New Start!: Recommendation for Socket / Ratchet / Wrench Brand - Please

[Norbachev]

Hi All,
First a friendly shoutout from Canada and a quick thanks for all of the valuable information which I have read on this forum. Amazing!

I have outgrown my old 3/8" 10-19 Kobalt set and am looking to start a Socket / Ratchet / Wrench collection from scratch for work on older Volvos, Ford Trucks, Subarus, Mini's and Toyota SUVs (It's what my family/friends drive currently). My skill level is basic to intermediate which I hope to grow together to more advance levels with my new tools.

As an advanced home bicycle mechanic I appreciate good tools which:

- Last a long time
- Are a pleasure to use
- Are precise
- Are easy to expand and grow with
- Have good value at their given price point.

My budget to get me started for some metric 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets, ratchets and wrenches to work on cars/small trucks is $800 - $1,300 CAD depending on price point. My OCD organization dictates that I am fairly loyal to any given brand making this initial decision difficult.

Looking for input/experience primarily from users of sockets, ratchets and wrenches from: GRAY, SK, PROTO, WERA, WILLIAMS, TEKTON.

I know that these are all great brands at their price point so ideally I would love to hear from users who have experience with more than one brand and can compare one to the other and/or to Wera. The above brand list was created not only through some research but also guided by accessibility in Canada through either local stores or Amazon.ca.

I have good experience with Wera screwdrivers and small torque wrenches which I use on some nice bicycles. Great brand with North American distribution near my home in Burlington, Ontario. Maybe this is why it seem less expensive here than in the US. (About 25% less than through KC tools)

I am aware that their sockets come from Thailand, while screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches and bits are made in Czech Republic and all seem well finished and fairly high quality.

I like some of their innovative feature, their good performance, colour coding sizes, their slick presentation and unique matt chrome look.

However - I am fully aware that tools are meant to be used and not looked at and that Wera spends a mint on new innovations, branding and marketing which is covered from my pocket. Have you seen their amazing website lately!

I am also aware that Wera's limited choice in sockets, missing sockets in set runs, and lack of general automotive tools would mean I would need to supplement with individual sockets and tools from other brands.

All that may be worth it for a more "innovative", "modern" tool / brand which is a pleasure to use... or is it not worth it?

For example it seems that the beautifully crafted and highly regarded Wera Joker wrenches are not as popular as the SK X-Frame wrenches in auto shops. With some pro mech users claiming that the 6 point thin "insert" on the open end of the Jokers slips on rusted bolts while the full 6 point on the open end of the SK bites into the bolts as well as some higher end wrench options.

If you can please share your individual experience using Wera or any of the above tool brands for auto work and which one you would choose to slowly start a set from scratch within the given budget and above notes I would be most grateful?

Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide! - Norbachev.

 

[captmoto]

Do you intend to make a living with your tools? I am a pretty avid DIY'er with cars (just did timing and balance chains on my wifes car) and would not hesitate to use Tekton tools for anything I do. I use mostly older Craftsman tools and HF ratchets which work fine for me. I have some 1/4" Kobalt sockets that I think are pretty good stuff for a DIY'er. I would probably take a look at Knipex pliers. They seem to be well regarded here.

 

[Ralf11]

Ko-ken for ratchet handles, sockets, etc.

I am happy with a mix of Stahlwille, Facom, used Snappy, and Hazet wrenches.

If you want more screwdrivers then Japan is good place to look, or PB Swiss for that one really nice one you use most.

 

[richfinn]

Have a look out for "Fuzzy Tiger"

I think he is Canadian and started building a high quality tool kit

I'm voting for Ko-ken/Vessel/Stahlwille/Facom (might be easy to get up there)

Tekton sell some really nice toolboxes made in Canada (but we can't get them in the UK)

Read a lot of threads before you buy anything, don't rush into it!!!!!

 

[plinker]

These days it's kind of hard to go wrong buying tools for the most part. Kind of boils down to budget. Repair/replacement parts & warranty may be a consideration, a local source can be helpful in that regard.


