sberry
Banned
Is that who this is?
Mid Grade Hand Tools
- Thread starter Jigstick
- Start date
I currently have a Craftsman kit that I bought back in 2006. It contains a mixture of 6 and 12pt shallow and deep sockets. And I have no idea why they picked which of each to include. All of my 1/2in drive deep and shallow sockets are 12pt. There is a few 3/8in drive 6pt deep...but mostly shallow. And the majority of the 1/4in drive are also 12pt. There just isn't as many 6pt as Id like
At minimum Id like a complete 1/2 - 3/8 - 1/4in drive metric shallow and deep 6pts. I'm working mostly on Ford F150s, Dodge Ram 1500s, Ford Expeditions and Ford Explorers.
I did add some Craftsman ratchet wrenches in both metric and SAE to my box a while back, and they suffice I guess. And I think I added a Husky or Kobalt 3/8 and 1/2 drive smooth chrome ratchets.
My budget is $1000 - $1500
Last week I purchased a US General 5 Drawer Tech cart. which I love by the way.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
For that kind of money you can pick any tool truck brand you want. To be honest, you sound like you aren't sure what you want/need. You have stuff now that apparently works, but want to replace it all. Sounds like you're fishing for a Snap-on recommendation to justify your purchase. By all means, go for it!
theres no way in hell I'm getting all those sockets in both metric and SAE from SnapOn for $1500. not even close. By no means am I even considering SnapOn. Just too expensive for me. that Budget is for sockets, wrenches, impact sockets, flex head ratchet, etc. But I think I can cover my metric and SAE needs with that budget. Then I can move my Craftsman stuff to my fishing camp and use that for my boat and house up there.
There are some really nice made in Taiwan sockets if you are willing to order from Europe.
https://www.drapertools.com/product...etric-Deep-Socket-Set-on-Metal-Rail-(15-Piece)
https://www.drapertools.com/product/16492/3-8inch-Sq-Dr-Metric-Socket-Set-on-Metal-Rail-(15-Piece)
That 15pc 3/8 6pt is about $25 usd.
I ordered a full sets of 1/2 and 1/4 from the UK. https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/
For ratchets you can Stahlwille/Hazet/Gedore from Amazon.de for less money than SnapOn. Or get Koken or Nepros from Amazon Japan again less money than SnapOn.
The OEMtools sockets have similar knurling same with GW
turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
And after you remove the bolt with your socket, ask your buddy how much he paid for the [similar] Snap-on set. Then, bust his balls back with your savings!
JulianMorrow
Banned
You should be looking at the "Truck Tool Equivalents" thread on this forum. That's how you upgrade from Craftsman without spending a fortune. I'm right where you are now, with a bunch of old Craftsman USA tools that's decades old. I just upgraded to a Williams 1/2" Flexhead ratchet (Snap-on equivalent) for $68 from Amazon. It feels like the Hammer of Thor in my hand--it's a gorgeous tool. Just remember Craftsman has been sold and outsourced and it's not what it used to be. Don't get emotionally tied to any brand. There are affordable, quality tools out there, just do a little research before you buy.
Al Borland
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2016
- Messages
- 1,598
For $1000 - $1500, go get a set of older Proto or New Britain sockets and ratchets in the old brownish industrial finish. Pawn shops, E-bay, wherever you can.
Good traditional tools. Look good too.
Then, spend a little of your remaining money on good beer, better than the beer Snap-On boy has.
Crack one open and enjoy.
Good traditional tools. Look good too.
Then, spend a little of your remaining money on good beer, better than the beer Snap-On boy has.
Crack one open and enjoy.
Rabid Badger
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2018
- Messages
- 1,338
Oh FFS. Can your current tools turn a bolt? Then fill in the gaps in your set and move on. If you must buy all new, Tekton is the most economical way to get a quality complete set.
But for the love of God, don't go buying new tools because of some jackass desperate to make up for deficiencies when it comes to his tool. He's not going to shut up about it until you're $30k in debt to the tool truck and then he'll just find something else to ***** about.
*Disclaimer: If you're using 30-some tooth Craftsman RP ratchets, replace those. Even Pittsburgh Pro is far superior.
But for the love of God, don't go buying new tools because of some jackass desperate to make up for deficiencies when it comes to his tool. He's not going to shut up about it until you're $30k in debt to the tool truck and then he'll just find something else to ***** about.
*Disclaimer: If you're using 30-some tooth Craftsman RP ratchets, replace those. Even Pittsburgh Pro is far superior.
