Looking to upgrade 1/4 sockets/ratchets

[dredoubleu]

I’m a first year auto apprentice looking to upgrade from my Mastercraft Maximum socket set, but I’m torn between SK, Gearwrench and Gray tools. I’m not sure if Gearwrench would be the upgrade I’m looking for, and I’ve heard mixed reviews on SK’s recent socket sets. If anyone has used the sockets and ratchets from these three companies, I’d like to hear opinions and recommendations.

 

[Yarpo]

Gearwrench makes up the bulk of my box and I think many Gearwrench tools are a fantastic value for the money but I don't think their sockets are going to do anything your Mastercraft sockets cannot. In fact I don't think any of the sockets listed will do anything your mastercraft sockets cannot to be frank. However I don't own mastercraft and never have, so maybe I'm wrong. Are there things you feel like you're missing out on or how come you're looking to upgrade? At the end of the day even the cheapest of sockets will turn nuts and bolts. Again I think Gearwrench and SK make great tools (no experience with gray) but I don't think any of them listed will be the upgrade you're looking for, tho I do appreciate the knurling on my Gearwrench sockets.

 

[dredoubleu]

Reason for upgrading is fit on the fasteners being loose, and the annoying ‘double detent’ on the bottom of the socket that I understand Craftsman has too. I recently got the Gearwrench mid length metric sockets, and they are a definite upgrade over the Maximum set. I’m just wondering if the SK or Gray set will be a further upgrade over Gearwrench, as the price difference is not huge, or if I should stick with Gearwrench for the full set. I’m also looking to get a new 1/4 ratchet, I broke my old Thorsen open gear that I picked up used, and again I’m wondering if the SK or Gray are a substantial upgrade. I especially have my eye on the SK LP90, but I’d have to order from the states, because SK doesn’t have much distribution here in Canada.

 

[PhantomEB]

Are you in a dealership? If not, don’t bother.

Spend the money on Canadian Tire hand tools as well socket trays from Princess Auto. Air Tools from IRtools.ca or Ingersoll Rand from Amazon. Never having to ask for a tool is way more beneficial than having SnapOn IMHO.

I am a hobbyist gearhead who likes to modify his vehicles and rather have more tools. This is how my socket drawer is at home. Currently working on getting all the missing sockets.....

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I would get a Gearwrench socket set, a couple of SK ratchets. The SK ratchets are really smooth in 1/4” drive. I also love my 3/8” flex ratchet, quickly replaced my FL80 as my go to ratchet. I have a 51? Pc. Gearwrnch 1/4 set and other then the ratchet that broke immediately, I love it. I’ve my set 5 years and it’s still going serving me well.

Edit: Terrible pic, but the socket set can be seen on the right side of my tool cart. I removed the lid, but I kept the case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

Do we have to choose between those 3 brands?

 

[Philbert]

Go Wight!

Or Japanese has some good offerns too.

 

[dredoubleu]

Not limited to those brands, but has to be somewhat accessible in Canada. Wright in particular, from my research, seems to be next to impossible to get in Canada. SK can be found on Amazon but not the full line.

 

[SRSemenza]

If it matters the SK 1/4" shallow sockets are about an 1/8" shorter than the Gearwrench. The SK also have a tighter fit on the fastener than the GW. I have both.

Seth

 

[Wamsutta]

Can you get Proto in Canada? They do sockets very very well.

 

[jimmyin3D]

I believe you should get the best possible you can get for 1/4 drive because you usually depend on it for low clearance and small fasteners. If you are wanting to upgrade from the Mastercraft and looking at SK there are similar priced options available.

Koken Zeal has some really low profile shallow sockets and it costs about $75 for the set from Amazon.JP

And If choosing only to get one ratchet the Snap On THNF72 Swivel Roto ratchet should cover you for most work. It’s low profile and can get into tight spaces plus has the strength that round head ratchets have. They do cost around $100(eBay) but cover a lot of what you need in 1/4


But SK does have really nice sockets and ratchets, especially the 40971(long handle) and 40972(flex head). The round head 60tooth design is proven and super smooth costs about $40-$50 each


I would skip the Gearwrench if you are looking for an upgrade. Depending on budget I would probably stick with SK they have great warranty and their tools are proven.

Good luck!

 

[CafeTools]

The new craftsman stuff is very good. Primarily the new ratchets.

 

[Jazz1]

My Mastercraft 1/4” ratchet is excellent. I find their sockets durable Dumped my Snapon 1/4” ratchet,too fragile. Forever breaking the pawl. If you like Gray watch their website, they do have decent sales.

