Need new socket/ratchet set...

[RipD]

Some ****-nozzle walked off with my 25 year old Craftsman set. I need to get all new sockets and ratchets. I'd prefer a set that can be stored together but this isn't required. Would like at least 2 ratchets (one larger, one smaller). I need a full socket set (SAE, metric, shallow, deep). I'd prefer no 1/4" drive sockets.

What do you guys like? The new Craftsman stuff doesn't look great. I do like that I can walk in and get a replacements when needed with no receipt. Price is a consideration, but I expect this is going to cost a few bucks.

btw, the Kobalt kits apparently offer replacement for lost sockets. But ratchet handles look too thin to me. Any opinion on these?

 

[BirdMobile]

1/4 drive stuff is great! But... whatever floats your boat.
For 3/8, I'd grab these 2 to fill your needs:

Carlyle R38TD - Approx. $20
Harbor Freight long-handled Composite - $10 with sale, 20% coupon

Spend a few hours scraping pawn shops and yard sales for the sockets, you should be able to put together a full set of U.S. made Craftsman or SK for around $1 per socket.

 

[RipD]

1/4 drive stuff is great! But... whatever floats your boat.

The problem I have with 1/4" is that most sets with these have all the smaller sockets at 1/4". I hate having to stop and change the wrench just because the socket size changed. I much prefer to have the sockets I need for a job and one wrench. Where space is a factor, a smaller 1/4" drive wrench can help. Pretty rare that I need this. 99% of my work can be done with 3/8" drive.

 

[Coach James]

Around here you would be on social security before you found any decent sockets or ratchets at a yard sale.

I have current production Kobalt sockets and ratchets, old C-man, Bahco, JH Williams Kobalt, HF, Proto, Gear Wrench, Stanley and they all work fine.

Coach

 

[Harrison2]

whats your budget and use for them.

 

[BirdMobile]

Around here you would be on social security before you found any decent sockets or ratchets at a yard sale.

I have current production Kobalt sockets and ratchets, old C-man, Bahco, JH Williams Kobalt, HF, Proto, Gear Wrench, Stanley and they all work fine.

Coach

Wow! Around here (Southwest U.S.), it's hard to find a yardsale that DOESN'T have a few decent tools! I've literally walked away from some of them with small BUCKETS of used tooling.

The pawn shops here are literally overflowing with used sockets, though probably 75% is chinese ****.

 

[rockfordmarv]

The Kobalt socket replacement thing is pretty crappy, you still have to pay the shipping for the sockets, which you could probably just buy the replacements cheaper.

 

[Gmonkee]

Imported stuff not a problem? There are many options out there, prestacked cases to building sets up to fit your needs.

I chose to build up a set, better ratchet and lessor import sockets and accessories. None have failed in regular use, losing one woudn't make me sad very long. Replacements are easy.

Going all US made there are options too but I'll leave it up to the actual owners of them to brag them up. Prices will run higher than basic imports.

 

[rockfordmarv]

The pawn shops here are literally overflowing with used sockets, though probably 75% is chinese ****.

I had a lol moment the other day at a pawnshop, they had a pittsuburgh 1/4 torque wrench for 40 bucks.

 

[BirdMobile]

I'd personally buy NOS U.S. Craftsman or Taiwan made Carlyle before i'd resort to Kobalt. Kobalt quality is good (and their older U.S. made sockets were great!), but they COMPLETELY have their brainless heads up their butts by laser marking the socket sizes, but not also stamping them. Laser etching wears off, then you're left with mystery sockets. Real smart, Kobalt... sheer genius!

 

[chipper]

Get a big gear wrench set from advance auto buy online with a coupon code and pickup in the store...that should have most of what you need and in a molded case

 

[oldldh]

One word---

GearWrench!!!

 

[BirdMobile]

I had a lol moment the other day at a pawnshop, they had a pittsuburgh 1/4 torque wrench for 40 bucks.

Yeah... they pull that **** around here as well (SOP for pawn shops...), but the idiocy works both ways. Two days ago, I picked up a used Ingersoll Rand 223 1/2" gun in great condition for $8 out the door (haggled down from $12.50). It has the red vinyl protector sleeve covering the gun. The shop owner was glad to get rid of that "generic" gun that had been on the shelf for months, never bothered to remove the protector to find out what was underneath!

 

[BK13]

Depends what you want to spend...
SK or Williams USA
Carlyle
Gearwrench (if you can find Taiwan made)
Kobalt (again if Taiwan made)

 

[creativecars]

Some ****-nozzle walked off with my 25 year old Craftsman set. I need to get all new sockets and ratchets. I'd prefer a set that can be stored together but this isn't required. Would like at least 2 ratchets (one larger, one smaller). I need a full socket set (SAE, metric, shallow, deep). I'd prefer no 1/4" drive sockets.

What do you guys like? The new Craftsman stuff doesn't look great. I do like that I can walk in and get a replacements when needed with no receipt. Price is a consideration, but I expect this is going to cost a few bucks.

btw, the Kobalt kits apparently offer replacement for lost sockets. But ratchet handles look too thin to me. Any opinion on these?

