Looking for socket recommendation for a light user

[Milwookie]

I decided that I am ready to buy my (hopefully) last set of tools. I don't do much with them, but I want them to perform well when I do, and I'm hoping they'll be the last ones I need to buy. To that end I've been replacing my tools with good brands: Estwing hammer, Klein pliers, Weha screwdriver, Milwaukee power tools, etc. One thing I haven't replaced yet is my execrable Chinese socket set. I bought it in college over twenty some years ago and am still using what's left of it. That'll give you an idea of how often I use them!

Buying Snap On or GearWrench would almost certainly be a waste of money for me, but I'd like something better than Harbor Fright. Good tools are a pleasure to use, and worth paying extra for. Country of manufacture isn't important to me, but quality is.

So, after that long winded exposition, I'm hoping someone can recommend a socket set that I will enjoy using for many years on the very rare occasions when I do. I appreciate your suggestions!

 

[brownbagg]

craftman

 

[Ghost11]

Craftsman would prob work but i hate supporting them these days. My vote is SK.

 

[bob15]

SK or Wright

 

[Roobaix]

SK, Williams, Proto, or Wright.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I'd vote for SK. I can't recommend Craftsman anymore, they used to be the easy answer. Williams and Wright are great also.


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[BK13]

So, Gearwrench is too good/expensive? I would have thought that was right where you would want to focus.


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[Sam'sAutoParts]

For value priced sockets I gotta go with GearWrench, look for sales and pick them up slowly starting with the 51 piece 1/4" drive set.

I think the usually recommended brands unnecessary for your needs. Even though I love me some SK

You may want to check out Husky at HD, I don't own any or have a nearby HD so I can't recommend them. Kobalt from Lowe's would have been one I would have recommend in the past but they really are not what they used to be.

Duralast at AutoZone used to be a good entry level brand, but I was unimpressed with there recent stock and would recommend HF over them now.


Edit: I really don't think there are many brands between HF and GW, I would consider Craftsman, Duralast, Kobalt to be less of a value then HF

 

[Milwookie]

Thanks for all the recommendations! I've been looking them over and realize that GearWrench isn't as expensive as I thought (considerably less than some of the other recommendations), so I'll look at those too.

Is there anything in particular I should look for in a set? Minimum number of pieces, or specific features that you think are indispensable?

 

[four.cycle]

SK, Williams, Proto, or Wright.

^ this. add to that list Armstrong. all US made. all premium quality. all currently in production.

in the secondary market (used) the options are many: Duro-Chrome, Indestro, Thorsen, US-made Husky (New Britain), etc. - although you will have to do a little searching to find a "complete" set - but they are out there in abundance.

 

[Wamsutta]

JH Williams USA stock.

 

[LXCam]

Ya man, the GW stuff sounds right up your alley. Go to tool topia and look up bogo deals. You'll be very surprised at what you can put together cheap.

 

[Brando1]

+1 For SK. You should be able to find what you need on Amazon.

 

[Milwookie]

Amazon has this set currently at $75 plus shipping:
GearWrench 80300 51 Piece 1/4-Inch Drive 6 Point Socket Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAIE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[derosa]

If gearwrench would be a waste of money then stick with craftsman, I think its the only thing recommended so far that would cost less then gearwrench which is a decent value for the money.

 

[1950mercury]

A lot of places like cpo outlets have gearwrench bogo deals. Buy 3/8 drive set get 1/4 set free

 

[PJNJ]

Here's a Gearwrench bogo deal for both the 3/8 and 1/4 sets for $119.99 - best bang for the buck in tool deals.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...78kdnqbz73X-Akmook2xBgyvXlFV9mIY5kBoCG9_w_wcB

Otherwise look to SK sets in 3/8 and 1/4 from Tooltopia with free shipping. SK sets are a very good value for USA made tools and have very good customer service. I just picked up the 3/8 set.

