So, how often do you use your ¾ drive socket set?

[Toymeister]

Well to keep the family peace I’ve told the wife I’ll take my brother in laws Armstrong ¾ drive socket set. Its complete with SAE and metric, deep and standard sockets, I don’t know the socket count. Probably retails over 2K. It will settle an outstanding 600.00 debt.

As a homeowner with no heavy equipment I doubt I’ll ever have reason to use it. What about you, how often do you use yours?

 

[ATC]

I use mine several times a year. Usually on rusted up U-bolts, leaf spring shackle bolts, and other large suspension components.

 

[dlcwent]

I use a lot of 3/4" sockets on a weekly basis, axle nuts and such. But hardly every break out the ratchet or breaker bar.

 

[Toymeister]

So, forgetting for the moment that I would never see the 600.00 back anyways, is the price waaay high? I see SAE sets with stanard depth for 300.00 or so but not deep and standard times SAE and metric. Not sure if that matters...

 

[dlcwent]

You got a good deal just because as you said, you were never going to get back the $600 anyway. Something is better that nothing. But I'd say you got it for 1/2 of what it sold for new.JMO

 

[Buckgnarly]

Deep is a bonus! I use mine for tractor stuff, or really rusted drivetrain or chassis type stuff.

 

[Toymeister]

I dunno, Perhaps I'll just sell it. Yes that is a GJ sin, I know, but there are so many tools a man can possibly use. Problem is I'll have to deal with every CL lowballer out there. Too heavy to eBay...

 

[wild cowboy]

Not to heavy to ebay - there is a ton of 3/4" on ebay! - and it goes for its full value!

ship it "Media Mail" (I won't tell)

but first I would take it to any local place that works on tractor trailers (semis) and also to UPS main facility in your town (they have mechanics on site in towns over 100,000 people) as well as any place that sells/services Case, Caterpillar, etc. - take it to where people who need it are!

 

[drivesitfar]

Toymeister: do you have any pictures of your newly acquired tools? i don't use my big tools often, but they are nice to have when i need them. since you have been a GJ member for a while you might be ready to buy a 150 pound vise which usually has a big bolt to remove.

i like the idea about marketing to big shops or maybe talking to a few of the truckers. you might not get a grand, but if they are not all rusted and filthy you'll get something for them close to what he owed you.

 

[wild cowboy]

and for what it's worth, I haven't seen the exact set you have, but I think even at fair market full value, a used set of 3/4" in any brand other than Snap-On will have a hard time realizing $600, but I think you will recoup most of it, which is a lot better than I have gotten on bad debts, where I am normally stiffed completely!

 

[Toymeister]

Toymeister: do you have any pictures of your newly acquired tools? i don't use my big tools often, but they are nice to have when i need them. since you have been a GJ member for a while you might be ready to buy a 150 pound vise which usually has a big bolt to remove.

i like the idea about marketing to big shops or maybe talking to a few of the truckers. you might not get a grand, but if they are not all rusted and filthy you'll get something for them close to what he owed you.

Ah the tools are in Alabama and I am in Kandahar, so no pictures. The wife arranged for this deal. She knew it pissed me off and I love tools. To her the type of tool means nothing. I asked for the 3/4 drive because I thought that best equated 600.00. Besides I thought he would trade it off to me.

While I don't have a 150 pound vice I do have a mini 96 pound Yost 33C So I feel your pain!

 

[Dave455]

You'll be surprised how often you do use it, and when you need it, nothing else will do!

You'll be able to shift things like hub nuts easily, which means replacing most wheel bearings becomes straightforward! Great for suspension and suchlike. If you've got 3/4 drive you tend to use it rather than making do with 1/2 inch!

Unless you really need the money I'd keep it for sure!

 

[Automag88]

I rarely use my set but it's there if I ever need it

 

[Farmall450]

I use a lot of 3/4" sockets on a weekly basis, axle nuts and such. But hardly every break out the ratchet or breaker bar.

Same here...mostly just use 3/4 impacts.
Chrome is alright, but I probably use it 2x a year if even.

 

[venturesomerite]

Once a year if I'm lucky.

 

[bcradio]

You would be required to go into exile for twelve years if you don't keep them.

 

[Hootbro]

As for home use, I have used my 3/4 set once 7 year ago to remove a pitman arm nut on a Crown Vic. Was worth having it then and will keep it around even if I do not use it for another 7 years.

