OK, Here is my statement. I do try not to order tools on line. It's a long story and I just as soon forget about it. I need a set of metric allen wrench sockets in 3/8 drive. My local Lowes has a set of Craftsman for around $30. This has a set of 6. Or I can get a set for $19.95 at Harbor Freight that is a set of 7. I will be doing brake jobs and the like. I am willing to spend the extra coin for a tool that will not break. Any suggestions? Thanks Ken
Metric Allen set 3/8 drive
- Thread starter Kenskip1
- Start date
richfinn
Well-known member
Ko-ken (if budget will suffice and you can find a deal), I've never been disappointed with anything I have bought from this brand and I'm notoriously tight fisted 
If it must be bricks and mortar -
Your profile says Missouri. If that means close to Kansas City, I’d think looking at Harry Epstein may be worthwhile, although likely means buying something less consumer (read more $).
I don’t have their bit sockets, but I do have some regular Klutch sockets from Northern Tool, if you have a store in your area. I’ve been fairly happy with them. I don’t know that they’re better than big box store stuff,, but a different selection and more of a tool store.
The other really logical choice - NAPA.
Your profile says Missouri. If that means close to Kansas City, I’d think looking at Harry Epstein may be worthwhile, although likely means buying something less consumer (read more $).
I don’t have their bit sockets, but I do have some regular Klutch sockets from Northern Tool, if you have a store in your area. I’ve been fairly happy with them. I don’t know that they’re better than big box store stuff,, but a different selection and more of a tool store.
The other really logical choice - NAPA.
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CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Proto. The standard sets are pretty long, they are the same size the entire length of the hex bit, you can easily replace them if you break them with any other brand bit that will fit in the socket, and they are pretty damned strong and wear well. You might be able to get them from Northern Tool or Napa if they are in your area. If not, you can use Zoro and get a coupon. I know you said no online ordering, but Zoro is pretty damned good.
I have a big mixture. My main 3/8” metric set is a Wright set that I bought NOS. They are holding up fine. They are amended with VIM, PowerTorque, Snap-on, Husky, NOS Duro-Indestro…
Very little of my tools match. I just buy what I need at retail and amend it with lightly used and unused at estate/garage sales and NOS as I find it.
You can see one set (mostly Wright) in the middle of my picture.
My other two sets of 3/8” are not as complete.
Very little of my tools match. I just buy what I need at retail and amend it with lightly used and unused at estate/garage sales and NOS as I find it.
You can see one set (mostly Wright) in the middle of my picture.
My other two sets of 3/8” are not as complete.
I have a big mixture. My main 3/8” metric set is a Wright set that I bought NOS. They are holding up fine. They are amended with VIM, PowerTorque, Snap-on, Husky, NOS Duro-Indestro…
Very little of my tools match. I just buy what I need at retail and amend it with lightly used and unused at estate/garage sales and NOS as I find it.
My main set is in the middle of the picture. It is mostly Wright. My other 2 sets are not as complete.
Very little of my tools match. I just buy what I need at retail and amend it with lightly used and unused at estate/garage sales and NOS as I find it.
My main set is in the middle of the picture. It is mostly Wright. My other 2 sets are not as complete.
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
My harbor freight hex sockets have treated me well. None broken and no fastener damage
It is your convenience so I would buy both those sets and run them. This way you have a spare set to use even though one is missing one size. Other than known auto parts stores, are there any industrial tool suppliers in your area? This way you can order brands like Proto, SK, etc. I'm thinking what Grainger, McMaster Carr and so on may have available in their line up's.
I personally have Proto and for the torque values I use them at they will last well beyond my lifetime.
I notice that Project Farm has this video of hex sockets:
I personally have Proto and for the torque values I use them at they will last well beyond my lifetime.
I notice that Project Farm has this video of hex sockets:
Yes, Project Farm. The only thing I am missing Sunday morning before the game!
jayemm
Well-known member
Probably 25 years ago I got both Lisle SAE and metric sets. They work OK for DIY and got a lot of usage on hardened cap screws when assembling machinery. Never put them to severe usage ( like impact). Managed to slightly twist one or two of the smaller ones but didn't break any. Weren't too expensive at the time. I got them at a local auto parts store.
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tyyost
Well-known member
I have some craftsman USA, and the long harbor freight ones. They are both ok for what they are. If your local Napa has Carlyle I’d consider them over the others you mentioned. If you know what size you need for the calipers I’d be tempted to buy a single too. I bought a set of Capri Tools regular but sockets in metric and they are my go to set now.
I had a set of Lisle torx one piece bits mentioned above and they were not great, I avoid that style of bit socket and have been happy since.
I had a set of Lisle torx one piece bits mentioned above and they were not great, I avoid that style of bit socket and have been happy since.
rancherbill
Well-known member
My first "set of 3/8 Allen bit" were my ordinary 3/8 sockets and an old set of Allen keys. I don't remember why I had the extra set. I cut them up and stuck them in the socket. Keep the unused piece and you have a repair if you ever need one. Problem solved.
Being a GJ member, today, I have a drawer of old socket sets and keys that I have acquired over the years. I could probably make 3 sets of both metric and imperial. and probably a few more partial sets. I think I am short some big keys.
Being a GJ member, today, I have a drawer of old socket sets and keys that I have acquired over the years. I could probably make 3 sets of both metric and imperial. and probably a few more partial sets. I think I am short some big keys.
tez929rr
Well-known member
Same here. I needed a big size for a new motorcycle and it was cheaper to buy the HF set than a single socket anyplace else. Still using them 12 years later with no issues.
The 1/2” drive set?
tez929rr
Well-known member
bwringer
Well-known member
Same. I've abused the piss out of mine, in short, long, and ball end, and they have been just dandy. I have seen the setscrew loosen in some, so the bit can fall out of the socket, so watch that. (Obviously, you can break ball end if you work at it, but so far they have surprised me and are intact.)
Also, if you need larger bits, HF has a 1/2" drive impact set of hex bits that is positively stellar. I have used and abused these mercilessly with no issues.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Same ones I have plus the long shanks
Okay… I have had the all 1/2” drive set for about 13 years. It has held up great.
I think I twisted up one of the smaller ones in the set at one point.
I bought it for the big sizes.
tez929rr
Well-known member
I mean, for $14.99 how can you go wrong?
tez929rr
Well-known member
Years ago I bought a single Snapon 19mm hex socket (I think it was for an early model R1). I just checked and it lists for $75.50. More alternatives now for less $$ on Amazon but it still shows what a bargain these HF sets are.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
But think of how much more enjoyment the fastener will get with the snap on socket vs harbor freight.Years ago I bought a single Snapon 19mm hex socket (I think it was for an early model R1). I just checked and it lists for $75.50. More alternatives now for less $$ on Amazon but it still shows what a bargain these HF sets are.
Think about the fasteners
IDK bought my 3/8 Snap-on metric hex head set in the 1980s and haven't broken or twisted one yet. 30+ years later still going strong. Haven't had as much luck with some OTC and Mac torx bits have snapped more than a handful. I'm happy with the Snap-ons.
ThePostman
Well-known member
Proto RBRT works very well. Use a Zoro coupon