Socket choices

[Rogers954]

I am in the market for some deep sockets my current craftsman USA set that my grandparents bought me 17 years ago has about 200 pieces of mixed shallow/deep 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, but not a lot of deep wells at all non in 1/2.

So I’m mostly just concentrating on deep well sockets as lately I’ve really needed them for jobs on my Cummins, im interested in Williams, i was entertaining the idea of going with USA Williams all the way from tools delivered prices and selection seem pretty good, so my current 3/8 deep well offerings in my set go up to 14mm and today wouldn’t you know it i had a complicated job that required a 15mm well i had to make due with what i had and frankly I’m tired of doing it.

So i went on the site and starting adding 3/8 deep wells to my cart 15-25, came out to $78 for 10 sockets, then for price sake i looked at the sets and they had a 19 piece set of deewells covering everything i wanted and below all the down to
9mm for $100 and i thought ok that’s a better deal. Well the. I went into 1/2 sockets and was disappoint to find that the only deepwell options where Taiwan (6 point) USA’s where only in 12 point on the 1/2 sockets.

Now I’m not opposed to buying non USA tools (been reading a lot on here about offerings from Taiwan and i trust the judgment of people on here)


Here’s where it gets more complicated for me i start pricing out 1/2 Taiwan Williams and it starts getting expensive pretty quick and we are only talking metric not even touching sae yet, then i start going back to what i have been cosidering for a while now and that’s tekton. Lots of positive things have been coming out of this forum on there tools as well as YouTube reviews. So needless to say they have been on my radar (hard not to for the prices of there bigger sets) i was really eye balling there 84 piece 1/2 set lots off sockets there in both sae and metric both deep and shallow, it would cover just about everything i would need for a while to get by.

Well then i hear on here that tekton is coming out with new sockets soon (supposedly higher quality) so I’m thinking maybe wait?

I’m not sure what direction i should go here and could use some advise.

I prefer 6 point in both 3/8 and especially 1/2

I can’t afford snap on or sk or any of the other high end companies out there (iwhy Ive been looking at Taiwan offerings really hard)

I just need tools that are quality and are going to last, i don’t abuse my tools And I’m not making a living on them, just a very heavy diy guy (i don’t take my truck to the crooks at dealerships unless i simply don’t have the specialty tools required to fix something) put it this way i have Owned my Cummins since it was brand new in 2005 and it’s only been to a dealership for recalls and maybe 3 other times everything else in the last 160k has been upkept of fixed by me.

So if you where in my shoes with a pretty limited budget what would you do? And if i should go tekton do you think pull the trigger on the current offerings or hold out for the new line?

Thanks fire away

 

[Rogers954]

Oh and in no way am i saying Williams or tekton and that’s it, I’m open to suggestions which is why I’m asking for advise. Cheers

 

[Negen]

Tekton , Williams, gear wrench , or any assortment of Taiwan/China made tools. It would be easier if you listed what you need and what your budget is. May need search eBay or other methods of bargain hunting to get the biggest bang for your buck. I just bought a full sk 1/4 set for 50$ from eBay. Top tul and teng are some of the higher quality Asian imports. Might check out koken but if sk prices are too high that really limits you because sk can be had fairly low if you search. Gear wrench is always good bang for buck and deals are easy to find. But quality from what I have seen isn't as good as it used to be when made in Taiwan rather than China. If budget is that much of a concern the new craftsman stuff although still made in China isn't really that bad looks the same as old craftsman to me. Sunex is another decent brand to look into.

Are you looking to get a complete set or just some sockets on a rail?
What sizes do you need? Metric or sae?



Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[four.cycle]

1/2" drive SAE deep-wells should be in plentiful supply in the second-hand market if you want to go low budget.
check ebay. there are all kinds of US-made brands you can find used.

 

[Wamsutta]

I assume you're talking about chrome sockets? Your original plan was going to be my first suggestion - Williams USA sockets. You can't go wrong with that. The other suggestion was going to be Proto. As far as import sockets, it's been my experience that the detents are always in the wrong location.

 

[Tonyuk]

These days sockets are pretty decent no matter what brand.

I would either go for a decent enough brand from amazon or ebay, or buy from a local chain store (autozone etc..)

 

[3jakes]

Ebay tekton:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tekton-28P...366477&hash=item3f78353b25:g:~2EAAOSwB-1Y0bNY
Ebay used Snap-on:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-13...865682&hash=item5d830a7ef3:g:sn8AAOSwCnVb1Qzi

 

[Mr_B]

current tekton sockets nothing to write home about.
Napa carlyle or oem tools about best easy source option at cheap to mid range cost, carlyle at sale prices not too bad and quality/design and coverage very decent.
Really wouldn't want pay williams price for bland design taiwan .
toptul nice but harder find these days in US and even more so for sae sets .

 

[bigjeff94]

If you are wanting to go SAE and Metric I would look hard at SK. I have both the 3/8" drive 47 piece set and the 1/2" 47 piece set that come in the green blow molded case. As well as the matching 1/4" set. They are my go to socket sets and I love the cases also. For 1/2 drive if you buy that set it sounds like you have everything your looking for in 1/2 drive with 1 purchase. You can choose to get these sets in either 12 or 6 point. Tooltopia is a good vendor.

Regards,

 

[DFB]

I have full lineup of 6pt & 12pt shallow and deep chromed Craftsman sockets, 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" from early 80's to mid 90's

But I do have all 6 point shallows and deep in impact grade sockets too. 3/8" but especially 1/2"

And I seem to use them more and more...just sayin

Full sets of 1/2 deep impact are pretty reasonable

 

[Mgdoug3]

Search Craigslist and Ebay. I have come across several deals for SK related tools. Earlier this spring Advanced Auto had a sell for Gearwrench sockets (50% off) that made them cheap to buy.

 

[jsmeece]

If you order SK sockets, get the "extra deep". SK deep sockets are about the same size as GW or Snap-on semi-deep socket or mid-length sockets.

 

[seber]

If you are wanting to go SAE and Metric I would look hard at SK. I have both the 3/8" drive 47 piece set and the 1/2" 47 piece set that come in the green blow molded case. As well as the matching 1/4" set. They are my go to socket sets and I love the cases also. For 1/2 drive if you buy that set it sounds like you have everything your looking for in 1/2 drive with 1 purchase. You can choose to get these sets in either 12 or 6 point. Tooltopia is a good vendor.

Regards,

I have SK that I bought in 66. They were pretty cheap at the time. Now they are even more expensive than Snap-on.

 

[Rogers954]

Tekton , Williams, gear wrench , or any assortment of Taiwan/China made tools. It would be easier if you listed what you need and what your budget is. May need search eBay or other methods of bargain hunting to get the biggest bang for your buck. I just bought a full sk 1/4 set for 50$ from eBay. Top tul and teng are some of the higher quality Asian imports. Might check out koken but if sk prices are too high that really limits you because sk can be had fairly low if you search. Gear wrench is always good bang for buck and deals are easy to find. But quality from what I have seen isn't as good as it used to be when made in Taiwan rather than China. If budget is that much of a concern the new craftsman stuff although still made in China isn't really that bad looks the same as old craftsman to me. Sunex is another decent brand to look into.

Are you looking to get a complete set or just some sockets on a rail?
What sizes do you need? Metric or sae?



Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

As far as what I’m looking for I’m really just trying to concentrate on growing my sockets that’s one of the hang ups that i have about the tekton set is that it comes with a ratchet and a extension and breaker bar, i don’t really want any of that I’ve got plenty of ratchets couple Snap-Ons (that I’d probably sell if they were worth more because they don’t get a lot of use) have a gearwrench swivel head set, my craftsman set and some harbor freight composites (honestly my favorite ratchet to use) so yeah sockets on a rail would be prefect, i thought about buying singles from tekton but it’s actually not as cheap as one would think. Right now I’m mostly concentrating on metric it’s what i use probably 80% of the time and it’s what is found on my truck and our two Honda’s so that’s where i would like to start. Looking to start with deepwell 3/8’s because that is what i lack the most of.

 

[Rogers954]

I assume you're talking about chrome sockets? Your original plan was going to be my first suggestion - Williams USA sockets. You can't go wrong with that. The other suggestion was going to be Proto. As far as import sockets, it's been my experience that the detents are always in the wrong location.

Yes chrome is what i am after

 

[Rogers954]

It looks like the limitation on your choices is self imposed; your desire to have large 1/2" drive sockets in 6 point. Once you get away from Craftsman and into a quality brand, 12 point, 1/2" drive sockets will work fine. I'd guess that's why Williams USA is only offered in 12 point, they don't see a performance need to go to 6 point.

