To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

REally large sockets - where to buy

N

NY_treeguy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2011
Messages
198
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
I've been needing really large sockets lately. My 3/4" set goest to 2 1/4, but I needed a 2 3/4 today. Ordered from Grainger at about $140, but I am looking for other options. I can only imagine what the truck cost would be, and don't really feel like driving the 45 minutes to meet a dealer. Suggestions?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
T

Trash Mech

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2013
Messages
86
Check Craigslist daily and you will find them. I got a mix of 1 inch drive 2 5/16-3 3/8 with only a few skips for 90 bucks. They are all USA made proto, bonney, wright, Blackhawk and NBT (I think). All impacts by the way. I've seen a few 3/4 sets that I have passed on as well so I wouldn't buy new when you can get a bunch for the price of one.
 
OP
N

NY_treeguy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2011
Messages
198
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
That is how I got my 3/4 set.....a retiring elevator mechanic. Also got my big wrenches from the same guy. CL has, unfortunately, become a place where 4 people post the same over priced junk every 2 days. Not much in the way of real tools or good values in this area, but lots of HF stuff priced higher then the store.
 
I

Ign

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
12,769
Location
Butte Peak ND
I got the Harbor Freight 1" drive set, think it was around $130 with a 20% coupon (and maybe it was on sale too, don't recall).
http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piece-jumbo-1-inch-drive-heavy-duty-socket-set-95377.html

$170 right now. One reviewer says it's 74 lbs, I believe it. I don't move that case around the shop much 'cause I don't want to lift it. The only other reviewer was apparently upset they wouldn't warranty something, but he doesn't say how, why or what.
 
T

Trash Mech

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2013
Messages
86
I'm guessing since he spent 140 on the socket he needed, he isn't going to get the harbor freight set. Ya know cause he has to use it.
 
J

Jagmandave

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Messages
6,304
Location
Overland Park, Ks.
In the future, if you have a Northern Tool in your town, check them out - they have a large assortment of individual sockets at very reasonable prices.

I have a 2 3/4 you could have borrowed.....

I just checked, Northern Tool has it as a stock item in impact black, 1" drive.....$46. I'm sure they also have a 3/4 - 1" adaptor.
 
Last edited:
J

JoeMA

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 10, 2011
Messages
478
Location
PA
I am interested to hear what you are working on that requires such large sockets. They would be cool to have. I haven't yet come across the need for them though.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
A

ATC

Well-known member
Joined
May 12, 2012
Messages
8,327
Location
VA
I go to Northern for any single large socket that will see limited use. They are great sockets for the money!
 
OP
N

NY_treeguy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2011
Messages
198
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
I'd rather skip the HF stuff. I know it is good enough for most things, but I don't want to find out its not good enough at 6pm when a piece of equipment needs to be out the next day.

I will check the other sources given. Epsteins, and IR look promising. No Northern in the area.

Changed a clutch in this today.

box6.jpg


The nut that holds the clutch to the PTO shaft was 2 3/4". Once you get into this type of equipment, things get large fast. The feed wheels are on a 1 3/4" shaft. The drum on a 4" shaft.

BTW, we have a mechanic, and I am only supposed to fix minor things to get the crews out in the morning.
 
J

JoeMA

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 10, 2011
Messages
478
Location
PA
Nice. I am going to have to get one of those so that I can get some big sockets.
 
OP
N

NY_treeguy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2011
Messages
198
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
JoeMA said:
Nice. I am going to have to get one of those so that I can get some big sockets.
Click to expand...


When I wrenched for a living, I always said if I needed bigger then 36mm or 1 5/16 (Full size GM truck pitman arm) it was time to quit swinging wrenches. Now that I don't do it for a living, I have stuff a whole lot bigger then I ever wanted. I also own more "shop tools" then I ever wanted to as well.

Lucky for me I can use the company shop for my own stuff whenever i want to.
 
C

Caleb T

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 17, 2011
Messages
498
Location
Upstate NY
Outlawmws said:
Sorry to get off topic, but NY tree guy, is that your Jeep PU in your avatar?
Click to expand...

Outlaw,
I was JUST ABOUT to ask the same question. ( I have a 63 willys wagon)

Back on topic: I picked up a bunch of large 3/4 dr. sockets today at the swap shope.. Got a really good box lot deal. The place I frequent usually has some big sets for really reasonable.
 
F

foreverfalcon40

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 12, 2013
Messages
856
I am confused if you are looking for Impact or Non Impact?

Keep your EYE out I have been a member here for a few months Sears put their 3/4 Sockets on 50% or greater.

I am a HD Diesel Tech and my shop supplies every tool above 1/2in drive and every wrench past 1in. I got quickly tired of hunting tools down due to the fact that tech would not put them back when done using them or techs who felt they used them the most got to keep them in their possession.

I stumbled across a Vintage Cman Set made in Taiwan that is awesome for $100. Impact sockets that we use at the shop range from SK, SO, and GP which is made in Taiwan. The GP sockets I use the most out of all and get one hell of a beating for around 20 years according to the Senior guys. If you want I can take a closer look for you.

Have you ever though about buying on Ebay? Instead of me making $25 payments a week I save the $25 buy used and when it breaks warranty out for new! My 6yr Career I can count on both hands how many tools I bought off the truck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom