Please suggest 1/2" impact socket set

[Jason Ga]

I wanted some help picking out some 1/2" impact socket sets. I want SAE and metric, deep and shallow, in the "usual" sizes. I have not been a pro tech for about 10 years, just fix my own stuff now... But I would still like my tools to be ready to roll into a shop, should I want/need to.

What are the best brands for the money these days? I don't think I really need SO impacts, but I may end up going that route. I just hate to drop about a grand on sockets that will really not see much use. I used a Cman set for several years in shops with no issues. I would maybe like something a little better than that, and it appears that Cman quality is not what it was when I bought my set in 96.

It is important to me that the sockets are clearly marked and that the size markings will not wear off.

 

[pipsters]

The Craftsman 52 piece set is still really good. Still made by the same folks who made them back in 96 I believe. The etching is of large font, and the printed font is also large and bright on most of my sockets. Some came dim from the factory, so I think I will swap those out under their satisfaction warranty.

I bought it for $161 + tax out the door, a sweet deal, just a few days ago, and had it delivered for free as I signed up for the trial membership of the ShopVantage program (which I will cancel).

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915820000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

 

[Aklass]

I say look at sunex or grey pneumatic master socket sets for the 1/2 size

 

[fordbroncodave]

cornwell impact sockets are good and not as expensive as snap on but more then craftsman. they are built heavy duty and work good

 

[DrkMtnDew]

my craftsmans are good and have held up really well. if you have a little more money the cornwell's are built solid too. and if you really what to, go with matco or SO.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

Craftsman stand up to my abuse.

 

[davesnothere]

Sunex fo shizzle dizzle.

 

[bobemmerich]

I've got Allen brand shallow and deeps in metric and SAE. Stand up well and haven't broken one yet. A + is they're Made In U.S.A.

 

[mtkst19]

sunnex.

can get a master metric set for 120 that is deep and shallow from like 9 to 30mm.

i know they make a metric/standard combo set too.

 

[bchee]

I would stick with Craftsman.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have said in other threads, sunnex is about the best vaule for impacts in price and socket size ranges. If USA made is important, I would go SK, either old stock, or see what comes in March

 

[amolaver]

sunex / grey pnuematic / genius all have good products at good prices. have a look at dskatools.com and tooltopia.com. cripedistributing.com has more of a hit or miss assortment, but the pricing is usually incredible - if you have any need for 1/4" sockets, i've never seen a better deal than this - http://www.cripedistributing.com/gearwrench-71pc-impact-saemetric-deep-universal-84903-p-7585.html

ahm

 

[Fedwrench]

Craftsman when and only when they are on sale for half off.

Grey Pneumatic/Sunex/Gearwrench = strong, durable and a bargain if you shop around. I think there's one factory in Taiwan that makes all three brands but, just changes the name and box color.

 

[schloe]

Craftsman. This is a good set...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915383000P?keyword=9-15383&sLevel=0&prop17=9-15383

 

[NeunElf]

I really like these and Hazet;

http://www.bloomertool.com/12DriveImpactSockets.html

 

[RickP330]

S/O!

(flame suite on)!

 

[mrholeshot]

Craftsman, You won't have warranty issues and the price is right. I have Snap-On but if I had to do it again the Craftsman are great (for now)

 

[wafrederick]

The Grey Pneumatic and Craftsman sets are good.I have a couple HF sets,no failures yet.My brother lost one socket in the metric set,the 18mm deep which is replaced by a K tool deepwell 18mm now.Most of the cheap sets leave out 18mm and 15mm in the metric sets which are 2 of the 4 most commonly used on any GM,Ford and Chrysler products.With Snap On,some dealers will not warranty anything worn out and tell you that anything worn out is not covered under warranty.

 

[mtkst19]

With Snap On,some dealers will not warranty anything worn out and tell you that anything worn out is not covered under warranty.

truth to this. i have dealers who wont warranty anything "impact" however, i purchased my sunnex master set from the mac guy who wouldn't warranty the mac impacts, but did the sunnex. My last snap on dealer wouldn't warranty the impacts unless broken. normal wear/rounded points were not covered.

that coupled w/ price is why i went sunnex when i bought a complete set

 

[mrholeshot]

truth to this. i have dealers who wont warranty anything "impact" however, i purchased my sunnex master set from the mac guy who wouldn't warranty the mac impacts, but did the sunnex. My last snap on dealer wouldn't warranty the impacts unless broken. normal wear/rounded points were not covered.

Thats a true case of don't trip over a dollar to pick up a dime. A good tool man will warranty it even if he has to pay for it out of his own pocket. That would be the fastest way to loose my business.

 

[southernfriedcj]

Craftsman, You won't have warranty issues...

Wrong.

I have taken a broken 18mm socket back to Sears twice (including today) and they have been out of stock. The dude said he couldn't grab one out of a set so I would just need to keep coming by to see if they were in stock.

 

[GDA]

I say look at sunex or grey pneumatic master socket sets for the 1/2 size

+1000

If I were to do it all over again I'd go with GP master sets. Never heard a bad word about Sunex either.

 

[pipsters]

Wrong.

I have taken a broken 18mm socket back to Sears twice (including today) and they have been out of stock. The dude said he couldn't grab one out of a set so I would just need to keep coming by to see if they were in stock.

Well he's wrong .

They have to order them, they come in on a truck and you pick it up then. That is what my local sears does.

 

[wafrederick]

I have been mailed replacements from Sears if the nearest Sears in my area does not have it in stock.Sunnex,takes a very long time to get a replacement.

 

[TireTracks]

My dad has A set of Made in Tiawan genious CroMoly Impacts that are just great.

 

[jptx]

I picked up some IR 1/2 sets recently on Amazon for pretty cheap. I am no professional but they have worked well for me thus far.