If 12 point really offends you and that's a hard limitation, you've been given some choices by others in this thread. Another choice I'd consider is Proto. I have 6 point deep 1/2" drive in SAE, I presume they make them in metric also, but I don't have them myself. Expect to pay about $125 to $175 a set for Proto; about $10 to $15 a socket. They're every bit as good or even better than the Williams you're looking at.

For the money, the Williams USA you're looking at are about the best deal you can get. Top quality, for a decent price. If you can live with 12 point, that would be my recommendation of what to get.

Main reason I’m was looking for 6 point in 1/2 is because when i reach for those 9/10 times it’s somthing on my truck and living in Utah with all the snow and salt they put down rust is somthing i deal with a lot when working on engin parts and all the time on suspension, so that’s why i was mostly looking for 6 point because when i need it, it usually means that I’m going to be putting a ton of force into it and rounding off bolts is not what i want to be dealing with.

 

[PJNJ]

I have SK that I bought in 66. They were pretty cheap at the time. Now they are even more expensive than Snap-on.

Really? That's interesting since I found that from SO directly their 13 piece, 12-24 mm set is $491. It's available on Ebay for $279.99.

SK's 15 piece, 10-24mm, is $169 from Circle C Supply and their 21 piece, 10-28, 30, 32mm set is $269 from Circle C Supply.

So care to do the math for me as I keep coming up with SK as a lot less expensive than Snap On? I must be doing something wrong.

 

[Mr_B]

OEM tools on rail set
metric and sae, do singles to if want expand a bit
30 to 60 bucks a rail roughly for nice quality and design .
OEMTOOLS™ 22959 Metric Deep Socket Set, 10-Piece
OEMTOOLS™ 22961 SAE Deep Socket Set, 11-Piece
OEMTOOLS™ 22955 Metric Deep Socket Set, 12-Piece
OEMTOOLS™ 22953 SAE Deep Socket Set, 10-Piece

 

[Blind1]

Oh and in no way am i saying Williams or tekton and that’s it, I’m open to suggestions which is why I’m asking for advise. Cheers

Well honestly, you are on the right track. USA Williams would be my choice if it HAD to be made in USA. Tekton is what my box is full of: bothe chrome and impacts.

There isn’t a damn thing those sockets won’t do for your stated purpose.

 

[Blind1]

current tekton sockets nothing to write home about.
Napa carlyle or oem tools about best easy source option at cheap to mid range cost, carlyle at sale prices not too bad and quality/design and coverage very decent.
Really wouldn't want pay williams price for bland design taiwan .
toptul nice but harder find these days in US and even more so for sae sets .

Napa, one, Tekton, gearwrench (Taiwan), duralast, husky/kobalt (Taiwan), are all very similar. Any attempt to say otherwise is just passing out coolaid.

Quality tools at reasonable prices. The craftsman of the modern era.

Pick the manufacturer/supplier/roll mark you like best and go with it. You won’t notice real differences.

 

[Negen]

https://www.maxtool.com/milwaukee-48-22-9408-3-8-inch-drive-durable-sae-ratchet-and-socket-set-28pc

The Milwaukee sets are looking good too.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Mr_B]

Napa, one, Tekton, gearwrench (Taiwan), duralast, husky/kobalt (Taiwan), are all very similar. Any attempt to say otherwise is just passing out coolaid.

Quality tools at reasonable prices. The craftsman of the modern era.

Pick the manufacturer/supplier/roll mark you like best and go with it. You won’t notice real differences.

carlyle and oem very much different in features compared to tekton, duralast ect .
sure the all turn a fastener but some make your life easier doing it as small design points make a big difference .
Tekton deeps don't have decent socket only rail sets like OP wants plus they don't even step shoulder them nicely which reduces usability due to socket bulk .

 

[Tallpilot]

Hard to beat the Tekton 84 piece set for having every size you could conceivably need for a very reasonable price(I got mine on a 20% off Father’s Day sale). Will the redesign (which I now expect to look like the Icon sets HF is launching) be as complete a set with 90 tooth ratchet at a similar price point? If so you should certainly wait. But I expect the price to be higher or the set to be smaller which makes it more of a decision.

 

[Tallpilot]

carlyle and oem very much different in features compared to tekton, duralast ect .
sure the all turn a fastener but some make your life easier doing it as small design points make a big difference .
Tekton deeps don't have decent socket only rail sets like OP wants plus they don't even step shoulder them nicely which reduces usability due to socket bulk .