S-K in general is nice stuff. I like their round head ratchets, in particular the 1/4 drive. S-K offers some nice complete socket sets. FWIW, The 3/8 deep sockets can be more like semi deep in some sizes (below 5/8).

Williams can be split two ways, USA (which is mostly rebranded Snap-on), and Taiwan/import, very good stuff in general. The USA line has the 936 series ratchets (36tooth). IIRC the socket selection isnt quite as vast as the truck brand set, but it's good for what it is.

A lot of the sockets/ete..I use daily for work are impact grade, mostly Napa branded Sunex.

 

[9eight7]

I’m in similar situation where I’m looking to start over from a pretty old set of mismatched tools. I have my dad’s old Stanley (25+), craftsman SAE (25+), and husky (10+). After tons of reading here I ended up ordering a 1/2” Koken set a few days ago. I’ll let you know how it is in a couple weeks when I receive it.

 

[BrandoJames]

My advice: splurge on a high-quality ratchet in your favorite size--go with a Snap-on Dual 80 or Matco 88. Whatever ratchet you buy, make sure it's fine-tooth, and preferably flex head. You'll need various length ratchets depending on the job. Tekton makes nice budget ratchets as well as a $40 1/2" torque wrench via Amazon. Also pick up a cheap 1/2" breaker bar in 24" length--any Autozone/O'Reilly/HF brand is fine.

For socket sets, 6 point only. Save money by going with some of the better Taiwan brands: Tekton, Williams/Blue-Point, Matco ADV. Go with a chrome socket set in 3/8"; impact socket set in 1/2". You'll also need a 1/2" impact wrench--a cordless 18v Milwaukee or Makita.

For combo wrenches, I have a mix of used long-pattern combo wrenches I picked up on eBay: Craftsman USA Professional, Snap-on, and Blue-Point. You'll also need a flex ratcheting box set for those awkward angles--I recommend Tekton. Good luck.

 

[Dave455]

First off - my recommendation would be KoKen for sockets and accessories. Superb tools. In most cases probably 90% of Snap On quality at 35% of the price. In some cases better than Snap On.

It’s worth going to their website (there is an English language one) and downloading the full catalogue. They only offer sockets and accessories, but they do them superbly.

As to the other makes, Gray have to be a serious contender given your location. I’ve never used any but I’ve seen them in use, they’re obviously top quality snd I like the look.

S.K. are fine, but I don’t find them top end. I have some S.K. 6 point sockets, but the popular sizes have picked up some dinks internally in a way that Snap On, KoKen, Stahlwille or Hazet never would. I use them as my scrapyard tools now.

Proto are o.k. Their sockets seem to be excellent, some of their ratchets seem a little uninspiring, but the newer ones seem good. I think it all comes down to price. In the U.K. they often end up close to Snap On money, and they’re not that good. If you get a better deal, then maybe. Their wrenches seem to be very good.

Wera have a slightly odd lineup. They are a screwdriver maker first and foremost, and they do these relatively well, although the soft handles are not to everybodys taste (not generally mine) and are totally impractical for automotive work as they hold grease and grip and are hard to clean. (Their screwdriver blades are great, so goid tools in clean environments). Yes, drivers are made in the Czech republic, as are hex / torx keys. These are Wera’s strongest line I reckon. The designs are innovative, quality is good, and the range is superb.

The majority of their sockets, accessories (and ratchets too) are made in Taiwan. They are among the better Taiwan tools but I feel that they are aimed at guys in other trades (such as builders) rather than mechanics. They don’t offer anything like a full range of tools, some of the designs are, again, not practical in greasy places, and prices can creep up for Taiwan tools. I tend to buy odd bits I like, such as their superb 1/4”bit ratchet.

And therein lies the issue, there are very few makers that I would want to buy everything from (Koken being an exception). My advice would be to buy one or two pieces from makers you like, and see how how you get on. If something works for you, try some more!

 

[demarpaint]

You can't go wrong with Snap On, Hazet, Proto, Ko-ken, and Stahlwille.

