Looking for a nice allen socket set SAE/Metric

[crrcoal]

Anyone have recommendations on a nice affordable set? Thank you!

 

[Yarpo]

I've been using Capris at work and am really impressed, I thought they'd he cheap garbage but they're holding up well. Otherwise anything by VIM.

 

[seabeerob213]

I've been using Capris at work and am really impressed, I thought they'd he cheap garbage but they're holding up well. Otherwise anything by VIM.

Love mine too

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[plinker]

I've been using mainly Napa/Sunex impact hex bit sockets, they've held up fine so far. Carlyle & Vim Are good too. I've used some S-K bit sockets & they're decent as well.

 

[mikebaker1129]

SK for SAE or metric. Williams USA for SAE from Toolsdelivered.

 

[noahwins]

I've learned the expensive way that it really is worth it to get Snap On for specific sockets: allen, torx and swivels. Nothing ***** more than the hardware or tool deforming because the socket can't fully engage. My first two Snap On socket sets were 211EFAMY and 106TMUSMA. The 1/4" drive shallow swivels especially are worth every penny. The fear in the back of my mind that the socket is going to cam out and I'm going to have to get the extractor set out is gone with the allens. In a way, how much is your time worth is the question?

Maybe ask a buddy with those Snap On sockets and take the Pepsi Challenge? I could feel the difference immediately.

I remember a set of Koken, too, made short work of large (19mm) allen hardware on things like steering racks and mashed up old plugs.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

VIM half cut is where it's at. Sunex and GP have worked well for me as far as the impact stuff goes.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Snap on are not really that bad used on ebay, and they really are that good.

 

[Fedwrench]

Affordable is in the eye of the beholder.
Capri Tools recently redesigned their bit sockets into their advanced series. They are really the sleeper set at a decent price if you shop around.

https://capritools.com/hand-socket-sets/bit-sockets-sets/

I'm partial to the one piece type available in either VIM or Blackhawk trim:

https://cloud1.shopsite.com/donofish/product218.html

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...8"-Drive-16-Piece-Hex-Bit-Impact-Socket-Set-/

Astro also has a nice combo set of SAE & Metric in 3/8 drive.

http://www.astrotools.com/18pc-3-8-drive-nano-impact-hex-driver-sockets-sae-metric.html

Sunex also recently released bit socket sets too.

i think any of these sets would serve you well while not breaking the bank.

 

[M6erfan]

I've had this set for about a year, very good quality...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JVU1ZI/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[oilslick]

Carlyle, gonna be hard to beat for the money.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I've been pretty impressed with the sets I got from OEMTools:

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-22983-Metric-Socket-9-Piece/dp/B00AXTJJY6

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-22984-SAE-Socket-11-Piece/dp/B00AXTJJYG

They're leaps and bounds better than the USA Craftsman stuff they replaced.

 

[PWC Repair]

I have the VIM 1/4” drive stubby set.....I don't know how I ever got stuff done without them.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I've learned the expensive way that it really is worth it to get Snap On for specific sockets: allen, torx and swivels. Nothing ***** more than the hardware or tool deforming because the socket can't fully engage. My first two Snap On socket sets were 211EFAMY and 106TMUSMA. The 1/4" drive shallow swivels especially are worth every penny. The fear in the back of my mind that the socket is going to cam out and I'm going to have to get the extractor set out is gone with the allens. In a way, how much is your time worth is the question?

Maybe ask a buddy with those Snap On sockets and take the Pepsi Challenge? I could feel the difference immediately.

I remember a set of Koken, too, made short work of large (19mm) allen hardware on things like steering racks and mashed up old plugs.

For swivels, I agree. Don't hesitate to spend the extra money for safety reasons. As for allen and torx, they all eventually break. I'm far more concerned about ease of warranty and breakage than fit. I've had a co-worker who destroyed 8 T40 torx bits in 2-3 days, including the Snap on and Mac ones. Granted he was using an electric impact, but still, the torx bit that lasted the longest were those impact ones from Canadian tire. If the torx fastener is seized, the head is soft, and it is not accessible at both ends, you are still screwed even if you have something that fits well.

