Lower-end socket set recommendations

[Dud]

Hello all,

I am looking for recommendations for lower end socket sets. I plan to purchase 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sets in the next few months in metric. My current focus is on Sears and Harbor Freight's "professional" line. The holidays will soon be upon us and both should be discounting their sets. Was hoping for some personal recommendations either pro or con for each.

I also have a varied set of pneumatic tools from different manufacturers and am looking to replace a worn out set of sockets for them as well. I am intrigued by the HF Pittsburgh "PRO" series as they tend to get good reviews and have many Youtube videos lauding them.

Also, are there any other "budget" lines of handtools that you would recommend? I will be using these sets only occasionally (2-3 times per year) to work on the cars. I typically work on the cars 1-3 times a year and mainly do brake jobs, water pumps, etc., nothing too complex.

Thank you for your advice ...

 

[Jawn]

Had pretty decent luck with the older Stanley stuff from Wal-Mart (Taiwanese production), not sure how the current crop of stuff stands up to it.

Also, I have some of the Crescent branded stuff I bought for a car trunk kit... seems ok, ratchets seem better than other cheap ones.

 

[ravenzfusion]

What do you want to spend? DeWalt sets are half off at the local sears around me. I got a 1/2 set for 24$, 3/8 for 19 and 1/4 for 15. Ratchets included in each set

 

[d.mcfarland]

There's nothing we can honestly tell you. You want the cheapest, not the best value.

Be prepared to have a couple hundred. It sounds like you don't have any tools right now so at least do yourself a favor and buy something worth investing in especially when it comes to sockets and hardline tools.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I would take a look at tekton as well.

If you have a local Home Depot maybe Husky, I don't own any so I can't speak to the quality

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Also I have a Stanley ratchet in 1/4" and was impressed with it considering the price. I don't have any of there sockets so I don't know if they are consistent with the quality throughout the line

 

[Tdbo]

Add Kobalt from Lowes.
Have purchased some of their stuff recently when they were on sale.
Not bad for the price.
Also, if you are in an area that is serviced by Menards, their Mastercraft stuff is not bad and some good deals can be had on sale.

 

[PJNJ]

Pittsburgh Pro (Harbor Freight), current Craftsman, Kobalt (Lowes), Husky (Home Depot), Tekton, ATD, Stanley/Bostitch (Walmart) are all the lower end I can remember right now. As for quality, I can't tell you and it's probably going to be up to you to decide in the end. COO has been changing for many of the lower end brands - USA to China, Taiwan to China, etc.. So in the end you'll have to judge quality for yourself. I have the Bostitch pass thru set and it seems to be pretty good but I have only used it twice for adjusting struts.

Since you'll be using them water pumps, etc. on cars, I would suggest a step up from the lower end and would recommend at least GearWrench sets with the 120 tooth ratchets - may make life easier in close quarters. Also don't forget to get breaker bars (3/8 and 1/2) for stubborn bolts.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro sounds exactly like what you need. Good quality for a few jobs a few times a year. Pittsburgh Pro stuff is actually really good (I'd put it up with gearwrench and other top tier import brands). Great option!

I'd avoid chinese Craftsman tools. Pittsburgh Pro is cheaper and has better chrome.

 

[Dud]

There's nothing we can honestly tell you. You want the cheapest, not the best value.

Be prepared to have a couple hundred. It sounds like you don't have any tools right now so at least do yourself a favor and buy something worth investing in especially when it comes to sockets and hardline tools.

Not true. I am all about "best" value. I've been using best value purchasing criteria as part of my job for over 20 years. My current situation is this: I am gifting over three (3) sets of old HF socket sets (in metal boxes) from the early 90s to my son. I need a replacement. The HF sets served me very well. In this case they were a best value as all jobs were completed successfully with only one ratchet having to be replaced in 20+ years.

Things have changed in 20 years. Craftsman is now mostly made in China and quality may have suffered. HF is still with us but my guess is that they too are crimping on quality to maintain a profit. Was hoping that the community could provide me with the latest on what I should consider to replace.

Thank you ...

 

[Dud]

What do you want to spend? DeWalt sets are half off at the local sears around me. I got a 1/2 set for 24$, 3/8 for 19 and 1/4 for 15. Ratchets included in each set

Would like to keep in to less than $100 for the three sets if possible.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Used or new?

 

[hancock1701]

HF chrome sockets have served me well for years. The only thing I don't like about them is they skip certain sizes in all their tools. If you deal with Japanese stuff like I did for several years, you probably won't encounter this problem, but I realized that when I switched to German (16mm). I currently have Craftsman USA sockets sold in set that came out to about $1 per socket. If you could find that, I would recommend it, otherwise check out Tekton for fuller sets than HF.

