Not sure which sockets set to get

[Michu]

Hello, I mostly use my tools to work on my cars (two sedans) on the weekends.

I am not sure which additional 3/8 set to get. I am good with my 1/4 and 1/2.

I currently have,
3/8 Sk impact 8-19mm shallow
3/8 Sk impact 8-19mm deep

I am thinking getting one of the these:
1) 3/8 Snap on chrome 8-19mm shallow
2) 3/8 Snap on chrome 8-19mm semi-deep
3) 3/8 Snap on impact 8-19mm semi-deep

I do not know how reliable my impacts are in the long run. Should I get a set of chrome when using hand tools? Would the semi-deep chrome be the best compliment to my current set? Or should i get some semi-deep impact just in case? Or should I not buy anything?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Codejack]

Working on weekends should not wear out your sockets any time soon. The only drawback to impacts is that they tend to be thicker, especially at the neck-down on smaller sizes.

That being said, I am using a GearWrench 3/8" impact set as my primary hand socket set, and have only very vague plans to buy a cheap chrome set sometime in the future just in case mine are too thick to get to something (and it needs more torque than I can put on a 1/4" socket).

If you're like me, part of you is just itching to buy new tools, and this is a rather expensive way to scratch that itch.

 

[Empty Pockets]

SK are good tools, for the average guy working on his own cars, buy a set of SK chrome, no need to spend the extra money on Snappy. While Snappy is good quality, it's overkill for the homeowner, unless you pick it up on the secondary market

 

[PJNJ]

If you want to try Snap On, get the shallow set and see how you like them. Some here on GJ claim that Williams USA are the same as SO without the extra chrome. Take a look at the Williams and do a Google search for Williams reviews.

Here's one thread with a comparison -
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220196

But in the end it's your money. If you want to buy SO, then buy them. You're the one that has to use them.

 

[Michu]

Money or brand aside, so you guys recommend me getting a chrome shallow set instead of the semi deep chrome or semi deep impact?

 

[Codejack]

Money aside, so you guys recommend me getting a chrome shallow set instead of the semi deep chrome or semi deep impact?

For what? What jobs are you doing that you are running into problems with and expect a shallow or semi-deep socket to fix?

Again, the only advantage is access; chrome is thinner, and semi-deeps are often more convenient in certain spaces.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would skip snap on and find a gearwrench buy one get one special on the chrome 3/8 drive metric semi deep set where you get the 1/4 drive semi deep set free.

Great quality at a fraction of the truck price. Once you use semi deep or mid length sets, they''ll become your reach for first sets.

 

[joel63]

I would skip snap on and find a gearwrench buy one get one special on the chrome 3/8 drive metric semi deep set where you get the 1/4 drive semi deep set free.

Great quality at a fraction of the truck price. Once you use semi deep or mid length sets, they''ll become your reach for first sets.

^^^^^^^^

Fedwrench always gives sound advice.

 

[yamaha0343]

I'd also look at USA Williams sockets. They're made right alongside the Snap On line and a good bit cheaper.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Check out the Williams USA I have complete Snap on sets and Williams as back ups and they are identical in every way.

 

[mcmtech]

I'd follow fedwrenches advice and get the semi deep chrome gearwrench.

 

[John in OH]

If you want SO quality at a fraction of the price, and still have US made sockets, then buy Wright. Excellent quality and made right here in the good ol' US of A. Seriously, Wright sockets are beautiful !!

 

[jwsia]

IMO for just a weekend wrench guy that has deeps I would get shallow chromes....and not SO. Buy some more SK or williams

 

[Hammer1963]

My go to sockets are mid-depth chrome sockets in 1/4" if possible and then mid-depth 3/8". For me it's a matter of taking as few tools to the intended work item as possible. I might note, I have 1/4" metric to 15mm and 3/8" metric to 24mm which helps tremendously

 

[Michu]

Seems like everyone is recommending me to stay away from SO which I can understand, especially for the price and for a diyer. However, I had bad experience with Craftsman sockets which dont grip and round corners. Main reason why I am looking for a quality brand. I can see Sk, Wright or even Gearwrench being good quality. Actually i prefer USA and Taiwanese made over Chinese made tools so I will probably stay away from GearWrench, just personal preference, no offense to others. I really like my Proto sockets for my 1/2 drive.

I think my sk impacts should be able to cover all my needs. Maybe I will just leave it as is or get a set of semi-deep chrome just for fun.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[Hammer1963]

Seems like everyone is recommending me to stay away from SO which I can understand, especially for the price and for a diyer. However, I had bad experience with Craftsman sockets which dont grip and round corners. Main reason why I am looking for a quality brand. I can see Sk, Wright or even Gearwrench being good quality. Actually i prefer USA and Taiwanese made over Chinese made tools so I will probably stay away from GearWrench, just personal preference, no offense to others. I really like my Proto sockets for my 1/2 drive.

