Mid grade 1/2" Sockets

brett39532 · Oct 21, 2016

So i have been looking around for some new sockets in 1/2" drive to replace my harbor freight set they are just getting plain wore slap out. The Snap on set seems to be around 280 bucks for 12-24 the SK set i looked at is 10-24 and just seems a little to high to me for SK i know they make a good product but i mean for not much more you can get the Snappy. So i was looking to see what you guys also thought were good new brands to look into for a decent price around 100-150 a set. I am an extreme DIYER i use my tools 3-4 days a week and i believe in good quality tools. I refuse to by craftsman anymore. I am looking for a complete set somewhere in the ranges listed above.

JJThrasher · Oct 21, 2016

Check out Gearwrench.

jfcasey · Oct 21, 2016

Sunex or GP impact have always done right by me and come at a great price compared to snap on.

1950mercury · Oct 21, 2016

Here you go. 10-28mm

http://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-19-...ket-set.html?gclid=CL7mmvCk7c8CFQUuaQodaI4JBw

cptn_zippy · Oct 21, 2016

Williams MSS-15RC...15 pieces of US made sockets, about $80. The 24 piece set is about $150, but goes to 36mm. Very pleased with mine.

J

jidonsu · Oct 21, 2016

You can get a full set of Toptul for less than your budget. I wonder if he'll sell you just the 1/2.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112157862737

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112167541998

My set here.

M6erfan · Oct 21, 2016

Williams would be high on my list if I were in the market, check out Carlyle too.

Koken makes a top notch product and is a great value...

http://www.toolpan.com/Koken-RS4400M10--10-PC-12-Drive-6-Point-Metric-Socket-Set-_p_4713.html

PJNJ · Oct 21, 2016

SK 1/2 metric from 10 to 24mm from CPO outlets (a good seller) for $102.99 shipped. Total costs of 36 per cent of the Snap On sockets. And they should last.

Link - http://www.cpooutlets.com/sk-hand-t...map=sktn1955&gclid=CLvl3Myo7c8CFZZahgodsHYAVA

:beer:

T45 · Oct 21, 2016

What is mid grade? Today any decent taiwan is mid-grade.

At the lower cost, toptul is probably fine for any use. If spending more money, I'd look at european Facom, Hazet, Stahlwille.

Not a big fan of american style sockets without the undercut shape in 1/2 drive.

Super Sport · Oct 21, 2016

Wright is always worth a look as well.

General Geoff · Oct 21, 2016

M6erfan said:
Williams would be high on my list if I were in the market, check out Carlyle too.

Koken makes a top notch product and is a great value...

http://www.toolpan.com/Koken-RS4400M10--10-PC-12-Drive-6-Point-Metric-Socket-Set-_p_4713.html

For a more complete Koken set, look at 4251M and 4251A. They even come in fantastic metal boxes. The sockets themselves are flawless in fit & finish, and absolutely top notch in strength.

shockwave · Oct 21, 2016

Carlyle or gear wrench easily attainable mid range
Williams and Armstrong or wright a step up

neonlazer · Oct 21, 2016

I would vote Gearwrench for midrange. I would say Williams, but some idiot thought 1/2 6 point sockets were too expensive to make in the US.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

BK13 · Oct 22, 2016

Wright would be my first choice, then in no particular order:
KoKen
Proto
Williams
SK
Carlyle
Gearwrench.

I'd love to get into some German sockets (ahem Hazet ahem) for midrange prices....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

M6erfan · Oct 22, 2016

T45 said:
What is mid grade? Today any decent taiwan is mid-grade.

At the lower cost, toptul is probably fine for any use. If spending more money, I'd look at european Facom, Hazet, Stahlwille.

Not a big fan of american style sockets without the undercut shape in 1/2 drive.

I like that undercut in my Facom 1/2" set :thumbup:

DSLTRK · Oct 22, 2016

brett39532 said:
So i have been looking around for some new sockets in 1/2" drive to replace my harbor freight set they are just getting plain wore slap out. The Snap on set seems to be around 280 bucks for 12-24 the SK set i looked at is 10-24 and just seems a little to high to me for SK i know they make a good product but i mean for not much more you can get the Snappy. So i was looking to see what you guys also thought were good new brands to look into for a decent price around 100-150 a set. I am an extreme DIYER i use my tools 3-4 days a week and i believe in good quality tools. I refuse to by craftsman anymore. I am looking for a complete set somewhere in the ranges listed above.

Snap-on sockets (except their specialty sockets, such as flex and automotive specialty) are no better than 70% of other brands out there.

Any of the US made brands (Wright, Proto, SK, Armstrong) or Professional Taiwan brands (Carlyle, Toptul, Gearwrench) provide top quality products.

I would strongly suggest you buy a brand that has an easy warranty policy, and make relations with a local distributor. Wright / SK and Carlyle (Napa) are good in this regard.

Good luck -Hunter

DSLTRK · Oct 22, 2016

Also, forgot to mention, Toptul and Proto/Williams, seem to be a PITA to warranty. Would avoid those sockets if you can. Quality wise, all three are excellent. :3gears:

-Hunter

Derek420 · Oct 22, 2016

I'd say look into Williams or proto on eBay to get a good price or my favorite is Armstrong they make a beautiful product and are rock solid I own all brands and I like them the best by far.

M6erfan · Oct 22, 2016

I was just looking at the Carlyle's...they look really good. They have the undercut and knurling. Not the decorative shallow knurling but real, useful knurling.

At around $80 list, they would be my top choice for what you want (assuming you're talking chrome, not impact). They do go on sale from time to time too...

https://www.napaonline.com/p/CHQSS12015M.