3/8 set - http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx
1/4 set - http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91848.aspx

 

[Milwookie]

Here's a Gearwrench bogo deal for both the 3/8 and 1/4 sets for $119.99 - best bang for the buck in tool deals.

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...78kdnqbz73X-Akmook2xBgyvXlFV9mIY5kBoCG9_w_wcB

Otherwise look to SK sets in 3/8 and 1/4 from Tooltopia with free shipping. SK sets are a very good value for USA made tools and have very good customer service. I just picked up the 3/8 set.

3/8 set - http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx
1/4 set - http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91848.aspx

Awesome! Thanks for doing the legwork for me.

Edit: Turns out they sell it through Amazon too, with free shipping but for $10 more: http://amzn.com/B012P736C4

 

[619DioFan]

You may want to rethink your opinion of Harbor Freight. the pittsburg pro line of sockets are really good. I have sets in both impact and chrome and use them hard with zero issues. I use the impacts with my Milwaukee m18 fuel and they take the pounding just fine. the pittsburg pro series of ratchets are nice as well. with lifetime warranty , seems like a good way to put together a nice set for not a lot of green. JMO.

 

[Empty Pockets]

For the way you describe your usage, SK and Wright are really good tools, but probably over kill. It looks like gearwrench might be up your alley, however you might also want to consider Carlisle tools from NAPA, They might meet your needs, a little cheaper

 

[skunkape1]

+1 on the Carlyle tools especially if you have a NAPA near you. That's a great option as well as Gearwrench but I really think if you take the time to shop around, use coupon codes, wait for sales, you can buy a quality American made socket set. It's a pleasure to use nice tools but I bet you will find it even more pleasurable when you use them and see that U.S.A on the side. I know I do.

 

[gdocktor3]

Gearwrench or SK will fit your needs perfectly. They are quality made tools at an affordable price. About a year ago I purchased the 51 piece 1/4" Gearwrench set with 120xp ratchet and the 47 piece 3/8" SK set. Both are well made and very complete sets. The only thing I did was add a fine tooth ratchet to the 3/8" set. You don't need Proto, Matco, Snap On etc, but if you can find used stuff one eBay, go that route. I have bought tons of used stuff off eBay that are in almost new condition.

 

[Milwookie]

This is a great thread. Every time I'm ready to make a purchase I come back to this thread and someone sends me in a new direction.

You know, for as many people as say a tool is ****, a search on this forum turns up at least one user who loves them (and vice versa!). I'm starting to think maybe I should focus on getting a good ratchet and then get the sockets elsewhere.

I'm curious about the swivel ratchets, as I can think of plenty of times where one would have been useful. Looks like HF, Wera, GearWrench and Tekton all sell a version. Gimmicky or useful?

 

[buckwheat_la]

This is a great thread. Every time I'm ready to make a purchase I come back to this thread and someone sends me in a new direction.

You know, for as many people as say a tool is ****, a search on this forum turns up at least one user who loves them (and vice versa!). I'm starting to think maybe I should focus on getting a good ratchet and then get the sockets elsewhere.

I'm curious about the swivel ratchets, as I can think of plenty of times where one would have been useful. Looks like HF, Wera, GearWrench and Tekton all sell a version. Gimmicky or useful?

I think you still have a good idea of the brands that are generally recommended. Now you just need to choose one and start collecting tools....

 

[md21722]

I hate to say it but for the cost the Duralast stuff from Auto Zone doesn't seem too bad. Even the Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight seems OK for the money these days. Flex head ratchets are helpful. For those I'd say Gear Wrench are probably the best for the money just based on what I read here. 20 years ago cheap tools from China were absolute garbage. Today the stuff coming out of Taiwan is much better.

 

[kblee27]

Maybe Sunex

I used one Irwin 10mm socket exclusively everyday and it shows no sign of any problem.

 

[kctyphoon]

I did the gearwrench deal. I had a thread posted in the hot deals forum.. $109 for BOTH the 1/4" with 120 position ratchet, and 3/8" with two 84 tooth ratchets.. That's 2 complete 6 point socket sets for $109..