 

[sk farmer]

as a home wrencher?


honestly. i would avoid some of the exotic brands such as ko-ken, stahlwille, hazet, wera, toptul, etc.

not that easy to get here in the us and probably more so in canada. fine brands i guess but i just never get the appeal of having something so difficult to obtain as your primary tools.

do you need good sockets? heck yea, but no reason to be exotic. most modern sockets are plenty good enough. you will get much more capability with a good assortment of ratchets than some jewelry like sockets.

think about this. you will have somewhere around 30 metric standard and deep sockets in 3/8 drive. some you will use often and some never at all. a ratchet will be used every time, often a standard handle. now add a locking flex, compact, long handle, roto, whatever...... just think how much more capability is added with each of them.

the socket is way overrated imop. the ratchet is where it is at.

 

[thooks]

If you can't get to a Harbor Freight (for Pittsburgh Pro or ICON), I'd go with Tekton.

All I've seen about their customer service is top notch. From what I've seen, they are the same as the Pittsburgh Pro at HF, made in Taiwan and great quality.


Until you get to where you are making money and lots of it from your tools, I'd go with something else other than the "professional" took truck brands. Yes, they have nice tools but at 4x+ the cost of Tekton/etc., they aren't worth it when they are sitting in the drawer most of the time.

And how many 8, 9, 11, 13, 15mm sockets/wrenches/etc from Snap on sets get used anyway?

 

[johninct]

Go on Ebay and buy some good used tools. A few scratches don't matter.

 

[richfinn]

as a home wrencher?


honestly. i would avoid some of the exotic brands such as ko-ken, stahlwille, hazet, wera, toptul, etc.

not that easy to get here in the us and probably more so in canada. fine brands i guess but i just never get the appeal of having something so difficult to obtain as your primary tools.

do you need good sockets? heck yea, but no reason to be exotic. most modern sockets are plenty good enough. you will get much more capability with a good assortment of ratchets than some jewelry like sockets.

think about this. you will have somewhere around 30 metric standard and deep sockets in 3/8 drive. some you will use often and some never at all. a ratchet will be used every time, often a standard handle. now add a locking flex, compact, long handle, roto, whatever...... just think how much more capability is added with each of them.

the socket is way overrated imop. the ratchet is where it is at.

Fair point, I always imagined European tools are easier to get in Canada due to their connections with Europe!!!

I wouldn't describe Ko-Ken as exotic really though, pretty much a global brand and very reasonably priced for the quality

 

[Mgdoug3]

I generally use 6 point sockets on smaller bolts. When I jump to 1/2 or 3/4, 12 point is fine. I would have a set of 6 and 12 point sockets. I run across 12 point bolts frequently and glad I have several sets of sockets.

 

[seagullplayer]

If I was starting over, local availability would move to the top of my list.

For one warranty is easier. And you can buy as you go.

More than a couple of times I have needed some size that didn't come in one of my sets. Normally that means a larger size. I could run down to the local hardware that carries a nice line of Taiwan made tools and pick one up.

Now I will pay more for that one piece, but I would have it when I needed it.
Had my set come from there it would also match. It's one way we end up with mismatched sets. But it's also how you get things done at home when you only have Saturday morning to do it.

I agree with what has been said about how the ratchet means more than the socket. My preferred ratchet does not match my most complete socket set. But it is the one I reach for. Somehow I have made it all these years and never owned or wanted a flex head ratchet. I may have to see what I have been missing.

 

[Bradc1989]

Simple....Proto. Love my precision 90 ratchet. Wrenches are awesome as are sockets. Only think I’d suggest is to buy socket rails from a another supplier.there’s some things Proto obviously, to me anywayS to sell sockets at their price point. One is the rails, they’re garbage, and the other is the simple, small stamping on the sockets that makes them slightly hard to identify.

Wera screwdrivers are great but I recently switched to proto durateks. Stay away from wera drive tools.

My experience is in the industrial maintenance profession so my tools get used and used hard

 

[Bradc1989]

Also fwiw, my SK 90t pear head just came in the mail. It’s going to stay home and the proto will stay at work. The sk seems like it will be tough but the ratcheting mechanism seems very tight and the lever is a little tough, almost need to have slight pressure on the drive to release it to flip. Not necessarily a bad thing but slightly inconvenient. Seems common in reviews. It also doesn’t seem as fine toothed as my proto, even though they are both 90t. The proto just feels like it’s on silk and the sk feels like it’s on a Brillo pad.

