I want some 1/2 sockets suggestions (or do I even need them?)

[AceofSpad3s]

Hello, I have billions and billions of 1/4 sockets, about a 1 complete set of 3/8 , a incomplete set and some loose ones but only about 3 1/2 drive sockets. While I was at tractor supply I have kept seeing this dewalt set, not the exact one but pretty similar, the one form tc has a small locking case for the sockets.http://www.dewalt.com/tools/hand-tools-mechanics-tools-mechanics-tool-sets-dwmt72162.aspx

Looked good, and it has been on clearance for a while, down to $25 might get it if it drops more. Are these any good? Any suggestions for other cheap sets, I don't want anything more expensive then $30. Or should I not even bother with 1/2 drive? I see a large overlap with 3/8 and 1/2 with the sizes, only about less than half the sockets in the dewalt set would be new to me. I buy pretty much all of my tools used so I could wait to piece a set together but neither of the guys that hook me up have got anything new in the past month.

 

[Kev442]

If the ts set is 6 point and you ever plan on working on automobile suspension/brakes, I think it is a good starting point. Being from the rust belt, 6 point 1/2 is a must for me, I use mine about every week.

 

[metaldad]

ebay is full of ideas

 

[Brownsfan]

Most of my 1/2 drive is 12pt. I bought a couple USA craftsman 6pt sets. I hardly EVER use 1/2 drive but when you do you really do need them. For.most of what I do 1/4 drive gets the.job done but if.you plan on doing any work on your own vehicle a good 3/8 set at least is needed.

 

[SantaAna12]

What have you used in the past?

 

[kctyphoon]

I think HF might be your friend on this one..

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

I am looking for another 1/2" 6pt set myself.

I have a set of Proto and a set of Williams. I can't complain about either. Between the two of them, I would be more inclined to get more Protos. However, I am thinking about trying some Wright or SK just for something different. Or, even Hazet.

On thing is, the Wright metric set is 12pt. One of the SK metric sets is 12pt.

Here is what I have been looking at:

Wright 469 18pc *12pt* $161.46: http://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-469-18-Piece-12-Point/dp/B00279JM3I
- 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, , , 30, , 32

SK 1955 15pc $107.17: http://www.amazon.com/SK-2-Inch-10-Millimeter-24-Millimeter-Socket/dp/B0007DFZ4G/
- 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

SK 1959 19pc $139.50: http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/12drsets/SK1959.html
- 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

SK 1913 13pc *12pt* $100.07: http://www.amazon.com/Piece-2-Inch-15-Millimeter-32-Millimeter-Socket/dp/B0007DFZ4Q/
- 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, , 22, , 24, , 26, 27, 28, , 30, , 32

Proto J54205 15pc $87.58: http://www.zoro.com/i/G3148801/
- 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Proto J54209 23pc $176.38: http://www.zoro.com/i/G0356063/
- 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Hazet Individual Sockets 15pc $152
- 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, , 21, 22, , 24, , , 27, , , 30

 

[Askme42]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GK8ULY6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this entire set. The dewalt sockets have held up to anything I have thrown at the. The ratchets are short and weigh a ton but the sockets and extensions are great.

 

[General Geoff]

For the OP, my suggestion is Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" impact sockets.
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-61702.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-sae-impact-socket-set-67918.html

About $50 for the metric and sae sets total, or about $40 if you use a 20% off coupon for each one (might have to make two separate purchases for that...)

They are easily the strongest 1/2" sockets you will find for $50 or less.

 

[rayh91]

For the OP, my suggestion is Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" impact sockets.
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-61702.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-sae-impact-socket-set-67918.html

About $50 for the metric and sae sets total, or about $40 if you use a 20% off coupon for each one (might have to make two separate purchases for that...)

They are easily the strongest 1/2" sockets you will find for $50 or less.

I would get a set of those but in deep well and then some standard length chromes for when you need the clearance.

