How do you replace single sockets

[Nthill93]

So how do you guys go about replacing single sockets? I mean lost sockets not broken. I lost my 11 and 12mm deep impacts. All I find for sale is whole sets or singles for 8$. Replacing 2 sockets cost almost 1/4 the price of the whole set.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

For cheaper stuff, yes, singles basically cost a good chunk of the set. Either swallow the cost, or justify an upgrade or replacement of the entire set. Now you have duplicates/replacements if need be. For impacts, check amazon and ebay. You may be able to get decent singles for $5 a pop, at least for the 12mm.

 

[ezover]

Garage sales, pawn shops, buy it out right, buy new sets and coffee can the duplicates.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Usually use a speed perks coupon to get one from advance auto. Sometimes I get lucky and find one at the flea market.


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[Indexmill]

You BUY them...

 

[ex-x-fire]

I keep some extra mint sockets for the worse case scenario nuts/bolts.

 

[Fedwrench]

You buy them one at a time

 

[tool_scrounge]

Ebay

 

[ChevyEFI]

With money.

 

[Fialaja]

eBay. Lots of NOS from Cripe Distributing and other such sellers...

 

[PugetDude]

Zoro

I was able to find the elusive 5/8" in 1/4" drive. (damn Hansen socket rack)

 

[Wamsutta]

I punch the part number into eBay. If eBay doesn't have it, I buy it from the SO site.

 

[CR888]

I had the same problem too as the OP, I needed to replace some lost sockets and just stood there at the tool shop counter, I just couldn't do it. I left the store amazed at how many tools this shop had but very stressed and wondered how people ended up getting them out.

 

[3jakes]

singles for 8$

Lots of guys here would buy their singles all day long for that cheap.
I'm guessing you didn't buy your socket sets off the truck?

 

[ClappedOutBport]

A lot of pawn shops I've been to have huge bins of loose sockets. Lots of import garbage, but lots of snappy and old craftsman too. Same price, just gotta dig.

 

[bpjr]

If I need it "now" I go to Sears. The local store is 4 miles away and still open. Otherwise I go to the pawn shop with bins full of sockets...$1 for name brands and .50 for no names.

 

[Nthill93]

Definitely not a tool truck guy I’m a power plant operator but not in the maintenance division. They’re a set of Tekton impacts that I use at home mainly on landscape equipment. I had 2 identical sets one for my old job and one for home and out of both sets I can’t find either socket. Is it worth it to upgrade. I have double and some triples of each socket so I would rather not buy a whole new set.

 

[kb1982]

I usually get my singles from the SK socket of the month club.

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[jd_1138]

I just go to Napa or O'Reillys and buy a replacement usually, sure it's like $6 to $8 but if I need the socket I need it and can't wait to have one delivered.

I figure I am saving so much by doing the job myself, I can justify the cost.

I have sometimes bought entire sets if they are pretty cheap and of relatively good quality. I thus have like 5 sets of sockets. One in the trunk, one in garage, one in shed, one in basement.

My main sets are SK and Powr-Kraft -- inherited both. So if I lost one of those, I might replace with the same brand out of sentimentality. Otherwise, the other sets, I don't care about brands. I have a couple of HF sockets on a rail with Craftsman.

 

[sberry]

I add more than replace. If I find myself looking I get another. Just bite the bullet. Lowes were a dollar cheaper on impacts and Menard a buck less on chrome. If I needed a few would hit the pawns and check.

 

[Wamsutta]

Another option is to punch the Proto part number into Google and see if Amazon pops up.

 

[ovilla]

Just did this yesterday. $16 for a 12mm shallow socket from Snap-on. I couldn’t find it on eBay so I had to buy it from their store.

 

[Nthill93]

Found jh Williams sockets on zoro for $10 each. Better than $8 on eBay for no name or used. Never ordered from zoro before. Any good? They also have Proto for $8.

 

[Professional Tool User]

If I don't care about whether or not it's the same brand, pawn shops, big box store clearance, or classifieds where I can find cheap singles for cheap. Otherwise, I'd just cough up the money.

 

[kb1982]

Zoro is a great place to order from. They have great customer service. Just be sure to compare prices from other vendors. Also look for coupon codes when shoppimg with them.

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[77thor]

I find single sockets at our local Habitat ReStore… they don't usually have a wide selection of sizes, but they always have sockets. For only 25 cents.

 

[gatlibs]

SK Socket of the month club. Replace losses and get ones for your lugs to carry in your vehicle.

 

[erty67]

Most of my sockets are Craftsman so swap meets and flea markets do me well.

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[BDT/NWMN]

You mentioned that Your sockets were Tekton.. You can order Tekton tools from their web site. Check it out

 

[Shelbylex]

Look on CL. You will get them cheap! I recently sold 78 sockets with a wobble and 1/4 drive, mostly no name, some Japanese and few no name US) for $25. We all get periodically a big load of extras when sellers refuse to split the lots...
I remember selling several snap on sockets for $2/piece because I did not like owners name scratched on the side...
Just keep looking - bet there are plenty of good deals there...

 

[Shane6377]

Cripes Distribution, HJE or eBay. You can pick up cheap sockets at estate sales if you have the time.


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