I just bought probably near (north maybe now) 1500 in tools for my new job, because I wanted to keep a fair amount of **** at home. Tho now after being here 4 or 5 weeks, there's not a chance in hell I'm ever going to do any semi major work without a lift. LOL.
Anyways, I like doing **** like this so I'll lay out what I would buy with that budget given I was starting from zero, or what changes I'd add to my set or sets given what I've worked with now.
Gearwrench sockets/ratchets/etc - 101 dollars
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550F
Includes palm ratchets, extensions, etc. See link.
(Nice sockets for the money. Knurled, stamped, necked down)
Chrome 1/4"
- 3/16 - 9/16th shallow and deep
- 4mm - 15mm shallow and deep
- 1/4 - 1 inch standard sockets
- 1/4 - 7/8 inch deep sockets
- 6 - 19mm shallow and deep sockets
Impact Semi deep - Grey Pneumatic - 78 dollars
These in metric are my most used tool, everything I touch is with a Milwaukee ratchet or one of my impacts so I reach for these first. I bet on average I probably undo/do LESS than 50 fasteners a day by hand, its really insane.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP8CVM0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP8CVM0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Chrome Semi Deeps - Gearwrench - 62 dollars
I don't reach for these at work as much as I did at home, but I loved my 1/4" semi deeps.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZOMMF0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00829RMAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Gearwrench 1/2" sockets - 140 dollars
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NI92QW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
- 7/16-inch through 1-1/8-inch shallow sockets
- 1/2-inch through 15/16-inch deep sockets,
- 10mm through 24mm shallow sockets
- 10mm through 19mm deep sockets
Wrenches - Wrightgrip 2.0 - 300 dollars
7-22mm
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wtc-952
3/8" - 1"
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wtc-911
Carlyle lug nut sockets - 35 dollars
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPT610331
Carlyle 1/2" 25" LONG ratchet - 40 dollars
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQR12XL48
Snap on Ratchets - 441
I bought the 84T GW flex head kit below and have had no issues, my standard ratchets are Snap on but given the kits above include ratchets, I opted for "your" flex head ratchets to be snap on. I do truly enjoy using my Snap on ratchets and given you're looking to upgrade, have fun!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5G7LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2018-S...=item4402071bb6:g:98cAAOSwH2Ja2kVH:rk:31:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SNAP-O...6:g:HEAAAOSwdwVb-0XS:rk:2:pf:1&frcectupt=true
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-...7:g:hXoAAOSwwj5b9vBD:rk:3:pf:1&frcectupt=true
Screwdrivers - Snap on 8 pc - 150 dollars
This is a personal choice, and given I can see tips breaking/wearing down with how much I'm using them I will need/want the warranty via our Snap on guy but otherwise Carlyle and Gearwrench are making cheap screwdriver sets that are excellent (I have one of each from them) They appear to be made in the same factory to me but given their respective handles.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Snap-o...h=item2abf6be8cc:g:BXwAAOSwBfhcHv1B:rk:6:pf:0
Picks - Snap on - 51
Same reasoning as above. YMMV.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Snap-o...937258&hash=item48bf2971a3:g:I9YAAOSw6hNcS5QY
1400 dollars, no skips to my knowledge but you should double check that, and the only downfall to everything I've listed is the 1/2" chrome set ends a little short. I also don't know if you have impacts, if you don't you can disregard the GP impacts, if you do, you might want to add 1/2" drive impacts. There's some excellent cheap ones out there if you need, I'll let others recommend those, but I'd just go GP/HF/GW anyways
Things I didn't include, Etorx, Torx, Hex. I needed and spent probably equal on those sets, but given what you're working on I don't know how prevalent they are. All the sockets and ratchets from GW are made in Taiwan, Wrightgrip wrenches and all the snap on stuff in the USA. You could seriously wrench on a lot of **** with this setup. Good luck.
This list didn't include any Williams, SK, snap on, etc sockets because frankly I dont find them exciting and know how well any regular socket will turn a nut/bolt. Your current sockets I'm sure do that just fine, so I went for a budget friendly approach.
I also didn't include ratcheting wrenches, I'm using long ones all day long. GW long double box XL, and the carlyle flex double box.
PS -> Those draper expert sockets above look excellent.
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Very nice list, thank you for putting that together.
Can we go with Tekton for 1/2”? It’s far more complete for a little more.
https://www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-drive-6-point-socket-set-13203
Better features but more money.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSS12015M
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSSD12015M
Hopefully the new Tekton sets will have the new ratchets and Carlyle features for less than NAPA.
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Wamsutta
Well-known member
Detents in the wrong place. It's that way on both my
GearWrench sockets and Kobalt sockets.
