubby and deep, however they are only 6 point, no 12 point. I'll probably pick up some 12 point from Harbor Freight in the rare event I need them. The kits do include their 120 tooth ratchets as well as a few extensions. For the price of all three, I think it was more comprehensive than a typical set from Craftsman or anybody else. Then i just went to Harbor Freight and bought their wrench sets for next to nothing. It's enough to get me by for far less money, and less filler "screwdriver bits" which just inflate the number of pieces and make it look better than it really is.

 

[kythri]

Honestly? Just buy the Craftsman set for $299, and replace what few, if any, pieces ever break.

It's ~$1/socket. Warranty or no, you really can't beat the deal - and, odds are, SBD is going to honor and continue the warranty.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I would buy HF or Tekton before I bought Craftsman. HF's sockets are very good, but they foolishly skip sizes. So that leaves Tekton who sells sockets that are just as nice as HF's without any skips. For import tools, I'm pretty impressed with Tekton.

So I think their sets will get you started and get you what you need without breaking the bank.

A recommendation though. Pick a US tool company you like (I'm an SK & Proto man), and make one set (probably 3/8") from the tool company you want to end up with. Might as well start out right.

As you upgrade your tools, your Tektons will go in your portable box.

 

[turnthewrench]

I would buy HF or Tekton before I bought Craftsman... For import tools, I'm pretty impressed with Tekton.

Agree 101% - Same $hit, no skip sizes.

... Pick a US tool company you like (I'm an SK & Proto man)

Or, as HanShot says: Buy once, cry once.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-wrench-set-metric-38-dr-29-pc-j52220/i/G0867876/

For DIY, this set will outlive you and couple of generations down the road

 

[GarageGuy89]

Why are people getting caught up on warranties?

When have you ever had a socket break or fail? I've never broken a socket, but lost plenty, and for the life of me, I can't seem to find a warranty on lost sockets...

Plus you can get just about any size for under $5 just by driving down to home depot, should a socket ever break...

 

[Mecha]

If I were starting over today with a 20 something year old version of myself, I'd probably buy some made in Taiwan stuff from Gearwrench and Carlyle/Napa, due to widespread availability and warranty. I was broke as a joke back then.

If I were starting over today with my late 30 something year old version of myself, I'd probably buy all SK, Wright, and Proto stuff. I am less broke as a joke. I would maybe wait and see about the Craftsman coming to Lowe's next year too with the hope that it is rebranded Proto stuff.

 

[turnthewrench]

... with the hope that it is rebranded Proto stuff.

Not gonna happen. Why would they kill their industrial division? It'll be -hopefully! - more like the ol' CM Pro or, who knows, like Challenger

 

[turnthewrench]

Why are people getting caught up on warranties?

Some people care for the money they spend.

...have you ever had a socket break or fail?

Don't know who they question is intended to but, yes, sockets break and fail. Just like any other tool (Reagan wanted to teach from Space, the Challenger disintegrated. Remember?)

I can't seem to find a warranty on lost sockets

Lost sockets are almost always a result of carelessness - pay attention!

...Plus you can get just about any size for under $5

That's a very subjective topic. Just about everyone values their dollars differently.

 

[regguy1]

When referring to tools, there is no such thing as a "complete set"

I have some tools but "complete" ...no

 

[ptgarcia]

Hell, now that I'm older and wiser, if I were filling a box I'd save a ton and go straight to Tekton for everything (don't forget some of their tools are USA made), then as things broke replace those items with a pro-grade brand. I bought my Craftsman 200+ piece set 25 yrs ago and have only broken the 1/4"-drive ratchet so I'd expect Tekton to last at least as long.

 

[Mecha]

Not gonna happen. Why would they kill their industrial division? It'll be -hopefully! - more like the ol' CM Pro or, who knows, like Challenger

I'll take it! Challenger was fine, we used that in the machine shop I worked at in college.

 

[buffalobill]

When referring to tools, there is no such thing as a "complete set"

I have some tools be "complete" ...no

I agree.I can't belive it, but working on stuff full time now, I find stuff I don't have, or would make hard jobs easier, weekly. It's usually oddball stuff for diagnosis, but still, it's a lot of stuff I keep adding to, one or two tools a month.