 

[454ragtop]

I'm a self employed auto tech, and if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't even bother with chrome 1/2" drive, just get impacts. 98% of the time when I'm reaching for a 1/2" drive socket, I'm also reaching for an impact wrench. They're usually 6 point also.
HTH, Jim

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench 80729---27 pc 6 pt Socket set..................$ 87.93
(7/16" to 1 1/2" Std and 1/2" to 1 1/2" Deep)

Gearwrench 80730---37 pc 12 pt Socket Set...................85.95
(9mm to 36mm Std and 14mm to 32mm Deep)

www.tooldiscounter.com provided the prices...

In the photos are the two sets Santa brought me...

I really like them...

You will too...if you aren't using them constantly in a professional situation, they will do just fine...

Come with a heavy duty blow molded tray (pictured), too!!!

 

[Lyptix]

If the ts set is 6 point and you ever plan on working on automobile suspension/brakes, I think it is a good starting point. Being from the rust belt, 6 point 1/2 is a must for me, I use mine about every week.

Beat me to it. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Working in rusted suspension nuts and bolts some times 3/8" just doesn't do as well as 1/2"

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I'm a self employed auto tech, and if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't even bother with chrome 1/2" drive, just get impacts. 98% of the time when I'm reaching for a 1/2" drive socket, I'm also reaching for an impact wrench. They're usually 6 point also.
HTH, Jim

I think I am going to wait until I run into a situation where I need 1/2 sockets and try to piece together a set in the mean time. When need some I think I am gonna grab the pitts pro impacts,unless the dewalt set at tc hits $15 which at that price I am pretty much obligated to buy it.

 

[Kirbot]

This is strictly IMO, but....
For 1/2" drive, I really like 6 point impact sockets and 12 point chrome.

Fasteners that big are properly tough to round off, even with a 30 year old Jeep in the rust belt.
12 point sockets are just a lot easier to use with a breaker bar, and if you ever run across 12 point fasteners, you're set.

 

[Don53]

19 piece Allen USA metric set for ~$30.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=361179460020&alt=web

 

[defektes]

19 piece Allen USA metric set for ~$30.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=361179460020&alt=web

That is quite the deal!

 

[sonvolt]

Look at blackhawk sockets as well. Good quality for the $$

 

[ibedayank]

chrome in 12 point 6 point for the impacts
if I need the power of 1/2 it's extra long ratcket or impact time anyway

 

[kctyphoon]

for the $30 limit i dont think your gonna do better than HF esp for warranty purposes.. impacts or chrome....

Tekton impacts might be another consideration, esp if you want a case to keep them in. the new hf pro impacts are nice too.. much nicer looking that the older ones.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I'm a self employed auto tech, and if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't even bother with chrome 1/2" drive, just get impacts. 98% of the time when I'm reaching for a 1/2" drive socket, I'm also reaching for an impact wrench. They're usually 6 point also.
HTH, Jim

Same here.

 

[DieselSaves]

I think HF might be your friend on this one..

Good call for a seldom used tool.

 

[FloydShine]

"I don't know if I need them" O my! If I had used that as a factor in buying tools, I wouldn't have half of the tools I ended up having!! If nothing else, my kids will get to fight over something when I leave this earth.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Any suggestions for other cheap sets, I don't want anything more expensive then $30.

Doh! I completely missed that part.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Every drive size will have some overlapping or duplicates. Sometimes that is good. You can't get by with only impacts. They are too big and bulky for a lot of things a lot of the time. They also aren't really made for using with hands tools. They are softer and arent made for the same stresses as regular sockets.

TLDR- just get both. You can probably get impacts and 1/2 socket set from HF or tekton for around 50 bucks if not less.

 

[Adam.C]

I think I am going to wait until I run into a situation where I need 1/2 sockets and try to piece together a set in the mean time. When need some I think I am gonna grab the pitts pro impacts,unless the dewalt set at tc hits $15 which at that price I am pretty much obligated to buy it.