 

[finn]

I think most of the generic Chinese sets are vastly superior to the lower end imports or American made tools of twenty five years ago. The Stanley / DeWalt / Crescent type tools are actually a pretty good value at a price point for a typical casual user.

I've got a Crescent 3/8" set from Menards that I keep in the shed for chainsaw and general around the yard use. It's not as nice as my Snapon, Marco, or SK tools, but is perfectly serviceable and worth every penny I put out for it.

 

[sberry]

I am going to agree with finn, the competition for quality is fierce, it has only gone up. Really cheap wrenches are almost a thing of the past, I am sure you can find ubber cheap stamped India but why would Walmart try to save 50 cents on a set they are selling for 25 and have to become a return center. Much of this comes off the same line, ita almost all generic till you get o the top brands and even then how much is it worth to the user??? Can he really tell the difference? I suspect in some blind tests the results wouldn't match the hype.
So,,, I think you are on the right track. Sears may have resolved a broke socket issue of the 80's, not sure they made any real effort to change any fundamentals and limped a **** ratchet along. Hopefully the China move fixed this but some of these super sale sets are hard to beat for utility work and I have used 1000's of them for 30 yrs and don't have any intention of "upgrading".
The value is in the low end today,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. Never in world history have they made so good so cheap. A 309 pc can be had outright owned free and clear, very little potential loss and almost no depreciation for real good drunk money for a week.
They do a pretty good job of getting the basics in, fill it in from HF and a few brand name items as needed. I havnt heard any broken new socket stories from Sears.
I got it all and if I had to start over it would be my first move to get my feet under myself and go a bit from there.

 

[Askme42]

Would like to keep in to less than $100 for the three sets if possible.

Good luck. The dewalt is one of the best bang for the buck there is

 

[sberry]

I do this kind of thing for a living, I own a lot of stuff but there is almost nothing quite as cool as being jambed up and digging thru the truck till you find a 7/16 China wrench I over paid a dollar for 20 yrs ago and a set of hex folders someone gave me to un jamb a nail gun on the spot.
I really value that more than I do the ultimate tool for just the right once in a lifetime event.
The math great and value high. Returned 10 x its cost in direct expense savings in one event. Not to mention the time when it was precious. I have used it hundreds of times with total disregard to its "market value" or potential for financial loss an the way it looks would bring about what paid for it at an auction.
The worry about not buying value is absurd, Does anyone worry or think a 300$ TV will be worth anything in 5 years, it would be a different question if they were asking 3000 for the wrench set but its not.
The user gets 309 working pcs compared to 10 pieces from a tp truck sale. How much risk is there?

 

[sberry]

I remember a thread a while back. A young guy comes here and asks if he should "upgrade" a set of wrenches buy selling them and buying better ones. He got advice that was pathetic imop from master mechanics should well know better. Turns out they were a set of SAE and millimeters that he paid 22$ from Lowes on some sale 4 yrs ago and have worked flawlessly in the demolition yard he is employed in.
There was actually argument about where value was involved and there was some attempt to logic that the 10 he would get for them could be used as a down payment cause 30 yrs from now the ones he owns valued at 10 wont be worth anything.
This is really abot how absurd this is, the logic from a tractor salesman showing me how I can spend 10 more large today cause it will be worth 5 more in 10 yrs if I want to trade it.
We got a promo from a dealer the other day that said,, that we lost 525$ in 3 month due to depreciation from driving our old car.
I may have some fun with that, I would like to pull that up and have him actually splain the math in this compared to a new car.

 

[sberry]

They are going to credit 6K in trade for this pos that is worth 2500 on a good day. Inflate the value to make the depreciation appear hi and still cant come up with the fact a new one would cost 4X and I already own this outright.

 

[sberry]

Put the 100 together with another 150 and go value shopping with sale sets.

The HF sets served me very well. In this case they were a best value as all jobs were completed successfully with only one ratchet having to be replaced in 20+ years.

How much money did you lose in the deal?
You already own them, only reason to replace would be due to loss, they have only minor market value which makes it all free, any more investment would be a liability and depreciate and not an asset.

 

[Steinmetz]

"...A 309 pc can be had outright owned free and clear, very little potential loss and almost no depreciation for real good drunk money for a week…".

The facts…in a nutshell. Thanks.

 

[Hiball]

Sounds like HF has served you well, I don't think there tool line has reduced in quality over the Last 20 years, exact opposite actually. I would grab the family, arm them each with 20% coupons and go crazy.

 

[1950mercury]

Sounds like HF has served you well, I don't think there tool line has reduced in quality over the Last 20 years, exact opposite actually. I would grab the family, arm them each with 20% coupons and go crazy.

This

 

[BDT/NWMN]

eleven letter sentence will most likely sum up your thoughts on HF: "One Stop Shop"

Chalk up a point for HF with Your bargain shopping crowd..