 

[measuredtwice]

Simple....Proto. Love my precision 90 ratchet. Wrenches are awesome as are sockets. Only think I’d suggest is to buy socket rails from a another supplier.there’s some things Proto obviously, to me anywayS to sell sockets at their price point. One is the rails, they’re garbage, and the other is the simple, small stamping on the sockets that makes them slightly hard to identify.

Wera screwdrivers are great but I recently switched to proto durateks. Stay away from wera drive tools.

My experience is in the industrial maintenance profession so my tools get used and used hard

I've seen new stamping on Proto sockets. New stamping on the right and old stamping on the left in the photo.

 

[Bradc1989]

I've seen new stamping on Proto sockets. New stamping on the right and old stamping on the left in the photo.

Oh wow that’s leaps and bounds better. Do you know the part number for the sets you ordered? I just got 3/8 and 1/4 in the last couple of weeks from zoro and they were both the old, small stamping

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’ve used all the brands you listed besides Gray and they are all pretty good. I’d look into Capri as well they are very affordable and very high quality they are actually my go to brand now as a professional mechanic. If you buy from their site you get reward points to use towards other tools too. Out of the brands you listed SK, Williams, Proto and Tekton would be my go to. Wera is nice except I don’t like the handles of their drivers like their screwdrivers and nut drivers that is really a matter of preference though.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[measuredtwice]

Oh wow that’s leaps and bounds better. Do you know the part number for the sets you ordered? I just got 3/8 and 1/4 in the last couple of weeks from zoro and they were both the old, small stamping

I only own the old stamping. I took the photo from Ebay and cropped it. I think that particular auction was for 12 point 3/8 SAE. I've seen sets with a mix of the 2 stamps so it seems they are transitioning.

 

[ThePostman]

Proto is Mac, and they offer some things Mac does not , and vise versa, and you can get Proto on amazon etc as well. My long handle 3/8" flex is used daily, and I like the 1/4" version as well. I also have an sae wrench set and a 6 point metric set by Proto, they see use and are a little longer than my w
Wrights. I have a mix of everything, I find getting passed being loyal to one brand will make life easier in the long run. Grey makes good impact sockets as does Sunex. Flare/line wrenches.....Snap-On.

 

[Ralf11]

as a home wrencher?


honestly. i would avoid some of the exotic brands such as ko-ken, stahlwille, hazet, wera, toptul, etc.

not that easy to get here in the us and probably more so in canada. fine brands i guess but i just never get the appeal of having something so difficult to obtain as your primary tools.

do you need good sockets? heck yea, but no reason to be exotic. most modern sockets are plenty good enough. you will get much more capability with a good assortment of ratchets than some jewelry like sockets.

think about this. you will have somewhere around 30 metric standard and deep sockets in 3/8 drive. some you will use often and some never at all. a ratchet will be used every time, often a standard handle. now add a locking flex, compact, long handle, roto, whatever...... just think how much more capability is added with each of them.

the socket is way overrated imop. the ratchet is where it is at.

Ko-ken might be "exotic" (since it is Japanese it reminds me of the exotic love secrets you thought you'd get out of a blind date with an oriental girl; now, it's Asian and no exotic love secrets) but it is not expensive (compared to Snappy)

https://palmac.net/

OCD is a good thing in surgeons and in tool manfs. and the Japanese have turned their cultural OCD into great tools and great food

 

[Bradc1989]

I've seen new stamping on Proto sockets. New stamping on the right and old stamping on the left in the photo.

Just a FYI, I contacted SBD about these sockets. Was told that the ones with the large stamp are actually the old discontinued model and that the small stamp is the only current offering from proto.

 

[measuredtwice]

Just a FYI, I contacted SBD about these sockets. Was told that the ones with the large stamp are actually the old discontinued model and that the small stamp is the only current offering from proto.

That's strange. I have old and new catalogs and the large stamp is only shown in the most recent Proto catalog.