About 3 years ago someone took my truck tool box out the back of my truck. I replaced the hard chrome items with the 301 pc set from Harbor Freight. Right now you can get all the sockets you will use for about 150.00, that's about $.50 per tool. The new group of ratchets have really good reviews, but are not the ones that come with the set. I have not had a problem with the ones included though.
Btw... If they catch the thief, hit him in mouth for me... use the 1/2" ratchet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...ional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-69312.html

 

[RipD]

whats your budget and use for them.

Probably up to $300. I'd buy a smaller set to get decent quality. Snap-on is likely out of my price range. Usage is everything that comes up: car repair, driving lag bolts, general household DIY stuff. I work on cars far less than I used to, but could be changing rotors or other small stuff.

The Kobalt socket replacement thing is pretty crappy, you still have to pay the shipping for the sockets, which you could probably just buy the replacements cheaper.

Got it - so no value there. I get that people would abuse this if they just offered replacements.

Imported stuff not a problem? There are many options out there, prestacked cases to building sets up to fit your needs.

I would prefer made in the U.S. if it's good stuff and not insanely priced. Not sure if that's an option.

I'd personally buy NOS U.S. Craftsman or Taiwan made Carlyle before i'd resort to Kobalt. Kobalt quality is good (and their older U.S. made sockets were great!), but they COMPLETELY have their brainless heads up their butts by laser marking the socket sizes, but not also stamping them. Laser etching wears off, then you're left with mystery sockets. Real smart, Kobalt... sheer genius!

100% with you. Thanks for this info. No way would I consider non-stamped sockets. How could they even make those?

Get a big gear wrench set from advance auto buy online with a coupon code and pickup in the store...that should have most of what you need and in a molded case

One word---

GearWrench!!!

Will check these two out. Thanks.

 

[ATC]

Kmart still has the 250pc Craftsman mechanics set for $138. It is ALL US made. I'd grab one of these, upgrade the 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets to Gearwrench (Advance Auto with coupon code) and be done. This setup will last a lifetime

http://www.kmart.com/250-pc-mechani...00938250000P?sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

 

[Pumpman1968]

I like the OP already........post #7 and he already dropped the "****-nozzle"

 

[creativecars]

Kmart still has the 250pc Craftsman mechanics set for $138. It is ALL US made. I'd grab one of these, upgrade the 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets to Gearwrench (Advance Auto with coupon code) and be done. This setup will last a lifetime

http://www.kmart.com/250-pc-mechani...00938250000P?sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

Are you sure they are all USA made??

 

[JBradley500]

If you're talking about 3/8 only.... I got an SK 94549 kit and a Armstrong 11-994 ratchet. I think the SK kit was $125 with a coupon code and the Armstrong was like 55 or something on advance auto with a coupon code.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[ATC]

Are you sure they are all USA made??

Yes. I just bought that set and inspected every piece while putting them in their place in the box.

 

[ravenzfusion]

You could go with Masterforce if there is a Menard's by you. Made in USA. and i'm sure the ratchets are better than RP craftsman ratchets.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...force-220-piece-tool-set/p-1503278-c-9169.htm

Or that 250 pc Craftsman set is a great deal too. / just use different ratchets

and in either case if you dislike 1/4" drive sell the 1/4 " stuff.

 

[bford]

The problem I have with 1/4" is that most sets with these have all the smaller sockets at 1/4". I hate having to stop and change the wrench just because the socket size changed. I much prefer to have the sockets I need for a job and one wrench. Where space is a factor, a smaller 1/4" drive wrench can help. Pretty rare that I need this. 99% of my work can be done with 3/8" drive.

You can go get the ratchet that have the 3/8" drive on one side and 1/4" drive on the other at HF. I also sometimes have your problem with changing ratchets since you have to waste time going back and getting the 1/4" drive or whatever and changing back to 3/8"s. The head will be bulkier than your regular single drive wrench but if you really have to then you could always get the proper ratchet to fit in tight space. I think the 2 drive ratchet from HF would be a good go to ratchet for your need.

 

[Tronyadorable]

For the money you can't beat those Stanley sets in the black cases. I beat the hell out of the things and I have tons of yuppy tools.
They'll get you going for chump change and wont fly apart.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VXZ91O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BFHtime]

There are a lot of great suggestions here. You can always get used old US tools on EBay, especially basic sets that most people have already. That is how I started buying Snap-On that and craigslist. Great advise in this thread.

 

[Tronyadorable]

There are a lot of great suggestions here. You can always get used old US tools on EBay, especially basic sets that most people have already. That is how I started buying Snap-On that and craigslist. Great advise in this thread.

I agree. This place is AWESOME. There are tool junkies here with 50 (insert tool here)and know more about them than the engineers that invented them !
Ask : Hey man, what's the best _____ and you get 200 replies. AWESOME.

 

[nanofrog]

I know it's not an easy return, but anyone else ever tried KT Pro?