I think my sk impacts should be able to cover all my needs. Maybe I will just leave it as is or get a set of semi-deep chrome just for fun.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Look into Cornwell. Their impact mid length sockets have thinner walls than most and also have a hole for positive detent security

 

[Yarpo]

Actually i prefer USA and Taiwanese made over Chinese made tools so I will probably stay away from GearWrench, just personal preference, no offense to others.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Most gearwrench tools are made in Taiwan I believe

 

[jumbojak]

Most gearwrench tools are made in Taiwan I believe

I think that has been changing with time. I have quite a few of their wrenches, bot rathe ting and fixed, aND aside from the XXLs they are all made in China. I bought a socket set as a gift for a friend that was made in China as well. They all still work fine, though I do see better quality on the Taiwan wrenches. You can't see daylight through the ratcheting mechanism on those.

 

[Tonyuk]

I would go with a good set of deep 6 point impact sockets or chrome. Means if you buy a impact wrench later on you've already got the sockets for it. Don't pay too much for a socket set, things have moved on and even cheap sockets are now good, i've never paid for then £35 for a set of sockets and haven't been disappointed yet.

Spend less on sockets are more on the tools they attach to, and you'll be fine.

 

[Mr_B]

As above ^
As you a weekend guy don't buy snapon. same money in other brand such as gearwrench or SK would buy shallow and semi deep and deep .
If being minimal I would go shallow chrome and add semi deep chrome if funds available . you'll find semi deeps can be very useful .

 

[nelstomlinson]

Snap On is great. So is SK, and Wright. I have some of each, and very happy with them all.

I have shallow, semi-deep and deep sockets, and the semi-deeps are my go-to sockets unless I really need something else.

Since you have impacts covered, I'd suggest chrome semi-deep, from SK.

 

[buba]

Wright Tool #349 or #354 set should do the trick. You will be impressed, comes with a rail and clips.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/3-8-drive-12-piece-12-pt-metric-standard-socket-set.html

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/14-pc-metric-socket-set-6mm-19mm.html

Or go for the whole hog in SK.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28705.html

 

[jgromada]

I love it when even the guys who have lots of Snap-On recommend not buying Snap-On. I have been told that by a few mechanics who earn their living wrenching. Good stuff, but waaay overpriced.

 

[oldtools]

Another option is Toptul. They make high quality professional tools. You can buy the 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 chrome set together for about $40 brand new on ebay. If you are a weekend warrior, you don't really need SO.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GAAQ...742417?hash=item1c914bb611:g:c1gAAOSwTM5Y7Q8-

 

[Codejack]

I love it when even the guys who have lots of Snap-On recommend not buying Snap-On. I have been told that by a few mechanics who earn their living wrenching. Good stuff, but waaay overpriced.

I bought a Snap On ratchet to compare to Harbor Freight.

The biggest difference is the price, by far.

 

[Shark Pilot]

These:https://www.napaonline.com/p/CHQSS38012M

$35.00 for top quality Taiwanese 8-19mm with excellent tolerance/fit and easy to warranty if ever needed.

Deeps in chrome $47.00 as well if you need them:https://www.napaonline.com/p/CHQSSD38012M

 

[pi_guy]

I love it when even the guys who have lots of Snap-On recommend not buying Snap-On. I have been told that by a few mechanics who earn their living wrenching. Good stuff, but waaay overpriced.

There might be a few reasons. One person could be a whiner about money and always prefer the cheap option. Another could be tired of giving away trade tips that always elicit the phrase I can do it cheaper. Until you did not.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I'll be the first to admit the Taiwanese stuff is very good anymore when you buy from a reputable seller. I personally think you have to spend a lot of money to do better than the ratchets and sockets from Harbor Freight these days (generally Taiwanese)...annoying they skip sizes, they really ought to do something about that.

However...

There very much is a pride in ownership of US made tools. You know the quality takes a second seat to no one, and your tools are heriloom quality that you can pass on to the next generation, and next after that.

My 1/2" SK set was my grandfathers that he bought in the 1940's, and it's as good as the day he bought them. Tough as nails, very well made, and I will pass them on to the next generation.

So I'm doing my part to fill out the rest of my stuff with good US made tools from many of the top quality makers.

 

[Yankee]

I'm also in the market for sockets. I currently have USA Craftsman and looking for something better. I don't need to get better, but now being beyond the child bearing years and been blessed with a good paying job, I just want a VERY GOOD socket set.

I have Snap on, Wright, SK, Armstrong wrenches and ratchets, but don't have any comparisions in sockets. I've read countless threads here and have come to the conclusion, 1/4 is where Snap on shines above the rest and less so as you go to the larger drives.

If it helps the OP any, I'm leaning real hard toward Snap on for 1/4 and Wright for 3/8.

.