Most complete socket set 1/4", 3/8" 1/2"

[chtucker]

I have decided to go all new. I have been using 15-20 year old craftsman sockets and now have a few missing, mixed 12 point and 6 point. I can barely read the sizing on some them due to wear. And I am now at a point where I can afford it.

I want medium quality. I don't use my home tools professionally, I am a manager of field techs and carry a full complement of tools on my work truck to bail others out. I have a budget of $500-1000 which I don't think is going to get me a full set of SK (my favorite) or tool truck quality

I can fidget around at multiple vendors trying to piece together what I want, but I was hoping someone could point me to a complete "kit" I have a bunch of ratchets that are older/serviceable, but understand that newer gets me more teeth/strength and less play. I just don't want to purchase multiple of the same ratchet. Flex head/standard is AOK, but I don't need a drawer full of ratchets..

I don't need anything but sockets right now- I have a full complement of Husky box wrenches, Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches, Wiha screwdrivers, Knipex pliers, Rennsteig crimp tools, etc. etc. I just bought this Husky impact set https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-Impact-Socket-Set-64-Piece-H64IMPS/206034057

Is there such a thing as a comprehensive one stop shop of 6/12 point sockets out there? I figure a larger set might offer a discount over purchasing smaller groups together.

 

[JeepYJ]

<$400 direct from Tekton

1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set (213-Piece) | TEKTON

Includes 5/32 - 1-5/16 inch (SAE), 4 - 32 mm (Metric) standard and deep length sockets, a 90-tooth ratchets, extensions, u-joints, and storage case. SKT95302.

www.tekton.com

 

[pbon]

There is also a husky set of around 200 sockets that used to sell for about $200. Does not include ratchets or extensions.

 

[Raineman]

X2 for Tekton. Get on their website and pick out exactly what you want. You’ll have plenty left of your budget.

 

[Finance Guy]

For USA-made, the best bet for a comprehensive set is probably this 205-piece set from Proto ... unfortunately, it is listed at $1,700 at Zoro, or $1,360 w/ 20% off, which is outside your stated budget.

Otherwise, your best bet is probably the Taiwanese brands, starting with the Tekton set described above.

 

[bobg03]

<$400 direct from Tekton

1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set (213-Piece) | TEKTON

Includes 5/32 - 1-5/16 inch (SAE), 4 - 32 mm (Metric) standard and deep length sockets, a 90-tooth ratchets, extensions, u-joints, and storage case. SKT95302.

www.tekton.com

I would never give up my SK sets, but that is a quality set that is well stocked and reasonably priced.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Tekton or Capri would be who I would look into. Very great tools, complete sets and excellent customer service if something does need replaced or anything like that.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I like having 1/4" and 3/8" in chrome and 1/2" in impact.

SK is going to be a no-go for at least a year until they finish moving their factory and dealing with new ownership.

Hard to go wrong with Tekton. Buying direct from their site is pretty cool. Free, fast shipping. Rewards points. It feels like buying from a much more expensive tool brand. The tools are plenty good, too.

-Ryan

 

[JradM]

Nothing wrong with Tekton.

I'd look at Williams though, just because I really like it. Both the Taiwan or USA lines are good quality.

An advantage with Williams (besides the great quality and reasonable price) is that you can buy a set as "complete" as you want it to be.

The MSB-20HRC set, for example, is a 20 piece made-in-USA 6pt 3/8 set from 5.5mm to 24mm. By itself, it probably overlaps what most people buy in all three drive sizes.



The MSB-12HRC set, in contrast, is a 12 piece set that is a more traditional set of 3/8ths sockets.

My point being that you might tailor what you want in each drive size, length and style.

Alternately, if you want an all-in-one kit in a blow-moulded box, Williams has those too - again, with varying degrees of completeness.



AND, there's more! You can buy kits of just a specific drive size if that's your fancy. Either small and specific:



Or larger with more options and accessories:



You might mix and match too. That's what I've been doing. I bought the two big USA-made 3/8ths sets, in 6pt and 12pt, because that's what I use the most. Then I bought the big Taiwan-made 1/2 deep set because I use that less often and the price gap between it and the USA set was larger.

Probably do the same for a shallow 1/2 6pt set next, when my budget permits.

All that to say you can get either an all-in-one set - or tailor sizes - with Williams and still be within your budget. I bet you could land on the low side of the budget with a big blow-mold Williams Taiwan set, or splurge on some larger individual USA sets and end up near your max.

 

[lardy1]

Tekton.

 

[RPH]

Tekton, and that’s from a life long sk fan. They are good tools at great prices with a fantastic warranty service policy.
I just bought both sets for the dirt bike remote tools at the north property.

 

[Fedwrench]

Tekton. Especially if you want no skip sizing in metric six point across one of the widest range of sizes.

I recommend ordering from Tekton.com not just for the rewards points that spend like cash on future orders, and the free shipping but, also to ensure you're getting the most current version of their tools.

 

[RPH]

I agree with ordering direct from tekton. Sets up a relationship with manufacturer and the points don’t hurt. Free shipping is a bonus.

 

[andersen24]

@chtucker I did the EXACT same thing, and with my old (complete) set of sockets, gave those along with a stocked roller cart to my teenage son. When I retired I decided to buy myself a brand new set of tools and I wanted a COMPLETE, non-skipping set of sockets and wrenches. I have spent quite few bucks on Tekton the last couple of months and I am MORE than pleased with them. The tool quality is great and their customer service is literally the best. For someone like me who has a lift and wrenches on cars practically daily, they are perfect. I went as far as making a spreadsheet of all the tools (with a hyperlink for each item) I wanted and have purchased, one to keep track of what I have for insurance, but two - I just love spreadsheets I guess. haha

 

[Gurp]

Going to agree on the eariler commenter and say Tekton.
I've had a lot of my tekton stuff 5 plus years and abuse it. it's held up amazing.

 

[mopar4u]

@chtucker I did the EXACT same thing, and with my old (complete) set of sockets, gave those along with a stocked roller cart to my teenage son. When I retired I decided to buy myself a brand new set of tools and I wanted a COMPLETE, non-skipping set of sockets and wrenches. I have spent quite few bucks on Tekton the last couple of months and I am MORE than pleased with them. The tool quality is great and their customer service is literally the best. For someone like me who has a lift and wrenches on cars practically daily, they are perfect. I went as far as making a spreadsheet of all the tools (with a hyperlink for each item) I wanted and have purchased, one to keep track of what I have for insurance, but two - I just love spreadsheets I guess. haha

Pretty

 

[johninct]

I would think with your budget, you would be able to fill out mostly with Snap-On used on Ebay. SAE is not that popular anymore.