 

[ssdave]

I"m with HanShotFirst, I'd personally pick a mid to top tier manufacturer, buy what I need from them now, and add to it. Will be more expensive in the long run, but the pleasure of using good stuff far outweighs the cost in the long term; and if you need the good stuff, it is much more cost effective to start there than upgrade later.

If you really want the instant gratification of a huge, comprehensive set, buy whatever is a good price, and don't worry about the warranty. If you use them casually as a homeowner/DIY they will probably meet all your needs, and the chance of needing warranty is small. If you break something, just buy a single to replace it; if you break a size repeatedly, buy a better brand or decide to upgrade your set then. I doubt you'll ever get to that point, if you haven't got there by now.

Not everyone needs professional level tools, the mindset here on GJ is real polarized; one camp thinks everyone needs the best, and the other camp always goes to "buy the cheapest". There is a lot of in-between those extremes. Craftsman, Carlisle, Kobalt, etc fall somewhere in that in-between range. The big craftsman sets are a decent deal for someone who needs intermediate quality, but for whatever reason wants a comprehensive set.

I think that quality is more important than a comprehensive set; I'd buy an SK or Wright or Proto or similar quality set, probably 3/8" drive, in standard metric and SAE sizes. Cost would be similar to a huge Craftsman set, the quality is much better, and it would meet 98% of your needs. Most of the huge Craftsman set would go unused by most homeowners.

That said, if you really have a need for a comprehensive set, you probably also have a need for better quality. Starting with a good brand and adding to it will serve you better in the long run. Therefore, back to HanShotFirst's strategy as a good way to go.

All that long winded reply said, I have a much more comprehensive socket set than a Craftsman super set; I've acquired it over time, and it is about 70% Proto and 30% Snap-on, Williams and a few others. Here's my socket drawer, an old photo, I've since organized it a bit different and have impact sockets and a few others added to it. It also doesn't cover my 3/4" drive set. I have a little over 550 unique sockets overall in my main box.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=654102&d=1496032441

 

[turnthewrench]

I agree

I agree. This set does not include a Knipex Cobra - the best money can buy.

https://store.snapon.com/Metric-Sets-D-Complete-Metric-Set-D-P641775.aspx

 

[IMStuner]

Impact sockets Sunex brand and I have very few chrome sockets.

 

[jonesg]

I'd have no problem getting everything from HF,
And sticking with my Milwaukee lithium tools.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I agree. This set does not include a Knipex Cobra - the best money can buy.

https://store.snapon.com/Metric-Sets-D-Complete-Metric-Set-D-P641775.aspx

Did you really just recommend a $35,000.00 set of tools for a non-professional? Homeowner & Car Builder; so he's a hobiest...and you're honestly saying he should spend 35 grand on tools? WOW!

 

[jsmeece]

Did you really just recommend a $35,000.00 set of tools for a non-professional? Homeowner & Car Builder; so he's a hobiest...and you're honestly saying he should spend 35 grand on tools? WOW!

Turnthewrench "Another kool-aid drinker" 35 k for a home user

 

[ssdave]

Turnthewrench "Another kool-aid drinker" 35 k for a home user

To be fair to Turnthewrench, I think he meant that the snap-on set, comprehensive and large as it is, doesn't include one of the best tools available today and needed by most users.

 

[jsmeece]

To be fair to Turnthewrench, I think he meant that the snap-on set, comprehensive and large as it is, doesn't include one of the best tools available today and needed by most users.

Oh, did not think about in that sense.
So, then after spending 35K, I would still have to buy Knipex pliers? (OMG).

 

[57JoeFoMoPar]

Pretty much all of my tools are used Craftsman, Proto, SK.... Stuff that was either handed down to me from deceased relatives or stuff I bought at flea markets. They've always gotten the job done. HF impact sockets are great and cheap. Splurge on the stuff you'll use a lot, especially ratchets. Snap-On obviously makes the best ratchets, it's the truth.

If you're looking for a "complete kit", I'd go to HF and get the whole setup to get yourself up and running cheap. Then upgrade to better stuff little by little, or splurge on the stuff you use all the time as the need arises. At this point, HF is every bit as good as Craftsman and Husky. I actually think Kobalt is decent for the money too.

