Looking for new 3/8 drive sockets

[Robinson1]

Have I got a story for you guys.

I had a small box of misc sockets (mostly Craftsman USA) floating around my shop for some time now so I decided to list them on Ebay. When the auction ended the buyer contacted me and asked if I had any other Craftsman USA sockets I would be willing to part with. Long story short I ended up selling every 3/8 drive socket I had on my service truck.

So I'm looking to replace what I sold this morning and I would like the replacement to be an upgrade. After all what was the point in selling them if I was just going to replace them with more Craftsman?

There is not a great pressing need, I'm a general contractor not a mechanic and I only need sockets on the job a couple times a month. Shouldn't need any for a couple more weeks, but I do need to replace them fairly soon.

I'm thinking the SK 94549 set would fit my needs perfectly. But I'm open to suggestions.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx

 

[Rico.]

USA upgrade to Craftsman...
SK
Snap-On
Wright
Proto
Cornwell

Non USA upgrade...
Hazet
Facom
Stahlwille
USAG
MAC (maybe some USA)
Koken
King ****
Britool
Gearwrench (Awesome 2nd tier tools)
Carlyle

Maybe Kobalt & Husky..???

 

[AceofSpad3s]

How much did you get for them if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Wamsutta]

When people ask for recommendations on sockets, I automatically think Proto but then remember that Williams is excellent too.

 

[bonneyman]

I'd go with SK, but Koken is looking better all the time.

 

[jobo1004]

I've got Gearwrench and I'm pleased with them. In addition to those named above I've heard good things in regards to bang for the buck about blackhawk sockets.

 

[Dave455]

What Rico said above^!

Just be sure you are getting an upgrade, I have a little USA Craftsman and it's decent stuff. The only compromises seem to be in obvious area such as the finish. The steel quality, and manufacture, are both first class, and I don't think you can say that for modern Britool (MAC Expert in the U.S.)!

I'll vote for KoKen, as the stuff I have is really durable, but unlike the Stahlwille and Hazet, I understand it is reasonably priced in the U.S. Snap On would probably be overkill for a general contractor!

 

[Robinson1]

How much did you get for them if you don't mind me asking?

Worked out to right around $1.50 each after shipping. That's pretty much flea market prices around here.

 

[geartow]

I would choice one ot these 2 sets .

Or this [URL="http:// http://www.gpsocket.com/products/category.phtml/duo-socket_sets/3_8/"] the set numbered 81659CRD would be my choice for a does all 3/8.set.

 

[kctyphoon]

another good idea for you might also be grey pneumatic duo sockets.

http://www.gpsocket.com/products/category.phtml/duo-socket_sets/

they are both regular AND impact sockets (thin walled) so a single set will do both jobs. a great choice for someone working out of a truck, where space is at a premium.

 

[sha]

Worked out to right around $1.50 each after shipping. That's pretty much flea market prices around here.

Bulk price? I'm rich...

 

[Robinson1]

another good idea for you might also be grey pneumatic duo sockets.

http://www.gpsocket.com/products/category.phtml/duo-socket_sets/

they are both regular AND impact sockets (thin walled) so a single set will do both jobs. a great choice for someone working out of a truck, where space is at a premium.

Tell me about it. I keep saying the next work truck I buy is going to be a F450 with a 12 foot service bed and lift gate. Then I get ready to trade, price out 450's upfitted the way I want and end up buying another 250.

 

[John in OH]

USA upgrade to Craftsman...
SK
Snap-On
Wright
Proto
Cornwell

Non USA upgrade...
Hazet
Facom
Stahlwille
USAG
MAC (maybe some USA)
Koken
King ****
Britool
Gearwrench (Awesome 2nd tier tools)
Carlyle

Maybe Kobalt & Husky..???

I'm a great fan of Wright tools, but the other US brands listed by Rico are all excellent tools. I'd probably stay away from the truck-brand tools (SO & Cornwell) just because their higher pricing includes features that a non-pro mechanic just doesn't need .... such as dealer service and dealer financing.

If you want to go non-US brand, then I'd recommend the Carlyle line sold by NAPA. Really nice tools and readily available from your local NAPA store.

 

[hifi_hokie]

My vote would be Wright or Proto, if daily replacement is not a requirement.

 

[Vigo]

If i am remembering correctly, Sunex set 3580 is eligible for a $100 gift card rebate right now and covers quite a bit for a net cost of ~$100.

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=SNX3580

 

[zcbauer89]

USA upgrade to Craftsman...
SK
Snap-On
Wright
Proto
Cornwell

Non USA upgrade...
Hazet
Facom
Stahlwille
USAG
MAC (maybe some USA)
Koken
King ****
Britool
Gearwrench (Awesome 2nd tier tools)
Carlyle

Maybe Kobalt & Husky..???

Good list, but Mac sockets are still made in the US. There was a different line of sockets that were made in Taiwan, but most of the Mac hard line is US.