Look at the size of the HF operation, and the fact they are primarily a tool store, and are highly competitive: there stands a good chance they will have some of the lowest prices on the bargain line tools you are looking for.

 

[bobemmerich]

100 budget? I'd go for either a Stanley set or a Kobalt/Husky set. All are good and will last for the occasional DIY'er. I think this would have MOST of the basics...
http://www.walmart.com/ip/39073441?...=pla&wl6=90980081552&veh=sem?reviews_limit=9&

here's a pic...

 

[sberry]

Any of those are good. Sears has high single prices in comparison to Lowes for stuff from essentially the same line or the competiors similar line, pretty much plucked off as they go by.
I think in the 309 about half the items in it are about 10$ as singles and another 50 in the 5$ range and we have seen this at 250$ and even less on occasion. It makes even the jewelry a bargain and a guy needs most of that little stuff anyway.

 

[ravenzfusion]

Where's oldldh ? he can do his gearwrench spiel in this thread...

In all seriousness that bostitch set for 89$ is a steal. Includes wrenches too!

 

[dnschmidt]

HF, for the money their socket sets can't be beat.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Did this guy establish a budget yet at all?

 

[Ilikeike]

I'd get budget tools from whomever is closer or more convenient, Home Depot, Lowes, Sears...
At home I mostly have old Craftsmen from the 70s 80s and some 90s. when I need something new for the house,since I can see the Home Depot from the end of my street across the park on the other side of the canal, thats where I get my stuff now. I can actually walk there just as quick as driving.

In short. Convenience for budget tools, is what decides for me.

 

[HanShotFirst]

For sockets and ratchets you're not going to beat Harbor Freight on value. They're better than most, I really think they're the best quality of the imports.

 

[Flivver250]

Wright tool Cougar brand. Great price, still US made. You can use them if front of women you want to bed without the dreaded Asian tool embarrassment.

 

[Hiball]

Wright tool Cougar brand. Great price, still US made. You can use them if front of women you want to bed without the dreaded Asian tool embarrassment.

I believe the cougar brand has dipped into the Asian market, might still be some stuff made in Texas, but definitely some stuff coming by boat.

 

[Dud]

Wright tool Cougar brand. Great price, still US made. You can use them if front of women you want to bed without the dreaded Asian tool embarrassment.

Good to know, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[mrvm]

All the affordable, imported SAME COO"low-end" socket sets have been mentioned already: HF/GW/Husky/CM/Kobalt etc......anything lower is just asking for trouble. Just watch for a good socket set deal posting and just buy what you can afford because the "tool addiction" here will never let you stop because there is always room for another and another...enjoy

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

I Have had really good luck with my chrome sockets from Autozone. I have used them everyday in the Mechanic field specifically diesel tech. I have their 1/4 and 3/8 sets in Metric and standard. I have only broke about 3 of the sockets since i had them (only the metrics). I Like them, they serve their purpose. Lifetime warranty is great, i have an AZ by work just down the street. Never had an issue exchanging sockets.. even when chrome is peeling. The ONLY issue i have is that the chrome on the metric 3/8 drive set is ****... its like they changed manufactures or must have a bad batch. As far as cost goes.... Each set comes with short and deep well

1/4 set 15.99
3/8 set 29.99

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

Harbor Freight Pro sockets are good but, kind of thick. I would avoid the really cheap sets that aren't labeled pro. Stanley is also decent but the chrome will chip more easily than nicer sockets. I think they are both fine for DIY type use. Sometimes Cripe will have good deals on sockets too.

 

[Kirbot]

Gearwrench from advanceauto at 30-35% off.
Bigger, much more complete sets than harborfreight, and you can get 6 point shallows.

I don't think the price per socket is any more than harborfreight.

 

[shoggoth80]

Inexpensive sockets are myriad.
I have some Stanley 1/4" (China) that have been surprisingly reliable for YEARS now. Bought them back in like 2005.

Craftsman, even the Chinese stuff, is pretty good (got 3/8" and 1/4" sets)

Kobalt. A set won't set you back much. Rather nice for not a lot of $$$.

Gear Wrench. Really not bad for the money. They make a mid-length set that I am chomping at the bit to add to my tools.

Harbor Freight. Their sockets are dirt cheap. I've used many of their 3/8" impact sockets over the last few years. They work. I've also had some 1/2" drive stuff I've been using since I want to say my late teens/early 20s. So about 15 years now I think.

I don't discriminate. If it works, and holds up... I'm good. Bang for the buck is out there, and it's a tough market.

 

[---]

Tekton is relatively inexpensive. Not sure how it compares to HF pro line since I don't own any but I have the SAE and metric sets open wrenches and sockets and like them.