 

[John in OH]

I use my 3/4 drive set several times a year on really tough or large nuts. Great set of tools to have when you need them, but if you don't have some rather large equipment your use will be minimal, if ever.

Just two days ago, I used my Proto 3/4 drive breaker bar, ratchet and a 1-11/16 socket to remove the blades from one of my brush hogs. Tight suckers, fine thread .... had to add a 4' cheater pipe to the breaker bar to get them broken loose!



IMHO, $600 for that set is a good deal !!

 

[SASORacing]

only never. but then i dont work on big industrial tractors or semis (rare)
1/2in has a lot of potential to do most work.

 

[Ign]

On eBay, I dunno. On CL, you'd never get $600 IMO. Maybe $250.

I use my set 3-4 times/yr. Axle nuts & trailer balls mostly.

The one thing I've NEVER used but still love to have is my 1" drive set (from HF).

I'm sure the media mail thing was a joke, but don't do it. They check quite often and sockets rattling around is a dead giveaway. Plus even if it makes it it can take FOREVER; I swear sometimes they intentionally set media rate in the corner of a warehouse for 3 weeks before sending it along.

 

[Ign]

I use my 3/4 drive set several times a year on really tough or large nuts. Great set of tools to have when you need them, but if you don't have some rather large equipment your use will be minimal, if ever.

Just two days ago, I used my Proto 3/4 drive breaker bar, ratchet and a 1-11/16 socket to remove the blades from one of my brush hogs. Tight suckers .... had to add a 4' cheater pipe to the breaker bar to get them broken loose!

IMHO, $600 for that set is a good deal !!

I was gonna say......make sure the set has 1 11/16". My import did not, but its common for '94-02 Dodge front axle nuts. Readily available separately on Amazon tho.

 

[Cab037]

I can't say that I used them often, but that didn't stop me from buying a second set....

 

[Art From De Leon]

I used certain 3/4" inch drive sockets maybe 5-6 times a year when I worked as a JD ag mechanic. The one item that got the most use was the 39" long handled breaker bar that could also be used with the ratchet head. (The most used one was my 15/16"/24MM used to remove/install the bolts that held the cast frame plate on JD MFWD tractors)

I used my 1 7/16 Proto 12pt socket more when I would have to breakout or install the Acme threaded bullplug in our LT-20 control head to remove, or install the wireline thread protector.

 

[Steinmetz]

Have your brother sell it on CL, and then pay you the $600. Problem solved.

 

[Zrexxer]

I was a John Deere tech for awhile back in the late 80's too, and we used the big stuff a good bit there. Since then - not so much. But I have a stupid fascination with the darn things for some reason. I've got a drawer full of 3/4 Proto, Allen, and Armstrong. Sometimes I like to just open the drawer and admire them. And they're there if I ever need them again

 

[Toymeister]

You would be required to go into exile for twelve years if you don't keep them.

I am in exile here in Afghanistan until January!

 

[Spudland_Dave]

How often do I use my 3/4" Drive...not super often, but I wouldnt want to be without them.
That being said, I'd say 600 is way high for 3/4" Drive stuff of any brand... Resale of 3/4" Drive stuff is POOR in terms of % of original MSRP. You dont have to look too hard locally to find complete Snappy/Proto/MAC/Armstrong 3/4" Drive sets for +/- 200 bucks. One thing that you got going is deep sockets seem to be rather rare in 3/4" drive.

BUT Given the family situation the the way the deal came about...I think it is what it is..

 

[fatfillup]

No sin to sell tools,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I do it everyday.

An Armstrong deep/shallow metric/sae set should sell well. I tend to agree with ebay even though I don't sell there. You will widen your audience and you can offer local pick up so shipping may not be a factor.

