turnthewrench
Banned
Taiwan - C'mon, It's on Drudge.
Homeowner + Car Builder - Complete Socket Set Opinions
- Thread starter idriveahonda
- Start date
Taiwan - C'mon, It's on Drudge.
crewchief888
Well-known member
IMHO
the CM "master" sets are a huge waste of time.
theres more "****" in those sets than usable tools....
it's the "easy way" to get a bunch of tools for a decent price, but how much will actually be used?.....
i have a co-worker that inherited a bunch of CM stuff, looks to me like a 3-400 pc set. he probably uses 10% of the stuff, the rest is just filler....
complete sets in all 3 drive sizes of 6pt AND 12pt (to me) is a waste of money and storage space. ive been wrenching professionally for over 30 years, and been fixing my own **** for over 40 years.
ive HAD to have a 12pt socket 4 or 5 times over the years, for 12pt bolts that couldnt be accessed with a 12pt wrench.
as far as warranty goes... every tool ive ever broken was being abused at the time it broke.....
when i want/need a tool for DIY/garage work, i typically pick up a GW or kobalt.
just my $0.02
the CM "master" sets are a huge waste of time.
theres more "****" in those sets than usable tools....
it's the "easy way" to get a bunch of tools for a decent price, but how much will actually be used?.....
i have a co-worker that inherited a bunch of CM stuff, looks to me like a 3-400 pc set. he probably uses 10% of the stuff, the rest is just filler....
complete sets in all 3 drive sizes of 6pt AND 12pt (to me) is a waste of money and storage space. ive been wrenching professionally for over 30 years, and been fixing my own **** for over 40 years.
ive HAD to have a 12pt socket 4 or 5 times over the years, for 12pt bolts that couldnt be accessed with a 12pt wrench.
as far as warranty goes... every tool ive ever broken was being abused at the time it broke.....
when i want/need a tool for DIY/garage work, i typically pick up a GW or kobalt.
just my $0.02
ssdave
Banned
Bit off topic the number of sockets broken, but here's my experience. In about 40 years, I've broken (or stripped out/stretched) a handfull of Craftsman, say 15 or less. Broken maybe 5 Proto and Snap-on together. Cracked a fair number of SK, probably a half dozen. The Proto and Snap-on have been used more than any other brands I owned, so their rate is really low compared to the usage. Had a few Japanese or Taiwan sets that essentially every socket I used failed; those taught me to avoid imports, so I have been a strong USA made supporter since. I do recognize that quality on imports has gone up since the 70's, but I still buy major US brands.
turnthewrench
Banned
buffalobill
Well-known member
Lol, when I was younger and really broke, my "impact" was my big deadblow on a cheap wrench or ratchet and socket. I had an ace brand 3/8 ratchet that I gave hell, I couldn't believe the abuse that thing took.
Honestly, don't bother with the gigantic sets. Every piece from one of those sets that I've ever bought now lives in a pile in an old toolbox of tools I need to give away at some point.
For DIY/home use, pretty much anything you buy will work. Almost anything you buy these days will be great for 95% of the things you could do with it. You're paying for that 5% when you buy a pro level tool.
Forget warranties as well. Tool companies are changing hands so quickly these days that chances are they won't be around if you need the warranty. That, and unless you're abusing the tool, you most likely will never need the warranty anyways.
If it were me, I'd just start assembling stuff as you need it. Get a 3/8 and a 1/2 set of sockets and build from there. My main problem with lower end tool companies is that they skip sizes all the time.
For something mid level that isn't going to break the bank, take a look at Williams. They're made by Snap-On, and have all sizes available for you.
For DIY/home use, pretty much anything you buy will work. Almost anything you buy these days will be great for 95% of the things you could do with it. You're paying for that 5% when you buy a pro level tool.
Forget warranties as well. Tool companies are changing hands so quickly these days that chances are they won't be around if you need the warranty. That, and unless you're abusing the tool, you most likely will never need the warranty anyways.
If it were me, I'd just start assembling stuff as you need it. Get a 3/8 and a 1/2 set of sockets and build from there. My main problem with lower end tool companies is that they skip sizes all the time.
For something mid level that isn't going to break the bank, take a look at Williams. They're made by Snap-On, and have all sizes available for you.
creativecars
Well-known member
The Harbor Freight 301 pc tool set is a great place to start. Out of the 301 pieces only a few are junk insert bits and redundant allen wrenches. Probably one of the most 'complete' socket sets around. You will need to augment the wrenches in the set because there are only about 10 total, but as far as sockets it is a great starter, and finisher for the diy guy.
