Proto 1/4" Drive Socket Set

[nutsnbolts]

I recently bought a few vintage/used tool lots, and came away with several hundred 1/4" drive sockets, mostly Proto and Challenger shallow sockets. However, none of them are bigger than 1/2". Usually 1/4" drive sets go up to 9/16, correct? Could someone please clarify what would make a complete 1/4" drive socket set? Thanks

 

[Hiball]

Pretty common with any industrial brand to top out at 1/2" in 1/4" drive, probably more so with vintage stuff.

 

[bobcatdan]

Up to 1/2" is very standard. To go up to 9/16 or 5/8 is a fairly recent idea of the last 10 years

 

[nutsnbolts]

Okay, cool! And the smallest I have is 3/16". Is that also the common small size? If so, I have several complete sets!

 

[bobcatdan]

I'd say close enough. My 60's vintage SO sets goes down to 1/8", but I doubt you will miss that size.

 

[nutsnbolts]

So what l have comprises 9 piece sets...3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2. l have 6 point and 12 point. l haven't completely gone through them all yet to see how many l've got. l also have some of the same in Challenger.

 

[drivesitfar]

N&B: sounds like you have some full sets. did you also get the metal cases with them? any chance that you can post a few pictures?

 

[radrush]

I recently bought a few vintage/used tool lots, and came away with several hundred 1/4" drive sockets, mostly Proto and Challenger shallow sockets. However, none of them are bigger than 1/2". Usually 1/4" drive sets go up to 9/16, correct? Could someone please clarify what would make a complete 1/4" drive socket set? Thanks

Are those shallow, mid-depth, deep, 6-point, 8-point, 12-point?

It depends?

For instance----

S-K 6 point shallow=
1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8

S-K 12 point shallow=
3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

S-K 6-point deep=
1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

S-K 12-point deep=
3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16


Craftsman sets on the other hand=
06 pt. shallow SAE - 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt. shallow SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
06 pt. deep SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt. deep SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

And if you need 8 point sockets you need snap-on or proto, or some other pro brand and there are only 3 that I'm aware of - 1/4, 5/16, 3/8.

 

[nutsnbolts]

N&B: sounds like you have some full sets. did you also get the metal cases with them? any chance that you can post a few pictures?

There is one metal case that came along with the lot. It is bigger than what you would expect from a 1/4" socket/ratchet set, so I expect that it originally had a 1/4" and a 3/8" set in it.

I will try to post some pics. Admittedly, I am not very good at it. If I run into trouble do you mind if I shoot you a PM DIF?

 

[nutsnbolts]

Are those shallow, mid-depth, deep, 6-point, 8-point, 12-point?

It depends?

For instance----

S-K 6 point shallow=
1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8

S-K 12 point shallow=
3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

S-K 6-point deep=
1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

S-K 12-point deep=
3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16


Craftsman sets on the other hand=
06 pt. shallow SAE - 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt. shallow SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
06 pt. deep SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt. deep SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

And if you need 8 point sockets you need snap-on or proto, or some other pro brand and there are only 3 that I'm aware of - 1/4, 5/16, 3/8.

Almost all shallow, a mix between 6- and 12-point.

 

[radrush]

Almost all shallow, a mix between 6- and 12-point.

It appears that 6-point shallow sets have the most sockets.

And 8-point shallow sets have the fewest.

Some sets are offered in mid-depth and even extra-deep...wow...lots of sockets....

S-K
06 pt. shallow 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8
12 pt. shallow 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
06 pt deep 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt deep 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

Craftsman=
06 pt. shallow SAE - 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt. shallow SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
06 pt. deep SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16
12 pt. deep SAE - 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16

 

[nutsnbolts]

Here are some photos of my take. This is typical of what I have. A couple of sizes I only have in the flat black finish. I also have some that are an industrial silver finish. All are in good to great condition.

The case looks like it may have originally been for a bigger combo set, maybe a 1/4" and 3/8" set with ratchets and extensions.

 

[nutsnbolts]

I also got almost 2 complete sets of 1/2" 8 point Proto sockets as well. Which has me wondering...what do you use 8 points for anyhow? Are these for the old square nuts that we used to see all the time back in the day? Are they still used?

And a few of the sockets have previous owner's markings on them. How much do you care about this? I was watching one of those pawn shows on the tube a while back and the guy said that during the housing crash of 2009 they took in so many tool sets on pawn that they could never sell them all; this suggests to me that there are tons of tools floating around with previous owner's markings on them that are not stolen, but were just sold off during hard times. Any thoughts?

 

[four.cycle]

nutsnbolts:
generally speaking, most US-made 1/4" drive socket sets contain:
3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16" and 1/2" 6-pt or 12-pt shallow sockets.
many earlier vintage sets also contain 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" eight-point sockets (to fit square nuts.)
some 1/4" drive socket sets may also contain a 5/32" 6-pt shallow (i.e., some Craftsman sets.)
some sets may also contain a 9/16" 6-pt shallow socket, but as noted above, that is a fairly recent advent in the larger picture.
most earlier 1/4" drive socket sets only went up to 7/16" (i.e., my older #7602 Indestro set and an old "circle H" Craftsman set, and I believe one of my Thorsen sets.)

again, as noted above, the inclusion of 5/32", 9/16", and 5/8" sockets is a fairly "new" thing in the history of 1/4" square drive socket sets.

the 6-point or 12-point options varied from manufacturer to manufacturer. from my point of view, it would seem that 6-points were the more common on earlier and lower-end sets, but that's not chiseled in stone.

the 8-points you have there fit square nuts on older stuff like nuts on lawnmowers and household appliances and electrical equipment. they are indispensable when you actually need them, but otherwise usually just sit in the tray collecting dust.

if you can put together matched sets of 1/4" drive sockets in Proto or Challenger there's a market for them - prices on Ebay for a set of sockets only range anywhere from $10 - $30 depending on brand/condition/shallow/deep - a set of S-K shallow 6-points went for $15 yesterday, and (amazingly) a set of Craftsman 6-point metric deep-wells (with metal tray) ("V" code) went for $32 - both plus shipping. Should be pretty easy to get your money back out of them.