Smart. The bigger fasteners on cars are usually suspension related. Most of the time, these are accessible with a gun. When they are not, you can still use a ratchet with an impact socket.

Some vehicles like Land Rovers use metric 12pt fasteners. They have pretty beefy suspensions and brake components and use high grade, high torque bolts. If you are working on vehicles like this, you will need a smattering of 12pt sockets. I have a set of 12pt 1/2" drive chrome 12-24mm.

I'm not a pro mechanic, but I've worked on a lot of cars. I've never once encountered a need for a 1/2" chrome where 1/2" impact wouldn't fit. I really don't feel like you need both. I'd stick with impact until you find the need for chrome.

 

[Wizzard]

I'm a self employed auto tech, and if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't even bother with chrome 1/2" drive, just get impacts. 98% of the time when I'm reaching for a 1/2" drive socket, I'm also reaching for an impact wrench. They're usually 6 point also.
HTH, Jim

I'll second this. And I also would go look at the Pittsburgh Pro sockets at HF. I was just there today and the Pro sets were on sale for ~$25 per set (made in Taiwan). I was there buying some 3/8 impact socket sets since I don't have any, and I didn't want to spend for a truck brand like I did for my 1/2" impact sockets.

I also looked at the Kobalts and it looks like the Kobalts are the same socket (Taiwan) as HF except the Kobalts are laser etched and cost over twice as much, same rough phosphate finish as well.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Tekton sets are slightly more "complete" than the HF ones, if that is an area of concern for you.

 

[Dajn]

I agree that you must have 6 point impact sockets in your collection. But seriously for chrome 12 point I would go to walmart. The sae set is 5/16 to 1 inch. The metric set is 9mm to 24mm. Just under $20 a set. $40 would set you up very nice for starters. Then get your 6 point impacts. The walmart sockets are Stanley and I have used mine a ton over the last two years and I have never came close to breaking one. I know the walmart near me still sells the same sets. The picture on the right is also a $20 walmart Stanley set. 6 point deep well impact. Never broke one of them either. Not even with a 3/4 breaker bar with a impact reducer on it

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

for the $30 limit i dont think your gonna do better than HF esp for warranty purposes.. impacts or chrome....

ehh... impacts only from HF unless they're only being used for light-duty stuff... I wouldn't even be willing to work on a car if I had those things. The variance in quality is too much for me. You might get a decent set or you might get downright awful and dangerous stuff.

And you can use impacts with hand tools anyway.

 

[Kirbot]

ehh... impacts only from HF unless they're only being used for light-duty stuff... I wouldn't even be willing to work on a car if I had those things. The variance in quality is too much for me. You might get a decent set or you might get downright awful and dangerous stuff.

And you can use impacts with hand tools anyway.

I'm not going to turn this thread into a ******* match..... But have you ever actually used current production, Taiwan harborfreight sockets?

I've been using one of the sets for about 2 years. Nothing has exploded in my face, shattered in my hands, or rounded off. I expect some dolphins died somewhere along the line, but that doesn't make the sockets work any less well.


That said...
I wouldn't buy 1/2" chrome sockets from Harborfreight.

Only because the sets only go up to 19mm. My 3/8" sockets go that big, so that would just be a waste of time IMO.


My vote goes to Urrea, or Gearwrench.

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

I'm not going to turn this thread into a ******* match..... But have you ever actually used current production, Taiwan harborfreight sockets?

I've been using one of the sets for about 2 years. Nothing has exploded in my face, shattered in my hands, or rounded off. I expect some dolphins died somewhere along the line, but that doesn't make the sockets work any less well.

No, and I don't need to.

You could get a good set sometimes. What I said is that quality varies too much. Not worth the risk. When I'm removing an axle bolt or a crankshaft pulley bolt or flywheel bolts, I simply couldn't trust one of those. On the other hand I would be willing to do those sorts of jobs with the cr-mo impacts. Not my preference but I wouldn't fear for my safety.