They're in your budget, easy lifetime warranty (Napa), and great build quality.

d.mcfarland · Oct 22, 2016

Williams, Wright, SK, Snap On. Buy once cry once.

wmm2 · Oct 22, 2016

Why are you saying SK is too high? I just saw it at Amazon for less than half the price you listed for Snap On.

In the price range you listed or just above you can get premium quality sets that several people have mentioned

Prices on Amazon
SK sizes 10-24 $122.79
Proto sizes 10-24 $88.79
Wright sizes 12-32 $168.35

gdocktor3 · Oct 22, 2016

I'm not sure if were talking chrome or impact, but Sunex or GP for impact, Proto or Gearwrench for chrome. There are a ton of smokin deals on NOS Proto, Easco, etc on eBay constantly. Or, you can buy new Proto for around $90. http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-J5420...988341?hash=item33c0bdadb5:g:kyoAAOSwLF1X-1h-

Adam.C · Oct 22, 2016

You can easily get a Snap On set on eBay for that. I would seriously consider 12 pt.

You can buy almost any single set of Snap On sockets on eBay for $100.

Fedwrench · Oct 22, 2016

I guess it depends if you want 6 or 12 point sockets, impact or chrome, and what you work on.

To me the easiest choice would be NAPA Carlyle for me. They won't break the bank especially if purchased on sale, are available in a wide range of sizes, and fairly easy to warranty. They are Taiwan made if that bothers you. Solid, well built tools. :thumbup:

Although I have chrome and impact versions, in 1/2 drive, I use my impact sockets much more often and when using 1/2 inch drive, space usually isn't an issue.

pendragon1998 · Oct 22, 2016

What are craftsman usa sockets going for now on ebay? I got a nice full set of 1/2" deep and shallow, sae and metric 6-points right before they went Chinese. They have done just fine. Think I paid $140.

brett39532 · Oct 22, 2016

Looks like i should look around more at SK stuff i searched on Grainger and they were expensive. I am looking for chrome sockets so far i am looking into the Gearwrench Carlyle and proto. Thanks for all of the advice so far

T45 · Oct 22, 2016

This Carlyle price/value is hard to beat, right now IMHO

Reserve Online Price (USD) $51.18 /Set(s)

Socket Set Shallow Metric Carlyle Hand Tools
Product Line: Carlyle Hand Tools
PART # CHT SS12015M
# Socket Points 6
Package Contents (15) Sockets (10-24mm, incl. 20mm)
Socket Drive Size 1/2"
Socket Finish Polished Chrome
Socket Length 1 1/2" (38mm Tall)

geartow · Oct 22, 2016

i think my dollar would best be spent on tekton .Chrome or impact i feel for lower midprice this is the cats meow.

BK13 · Oct 22, 2016

Maybe somebody who has experience with GW 1/2" drive stuff can advise me on this: I have 1/4" GW 12 point and 6 point Carlyle, and for lack of a better term, the Carlyle seems 'crisper', maybe a little overzealous on the polishing before chrome is applied? Are the 1/2 sockets the same, or because everything is bigger, the difference is minimal? I'm not sure I've ever really looked at a GW 1/2" socket in the wild.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Flash21 · Oct 22, 2016

T45 said:
...
Not a big fan of american style sockets without the undercut shape in 1/2 drive.

Why is the undercut shape an advantage? Is it to having a ridge to grab to get it off the drive tool easier, especially if the spring ball is firm? Just wondering...

oldldh · Oct 22, 2016

I have both of these...

GearWrench #80729 -- 27 pc SAE Master Socket Set -- $90.57

GearWrench #80730 -- 37 pc Metric Master Socket Set -- $88.54

Both prices are listed today at www.tooldiscounter.com

You will like these tools...

I do...

T45 · Oct 22, 2016

KLars1 said:
Why is the undercut shape an advantage? Is it to having a ridge to grab to get it off the drive tool easier, especially if the spring ball is firm? Just wondering...

1) Its more ergonomic

2) Its lighter

3) Less need for QR

4) Not overbuit

jumbojak · Oct 22, 2016

I would be a bit wary of the Carlyle sockets unless I saw them in person. The 1/4" mid depth set I just got have a lot of wobble on a ratchet or extension. I have the 3/8" mid depths as well and they're fine but I'd still want to look at them. I haven't heard back from NAPA about the issue. Their corporate office doesn't seem particularly responsive.

barrybeefburger · Oct 22, 2016

tagged

brett39532 · Oct 23, 2016

T45 can you link to the Carlyle sockets for that price i see 80.00 on Napa site. Was that off of ebay?

johndeereman · Oct 23, 2016

I have some gearwrench in 1/2'' they have been GREAT. I also have William's some Wright and some NOS USA made Craftsman.

firebox40dash5 · Oct 23, 2016

brett39532 said:
Looks like i should look around more at SK stuff i searched on Grainger and they were expensive. I am looking for chrome sockets so far i am looking into the Gearwrench Carlyle and proto. Thanks for all of the advice so far

Grainger is almost always ridiculously expensive for everything. You can try pasting the Grainger # into Zoro, even then it probably won't be a great deal without one of their 20+% coupons and maybe even not then... I've found their coupons don't guarantee a good deal on many things that are widely sold elsewhere (IE lots of price competition).

FWIW I never bothered with chrome 1/2" sockets and never missed them. I have 6 point impact and a handful of 12 points for particular (automotive, usually head bolts) applications.

I have a good many Sunex and GW impact sockets and I'm happy with both, my chromes are mostly older CM USA and are good enough for how often I use them... but the few chromes I have from both brands above seem good enough too, especially my Sunex spark plug set.

Mid grade 1/2" Sockets

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