 

[Yarpo]

I recently got the Gearwrench mid length metric sockets, and they are a definite upgrade over the Maximum set.

Yah their chrome semi deep sockets where my most used sockets at work before I got my GP Impact semi deeps. I own tons of Gearwrench sockets and again I think they're great, so if you see them as being an upgrade I'd say go for it.

I’m just wondering if the SK or Gray set will be a further upgrade over Gearwrench, as the price difference is not huge, or if I should stick with Gearwrench for the full set.

I don't own any Gray tools so I can't say. I own SK sockets, Snap On sockets, Grey Pneumatic Sockets, HF sockets, and sockets from another half dozen other companies, I find no meaningful difference between them generally.

I’m also looking to get a new 1/4 ratchet, I broke my old Thorsen open gear that I picked up used, and again I’m wondering if the SK or Gray are a substantial upgrade. I especially have my eye on the SK LP90, but I’d have to order from the states, because SK doesn’t have much distribution here in Canada.

I think the SK LP90 is pretty slick, but I'm new F80s on ebay are not far off in price here in the states, not sure what you'd pay for either there however.

 

[WittHay]

As mentioned North American made 1/4 drive shallow sockets are 7/8" long and Taiwan/Chinese are 1" long. I prefer the shorter sockets for spinner handle and universal joint, wobble extension use.

The newer Maximum are on the low end of the quality scale. The older Mastercraft stamped sockets are the 7/8" type and are Craftsman USA quality or slightly better. Not a lot of difference between say Tekton, GearWrench or a Canadian brand like Napa UltraPro. The GearWrench maybe a little fancier with knurled markings.

North American 1/4 drive sockets I prefer Snap-on, Gray is like Proto or Wright. I am guessing SK is slightly thinner walled than Proto.

I thought about buying a SK 1/4 socket set through the local parts store. The trouble is no singles were available and I would have to replace missing SK sockets with Snap-on. SK is no longer carried but might be available online through Acklands or Amazon.ca. Same as my set of 1/4 Craftsman missing sockets were replaced with Proto

Regarding 1/4 drive ratchets GearWrench 84T get the most use. Have a long handle Snap-on in the rebuild area but if it went missing I would probably try a Mac Axis instead

 

[CR888]

The smaller the drive size, the more importance tolerance, fit & quality become. By the best 1/4" tools you can. The GW ratchets in this size are pretty good, the sockets just average IMO. I have Stahlwille deeps and Belzer smalls with about 10 ratchets. Get a long/short flex head, a roto, a palm/finger ratchet & a couple of nice regular ones in short/long. I fixed the back drag on my GW 84t/120xp 1/4" rats and they are defiately keepers. If I was buying new today Koken Zeal would defiately be considered.

 

[cherrybomb]

I'm not sure of the availability in Canada,but I really like my Proto and my Williams U.S.A,which is a Snapon industrial brand for the sockets.For ratchets I have a SK and a Proto.They both are excellent. Mid length sockets I have SK.I would not change a thing.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I’m a first year auto apprentice looking to upgrade from my Mastercraft Maximum socket set, but I’m torn between SK, Gearwrench and Gray tools. I’m not sure if Gearwrench would be the upgrade I’m looking for, and I’ve heard mixed reviews on SK’s recent socket sets. If anyone has used the sockets and ratchets from these three companies, I’d like to hear opinions and recommendations.

I own all of them. Gray is the most heavily built of the three, very strong and chrome is nice however their ratchet are ver old school.

I have given SK a hard time because almost everyone says support America and ends the argument there. SK chrome is comparable to Gearwrench, but I will say I have really enjoyed the round head ratcheted.

Gearwrench is the best value in my opinion. You can get 1/4,3/8,1/2 sets together with ratchet for under $350 Canadian if you know where to look. Ratchet are solid and Fastenal will warrantee them.

 

[seber]

Ratchets are a very personal choice. I love flex head pear style with lever operator. Others like round head. Figuring out the style will be your first charge. 72 or80 tooth will be smoother than other configurations and in some situations give you a little quicker time to remove or replace a fastener. As to sockets, you can't beat Williams for quality and price. https://www.zoro.com/snap-on-indust...pt-12pcs-msm-12hrc/i/G7161808/#specifications These are made in the USA.