 

[PJNJ]

If you are looking for USA made, then buy the SK set. I am going to upgrade some of my sockets later this year (hopefully) and will be investing in SK for those. I have some older and newer SK and they impress me. Non-USA, I really like Gearwrench. I have their 1/4" roto ratchet and the 3/8" and 1/4" flex 120 ratchets along with the Husky 3/8" roto (made by Gearwrench's parent co.). Also have their mid-length 3/8" and 1/4" metric socket sets. They are all very good and I especially like the roto ratchets.

And since these will be on the worktruck I would recommend this great Gearwrench BOGO deal at CPO before it's gone. You get the 3/8 set with a free 1/4 set. And they have the 120 tooth ratchets. Both are in cases and it's all for $119.99 with $6.99 shipping.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...medium=retargeting&utm_campaign=banner300x600

Good luck with whatever you get.

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench!!!

GW #80550---57pc with two 84 tooth ratchets..........$ 89.07

GW #80550P--56pc with one 120 tooth ratchet.........$ 83.86

GW #80718---63pc 6pt sockets only........................$ 72.60 (This socket set has the SK set beaten like a red headed step child---19 more sockets!!!) I have the 80718 sockets only set...I love them...

I bought the 4 pc 120 tooth Flexhead Ratchet Set...1/4", 3/8" Stubby and Standard, and 1/2" Drive Ratchets for $ 94.97...

All prices are from www.tooldiscounter.com

In this old man's opinion, this is the mostest for the leastest !!!

 

[organ]

I like my Gearwrench sockets... Williams offers some nice U.S. made sockets... of all the brands I own... SK, Williams, Gearwrench, Craftsman... the few Protos are the nicest/prettiest. If I were to buy more sockets, they'd be Protos.

 

[magicrat]

The cpooutlets.com deal posted by pjnj is probly the best deal around. 108 pieces for 126 shipped. All 1/4 and 3/8 sizes deep and shallow included. If going for quality only i would take the SK set....Also Williams usa would be awsome but would run you around $200 and doesnt come as a set(would have to order seperate sets and put together)

 

[Robinson1]

Gearwrench is Taiwan correct?

 

[mingus2112]

Gearwrench is Taiwan correct?

I was just going to ask the same. That BOGO set seems like a great deal if they're made in Taiwan. I recently bought a set of gearwrench ratcheting wrenches on craigslist (brand new, the owner got them as a gift). 20 pieces for $30. They're the 20 piece set that Sears sells. For $30, they were a steal. For retail price ($70-$90), I would have just bought Harbor freight. They are the made in China version, though. My buddy has some older gearwrench ratcheting wrenches that were made in Taiwan and they are much smoother.

The $119 is an amazing deal (to me, anyway) whether they're made in China OR Taiwan, but I would jump on them (for me) as a spare set if they are Taiwan made. with the 3/8 and 1/4 it duplicates practically my whole set!

-James

 

[losvre]

Hi guys,

I am also looking for some socket sets. Do you know in which country the parts of the set below are made in? I am looking for Europe/ US/ Japan product.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_100_232&products_id=2322

Many Thanks
Nikos

 

[hangfirew8]

Whenever I see/find/buy GW I always end up with COO China. I've given up on that brand and go with something that has a known consistent COO. (I know good tools come from China I just prefer to send my money elsewhere).

For impacts, I just got a very nice Sunex master set of 3/8" metric impact sockets. I'm looking forward to AP coming out with a shorty 3/8 air impact to go with them, otherwise I might get the M7 3/8.

 

[JDon99]

My three USA brands would be: Williams, Proto, or Wright. All three are very good quality, the only thing is the Wrights are formed with the older hot forming process so the inside the the sockets are a bit rougher than your regular cold formed sockets(your Cmans are probably cold formed). This probably won't matter on 98% of most things, but some do prefer the smoother interior sockets.

 

[u118224]

As to gearwrench COO, there was a gearwrench rep on the forum who said that the ratchets are made in Taiwan, everything else is China. My own experience bears that out after buying a couple of things in the Hot Deals promo.

 

[BK13]

When I get new sockets, I will get, in order, and some applications will necessitate picking one line or another (mid length sockets mostly) Wright and SK for SAE, Hazet and KoKen for metric.

 

[Air21]

Does anyone actually own any Koken sockets? I've had some in my shopping cart for a while but haven't got the motivation to pull the trigger yet

 

[RXtacy]

Does anyone actually own any Koken sockets? I've had some in my shopping cart for a while but haven't got the motivation to pull the trigger yet

Yes. They are excellent.

 

[jobo1004]

Gearwrench is Taiwan correct?

Some Taiwan and some China. I purchased the 1/4" and 3/8" drive sets with 120xp ratchets and both sets were made in Taiwan. Individual sockets that I've purchased to fill in trays have been made in China. I haven't had issues with any of the sockets regardless of COO so far.