 

[Kirbot]

I only skimmed through there, but those are 3/4" drive Chinese sockets. (I actually have a set. Ugly, but effective)

But they really have nothing whatsoever in common with Taiwanese CR-V 1/2" drive sockets.

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

Didn't realize they had two chrome lines too. My bad. Still... I really prefer cr-mo when it's an option.

 

[Kirbot]

Didn't realize they had two chrome lines too. My bad. Still... I really prefer cr-mo when it's an option.

I actually don't think anybody makes cr-mo chrome sockets. That's an impact only thing. (and ironically enough, harborfreight carries cr-mo impact sockets)

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

I actually don't think anybody makes cr-mo chrome sockets. That's an impact only thing. (and ironically enough, harborfreight carries cr-mo impact sockets)

Kinda goes along with me saying before that I prefer the impacts. I'll be a little more clear: Cr-V is okay to me if it's a good brand. However I still tend to use impact sockets even with good brands unless I'm tight on space. I wouldn't use Craftsman chrome sockets either.

But I can be rough on my sockets. Like I said, if light duty, go for it. I've got a friend who uses a Pittsburgh (non-pro) chrome socket set to work on small engines (lawnmowers, snowblowers etc) and he says they're great for that. He also says he wouldn't use that stuff working on cars. All depends on the usage.

 

[monster1]

For the OP, my suggestion is Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" impact sockets.
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-61702.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-sae-impact-socket-set-67918.html

About $50 for the metric and sae sets total, or about $40 if you use a 20% off coupon for each one (might have to make two separate purchases for that...)

They are easily the strongest 1/2" sockets you will find for $50 or less.

^^^ This. You can use them on both hand drive and impact. It's what I did and didn't look back. I don't care what some say, while most of it is junk, HF has SOME really decent stuff. These impact sockets are on that list.

 

[freudianfloyd]

I like my Grey Pneumatic 1/2" sockets. Good quality, and good price.

 

[cheechi]

It's not in your price range but if you need complete sets Williams USA are the right answer. If you like the deep sockets with the shallow broach they are perfect. They are spendy by comparison to what you want but they are the best value I know of.

I have HF impact sockets and would not recommend them for anything other than impact. they are heavy and thick, not ideal on the end of a ratchet. I mean sure in a pinch, in a smaller size, but it is not ideal for more than once or twice. Plus (maybe this is just me who knows) I try to avoid using black tools in places they can get lost, forgotten, or fly in unexpected directions at unexpected times.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hello, I have billions and billions of 1/4 sockets, about a 1 complete set of 3/8 , a incomplete set and some loose ones but only about 3 1/2 drive sockets. While I was at tractor supply I have kept seeing this dewalt set, not the exact one but pretty similar, the one form tc has a small locking case for the sockets.http://www.dewalt.com/tools/hand-tools-mechanics-tools-mechanics-tool-sets-dwmt72162.aspx

Looked good, and it has been on clearance for a while, down to $25 might get it if it drops more. Are these any good? Any suggestions for other cheap sets, I don't want anything more expensive then $30. Or should I not even bother with 1/2 drive? I see a large overlap with 3/8 and 1/2 with the sizes, only about less than half the sockets in the dewalt set would be new to me. I buy pretty much all of my tools used so I could wait to piece a set together but neither of the guys that hook me up have got anything new in the past month.

I would say yes if you need it. I assume these are the standard issue taiwan sockets and ratchet which are pretty good.

Though it depends on how much you trust your 3/8. If you have lower end 3/8 such as craftsman usa, going 1/2 isn't a bad idea for higher torque levels. Also, you might want to use the 1/2 for torquing.

I work differently than other people though. I'll use 1/2 impact to torque so I don't have to worry about the deformation or shattering (when there's room).