 

[nutsnbolts]

I need matching 1/2" drive 8-point 7/8" and 1" sockets. Got those?

I have two 7/8 8-points, those are the biggest on the socket bars. I guess the set isn't complete.

After looking at them more closely, both have this little cut in them in the same spot, I am guessing a previous owner's own special mark...and one has initials in it. If you are interested in one, shoot me a PM with your phone # and I will text you a photo of them.

 

[nutsnbolts]

nutsnbolts:
generally speaking, most US-made 1/4" drive socket sets contain:
3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16" and 1/2" 6-pt or 12-pt shallow sockets.
many earlier vintage sets also contain 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" eight-point sockets (to fit square nuts.)
some 1/4" drive socket sets may also contain a 5/32" 6-pt shallow (i.e., some Craftsman sets.)
some sets may also contain a 9/16" 6-pt shallow socket, but as noted above, that is a fairly recent advent in the larger picture.
most earlier 1/4" drive socket sets only went up to 7/16" (i.e., my older #7602 Indestro set and an old "circle H" Craftsman set, and I believe one of my Thorsen sets.)

again, as noted above, the inclusion of 5/32", 9/16", and 5/8" sockets is a fairly "new" thing in the history of 1/4" square drive socket sets.

the 6-point or 12-point options varied from manufacturer to manufacturer. from my point of view, it would seem that 6-points were the more common on earlier and lower-end sets, but that's not chiseled in stone.

the 8-points you have there fit square nuts on older stuff like nuts on lawnmowers and household appliances and electrical equipment. they are indispensable when you actually need them, but otherwise usually just sit in the tray collecting dust.

if you can put together matched sets of 1/4" drive sockets in Proto or Challenger there's a market for them - prices on Ebay for a set of sockets only range anywhere from $10 - $30 depending on brand/condition/shallow/deep - a set of S-K shallow 6-points went for $15 yesterday, and (amazingly) a set of Craftsman 6-point metric deep-wells (with metal tray) ("V" code) went for $32 - both plus shipping. Should be pretty easy to get your money back out of them.

That is good to know four.cycle! I am currently getting them organized; at some point I will probably start putting them up for sale. I have a couple of questions for you...

1) At the price you are suggesting, do they generally come with a socket bar or not? How much more would they fetch with a socket bar?

2) How much of a discount should I expect to give if they aren't matching sets? I have three or four different finishes.

3) Would you say the best bet is to set a Buy it Now with a best offer option? Or a low opening price with an open auction?

 

[four.cycle]

ha! you really want to open a can of worms, don't you?

the dollar figures I posted above would be for sockets only.
look at some of the stuff I've posted in the "Ebay hot deal" thread here. (although the majority of it is Craftsman.)

stuff that is mis-matched is not going to fetch the kind of price a matched set would. I don't even look twice at mis-matched or engraved stuff (although I have posted a few on the "hot deals" thread because the price seemed right.)

all you can do is look at the "sold" listings for similar items and try to get a handle on "the going rate", but there is no way to make sense of or try to establish any "base line" or "average" on Ebay - prices are all over the place because buyers really don't have any more of a clue than sellers:

i.e.: Craftsman 1/4" drive pear-head "=V=" ratchet w/butterfly selector and oil hole can go from anywhere from $10 to $35. (I only know that because the first one I bid on I went up to $27 before I bailed out - and found one the next day for $14.)

I can't tell you how to sell on Ebay, because I'm not a seller. As a buyer, I prefer the "buy now" and "best offer" options to waiting a week for an auction to end. But then, that's just me as a buyer - I just prefer to cut to the chase and get the deal done.

 

[pauls_workshop]

That is good to know four.cycle! I am currently getting them organized; at some point I will probably start putting them up for sale. I have a couple of questions for you...

1) At the price you are suggesting, do they generally come with a socket bar or not? How much more would they fetch with a socket bar?

2) How much of a discount should I expect to give if they aren't matching sets? I have three or four different finishes.

3) Would you say the best bet is to set a Buy it Now with a best offer option? Or a low opening price with an open auction?

Come to our Ebay Deals ! thread over in hot deals and you can get a good idea pretty fast what stuff sells for. - Paul

 

[four.cycle]

^ yeah... but he's got S-K and Proto, so if he's comparing it to Craftsman it's an apples-to-oranges thing....

.... and if he goes to Ebay and starts looking at asking prices on S-K or Proto sockets only, he's going to be just as clueless as he was before, because the asking prices are just screwy:

set of S-K 1/4" drive SAE deep sockets (used) listed today (sockets only): $80

couple hours later a lady listed an S-K 23-piece 1/4" drive SET in the box for $29 OBO, and it sold before I could get an answer back from her regarding what the exact contents were (I couldn't tell if it was metric or SAE.)

so... there just is no way to make sense of it.

in which case, establish a base-line ($10-$15 for a set of 1/4" drive sockets only) and cross your fingers and let crazy buyers bid it up.
again: some loony bid up a 10-piece Craftsman 1/4" set of deep-wells (sockets ONLY with tray) to $32 + shipping a couple days ago.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I hate when sellers are to lazy to give a description. I'm seeing a lot of sellers saying the pictures are part of the description yet you can't see what sizes or even if they are metric or sae. I guess they don't reckon it matters to buyers. Idiots