Oh yeah, that's quite a bit more complete. Totally worth an add depending on OPs needs. Also comes with a breaker bar while the GW set doesn't. I think the last time I did a list like this I added that instead,but had forgot this time. Rounds out and adds a little more "depth" to the overall sockets selection.
marineman
Well-known member
I know you need another set for your second house but realistically look at what you have now in the craftsman, what need do you have that they don't fill? What features do they not have that you wished they had? If they're run of the mill chinese craftsman and they adequately fill your needs any other cheap run of the mill chinese sockets will do the same. I'm really not one to worry about the name on a tool I'm worried how they work for me, I work on semi trucks for a living and my 1/2" shallow sockets are chinese craftsman, my deeps are harbor freight. Haven't broke a socket yet.
shirk
Well-known member
If you plan to use the impact lots maybe skip the 1/2 chrome sockets. Get nice GP Duo sockets that can pull double duty.
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Sent from my VTR-L09 using The Garage Journal mobile app
sberry
Banned
When you are looking for a job anyone ever ask what brand of tools you have or ' where the detents are or how much backdrag the ratchet has? This shut is really low on a list of problems a guy could have but got to admit I havnt used a lot of Husky sockets. Millions of people seem to manage every day with it.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yarpo, That's a well thought out list. However, I would have opted for Sunex 3/8 semi deep impact sockets for two reasons. First, they have both high vis and stamped size markings on each socket. Secondly, sunex offers a wider range of sizes. Their metric set runs 8-19 plus 21 & 22 mm while their SAE set runs 5/16 to 1 inch with an impact swivel. they do cost more than the Grey Pneumatic sets though.
https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-too...paign=PLA&scid=scbplpSUN3328&sc_intid=SUN3328
https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-too...paign=PLA&scid=scbplpSUN3327&sc_intid=SUN3327
If you like the look of the Draper socket, take a look at OEM tools sockets. Unlike carlye's fully polished finish, OEM's have a satin finish. Sonic tools are very sililar but, they are crazy expensive.
https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-too...paign=PLA&scid=scbplpSUN3328&sc_intid=SUN3328
https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-too...paign=PLA&scid=scbplpSUN3327&sc_intid=SUN3327
If you like the look of the Draper socket, take a look at OEM tools sockets. Unlike carlye's fully polished finish, OEM's have a satin finish. Sonic tools are very sililar but, they are crazy expensive.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yarpo, That's a well thought out list. However, I would have opted for Sunex 3/8 semi deep impact sockets for two reasons. First, they have both high vis and stamped size markings on each socket. Secondly, sunex offers a wider range of sizes. Their metric set runs 8-19 plus 21 & 22 mm while their SAE set runs 5/16 to 1 inch with an impact swivel. they do cost more than the Grey Pneumatic sets though.
https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-too...paign=PLA&scid=scbplpSUN3328&sc_intid=SUN3328
https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-too...paign=PLA&scid=scbplpSUN3327&sc_intid=SUN3327
If you like the look of the Draper socket, take a look at OEM tools sockets. Unlike carlye's fully polished finish, OEM's have a satin finish. Sonic tools are very sililar but, they are crazy expensive.
The GP are dual marked, etching and stamped. They're very functional sockets at a great price. I don't have any experience with sunex oddly enough, never broken an impact and never ventured away from what I had good luck with, tho I know they make a solid product
I've had my eye on some OEM sockets, but amazon seems to **** with the prices on thee sets I want, I've got them saved to my cart and I've been watching them. I missed out on a 1/2" set for like 19.99 USD, set went to 45 and its now back to like 35, waiting for it to hit near 25 again, but those draper sockets come in a more complete set, including 20-24mm
I don’t think a “good/better/best brands” thread would go over well here (a “Same tools 1/2 price” vs “chinese pot metal factory rejects!” battle would break out by post 3) but it would be nice to have a sticky of USA made tools. Most of my exposure has been with snappy, matco, or hf and I’m always looking for other places to buy decent tools.
I think a comparison thread would be pretty interesting too- our own “Big Mac Index”
What’s a 3/8 ratchet cost at every brand? Should give general idea of the price level of the brand.
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I think a comparison thread would be pretty interesting too- our own “Big Mac Index”
What’s a 3/8 ratchet cost at every brand? Should give general idea of the price level of the brand.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The GP are dual marked, etching and stamped. They're very functional sockets at a great price. I don't have any experience with sunex oddly enough, never broken an impact and never ventured away from what I had good luck with, tho I know they make a solid product
I've never seen a grey pneumatic impact socket with stamped size markings, just the gold high vis etched markings. I always thought grey pneumatic and sunex came out of the same factory in Taiwan. I figured they just alternated between red and blue boxes.