And it comes in a handy little plastic box... that even the kids can find a place to put things back where they be long. With a coupon that is about 50 cents per tool.
https://www.harborfreight.com/301-pc-mechanics-tool-set-63457.html
And it comes in a handy little plastic box... that even the kids can find a place to put things back where they be long. With a coupon that is about 50 cents per tool.
https://www.harborfreight.com/301-pc-mechanics-tool-set-63457.html
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jgromada
Well-known member
I don't know why you would have concerns about warranty. I bought a set of craftsmen tools over 30 years ago and in that time i broke 1 socket, a 14mm
and that was my fault! i used the socket with an impact when it was a non-impact socket
we know now Craftsman is not going away only Sears.
and that was my fault! i used the socket with an impact when it was a non-impact socket
we know now Craftsman is not going away only Sears.
OP, If I were you I'd get the Tekton sets. Easy warranty, great customer service, very good quality, and they should be on sale for the holidays soon...
I made the same recommendation to my BIL last year and he is very happy.
I made the same recommendation to my BIL last year and he is very happy.
tekton sockets are nothing special, way way better taiwan exist for same money if forfeit warranty for what it worth (maybe 25bucks for a home owner)
No idea why so many guys get so hung up on warranty for budget end sockets.
No idea why so many guys get so hung up on warranty for budget end sockets.
Blackhawk is still listed on the Proto site. Guess you'd buy them anywhere you'd get Proto.
bcradio
Well-known member
Zero here. I use the correct tool for the job.
I'd second this set, I don't own that exact set but I've got tons of gearwrench sockets/ratchets and I'm very pleased with all of them.
Since thats a PDF and I don't know what the price is, here it is also on Coastal tool supply. Compare the prices and shop away!
Forgot the link, LOL
http://www.coastaltoolsupply.com/product/KDT-80550F.html
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buffalobill
Well-known member
Good to know, I'd thought proto retired that name...
Snakebyt
Well-known member
I really like my grey pneumatic sockets, i have beat the hell out of them and never had a problem. Great price as well
454ragtop
Well-known member
This, for 1/2" drive at least. If I were to start over now, I wouldn't even bother with 1/2" drive chrome. Usually when you reach for a 1/2" drive socket you also reach for an impact......
You are right. To be honest i think chrome sockets are a waste of money. I have it in my 3/8 drive for really tight space and when I need a really thin wall but most of the time I use my impact socket on my ratchets.
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kythri
Well-known member
From a 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive chrome socket perspective, how do you get much more comprehensive than the Craftsman "299 piece ultimate socket set" ??
ssdave
Banned
flex sockets in all 3 drives, 3/4" drive in both SAE & Metric, internal and external torx, metric and SAE hex, 8 point drive, wider range of sizes (for instance my 1/2" drive goes to 1 1/2"), ball end hex, specialty sockets such as drag link and shock absorber shaft, regular and deep impact sockets, and so on.
There's a lot of useful sockets that aren't included in Craftsman sets. I my case, at least 250 of them.
kythri
Well-known member
I won't argue that there's a lot of useful sockets that aren't included in the specific Craftsman set I'm talking about, but I have yet to see a set sold that is more comprehensive.
What’s you budget and does it have to be made in USA?
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ssdave
Banned
Agreed, and the price is right. For most DIY and homeowners, it is even overkill. I could probably easily make do with half that set, and a couple dozen specialty sockets. I do like having the exact ones I want, though. Even though I do a lot less work than I used to and some of them I have may never get used again.
kythri
Well-known member
I'm not buying - just responding to discussion about the original post.
Personally, I already own the earlier US-made Craftsman "Ultimate Socket Set", supplemented by Carlyle, Craftsman flex/universals, Craftsman/Gearwrench/Proto/HF bit sockets, Craftsman crowfoots, Sunex impacts in 3/8" and 1/2" and whatever other sockets I've got. I've even got a couple of cheap 3/4" sets.
I haven't counted, but I'm probably close to ssdave's count of sockets (at least close to (or reached) 500...
I am curious, what brand is this that is way way better but for the same money, and why it is better? Better fitment? Chrome? QC?
Satin/half satin and/or knurled for better handling, full depth broaching in sockets deep and shallow, slimmer wall profiles, nice chamfer drive end and fastener end, good crisp stamping and maybe laser etched too but not laser etched only. Tekton sockets are one of there poor items when way better can be sourced from taiwan oems, just don't get into product name and lifetime warranty trap over a 2 to 5 buck socket . buy on good design features and in hand quality feel (buy one individual if have to)
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I don't really see that the big master sets really save cost or improve coverage -
from what I can tell you're as well off putting together a series of sets in each drive size.
