Noob question: small sets of larger sockets?

[gamp945]

Hi all,

Still trying to organize a lifelong "basic" homeowner tool collection.

Since most socket sets (including mine) don't include sockets beyond about 3/4" & 19mm, I'm wondering if small sets of larger sockets are offered. I'd rather not purchase duplicates of the smaller sockets I already have.

For example, 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", and 1" sockets in 3/8" and 1/2" drive, both shallow and deep. Same goes for similar sizes in metric.

Do sets like this exist? I checked SK's catalog and don't see that they offer anything like this. Craftsman has some smaller kits (like 9-34579 and 9-34581), but they are now Chinese junk.

Of course, I could buy open stock. I'm wondering if I can save some money buying in one or more kits.

Let me know what y'all would do. Thanks for reading

 

[lazer50]

I assume since you said lifelong you want usa made?

 

[ItsNemo]

Gearwrench offers sets of just sockets at reasonable enough prices...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NIEEZ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Probably cheaper than trying to buy open stock or similar.

 

[four.cycle]

I doubt if any tool manufacturer offers a "set" of larger sockets like that.

Your best bet would probably be to check Ebay listings and see if you can find an odd lot of the sizes you're looking for.
There are all kinds of odd "lots" of sockets listed on Ebay - sometimes mixed brands - sometimes they'll all be smaller sizes, sometimes all larger sizes.
The deep-wells might pose a challenge.

Other than Craftsman, which is most likely going to be the easiest way to do it simply because of the volume of Craftsman listed on Ebay, brands you might take a look at include:

Armstrong
Duro Chrome
Giller
Herbrand
Indestro
JS Tool (military surplus, generally)
Granco (again, generally military surplus)
Stevens Walden
Thorsen
Walden
S-K
Proto
Wright

Use the "advanced" search feature (tab just to the right of the "search" button) to narrow the search parameters. Use the "exclude from search" box to weed out brands you do NOT want to look at.

Depending upon brand and condition, you should be able to find onesie-twosies for anywhere from $3 up to $12 (plus shipping.) A partial set will of course run less.
There is always the option of contacting the seller to see if they'll work with you on price and combined shipping - generally it's much easier if you're approaching them with a multiple item purchase offer.

 

[mrjaw14]

for a homeowner you won't need larger sockets than that, except in specific circumstances. fasteners larger than that may be on plumbing fittings that you wouldn't be using sockets on anyway. I'd recommend that you buy individual sockets as you need them, and only in the sizes you need. for sizes beyond 3/4" and 21mm

If you have some sizes you want, like 7/8", go to pawn shops and find american made sockets for $1-3 each.

 

[ekegelmann]

Msg me on what your seeking, I've 100s of SK and Craftsman sockets.

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[four.cycle]

should have noted this above:

use keywords "socket lot" or "sockets lot" in the search.

not the sizes you're looking for, but here's an example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIXED-LOT-S...773369?hash=item3acc4e18b9:g:6sMAAOSw9IpXxklM

there are hundreds of listings like that - oddball mixes of stuff.

if you just search "socket" or "sockets" you're going to be wading through literally thousands of listings.

or as suggested above, contact a member here - check the classified listings here on GJ.

 

[gamp945]

Thanks to everyone for the useful suggestions!

I assume since you said lifelong you want usa made?

Yes, USA!

for a homeowner you won't need larger sockets than that, except in specific circumstances. fasteners larger than that may be on plumbing fittings that you wouldn't be using sockets on anyway. I'd recommend that you buy individual sockets as you need them, and only in the sizes you need. for sizes beyond 3/4" and 21mm

If you have some sizes you want, like 7/8", go to pawn shops and find american made sockets for $1-3 each.

I've never really visited pawn shops, but this might be a good time to take a look. The pricing you mentioned sounds good. Thanks for the suggestion.

should have noted this above:

use keywords "socket lot" or "sockets lot" in the search.

That simple suggestion helps immensely. I was searching for "kit". Switching that to "lot" returns many more useful results. Thanks also for posting the big list of USA manufacturers.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I'd message ekegelmann. I was thinking about those craftsman sets when I started reading the first post. Maybe try to find them nos on ebay. Whenever I need larger individual sockets I go to lowes. Pawn shops are another option but that really depends what's around. All the ones where I live now ****


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[gdocktor3]

You can buy individual sockets off eBay or Cripedistributing.com for pretty cheap. Dollar and change each. Example here is a KD 13/16" shallow 1/2" drive socket for $1.75. KD/Allen are made in USA and basically same as Craftsman. Cripe also has Armstrong, Kobalt USA and some others. Here's the link to the socket I mentioned, but there are others chrome and impact finish. They also sell on eBay. If you do decide to buy, make sure you contact them before paying as they can sometimes do better on shipping. I've bought a lot from them as have many fellow members and all will agree they are a great company to do business with. http://www.cripedistributing.com/kd-531126-1-2-drive-standard-6point-socket-13-16-usa.html

 

[kctyphoon]

I bought some of my missing sockets from eBay when I was replacing what I'd lost from my big set.. cheapest single sockets (new) are usually Husky.. the bigger sizes get expensive, but honestly you'll probably never need anything bigger than 1" for the projects that come up working in the house or your own cars..

You can consider just buying wrenches also.. might be a better option for things that may hardly ever get used.