 

[javyLSU]

Another vote for Gearwrench here - recently bought the 1/4" + 3/8" metric & SAE socket set for $140 USD shipped from ToolDiscounter. Each set comes with a 120xp ratchet, so you wind up with two complete 1/4" and 3/8" socket sets and two 120xp ratchets, a 1/4" and 3/8". I've very happy with the sets - the sockets are better than most others I've tried, and I really like clear markings on the sockets. I never cared for laser etching and the other stuff some manufacturers do to make their stuff look pretty - in 10 years when I dump them in the middle of working on something, I want to be able to identify sizes, so engraving was a must for me. I also like the shallow broaching on the deep sockets, which is a big help if you want to use a deep socket to start a fastener on a thread in hard to reach or see spots. You may not like that, but at least you'll know about it ahead of time and can decide for yourself.

 

[gatlibs]

If you have been having issues with slipping then move to six point and a finely toothed ratchet. The SK sets are appealing because you can get a portable case with the sockets and ratchet with space for some attachments as well. I have SK sockets and like them, but don't have them in chrome.

 

[Tallpilot]

If you can get Williams USA in Canada I think they are a better value than SK. As has been mentioned before the North American made sockets are shorter than Taiwanese. What wasn't mentioned that I saw was the drive ends do not have radiused corners and that tends to make them fit a little tighter on the ratchet anvil.

 

[Shane6377]

I have SK shallow, semi-deep and deep in 1/4" drive and they have been excellent. The 40971 round head ratchet is my favorite.

I have used, but do not own, Williams USA and Proto 1/4 sockets and they were very good too.

One of those three would be my pick. The SK blow molded cases are very handy if you ever travel with your tools.


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[dredoubleu]

I think I’m going to go with Gray, as some of you have said, 1/4 is the most delicate and precise so I should get as nice as my budget allows. The clearance issue with import sockets is another reason for upgrading so I guess that rules put Gearwrench. I think I’ll order the Gray metric sockets first, I may end up just keeping the Maximum SAE sockets due to how little I use them. Does anyone have an opinion on Gray ratchets? I’m hearing they’re ridiculously strong but how is the backdrag? Should I just go for the SK LP90?

 

[BarryWells]

Ratchets are a very personal choice. I love flex head pear style with lever operator. Others like round head. Figuring out the style will be your first charge. 72 or80 tooth will be smoother than other configurations and in some situations give you a little quicker time to remove or replace a fastener. As to sockets, you can't beat Williams for quality and price. https://www.zoro.com/snap-on-indust...pt-12pcs-msm-12hrc/i/G7161808/#specifications These are made in the USA.

williams 1/4" ratchets ****.
Go with SK, Wright or gearwrench 84

 

[Legion Prime]

I'd check out Williams, I just got their US made 1/4 SAE set and they're really nice apart from the stampings being a little hard to read. TD has a nice Taiwanese metric & SAE set with deep & shallow sockets as well as hex & bit sockets. I couldn't care less about the bit sockets personally but hex are useful and the case is nice to have as well. For right around a hundred bucks you'd have pretty much a complete 1/4 set all in one shot.
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-50602-Hand-Tools-Sockets-Drive-Tools-1-4-Inch-Drive-SAE-Metric-Combo-Socket-Sets

 

[patchap]

You might,or might not find that the sockets you upgrade to fit any better.
Inconsistent fastener sizes is as much of a problem as I'll fitting sockets. Maximum stuff isn't bad fit wise so I doubt you'll notice the difference.
Gray ratchets are nothing special,just very heavy duty.

 

[visionguru]

Gearwrench

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I don't know if you have bought them yet, but thanks in part to GJ discussion on how often they used a 1/4" drive , I upgraded mine. None of various US made SAE sockets had dimples .however my metric Sierra set did. So obviously it was manufacturing possibility. For standard depth I picked Gearwrench, they were well made. For deeps I picked Tekton, they weren't as well made as the Gearwrench, but the broaching was much deeper than the single nut broach depth of the Gearwrench. I dislike that.

I added a couple of ratchets, too, a Gearwrench flex and a Tekton pivot. Again there was the same quality difference.

 

[dredoubleu]

I haven’t ordered yet, would anyone with experience with both or either recommend the SK 44 piece set over the Gray or Williams or vice versa? It looks like Gray and Williams are around the same price, and a metric deep and shallow set comes to about the same as the metic and SAE deep and shallow SK.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Before you speed money, have you thought about Stahlwille for metric sockets. They are a step above Snap-On's best. I take it Amazon Germany sells sets at affordable prices. I like a metric socket that has knurling, it make it so much easier to sort.

If you want to take a look at Tekton ratchets, PA has them ,except they are called Titans.

