In search of a new socket set, any suggestions

[Ohmthis]

I bought a set of sockets and ratchets in 96 or 97 when HD was pushing the US made husky tools. It has always been my travel set and it has really been used hard with all of the boats and properties I’ve owned over the years. Several of them are worn but still usable. I’m thinking of replacing the worn out sockets and broken 1/4” drive ratchet (the ball wont hold a socket anymore) and pass them on to my son. It was a smaller set with a full run of 1/4” drive (6 point and 12 point), metric (6 point), 3/8 drive (both 6 point and 12 point SAE and metric), 7 SAE 1/2” drive and some deep 1/4” and 3/8 drive SAE.
So what I’m looking for is a set (blowmolded case is important for portability) of 1/4” drive SAE and metric (6 point only is ok), 3/8” drive SAE and metric (again 6 point is ok), deep 3/8 SAE and metric, a couple extensions, and ratchets are optional. I may (I’m leaning this way) get sets of just the sockets I’m interested in and throw them in a bag. COO is open as long as they are NOT Chinese. My budget is $150ish, but could justify $200 if I can get what I want/need. Thanks all.

 

[maxcarp709]

Tekton.You can thank me later.

 

[disston]

I bought a 3/8" Gearwrench set a few years ago on Amazon. It was about $85 if I remember correctly. I like to have my socket sets in the standard drive sizes separated by size instead of one box with everything. I get a more complete set of 3/8" in a 3/8" set and the same for 1/4" and 1/2". The Gearwrench set has SAE and Metric in deep and standard sizes. Very complete.

I do not like sockets with laser etching because it is difficult to read when in use. This is a cheaper way to make tools than stamping them and the sellers try to tell us it's an improvement. Another way they try to maximize the profit with no regard to what the user needs.

 

[Wamsutta]

 

[mikebaker1129]

SK ,Proto or Williams.
Blackhawk would be similar to your Husky USA set and a Blackhawk ratchet repair kit should fit in your broken 1 /4 ratchet if a Husky round head.

 

[Tallpilot]

Tekton.You can thank me later.

Really the best deal especially if you want blow molded cases. Although they have promised a redesign so if you can afford to wait a bit you can get more features and the new 90 tooth ratchets.

 

[Fedwrench]

At your price point Tekton would be well under budget and serve you well.

I think Gearwrench still has a buy a set get a set free deal going on where if you buy the 3/8 set, you get a 1/4 set free.

 

[kctyphoon]

Gearwrench promo set in the hot deals forum. Full set of 1/4 and 3/8 for around $100. Comes with 2 cases separating the sets also. I have it, many have bought them also. Just have to look for the most recent link, thread and deal has been running a long time now.

Pics on page 2 I think.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321931

 

[red94chev]

I think SK makes a decent set in a case but it's closer to $300.

 

[cdeer001]

What about Sunex? https://sunextools.com/chrome/ COO is Taiwan.

Sunex Tools (SUN3842) 42 Piece 3/8" Drive Chrome Socket Set $107 at ToolTopia
Sunex Tools (SUN1436) 36 Piece 1/4" Drive Chrome Socket Set $66 at ToolTopia

Sunex Tools (SUN1848) 48 Pc. 1/4" Dr. Impact Socket Set - SAE & Metric $63 at ToolTopia
Sunex Tools (SUN3342) 42 Pc. Impact Socket Master Set - 3/8" Dr., $72 at ToolTopia

 

[Zewnten]

My usual answer to this question is the Harbor Freight 300 piece 'mechanic set', coo is Taiwan and the cost is right at $150 with a coupon, but it comes with more than what you're asking for. If all you want is sockets with a case I'd vote Tekton.

 

[WittHay]

if you want 1/4 and 3/8 in one case either a John Deere TY19996 70 pc set or the new Stanley Craftsman 81 pc set. Both sets are made in Taiwan

 

[Professional Tool User]

Tekton.You can thank me later.

+1 Tekton in terms of chrome finishing is excellent, though I would go somewhere else for ratchets if the set comes with their 72 tooth ratchet. Unless you are planning to buy used Made in USA tools, Tekton is what I would go with

 

[Mr_B]

Just get sockets as sets, even then your 200bucks won't buy usa made new but used and better end taiwan be in price range .

 

[_Riddle]

I'm happy with my 1/4" Tekton set. Just got a 1/2" Gearwrench set and a little concerned with the finish on the sockets. The ratchet also has a few scuffs/dings. I'm going to buy a 3/8" socket set soon and it will likely be a Tekton.