I would see what you can buy the set for new from amazon or tool fetch, and if it is truly close to $2k, you should get $800 or so provided the set is nice.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

You described what I call four sets of sockets; Metric std and deep, SAE std and deep.
Indeed, you may have a full 3/4 drive set that would retail for the $2000 you mentioned.
Like you stated, the socket count is unknown, along with whether 6 or 12 point..
It would be great It they are not rusted, beat on, or have been used on an impact wrench;;;;assuming they are not impact sockets. Lack of personal markings or engravings is also a plus...
Over the past two years, some of my 3/4 drive sets were duplicated so I wouldn't need to raid my shop box when 3/4 drive was needed on a service call. I bought a NOS set of six Craftsman metric std and a Cornwell set of eleven SAE industrial finish sockets. Both sets are 12 point.. I believe the Cornwell were new also.. Other purchases included extensions and a used ProTo breaker bar.
Point is; Armstrong is a respected tool brand.... I know what I paid for my stuff, and could reasonably expect You to see $600 for the Armstrong. I would have been game... In my world, I would maybe split the works into four or five for resale. That is; metric std, deep, SAE std, deep, and drive tools.. If this happens to be a master set with it's own case, maybe sell as a set..
Ya, grab the sockets to settle the debt, and think about keeping them!!! Most important, Take Care..

 

[Herod]

I used mine to remove a rusted on, bumper mounted tow hitch ball from a 1994 Chevy truck. 1-5/16 socket, sliding t handle, and a three foot cheater to break. Then switched to the ratchet to finish. Fought me all the way out since it was fine threaded and rusted completely.
but the location of the nut...under the chrome bumper by the license plate....nothing would get on it but a socket. I couldn't heat it with a torch, would have fried my chrome, set my spare tire on fire, a real mess...... Couldn't beat on it with a hammer because the nut was recessed under the bumper. In a hole.

Needed those sockets, though

 

[jmm]

I use mine quite a bit, but I work on class 8 trucks for a living. Can't imagine needing a set if you only work on cars, but like most tools it's good to have around just in case.

Care to pare the set down to the essentials only (ratchet, extension, and shallow sizes to 1 3/8" or so)? I'd buy some of them from you for a good price. Chrome 3/4" deep sockets are impossible to find. Probably make close to your original $600 if you took a little time, plus you'd still have a working 3/4" set. Win-win, if you consider the effort it'd take worthwhile. Shoot me a message if interested.

 

[pi_guy]

I was given a set a few years back.
Have never used it, have loaned it out 2 or 3 times.
I did recently buy a 1 inch drive 1 inch deep socket to use with my camber gauge as we retain the wheel with one nut and it makes a quick way of checking camber.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Keeping the family peace for $600 is a no brainer.

I got by for years without one. One day I was at an auction and won a bid for "choice of any box on the rack" for $20. The auctioneer choked and just about every bidder took a closer look at the rack when I pulled off a 3/4" SAE set. (I had expected it to go close to $100).
I've used it several times and wish I would have gotten it years ago.

 

[Tronyadorable]

When you get home throw it in the vehicle and drag it off to some tractor trailer or heavy equipment dealers. Those guys will take it off your hands.You might get a tool truck to take it and give you credit towards buying things you actually need.
Forget Craigs list. That's for people with mental disabilities.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You described what I call four sets of sockets; Metric std and deep, SAE std and deep.
Indeed, you may have a full 3/4 drive set that would retail for the $2000 you mentioned.

^^^^

Other posters need to pay attention. If this is a reasonable sized set, with both standard and deep of fractional and metric, this is a huge and expensive set. Armstrong is decent quality. Wait till you get home to see what you have, sell it if you don't need it. As noted, and AG equipment mechanic or a heavy truck mechanic may be interested, esp if they are trying to avoid tool truck prices on the stuff.

Charles

 

[trpearcy]

I use my set daily, but I work on large trucks and heavy equipment.
Heck, most wheel end work required 3 1/2 inch---4 1/4 inch sockets.

 

[byoungblood]

I'll probably keep most of my 3/4" drive sockets and breaker bars, but I think the 3/4" drive ratchet is going to go. I tried using it on a couple of jobs recently and came to the conclusion that unless you've got a ton of room to swing it, its utility is rather limited. Plus it is probably 3 times heavier than my longest 1/2" drive ratchet (head on it is huge) and is only 2-3" longer.

I only have about $30 in my entire set of 3/4" metric sockets (got them when Sears blew them out a couple of years ago) and most of the SAE stuff was given to me, so I don't have much money sunk into it.

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

All day every day. I would take it off your hands if you were further north. If it's in good shape and full sets that is a steal of a deal for a heavy tech, you would not have a problem getting your money back up here.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Honda harmonic balancer bolt! Damn Honda! lol.... suspension work, leaf spring... On Tacoma leaf spring replacement!

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I bought a complete Wright set on ebay for under $200 shipped. I haven't used it yet, but will be shortly. Even on 1 ton trucks it makes things a lot easier and safer.