 

[gatlibs]

I haven’t ordered yet, would anyone with experience with both or either recommend the SK 44 piece set over the Gray or Williams or vice versa? It looks like Gray and Williams are around the same price, and a metric deep and shallow set comes to about the same as the metic and SAE deep and shallow SK.

If you can get the SK in metric and S.A.E. in shape and deep Wells for the same price as GP or Williams S.A.E. and metric only in deep well, then the choice is obvious. Especially, if it is SK sockets in a nice how molded case with a ratchet!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Gearwrench 84T ratchets are tough to beat for the money. They have quite a few different configurations to choose from. I've had pretty good results from a wide range of socket brands from the likes of Tekton to Sanp on.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I’m a first year auto apprentice looking to upgrade from my Mastercraft Maximum socket set, but I’m torn between SK, Gearwrench and Gray tools. I’m not sure if Gearwrench would be the upgrade I’m looking for, and I’ve heard mixed reviews on SK’s recent socket sets. If anyone has used the sockets and ratchets from these three companies, I’d like to hear opinions and recommendations.

There is nothing wrong with the Maximum sockets. Don't waste your money on upgrading the sockets. As for GW, the 90 tooth Maximum ratchets are almost identical internally and externally to the GW 84 tooth ratchets. If you bought the Maximum 1/4 dr set after they put the tools 90 tooth ratchet in, there's your GW upgrade.

For SK tools, unless you really like their round head ratchets, I wouldn't bother with them. The head is extremely thick. Quality control has been disappointing lately if read other threads on here.

As for Gray tools, their ratchets all seem to be low tooth count and lately their quality control has gone downhill when it comes to finishing. I have a set of 3/8 dr Gray sockets I bought new a few years ago and two of had spots that were not chromed properly. I had to request replacement sockets. But I do have to admit, those sockets shine more beautifully than the ones on the Snap on truck.

If you feel like buying Gray tools for the sake of buying Canadian, go to their online store. Check out the specials section. Zoom in on the photo to see if there are any Canada markings on the tools. Sometimes the prices are low enough to make it worthwhile. Granted I could have gone to princess auto and bought those polished Mayhew heel bars for slightly more money, but the 3 piece Gray painted finish heel bar set was 1/3 of what Snap on wanted for their 4 pc set when on special, so I pulled the trigger on that one.

 

[dredoubleu]

I’ve ordered the SK socket set, and I also added the stubby Tekton 90 tooth ratchet. Thanks for the help in deciding everyone.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I haven’t ordered yet, would anyone with experience with both or either recommend the SK 44 piece set over the Gray or Williams or vice versa? It looks like Gray and Williams are around the same price, and a metric deep and shallow set comes to about the same as the metic and SAE deep and shallow SK.

I honestly wouldn't spend the extra money on the sockets. I've already made that mistake before. Save that money for your ratchets. But if you really want to, as an owner of one rail of 3/8 Gray sockets and another rail of 1/2 Williams sockets, fit wise the Gray sockets have tighter tolerances. My Williams sockets definitely have a more consistent finish. I found 2 spots on my Gray socket set that were not chromed properly. No defects on the Williams set. This at being said, the Gray line of tools is their primary tool line and Williams is Snap on's secondary industrial tool line. I don't have any experience with SK tools besides the 1/2 dr round head ratchet I bought used. SK's quality control has been questionable lately.

Other factors you have to consider include ease of warranty.
Out of the three, I'm betting that Gray will have the best support in your case as they are located within driving distance of you.

 

[bob15]

I’ve ordered the SK socket set, and I also added the stubby Tekton 90 tooth ratchet. Thanks for the help in deciding everyone.

Nice choice. I think you will be happy with the SK's.

 

[gatlibs]

I’ve ordered the SK socket set, and I also added the stubby Tekton 90 tooth ratchet. Thanks for the help in deciding everyone.

Let us know how they work in general and in comparison.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I think you'll be really happy with the SK set. I have two of the quarter inch master sets one in the shop and one and the work trailer. The ratchet is super smooth and tiny and the sockets are polished
nice.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I think you'll be really happy with the SK set. I have two of the quarter inch master sets one in the shop and one and the work trailer. The ratchet is super smooth and tiny and the sockets are polished
nice.

I am particularly fond of SK. I have 1/4 and 3/8 SK and can not complain. My 1/2 inch sockets are Wright.

You will likely never put enough torque on a quarter inch socket or ratchet to break either. I would go with the SK set for the improved fit on the head of the fastener. I have a low profile 90 tooth SK ratchet which is as smooth as any. You'll be happy with SK, and they will last a lifetime