 

[RatZ1LLa]

Does anyone actually own any Koken sockets? I've had some in my shopping cart for a while but haven't got the motivation to pull the trigger yet

I received recently a set of 3/8 shallows and they have worked very well, I'd like to purchase the deep set but they always seem out of stock!

 

[General Geoff]

Does anyone actually own any Koken sockets? I've had some in my shopping cart for a while but haven't got the motivation to pull the trigger yet

Koken sockets are of the highest quality I've ever seen in sockets. I have a few socket sets and wobble-fix extension sets made by Koken (recent manufacture).

I don't have any of the ZEAL series (low profile sockets designed specifically for late-model auto mechanic use), but I've been told their quality is beyond reproach.

The 1/2" drive sockets I have are incredibly tough. They routinely stand up to 300+ ft lbs of torque, breaking loose all manner of rusted fasteners. In a pinch, I used the 24mm chrome shallow on an alternator pulley retaining nut, with my IR W7150 impact wrench, and it took the impact just fine.

They are no worse for the wear, over a year after purchase.

 

[oldldh]

Gearwrench is Taiwan correct?

I can't answer for "Now"...

But...

When Santa bought these, for Christmas, last year...

All of my GearWrench sockets and ratchets...

Were from Taiwan...

Pictured---#80314D(1/4"), #80718(3/8"), #80729(1/2"SAE), #80730(1/2"Metric), and #81230P 4pc FlexHead Ratchet Set...

For the money, you can't go wrong...If you "search" the set #'s and see what sizes are included, you'll see what I mean...The most complete sets, at very realistic price...(All the sets came in Heavy Duty blow molded trays, too!!!)

Mine all came from: www.tooldiscounter.com ...

 

[Robinson1]

I'm still leaning towards the SK set I mentioned in the first post. But I have a small problem with it. I keep my sockets and small common used hand tools on my truck in a wheel well box. The bottom drawer is dedicated to sockets, extensions and ratchets. In order to make this work I have to keep the sockets on rails. Seems like a shame to take SK sockets out of that nice green case and put them on rails.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings as much with the Gearwrench set, but I go out of my way to try and buy USA when it comes to hand tools.

Am I just being stupid or ...... ?

 

[jlh92]

I'd go with SK, but Koken is looking better all the time.

I believe we're in the same boat. I have a list of all the SK sets I need to be set for life, but the Koken sets are extremely good looking. Not to mention they have very low profile sockets.

I may sell off all my Cman sockets if I can get $1.50 each.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

Does anyone actually own any Koken sockets? I've had some in my shopping cart for a while but haven't got the motivation to pull the trigger yet

I have a couple of Ko-ken items.
Z-eal 1/4" set, Z-eal 3/8" set, 1/2" full set 10-32mm (except 31mm), wheel nut set with plastic protectors, 3/8" impact set all 6-24mm, 17 and 19mm aluminium sockets, 3/8 deep Surface Drive set 8-19mm, and 3/8" Surface Drive set is on back order hopefully arrive in a few weeks.
Also have a 3/4" ratchet and bar, extension and a couple of sockets.

All top quality. On par with Snap-On for sure.

 

[magicrat]

I like the look of the kokens but i thinki could just find used snap on for the same price or cheaper....unless im not looking in the right place

 

[mingus2112]

Am I just being stupid or ...... ?

Maybe, but i'm in the same boat - maybe even worse. I bought a large Craftsman set about 10 years ago and immediately put all the sockets on rails to put in my Craftsman homeowner's chest. Today the sockets are still on the rails in the chest and I still have the [empty] box. The craftsman box isn't nearly as nice as the SK box (is the the green? i think it's the green!), but I can't get rid of it.

I'm considering a gearwrench set IF I can get a Taiwan set AND an SK set. My craftsman stuff is all 12pt and i've been looking for a new set of 6pt sockets. I'm that guy that wants both brands! I'll go out of my way to buy USA as well, but don't mind grabbing something imported if it's out of my reach pricewise to go USA or if it's as a backup.

-J

 

[The Toolest Guy]

I like the look of the kokens but i thinki could just find used snap on for the same price or cheaper....unless im not looking in the right place

If you love Snap-On that much then just buy them.
I personally don't see why you would pay the same price for a used item when both are the same quality.

 

[bleomycin]

I like the look of the kokens but i thinki could just find used snap on for the same price or cheaper....unless im not looking in the right place

It's hard to go wrong with snapon if the price is right. For koken pricing if you haven't already email Frank: http://www.frankstools.com/ I just placed an order with him and he was really great to deal with.

The koken Z series is what really attracted me to them, snapon makes a similar product but it is more expensive and also requires the use of their low profile socket wrenches where the Z series works with standard wrenches. I know these won't be for everyone...their normal line of sockets has a similar profile to craftsman. Fit and finish is immaculate on everything.

Here is a link to a gallery with some 24MP pictures I just took comparing koken Z to craftsman usa sockets: https://imgur.com/a/xW3gq#0