 

[JiminAZ]

The Taiwanese Williams might come in close to your budget.

A lot of the GearWrench offerings today are Chinese (migrating from Taiwanese).

I've been impressed with my few Tekton buys, but none were sockets.

 

[Mr_B]

I'm happy with my 1/4" Tekton set. Just got a 1/2" Gearwrench set and a little concerned with the finish on the sockets. The ratchet also has a few scuffs/dings. I'm going to buy a 3/8" socket set soon and it will likely be a Tekton.

have a look at oem sets . the foam tray sets are pretty decent .

 

[Lisamelting]

Tekton.You can thank me later.

I agree.

 

[Alexander]

I just today opened a new gearwrench set of 1/4 and 3/8, shallow and deep, metric and sae sockets. All six point, including extensions and 120xp ratchets.

It's taiwan made, a decent price (about $110 shipped), and looked good enough, though I didn't use it today so I can't comment on that (plenty of people already have on GJ).

I bought it through the link provided in the hot deals section.

Maybe that's a good start?

 

[Ohmthis]

Thanks all for posting an opinion. Right now I’m going to look at Tekton, Sunex, and Williams. Can the Tekton and Sunex be found in singles? I’m not worried about warranty (the last set lasted 22 years without breaking any, but I did loose a couple), but would like to know for sure I can replace a socket if necessary. Ratchets with the kit isn’t a make it or break it, but of the three which has the best ratchets? Thanks again!

 

[Tallpilot]

Tekton has some but not all singles available with free shipping if you have an account. I usually get Sunex singles from Home Depot ship to store but those are impacts, the chrome sets are new. I prefer stamped to laser etched.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I've had a few Gearwrench sets, the blow molded case has been the biggest fail in every one. If you ant to try your hand at 72 socket pickup, I'll be happy to demonstrate.

 

[Holmesx10]

Dewalt 192 piece set comes with all major socket sizes in 1/4 3/8 and 1/2. Can easily be had for under $200 sometimes around $150. You will get deep and shallow, ratchets, a few extensions, universal swivels, and a few hex. CoO is Taiwan and lifetime warranty. About as high quality as ou will find from Taiwanese made tools.

 

[Lisamelting]

I have both the gearwrench 84 and the Tekton 72 tooth ratchets. In my opinion they are about equal in operation, but the Gearwrench has a thicker handle.

 

[thooks]

I bought a set of Tekton sockets from Amazon.


Same exact sockets as Harbor Freight sells. Same.

 

[Mr_B]

^^ GW 84T has slimmer head, they pretty nice ratchets for prices they can be found at and nice bonus in a set .
The tekton 72T ratchets much same as any other taiwan 72T branded or unbranded .
Tekton 90T look interesting for the price/warranty . For easy purchase top end taiwan in US carlyle or toptul give you nice tools, oem another choice and have nice design sockets just not greatest selection .

 

[kctyphoon]

Someone needs to say this - you are doing yourself a real disservice by not including those Gearwrench sets in your consideration. You will be hard pressed to find more for the money, and Gearwrench is widely accepted as a professional brand by many mechanics.

The best thing about the Gearwrench deal, is those sets do NOT Include any ******** inside to up the tool count. No sizes get skipped, they are all 6 points in full and complete sets. Again, for $100 or so you're getting a lot. I would consider tekton and Gearwrench about equal with each other, by IMO given the choice I'd rather go with Gearwrench. The case layout is better IMO also, and it's nice having 2 sets so you're not carrying stuff around when you know you don't need them. Also nice to be able to leave the 3/8 set under the car and the 1/4 set under the hood.

There really isnt a wrong choice here, I'm just saying Gearwrench is something that should be considered, especially the promo set. There's a reason that thread has been running so long and is still active.

 

[Tallpilot]

I bought a set of Tekton sockets from Amazon.


Same exact sockets as Harbor Freight sells. Same.

Please provide some supporting evidence for this claim.

 

[Lisamelting]

I agree with kctyphoon above. I have complete chrome Tekton sets in 1/4 and 1/2" drive and have been completely satisfied. A co-worker has Gearwrench and is equally satisfied.

As I stated earlier I have ratchets from both. I use a 2 foot pipe on the Gearwrench one daily and haven't had any issues.
In the end you'll do fine to choose based in price, or perhaps balance or feel of the ratchets in hand.

 

[JiminAZ]

I agree with kctyphoon above. I have complete chrome Tekton sets in 1/4 and 1/2" drive and have been completely satisfied. A co-worker has Gearwrench and is equally satisfied.

As I stated earlier I have ratchets from both. I use a 2 foot pipe on the Gearwrench one daily and haven't had any issues.
In the end you'll do fine to choose based in price, or perhaps balance or feel of the ratchets in hand.

A breaker bar isn't all that much money. If it's daily you ought to consider one.

 

[JiminAZ]

OP if you decide to go Williams price them at toolsdelivered.com

I don't have any affiliation, dude just has good prices and good reports here.

 

[Ohmthis]

Someone needs to say this - you are doing yourself a real disservice by not including those Gearwrench sets in your consideration. You will be hard pressed to find more for the money, and Gearwrench is widely accepted as a professional brand by many mechanics.

The best thing about the Gearwrench deal, is those sets do NOT Include any ******** inside to up the tool count. No sizes get skipped, they are all 6 points in full and complete sets. Again, for $100 or so you're getting a lot. I would consider tekton and Gearwrench about equal with each other, by IMO given the choice I'd rather go with Gearwrench. The case layout is better IMO also, and it's nice having 2 sets so you're not carrying stuff around when you know you don't need them. Also nice to be able to leave the 3/8 set under the car and the 1/4 set under the hood.

There really isnt a wrong choice here, I'm just saying Gearwrench is something that should be considered, especially the promo set. There's a reason that thread has been running so long and is still active.

Are these Taiwan or China tools? I have several sets of GW tools. Pass through set, all kinds of ratcheting wrenches, universal sockets, and they are all Taiwan made and great tools. I was given some GW that are China made tools and I’m not really impressed. The two wrench sets are lobster claw versions and when I was checking out some at advanced auto same deal. The sockets are ok, but not what everyone seems to tout. All in all if these new tools last another 22 years I would be more than happy with them. Thanks again all

 

[Lisamelting]

A breaker bar isn't all that much money. If it's daily you ought to consider one.

I have a couple of them. The use of a cheater pipe on a ratchet or hex key wrench is an old habit, and one that probably won't go away.

 

[Tonyuk]

I haven't found much if any difference between chrome and impact sockets no matter what brand, some are stamped & some are etched, that's about it.

Look on amazon, you'll find decent ones on there for little money. Toptul do nice sockets, tekton do nice impacts, not sure about their chrome. Those gray pneumatic duo sockets look very good but not available over here.

I've used sockets by snap-on, mac, facom etc.. and apart from the name they feel exactly the same as some cheapies from amazon & ebay. They are all lasting well.

 

[Mr_B]

A year ago GW was obvious choice but features and quility are slipping. current plus with gearwrench is ratchets pretty decent and socket features pretty decent compared to most, Tekton be better when sets include 90T ratchets as appear good improvement in design over the 72T, Tekton sockets run of the mill design chrome and impact, better can be found but it all down to personal requirements/preference .

 

[Renchi]

I am not understanding how anyone could think of GearWrench as a "professional" brand. Back when much of their stuff was being made in Taiwan... Maybe. Now... Not so much.

 

[archirelic]

Tekton or Gearwrench b/c of how complete the sets are. And if these are being used in a home environment, not pro, then these will not let you down.

 

[pelletman]

I just today opened a new gearwrench set of 1/4 and 3/8, shallow and deep, metric and sae sockets. All six point, including extensions and 120xp ratchets.

It's taiwan made, a decent price (about $110 shipped), and looked good enough, though I didn't use it today so I can't comment on that (plenty of people already have on GJ).

I bought it through the link provided in the hot deals section.

Maybe that's a good start?

I agree with this. I am extremely happy with my Gearwrench sets and the blow molded cases. I do have Snap-On SK etc to compare it with. Hard to beat for the price

 

[Woodtick]

Thanks for this thread. I just took a look at the Tekton site . I've been thinking about getting a 1/4" set for a while and their 1/4"/3/8" combo looks great and is reasonably priced.Should work just fine for me.

 

[CR888]

Tekton & GW seem to be the ONLY brands folks recommend these days. Sure there OK tools for the price but once upon a time on here many were into real pro grade tools that were made to high standards, produced in first world countries & attention to detail mattered. Now cheap price, chrome & warranty is all anyone seems to care about. I won't buy China tools no matter how hard folks push them. The consumer has changed, cheap tools have got better and there are to many reasons not to buy high end hand tools. The way things are heading China will be the only COO until India wakes up. I don't want to support that.