 

[RipD]

A ton of good feedback here. Thanks much everybody. That Craftsman set at Kmart is pretty compelling. Better ratchets is a pretty easy solution. The ratchet with 1/4" and 3/8" is a another great idea.

Agree I can also buy used. I check CL before posting here. Prices in my area are terrible - people are asking close to new prices for old stuff that's not very nice. Did not check eBay. Will also try some pawn shops this weekend - may get lucky and find a nice set.

Knowing I can be done for $125 + a few extras I'm not going to spend a lot of time looking around.

Thanks again.

 

[BFHtime]

Maybe get some good ratchets and the craftsman set. Carlyle stuff is not too, and easily available at NAPA.

A we of ratchet wrenches might be nice too, or maybe that is the next step, there are some craftsman sets that have them, but Chinese ones with the big open ends are just too big. Try to get a US Set, if you go that way.

 

[JDon99]

I really like my USA Williams stuff, same(or really close to) Snap On for a lot less. I like to buy the sets in the metal boxes, if you have the room. The sets come with good course tooth ratchets, and you can upgrade them later if you like.

 

[ravenzfusion]

Here is one more idea, get the 3/8 USA NOS craftsman 3/8 and 1/2 modules. you'll get the nice premium ratchets, extensions and complete drive socket sets. and you don't need to worry about 1/4 drive.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Craftsm...50198495?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item5b007cbbdf

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-4...d=100033&prg=10926&rk=4&rkt=4&sd=390850198495

just make sure you get a USA module, because all of the ones in the stores are Chinese

 

[erty67]

Gearwrench

 

[Lorry Man]

Over here in the UK. I have had most of what's available, at one time or another, and Bahco gets you the nearest to Snap On/Stahlwille quality for the furthest away in price.

 

[RipD]

Just ordered the Craftsman 250 piece set. It has a bunch of filler tools in there I don't need. Can gift those to somebody I suppose. The wife had some Sears Points (???) and got it for $125. Too good to pass up. I expect the ratchet wrenches to be ****. Will check out some Gearwrench ratchets or find some used ones.

Just realized I could have considered pass-through sockets as an alternative to getting deep sockets. Wish they had those when I was working cars more - would have been very handy to have.

 

[monomach]

You could go with Masterforce if there is a Menard's by you. Made in USA. and i'm sure the ratchets are better than RP craftsman ratchets.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...force-220-piece-tool-set/p-1503278-c-9169.htm

Or that 250 pc Craftsman set is a great deal too. / just use different ratchets

and in either case if you dislike 1/4" drive sell the 1/4 " stuff.

Unfortunately, they're the same junky ratchet model as Craftsman, just with a round handle.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Some ****-nozzle walked off with my 25 year old Craftsman set. I need to get all new sockets and ratchets. I'd prefer a set that can be stored together but this isn't required. Would like at least 2 ratchets (one larger, one smaller). I need a full socket set (SAE, metric, shallow, deep). I'd prefer no 1/4" drive sockets.

What do you guys like? The new Craftsman stuff doesn't look great. I do like that I can walk in and get a replacements when needed with no receipt. Price is a consideration, but I expect this is going to cost a few bucks.

btw, the Kobalt kits apparently offer replacement for lost sockets. But ratchet handles look too thin to me. Any opinion on these?

On the cheap and cheap?

Besides harbor freight (I don't think their sets are good quality though, even the pro sets).

I use kobalt, if it's taiwanese it's good at least I'd consider it good. Craftsman you might find old stock us made (probably still floating around some places). If you're not doing a lot of heavy torque work the chinese sets are going to be fine. Otherwise there was one guy that liked the bostitch/dewalt sets but don't know about the warranty.

I don't buy "complete sets"; within the set the quality can vary and you can't crack open the packages to inspect. Guys will say to **** it up and buy something better (off the truck; wright/sk/gearwrench, etc) and they're partially right if you do mechanical work because some of the import stuff you should be careful with or size up (work in 1/2 instead of 3/8).

Since you were using craftsman anyway the taiwanese stuff is probably where you want to go if you can't find a replacement craftsman set and don't want to buy vintage or professional brand. Dirt cheap set I'd buy an old stock (ebay) husky black nickel socket set (if it's taiwanese); I use those sockets (rebranded) good stuff extremely low rent, not for everyone though because they'll scratch. 50-60 bucks. I think they also sold them as stanley brand. Check the coo if you go this route.

 

[SASORacing]

For the money you can't beat those Stanley sets in the black cases. I beat the hell out of the things and I have tons of yuppy tools.
They'll get you going for chump change and wont fly apart.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VXZ91O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The black Stanley socket sets are top notch. I still use the ratchets when I want a quick release. The black sockets are very nice and high quality too.

 

[DieselSaves]

NAPA has a 3/8 SK set on sale now for ~$200 in their fall flyer. Nice sockets and the ratchet is OK.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

The black Stanley socket sets are top notch. I still use the ratchets when I want a quick release. The black sockets are very nice and high quality too.

Yeah they are decent. Check out the Dewalt tool sets too. I still get craftsman USA stuff when I can and use it everyday at work. I just hate the RP ratchets. They are junk IMO.