Impact sockets for homeowner

[JuliusPepperwood]

I use harbor freight non pro impact sockets at work every day. They are great.

 

[visionguru]

I'd recommend OEMTools impact sockets, which are available mostly from AutoZone and online. They are CR-MO, truely professional grade. Cheaper than GearWrench, and don't skip sizes like Harbor Freight.

 

[Mr_B]

for occasional/light use any of the cheap sets would do .
sunex or pittsburgh not bad at costing and full range of sizes plus decent design sockets for not lot of $. pittsburgh pro works out good if got a deal/coupon or right near store. Wouldn't go ultra cheap cr-v unless that all you want spend, CR-MO pittsburgh 13pc is only 26 bucks, deep 10pc 31 bucks, easy warranty and good enough for home, they nice design/quality for little outlay, only downside is only laser etched, no stamped markings.

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

The last Craftsman Evolv I bought was specifically was to go with sockets and wrenches I had and had accumulated for my brother in law to replace those my late father in law had that mysteriously disappeared during the last year of his life (my brother lives with my mother in law full time to take care of her and is DIY'ing/ maintaining a 1890 era house. If I had had the time I would have substituted a vintage Cman, Thorsen, SK which now that this thread makes me think.... i will go through what I have now and find a USA made one for him.
I just plain don't like sending our jobs overseas.

 

[jgromada]

I have a couple of sets, but the ones I would recommend are the HF Pittsburgh Pro. You can either find them on sale or use one of the myriad HF coupons. Can't beat the price. They are Chrome Molybdenum (Cr-MO) rather than just Cr-V . Lifetime warranty and there is a HF just about everywhere. That said I have yet to hear of someone breaking a HF Pittsburg Pro impact socket. Best bang for the buck.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I've been using sunex sockets for over a year. Everyday on my service truck. Got them locally at summit racing when my snap in stuff was stolen just to hold me over until insurance cleared.

Love them for the money. Broke one 1/2" impact universal with my Milwaukee fuel 1/2" but haven't had any issues. The swivel is on the impact every time I use it for flange bolts.

 

[Schurkey]

I grabbed some 1/2" Harbor Freight ones over a year ago and they are great for the money, especially if you aren't using them all day every day.

I'm replacing most of mine with Tekton (you can get online at HD, from Amazon, etc) and they are doing great as well. Come in a nice case for OCD organization. Happy with the quality/price for a home mechanic.

You bought cheap sockets, and in less than two years you're ready to replace them?

I bought Wright 1/2" drive, short 6 pt. sockets in 1990. Used 'em professionally for ~13 years, and as a hobby for another ~15. They were used when I got them. They were "shop tools" at the place I worked at, they were there when I got there in '81. I had to warranty one of them in all that time--the 9/16 was worn-out.

Most of the rest of my impact sockets are Snap-On, with a few SK. They've been purchased from about 1992 onward until two years ago. I don't think I've ever needed to warranty one of those impact sockets.

Once and done for me. SK and Wright cost less than Snap-On, and seem to be as durable. I'd expect Proto, Williams (USA) and other "industrial" brands to be of similar quality.

I would buy a set of used "quality brand" sockets before I bought a set of new Chinese junk sockets.

 

[CR888]

I don't think the reputable Taiwan brands are junk one bit. Sunnex, Genius, Kincrome, King Tony, GP etc make top notch impacts. One brand I would stay away from for impacts is Snap On, for their rediculus price the quality of them ain't anywhere near what they should be. Many Taiwan made brands that care make sure their heavy duty impacts exceed standards and get tested. Ask a full time tech what they think of their SO impacts after heavy use, you'll be quite surprised.