I've never seen a grey pneumatic impact socket with stamped size markings, just the gold high vis etched markings. I always thought grey pneumatic and sunex came out of the same factory in Taiwan. I figured they just alternated between red and blue boxes.
Yah they're stamped too, the stamping is in a very basic font and not the easiest to see, but its there and certainly readable if you happen to grab the socket with that side facing you. All my sets are at work, so these pics will have to do for the moment, posted these pictures elsewhere in another impact socket thread. I figure they came outta the same factory too lol
Note the "2" peaking out in the first pic and the "0" in the second.
Greg85mcss
Well-known member
I've worked with guys that probably have 6 figures in tools and still use Craftsman sockets. Nothing wrong with the us made ones but I hate how hard they are to change with oily gloves on. I'm personally a fan of gearwrench for chrome sockets and sunex for impacts. I'm sure similar brands like carlyle are good too. It's really a personal preference and I like the knurling gearwrench uses. If you use open ended wrenches that's a more important place to invest. I'm working on upgrading the ones I use the most to snap on but most of the time I'm using the box end which doesn't have to be the best. If your wrenches are doing what you need take a look at some xl ratcheting double box ends like ez red or mountain. For other tools the tool truck equivalent threads are your friend.
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Greg85mcss
Well-known member
I am very happy with the sunex master 3/8 metric set but the main reason I chose them over gearwrench and gp is the deeper broaching. Honestly I think the others would have been better for running nuts on. It's hard to get them started in a deep spot when they go 2" down into the socket.The GP are dual marked, etching and stamped. They're very functional sockets at a great price. I don't have any experience with sunex oddly enough, never broken an impact and never ventured away from what I had good luck with, tho I know they make a solid product
I've had my eye on some OEM sockets, but amazon seems to **** with the prices on thee sets I want, I've got them saved to my cart and I've been watching them. I missed out on a 1/2" set for like 19.99 USD, set went to 45 and its now back to like 35, waiting for it to hit near 25 again, but those draper sockets come in a more complete set, including 20-24mm
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kctyphoon
Banned
Or - another option.. if you want impacts - or impact ability.. just get the grey pneumatic duo sockets.. thats another good option. Twice the function at half the tools that take up half the space.
Rogers954
Well-known member
Good choice my oemtools sockets are almost identical, Hell there probably made in the same factory, love the satin finish and the big knurling ring on these style of sockets. I figure these are starting to catch on, I’m thinking only a matter of time before other companies start to copy this design.
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Rogers954
Well-known member
Holly **** it’s like you found my bank account info and looked at what i bought for the last few months. I’ve really been expanding my tool collection because it’s been lacking for a long time but I’m taking the budget approach since I’m just heavy diy.
In the last 2-3 months i have picked up the 1/2 gearwrench set you linked, got it on sale for $100 the 4 piece flex head ratchet set also got it on sale not much but a bit less than linked, i was going to pick up the 1/4-3/8 deal but i have found a new love for oemtools sockets so i picked up a 3/8 24 piece set and i just made a pretty decent order to mobile distributor supply for some other stuff and they just happen to be running a deal for a 80 piece 1/4 socket set with a lot of extras when you spend $250 so i jumped on that.
Those Wright grip sets have been on my wish list for a long time, one of these days I’ll pull the trigger on both. And i have been eyeing that Carlyle 1/2 ratchet probably going to pick that up here really soon.
I’m eyeing a 3/8’s master set for impacts i was highly considering the grey pneumatic duo socket set but I’ll probably go with the sunex 3580 80 piece set as it’s a little cheaper and you get some swivel sockets with it. Only 3/8 impacts i have right now for my stubby Milwaukee is the Astro nano metric and sae sets so i definitely need some regular and deep lengths.
Great list of choices you put together for some budget gear that would make most anyone happy and serve the user very well. Everything i have listed that i picked up I’m more than happy with
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kctyphoon
Banned
I'd even consider the new Milwaukee socket sets and wrenches. If I didnt already own so many different sockets sets and wrenches - I'd probably have them. They both look really nice. Impossible to bet what you get for the money with Gearwrench though.
driz
Well-known member
Most important if you are over 40. BIGASS NUMBERS ON THOSE SOCKETS. No buried in amongst the bull[emoji90] advertising on the side.
I stripe all the recesses on my metrics with red enamel too. It seems to stay on quiet well in those recesses. It’s no substitute got big numbers though .
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I stripe all the recesses on my metrics with red enamel too. It seems to stay on quiet well in those recesses. It’s no substitute got big numbers though .
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