Personally I have a 1/4" socket set that's very comprehensive. Deep and shallow, metric and SAE. 6 points. Over 50 pieces. Cost me $50. Later found a similar set NAPA branded for quite a bit less than that.
My primary 3/8" drive stuff is made up of 3 sets - one very complete SAE set, a rail of deep sockets, and a rail of shallow sockets. I got some great deals, but all in cost was about $60. Most of these are 12 point because I prefer them, and use 1/2" 6 points if I need more torque. I also have 6 point 3/8", but it's not what I consider part of my core set.
My 1/2" stuff is a SAE set that is Williams import, plus a metric shallow set from Northern Tool. All in a little over $100. I don't have metric deeps.
Without counting them, that gives me coverage in all 3 drives, around 150 to 200 sockets, plus ratchets extensions and extensions in each drive, for about $200. About half is US made. I really don't see much need for anything else. Based on cost and completeness I think putting it together like that might be the way to go. I'm surprised at how often a 20-25 piece set that sells for $150 is discussed on here as a less costly lower-end alternative.
Don't get me wrong, I'm on Garage Journal because I like the connaiseur stuff, and I've spent a fair bit on extra ratchets and extra "candy" in my toolbox, but for the basics I don't get why the 299 piece set is a "value choice."
from what I can tell you're as well off putting together a series of sets in each drive size.
Personally I have a 1/4" socket set that's very comprehensive. Deep and shallow, metric and SAE. 6 points. Over 50 pieces. Cost me $50. Later found a similar set NAPA branded for quite a bit less than that.
My primary 3/8" drive stuff is made up of 3 sets - one very complete SAE set, a rail of deep sockets, and a rail of shallow sockets. I got some great deals, but all in cost was about $60. Most of these are 12 point because I prefer them, and use 1/2" 6 points if I need more torque. I also have 6 point 3/8", but it's not what I consider part of my core set.
My 1/2" stuff is a SAE set that is Williams import, plus a metric shallow set from Northern Tool. All in a little over $100. I don't have metric deeps.
Without counting them, that gives me coverage in all 3 drives, around 150 to 200 sockets, plus ratchets extensions and extensions in each drive, for about $200. About half is US made. I really don't see much need for anything else. Based on cost and completeness I think putting it together like that might be the way to go. I'm surprised at how often a 20-25 piece set that sells for $150 is discussed on here as a less costly lower-end alternative.
Don't get me wrong, I'm on Garage Journal because I like the connaiseur stuff, and I've spent a fair bit on extra ratchets and extra "candy" in my toolbox, but for the basics I don't get why the 299 piece set is a "value choice."
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GTA Matt
Well-known member
My take, if you know exactly what you need, or will always be working on the same brand vehicles, you can limit your collection to only what you need. If you are working on a big variety, or never know what your next project may be, get the most complete sets you can. With the cman set, even if you manage to break one, you can replace it very readily with an Armstrong, husky, kobalt, gearwrench, etc., for 2-3 bucks. The odds of the average homeowner breaking a socket while using it correctly is very slim. BTW, I'm in the latter camp, never know what I'm working on tomorrow so I try to be as complete as possible, and even with over 800 sockets, yesterday I found one I needed and did not have. No, homeowners generally don't need that many, but it ***** not having what you need.
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ok gotcha I understand these features. So what brand are you talking about?
kythri
Well-known member
Well, in the context of this thread, the OP is talking about a "complete" set. That's why I, personally, am not discussing "the basics".
The 299 piece set is currently $329.99, with no additional discount/coupons (and those discounts/coupons come around with pretty decent frequency). It's all sockets, no filler.
Paying that, you're at roughly $1.10/socket.
In fact, just checking, there's a $20 of $150 storewide coupon (code 9700080954578349) on the sears.com site that you can load, making that set $309.99, so ~$1.04/socket, and that also would earn, at least for my account, $33.10 to redeem on a future order. There's also the free shipping, on top of all of that.
How is that not a value choice?
From a "complete" standpoint, at least in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive, you can't really buy a set more complete for the price. The only thing that set is notably missing is 1/4" metric 12pt stuff (It's got 6pt and 12pt SAE, and 6pt metric - I supplemented mine with Carlyle in that respect).