They have another deal on ratcheting wrenches too. For $200 you get both metric and sae sets of reversible ratcheting wrenches. A total of 29 wrenches.. For a total of $300 that's a pretty respectable tool set IMO.

Just keep in mind you will likely at some point get accused of being non patriotic and not wanting to support American jobs if you choose to buy anything not made in this county - by the holy force of do gooders that have been appointed by God and George Washington themselves. They apparently expect everyone to buy any American made product where one is available, no matter how absurd the prices may be for someone who does not intend to use them that much - despite the fact that those companies don't even intend for you to be in their market since you are nota professional user to begin with. Also, don't be surprised if someone else comes along and accuses you of supporting ISIS and helping to build the new Chinese stealth fighter that will no doubt fly over your home and be the very demise of you and everyone else you love if you even think of buying a toolbox that wasn't American made. Also, please make sure you leave room in your budget to buy American made dog food and chicken jerky even IF you don't have a dog.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I bought a couple of GearWrench socket sets a few years ago when I saw them on Slick Deals. I bought them to just keep in each car, and I do like them. They sockets seem to be decent, the ratchets have a great feel and seem pretty strong, etc.

However, I will say that I prefer my USA made Craftsman sockets to the GearWrench sockets. The GearWrench ratchet is quite a bit better than the normal Craftsman raised handle ratchet though.

What stops me from really recommending GearWrench is the warranty. They offer a lifetime warranty, but I just had to use for a screwdriver and it was a pain in the ****. This was the second time using their warranty. The first was on some pliers and I got Advance to warranty them, but they didn't want to and the only reason I was able to convince them to do it is because I'd worked with the manager. They told me that they normally won't replace them. With the screwdriver I couldn't find anyone local that had one to exchange so I had to deal with GearWrench. I called them and they required that I send the screwdriver in before they would replace it. This isn't unreasonable, but it is when I had to pay the shipping and it cost more than I paid for the screwdriver initially. I decided to do it anyway since the price of the screwdrivers is now more than what the shipping cost. After they received it, I still had to wait for them to process it and send me a new one. So all in all I was out a screwdriver for almost 2 weeks and paid around $5 for this replacement. I suspect if you need a single socket warrantied you'll be in a similar situation. It's just a huge hassle.

If I'd had a Craftsman on the other hand, I'd drive down to Sears and get a new one instantly without paying a dime. (Granted it will now be made in China and about half of the quality that it used to be.) The same thing would happen with Husky or Kobalt tools.

So, IMO I'd look for a set of USA made Craftsman sockets either at local pawn shops, or on eBay. Then either go with a GearWrench ratchet, or better yet a Snap On ratchet.

Another option mentioned here is S-K sockets. I don't personally have any, but my Grandfather does and I've used them several times. They are way better than the GearWrench stuff in my opinion. I also prefer them to Craftsman, but they may be a little overkill for what you are doing.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I'm curious about the swivel ratchets, as I can think of plenty of times where one would have been useful. Looks like HF, Wera, GearWrench and Tekton all sell a version. Gimmicky or useful?

I just sold my SK and Snap-on Roto/Swivel Head ratchets. They do come in handy at times, but I get WAY more use out of a regular flex head ratchet. If you're just looking to give them a try, Cripe has a set of Crescent branded Gearwrench Swivel heads for ridiculously cheap right now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crescent-CR...Ratchet-Set-/400942998052?hash=item5d5a10a224

 

[gdocktor3]

You know, for as many people as say a tool is ****, a search on this forum turns up at least one user who loves them (and vice versa!). I'm starting to think maybe I should focus on getting a good ratchet and then get the sockets elsewhere.

Realistically, its the person using the tool that defines it.

I'm curious about the swivel ratchets, as I can think of plenty of times where one would have been useful. Looks like HF, Wera, GearWrench and Tekton all sell a version. Gimmicky or useful?