 

[NC Rick]

I use Allen type hex sockets often (every day). I have not used every brand but the sets that have been best are from Proto (USA). Other brands I have don’t hold up as well at the tips and the thing that pisses me off most is when the tips are not well retained and separate from the socket adapter part. The Proto have through pins.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Bondhus sells nice stuff. They're usually reasonably priced, and made in Minnesota.

 

[smuro04]

VIM, ‘nuff said.

 

[CJM8515]

I have stanley ones from walmart Ive beaten to death. In all that time I broke one 6mm hex socket. Stanley sent me a new one and it was proto. Besides the socket itself being a bit different the bit was the same. For the money i paid I surely got my monies worth.

 

[plinker]

For swivels, I agree. Don't hesitate to spend the extra money for safety reasons. As for allen and torx, they all eventually break. I'm far more concerned about ease of warranty and breakage than fit. I've had a co-worker who destroyed 8 T40 torx bits in 2-3 days, including the Snap on and Mac ones. Granted he was using an electric impact, but still, the torx bit that lasted the longest were those impact ones from Canadian tire. If the torx fastener is seized, the head is soft, and it is not accessible at both ends, you are still screwed even if you have something that fits well.

This is a good point about ease of warranty, particularly with torx bits. It isnt uncommon at all up here to break at least a couple doing a job.

I had been having issues with T30's breaking removing GM rotor screws (even with a hand impact driver), So I bought a some spares from Snap-on, Matco & Napa, since they are the easiest to get replaced in my area.

I have been impressed with the Carlyle hex bit sockets, I've used the **** out of the 3/16 long and never had an issue. Snap-on has very good bit sockets, but can be expensive, ebay can be a good source though as mentioned.

 

[Mecha]

I bought mine ten years plus ago and back then the only ones worth a darn we're made by proto. I had a job too that used them constantly. That said I've had good luck with a Lisle set and I'm sure any set made by Bondus or Wiha are top notch.

 

[AS556]

I use Allen type hex sockets often (every day). I have not used every brand but the sets that have been best are from Proto (USA). Other brands I have don’t hold up as well at the tips and the thing that pisses me off most is when the tips are not well retained and separate from the socket adapter part. The Proto have through pins.

I weld the hex bit to the socket with a MIG. Works great.

 

[Sine Swept]

I have a rail of Torx sockets from Wiha that have been decent. I think they sell each size bit in packs of 10, so just replace the ones that go the most.

Here is the Metric allen set
https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-71996-Socket-8-Inch-Sockets/dp/B002U0L9LW

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have found the Bits that Snap On now uses twist like a pretzel with minimal torque.
I watched a replacement 5/32 Snap on twist as I tried to remove a set screw with a ratchet.
I think the older blued Snap On bit sockets held up better than the newer do!

My Snap on rep replaces a few for me every time he stops by,usually 5/32,3/16 or 6mm.

 

[crrcoal]

Thanks guys!

 

[R_einan]

I’m very happy with my Allen bits from Proto, haven’t had any become damaged or break in anyway.

 

[davethorik]

I’m very happy with my Allen bits from Proto, haven’t had any become damaged or break in anyway.

I just got these 3/8 Proto Professional hex bit sockets in SAE and metric. Only used them a handful of times but I like them so far. They aren't really a cheap option, I got lucky and found them almost new for $30.

I also have a 1/2 drive Wright SAE set 1/4 to 5/8 with an add-on Wright long 3/8 and a Proto 3/4. The bit on my most used socket, short 3/8, fell out and I had to add a shim to make it a press fit again and that's been my only problem.

 

[W2Synth]

I highly recommend Capri Tools. I've actually got quite a bit of stuff from them including the Allen socket set (32 pc, not sure if there is another size) and it has all been pretty impressive, especially considering how affordable it is.

 

[aczr2k]

I have Snap On at home and we have Bondhus at work, the Bondhus ones get used everyday all day they hold up great in an industrial environment.

 

[Cc_windsurfer]

I've had good luck with tekton

 

[LivnDream]

i use the capri set and they are holding up nicely