Given OP's statement:
Can you name another socket set that fits that bill, for anywhere near that price?
OP did mention a concern about the Craftsman warranty. I honestly believe SBD will continue to honor the warranty, but even if they don't, it's not likely you'll bust one of these sockets, but if you do, you paid ~$1 for one, so if you have to replace it on your own dime, you're still ahead of the game.
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themiller
Well-known member
I have sockets from craftsman (USA), companion (craftsman Taiwan), SK, Proto, MAC, Snap-On, Carlyle, Gearwrench, and a few others. Everything from 4mm to 48ish in 1/4 to 3/4 drive. End of the day - if I was starting over - I’d snag as much as I could in Gearwrench - and the rest - the oddballs and outliers - used off ebay in sets. As I look in my drawers, matching no longer really matters. I’ve got a swivel snap-on 10mm next to a MAC 9mm, and the nuts and bolts don’t know any difference.
If I can refine and rephrase my point a little bit -
If the objective is to fill every slot in a socket tray for both 6 and 12 points, that's fine, but my take is the requirement is really a matter of having full coverage to do the job at a reasonable price. It is definitely most convenient to buy one box. But in terms of value, putting together a couple of sets, either complete sets for each drive size or as a couple of rails for each drive and shallow/deep can still be done for about $1/piece, and get the ratchets and extensions to boot.
I don't have quite perfect coverage - I might want to add metric 1/2" deep at some point. And my 1/2" metrics are only 6 point. But my size coverage is comprehensive. And while I haven't bought both 6 and 12 point of everything, I do have 12 point of any size I'll ever encounter a 12 point fastener for.
I do acknowledge that looking on eBay for NAPA or other socket sets to put together all the modules for such a set takes more effort than just going to Sears, but isn't that what GJ is all about
kythri
Well-known member
Not trying to argue, I'm just reading the OP's stated desire:
Perhaps he can reply to clarify if he's looking for something closer to "every size available" or "every size needed to work on his application" ?
To me, it sounds more like a "I want everything, even if I don't need it now" - I certainly understand that mentality, it's how I've made a lot of my tool purchases, and it's worked out incredibly well for me - I've purchased a number of sets that have items/sizes I didn't have any particular use for when I purchased it, but a couple years down the road, I was sure glad I did, because I found the need, and didn't have to stop working to run out and buy the right tool.
Some of the holiday special sets can be a nice start for someone like the OP.
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-138-P...c-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50200791
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Mechanics-Tool-Set-118-Piece-DWMT72163/205123750
Here is just 200 sockets. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-Drive-Socket-Set-200-Piece-H200MSS/207186810
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-138-P...c-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50200791
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Mechanics-Tool-Set-118-Piece-DWMT72163/205123750
Here is just 200 sockets. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-Drive-Socket-Set-200-Piece-H200MSS/207186810
619DioFan
Well-known member
My take, if you know exactly what you need, or will always be working on the same brand vehicles, you can limit your collection to only what you need. If you are working on a big variety, or never know what your next project may be, get the most complete sets you can. With the cman set, even if you manage to break one, you can replace it very readily with an Armstrong, husky, kobalt, gearwrench, etc., for 2-3 bucks. The odds of the average homeowner breaking a socket while using it correctly is very slim. BTW, I'm in the latter camp, never know what I'm working on tomorrow so I try to be as complete as possible, and even with over 800 sockets, yesterday I found one I needed and did not have. No, homeowners generally don't need that many, but it ***** not having what you need.
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Ok Matt , I have to ask- what socket did you NOT have ? I have watched your toolbox tour video and can't imagine that you are lacking anything
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With 800 sockets I can't see how you could be lacking - you probably had it but just couldn't find it lol.
I got around half that including torx hex sockets 3/4-drive etc and not been stuck once working on all makes of cars and various agricultural equipment full time for last 30 years .
I got around half that including torx hex sockets 3/4-drive etc and not been stuck once working on all makes of cars and various agricultural equipment full time for last 30 years .
GTA Matt
Well-known member
Lol, a deep 1 5/8 3/4 drive. I actually don't work on many big trucks, never knew I needed one, probably won't need one again. I can only imagine the weight in the socket draw of a well equipped heavy truck tech.Ok Matt , I have to ask- what socket did you NOT have ? I have watched your toolbox tour video and can't imagine that you are lacking anything
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I'm curious too. Mr_B says way better for the same money...Who makes them and where can I get these awesome socket sets?
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
Sunex, Carlyle, SK, Proto