They are useful in certain situations. I use them when I have a lot of fasteners to loosen/tighten down because it can be used as a nut driver. Then, flip it 90 degrees and sock it down tight. I bought this set from Cripedistributing.com a while back and they are pretty awesome. The set I bought are Crescent, but are the exact same thing as Gearwrench. Made by same company and everything, with different name on it. I also bought a Harbor Freight 1/4" roto ratchet to compare and other than the quick release button, the HF one is junk. Clunky, loud, and uncomfortable. For this price they can't be beat. Also, look around their website as they have a ton of new old stock USA made stuff. You can probably find or build a nice socket set for cheap out of Kobalt USA, Armstrong, Allen, KD, Sunex, etc.

http://www.cripedistributing.com/brands/crescent/crescent-crw17-2-pc-1-4-3-8-roto-ratchet-set.html

 

[Milwookie]

I just sold my SK and Snap-on Roto/Swivel Head ratchets. They do come in handy at times, but I get WAY more use out of a regular flex head ratchet. If you're just looking to give them a try, Cripe has a set of Crescent branded Gearwrench Swivel heads for ridiculously cheap right now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crescent-CR...Ratchet-Set-/400942998052?hash=item5d5a10a224

Sold! A little reading reinforced that these are identical to the GearWrench. Nice find! Now I just need to figure out sockets.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

For wrenches I gotta recommend these from Tekton, I have had these for over a year and have been very pleased with them.

http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-18789-Combination-Wrench-Keeper/dp/B00OZJN446/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462716352&sr=8-1&keywords=18789

 

[rhandwor]

If you can't afford US made sockets like SK
Sunex makes some decent tools.

 

[winlinmac]

Every Brand (Williams, SK, Proto, Wright, Armstrong) stated so far in this thread works well for the light user (exception: Craftsman ). As far as impacts go, Harbor Freight Taiwan and Williams USA will do.

~fin

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

Williams USA.


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[d.mcfarland]

Williams USA would be a low cost USA option. Buy with eBay and the classifieds here, tons of tools can be found.

 

[Brownsfan]

Amazon has this set currently at $75 plus shipping:
GearWrench 80300 51 Piece 1/4-Inch Drive 6 Point Socket Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIAIE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this set in my service van. It's been great. Also for ease of warranty and ease of replacement when lost look at Husky at Home Depot. The sockets are almost IDENTICAL to gearwrench. Ratchets are decent. Good home owner tools at a decent price. They are priced between Harbor freight and Craftsman. IMHO better than Craftsman.

 

[anndel]

Tekton, Sunex or Carlyle (Napa). Chinese made Craftsman also fits the bill. I helped my cousin with his truck last month and needed a 1/2 in drive socket set. He used my 1/2 in impact sockets so I needed a set as we were parting this old Ford F250. I was with a friend at Sears as she was looking for a new fridge so I went to the tool section and the 1/2 sockets were 30% off at $27. Made in china but I bought it and it worked the same as my Snap On 1/2 in Impact sockets my cousin was using.

 

[kctyphoon]

Here, link to the thread with cheapest price on the gearwrench deal, and pics of the actual sets after I got them.

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

 

[Al Borland]

Gearwrench ratchets not my favorite, but the sockets are o.k. Warranty is reportedly difficult to actually use.
Home Depot has a 3/8" set 38 piece or so metric and sae with deep and shallow sockets for under $30. I would like to hate on them as they are made in China, but they are decent and hold up fine. Ratchets are MUCH better than Craftsman Raised panels.
If your local Lowes still has any Taiwan Kobalt, they are nice ratchets and sockets, but more expensive than the china Husky.
Harbor Freight isn't a bad option, as long as you avoid the "Color-Coded" sockets. They might work fine, but they are just too silly-looking. Stick with Pittsburgh Pro. You will be fine.
SK is a good choice if C.O.O. matters. They are 100% American-Made now. Just make sure you are getting new stock and not holdovers from the "Bad old days"
Whichever you decide to get, have a place to store them and put them away when you are done and they will be fine for years to come.