 

[GarageGuy89]

Don't know who they question is intended to but, yes, sockets break and fail. Just like any other tool (Reagan wanted to teach from Space, the Challenger disintegrated. Remember?)

Was intended for everyone...who here as broken a socket/ how many?

Me = 0

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh I wouldn't buy master sets and I wouldn't be too concerned on warranty, sometimes self warranty far smarter .
Just buy sockets on rails from decent brand or something passing in hand inspection from Taiwan (proper decent design and full depth broaching) that got size range you happy with and you can't go far wrong for home use .
Tekton sockets are cheap design and shallow broaching, way better comes out of taiwan if hunt about and don't trap yourself over warranty of a few buck socket lol .

 

[cherrybomb]

Me=0,also,buy quality,use don't,abuse

 

[jsmeece]

several socket craftsman, my own fault and with the help of a hammer, rusted and stripped nut on front suspension, had to get that nut off in order to replace lower control arm. But that was almost 20 years ago, have not broke any since. Oh, wait a minute, did break a 10mm 1/4 craftsman socket last year, do not remember what on, but socket was 30 years old and a little rusty from chipped chrome. So three broken craftsman sockets over the years, that I can remember. Not bashing craftsman, just what I have.

 

[turnthewrench]

Turnthewrench "Another kool-aid drinker" 35 k for a home user

Check this thread, I have less than 2K - I am a home DIY sumbitch too.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=373184

To be fair to Turnthewrench, I think he meant that the snap-on set, comprehensive and large as it is, doesn't include one of the best tools available today and needed by most users.

Thanks! Happy to find an Aristotle's disciple these days

Oh, did not think about in that sense.
So, then after spending 35K, I would still have to buy Knipex pliers? (OMG).

Up to you, but - I would say - it's possible.

In fact, you WILL

 

[buffalobill]

Did you really just recommend a $35,000.00 set of tools for a non-professional? Homeowner & Car Builder; so he's a hobiest...and you're honestly saying he should spend 35 grand on tools? WOW!

I thought he was inferring to my post, talking about never having ALL the tools you could use.

 

[turnthewrench]

Me = 0

You need 5000 posts before you break a socket - keep posting Bubba!

 

[turnthewrench]

Did you really just recommend a $35,000.00 set of tools for a non-professional? Homeowner & Car Builder; so he's a hobiest...and you're honestly saying he should spend 35 grand on tools? WOW!

Nein.

 

[buffalobill]

Was intended for everyone...who here as broken a socket/ how many?

Me = 0

I've broken a few craftsman, a bunch of off brand garbage, and one sk 3/8 14mm. To be fair, that 14mm was on my Dewalt 3/8 impact more than a few times...

 

[turnthewrench]

To be fair, that 14mm was on my Dewalt 3/8 impact more than a few times...

How-to-break-a-socket-101

 

[Toothaker]

Was intended for everyone...who here as broken a socket/ how many?

Me = 0

I inherited quite a few tools from my father-in-law who was a mechanic. He was tough on tools. Maybe he threw away all the broken sockets, but you couldn't prove it by me. There weren't missing sockets or new sockets - there were lots and lots of sockets that had the snot beat out of them, but none broken.

Me? Zero. Then again, I am the weekend guy who wrenches for fun.

 

[DadsTools]

I've seen a number of these discussions before, but a brand that never seems to get mentioned is Blackhawk. I believe they're still USA.

Any thoughts on this brand?

 

[buffalobill]

How-to-break-a-socket-101

Lol, i was broker at the time, and it took quite a beating for a long time. I'm older and less broke now, and my sk chrome lives right next to my 3/8 sunex master impact socket set. For a long time, I thought electric impacts didn't have the chutzpah to break chrome sockets, at least in 3/8 drive. It's nice that technical development has proven me wrong!

 

[buffalobill]

I've seen a number of these discussions before, but a brand that never seems to get mentioned is Blackhawk. I believe they're still USA.

Any thoughts on this brand?

Where can you get blackhawk? I have a set of 1/2 drive sae blackhawk impacts that I got on ebay, I don't think they are currently made?