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Recommend me a socket set for the Jeep

Muffduster

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Mar 21, 2010
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Arkansas
Hey guys I'm looking for some input on what you would consider a reasonably priced, complete, well made (USA is a plus) socket set to keep in the Jeep. Right now I have an old Kobalt pass through socket set, but I want a standard square drive. Ideally, I want a 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 complete set with ratchets and sockets.

The only one I've looked at so far is the Sunex SUN1889. https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-1889.aspx
 
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Formerjeeper

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Tekton would be my first look, but not sure if they have all 3 drive sizes in one set.

DeWalt has a nice set with all 3 drive sizes and combination wrenches also.
 

driz

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I’ve been beating the snot out of a set of 6 pt Kobalt sockets with drill drivers since 2013. None busted or stretched they just keep doing their job. I live in the Rust belt too where suspension bolts are gnarly. I don’t much care where they’re made they work.
If they work for all my wrenching they would be plenty good enough for out and about. Much less likely to cause tears too if you lose something in the mud than say snap on.....


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Bigblue&Goldie

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I would focus on the tools needed for common failures when four wheeling. I often see guys with massive tool sets in their Jeeps/UTV's, but nothing they need. An SAE set is useless in that Jeep, so focus on metric. Get a socket for your axle nut. Get a hammer, pry bar, snap ring pliers, combo wrenches, etc. Basically, you need tools that will allow you to limp off a trail if you blow an axle shaft, drive shaft, tie rod end, etc.

When I work on a new offroad toy, I write down every tool that I use. That list becomes my tool bag inventory. I don't carry complete sets of anything, just sizes I need. Be smart; don't carry a big 4 way lug wrench, instead carry a long handle flex ratchet and 19mm socket. Instead of linesman pliers, carry vise grips that can be used to pinch off damaged break lines. Make sure you have a 12pt if that's what your u-joint strap bolts are. The trail is a ****** place to find out your tools are inadequate.

True story; I was on a UTV trip in Baja and a guy ripped off a front A-arm on his RZR. He went to fix it and had a 18v 1/4" impact, a claw hammer, and a nail bar......but didn't have the right sockets/wrenches to remove the arm. Keep in mind a 13mm, 15mm, and 18mm will fix 95% of that vehicle. WTF did he have a bag of carpentry tools?
 
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zmotorsports

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Bb&G's advice is sound.

36MM axle socket plus common metrics such as 19MM and 21MM in particular for the JK's. Also don't forget a good VOM and maybe a decent inexpensive scan tool. Those are commonly forgotten about but should be tools considered for the modern Jeep.

I am one of those guys that Bb&G is talking about that carries way too many tools, and my Jeep's weight reflects that. Unfortunately I use most everything because it never fails that I end up working on everyone else's stuff and never know what they have. RV's and Jeeps are usually what I find myself working on when on vacation.
 

MarvinBerry

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Enchantment under the sea - NJ
When I work on a new offroad toy, I write down every tool that I use. That list becomes my tool bag inventory. I don't carry complete sets of anything, just sizes I need.

The trail is a ****** place to find out your tools are inadequate.
?

I had an XJ for about a decade until the dash electronics burned up...

Somewhere along the way I got the advice to make the road kit the primary tools when doing any work... That way you know exactly what's needed to fix your rig.

Right, don't wanna break down somewhere and find yourself saying I'd trade my kingdom for _______ realizing that you need a T40 bit or whatever to limp home. Also makes a case for good reliable tools vs cheap random ****.

Another thing to keep in mind is the other half of the tool equation... Parts! Some guys carry a service trucks worth of tools but if something breaks do you have parts to fix it?

Point was super clear one time when my starter grenaded at a gas station. No pirior warning, just a puff of smoke. Had all the tools I needed in the the back but no starter so had to get towed home anyway.

Food for thought.
 
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M635_Guy

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Dec 5, 2019
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NC
Hey guys I'm looking for some input on what you would consider a reasonably priced, complete, well made (USA is a plus) socket set to keep in the Jeep. Right now I have an old Kobalt pass through socket set, but I want a standard square drive. Ideally, I want a 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 complete set with ratchets and sockets.

The only one I've looked at so far is the Sunex SUN1889. https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-1889.aspx

I have that exact set. LOVE the sockets, had to get used to the ratchets or I'd flip the damn direction lever - not a problem now and other than that they're beefy and nicely made.

Agree with the others that there's probably a light set to keep in the jeep. I'd probably get a good 3/8" metric set of sockets (impact), a regular retchet, a swivel ratchet, a breaker bar and a few other things foks have suggested.

When I drive around in my old BMW, I carry my battery-powered stuff (impact, ratchet, etc.) but I always have the traditional tool as well. Given where you're likely to need the tools, that should be doubly-true for you.
 
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Muffduster

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Arkansas
You guys are preaching to the choir when giving advice on bringing spare parts, etc. I’ve been wheeling for a long time.

I was just wondering what folks recommended for a socket kit. That’s all.
 
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FSrepair&fabrication

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I like the klein / estex canvas bags. Cases are nice, but youll still need to carry some loose random stuff.

Sunex makes a nice 3/8 impact set that is sae and metric, deep and shallow with no skips for like $75 in a nice case. The only drawback is that it doesnt come with a ratchet. If you have that, just toss some pliers screwdrivers and a rail of torx, and a hammer in a bag youll be 90% there.

When we used to do trails with bikes and trucks/jeeps we always brought the service truck too and left it with the trailer in case we needed anything serious it was only a few miles away at the worst.
 

gatlibs

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I'd do something like 3/8" drive in small and 6 point, 1/2 drive in deep well and 12 point. I might go lower in 3/8" and higher in 1/2". I'd keep an adaptor for 3/8" to 1/2" and 1/2" to 3/8". Depending on the vehicle you may be all metric or you may need some standard. Short and high tooth 3/8" ratchet only. Long, flexible ratchet or breaker bar in 1/2". Locking pliers, small set of screw drivers in slotted, phillips, and torx. I'd include the torx sizes that I need in socket as well. Also, a valve installer. A flash light and a grabbing tool for sure with a mirror.
 

eyeball

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This topic has been asked a few times a month and debated for years at Jeepforum.com

Take a look over the there under the subforum for your model Wrangler and you will find a ton of well researched information.
 
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jeepinerdeep

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jeepinerdeep

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No 18mm wrench, no 12 pts for hub bolts and a ton of excess socket sizes. Short 1/2 ratchet no breaker.

I can't think of a bolt yet that really required me to use a deepwell. I've been through nearly every inch of my hemi JK.

Give some thought to eliminating 3/8 drive for a trail kit. Only thing on my whole rig that needs 3/8 is the belt tensioner.
 
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