Looking for 1/2 inch socket set

[sunfire]

I'm looking for a 1/2 standard/metric and deep sockets to fill the gap in my tool set. I have the smaller 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets covered so I need larger sockets (see criteria below). Sears/Craftsman don't carry a set that meet my needs. In fact, the Craftsman sets have a lot of duplication. What they include in their larger sets just doesn't make any sense sometimes.

Here are my criteria:

• 1/2-inch drive sockets
• 6-pt sockets (I don't want to pay for any 12-pt in the set)
• Standard and Deep 13/16”+ (I already have everything smaller)
• Metric and Deep 19mm+ (I already have everything smaller)
• Some overlap or duplication with what I have is fine
• Socket and Deep sockets for example (19, 21, 22, 24+, 13/16, 7/ 8, 15/16, 1"+)
• Non-impact sockets
• Affordable

Nice to have but optional:

• 60+ tooth ratchet included in the set
• Extension bars
• Lifetime warranty
• Made in USA

 

[BFBOB]

That's a tall order. I prefer 6-pt sockets too, but they can be hard to find. You've probably thought of this, but if you can have patience, the larger Craftsman sets go on sale periodically for about a buck apiece. There will be overlap, of course, but at the sale prices, you can afford to get the extras and resell them on eBay or Craig's List.
Even if you just break even, you're money ahead, if you see what I mean.

If you need 'em now, never mind.

 

[pipsters]

Honestly the cheapest besides Craftsman (which isn't offered in 12 point and why I bought the 299 pc socket set) is going to be the Craftsman 52 pc impact set (I know you said no impacts) if you can find some made in the USA ($180 +/-), after that you are looking at around $270 for an SK set, #4147-6.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4147-6.aspx

 

[camarotoolman]

i have c-man in 6 point up to 1-1/4" and 22mm. $3 each deeps up to 1-1/8" $5 each all are new. $6 shipping if they will go in small flat rate box. Also have lazer numbers

 

[sunfire]

Honestly the cheapest besides Craftsman (which isn't offered in 12 point and why I bought the 299 pc socket set) is going to be the Craftsman 52 pc impact set (I know you said no impacts) if you can find some made in the USA ($180 +/-), after that you are looking at around $270 for an SK set, #4147-6.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4147-6.aspx

11 sockets out of 47 piece SK set are unique to what I have now.

12 sockets out of 52 piece Craftsman impact set are unique. I did consider the Craftsman 52 pc impact sockets before I created this thread. I wasn't sure if the thicker sockets would take away from getting into tight spots.

Both are good suggestions.

Although there is overlap with what I have. All of my 1/2 drive sockets are 12pt sockets that came in a set. 12pts sockets always feels loose to me. I may resort to impact sockets because they seem to be readily available in larger sizes. But I'm not too crazy about the black finish on impact sockets.

Thanks again.

 

[pipsters]

11 sockets out of 47 piece SK set are unique to what I have now.

12 sockets out of 52 piece Craftsman impact set are unique. I did consider the Craftsman 52 pc impact sockets before I created this thread. I wasn't sure if the thicker sockets would take away from getting into tight spots.

Both are good suggestions.

Although there is overlap with what I have. All of my 1/2 drive sockets are 12pt sockets that came in a set. 12pts sockets always feels loose to me. I may resort to impact sockets because they seem to be readily available in larger sizes. But I'm not too crazy about the black finish on impact sockets.

Thanks again.

FWIW I was in your position last year. I ended up buying the Craftsman 299 pc socket set because it had all the larger 6 point (and 12 point) sockets in it for less than you would buy them even in sets at the store. I planned to sell off the ones I didn't need.

What I found is, if I were to do it again, I would buy the 52 pc impact socket set (I ended up getting it anyway) and use that as my 1/2" sockets. 1/2" sockets are typically used in areas with large access anyway, and in applications where having an impact's thicker wall is welcomed.

I also found I really liked the laser etching on the chrome (and impacts). Made finding the socket I wanted much easier. I ended up keeping the chrome sockets and not selling them off, but you can definitely get by with using the impacts. Downside, the 52 pc impact set is now Chinese so unless you find one in a local store that is old stock, it's out of the picture.