While I agree with you completely on the design. I think a guy on a tight budget should get Tekton for completeness then buy Carlyle in the few sizes (10-14mm) where stepped shouldering matters. At least in 1/2” drive. 3/8” I would do the same but substitute USA Williams for Carlyle in the sizes smaller than the drive end.

 

[Blind1]

carlyle and oem very much different in features compared to tekton, duralast ect .
sure the all turn a fastener but some make your life easier doing it as small design points make a big difference .
Tekton deeps don't have decent socket only rail sets like OP wants plus they don't even step shoulder them nicely which reduces usability due to socket bulk .

LOL. I mean... really.

Reduces usability in a non professional setting because they aren’t cut down.

Same same.

 

[Mr_B]

^
not same same
your certainly are the blind1 lol .

 

[Mr_B]

While I agree with you completely on the design. I think a guy on a tight budget should get Tekton for completeness then buy Carlyle in the few sizes (10-14mm) where stepped shouldering matters. At least in 1/2” drive. 3/8” I would do the same but substitute USA Williams for Carlyle in the sizes smaller than the drive end.

On a budget I would buy oem deeps and be done with it.
If could take time and budget allows buy the carlyle as come on sale deals.
Both these sockets really nice use and not going find much better or much they won't do in this cost range .
Tekton be worth waiting see new range and hopefully do rail or foam socket only sets .

 

[Negen]

As a non pro I ended up buying three sets of deep impacts because of broaching depth. I never did understand what use a 3-5" deep socket is if the broaching is the same depth as non deep sockets. So that issue may be of concern to op.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Mr_B]

^ Ideally as a pro you need shallow and full depth broached
Full depth is most versatile but in every cent cost cutting it cheaper do short broaching and short or no stepped shouldering .

 

[Wamsutta]

I never did understand what use a 3-5" deep socket is if the broaching is the same depth as non deep sockets.

I never understood it either. If you wan't to use a "deep" socket for an oil pressure sensor, you can't.

 

[DFB]

Sometimes you need to see outside the box with the socket design. A shallow broached deep socket was my favorite socket to use on an old job of mine large transformer switch rack assembly that was also on timed piece work. By the shallow broach seating on the nut (11/16" I think it was) I was easily able to quickly run the those nuts down over multiple elongated studs to the full tightening/torqueing stage.

We even used those speed wrenches back then.

A full broach deep socket would just slide down to far and bottom out while trying to drive the nut down without playing around with it. Just a simple example of real world use

 

[Professional Tool User]

Really? That's interesting since I found that from SO directly their 13 piece, 12-24 mm set is $491. It's available on Ebay for $279.99.

SK's 15 piece, 10-24mm, is $169 from Circle C Supply and their 21 piece, 10-28, 30, 32mm set is $269 from Circle C Supply.

So care to do the math for me as I keep coming up with SK as a lot less expensive than Snap On? I must be doing something wrong.

You're comparing apples to oranges. SK authorized dealer prices are not that much better than Snap on. If you want to compare non authorized dealer prices, go look at used Snap on tool prices on eBay. Factor in that Snap on's distribution network is a hundred times better, I wouldn't buy SK unless I can get used SK stuff for dirt cheap.

 

[Mr_B]

Sometimes you need to see outside the box with the socket design. A shallow broached deep socket was my favorite socket to use on an old job of mine large transformer switch rack assembly that was also on timed piece work. By the shallow broach seating on the nut (11/16" I think it was) I was easily able to quickly run the those nuts down over multiple elongated studs to the full tightening/torqueing stage.

We even used those speed wrenches back then.

A full broach deep socket would just slide down to far and bottom out while trying to drive the nut down without playing around with it. Just a simple example of real world use

yeah in real world deep and shallow broached useful and owning both best, for diy guy it easier adapt a deep broach to shallow while other way round you out of luck .

 

[PJNJ]

You're comparing apples to oranges. SK authorized dealer prices are not that much better than Snap on. If you want to compare non authorized dealer prices, go look at used Snap on tool prices on eBay. Factor in that Snap on's distribution network is a hundred times better, I wouldn't buy SK unless I can get used SK stuff for dirt cheap.

You're comparing apples to oranges. Used Snap On on Ebay is just that - used. I compared new prices online where many non-pros these days purchase their tools - Ebay for SO and Circle C for SK.

 

[Rogers954]

OEM tools on rail set
metric and sae, do singles to if want expand a bit
30 to 60 bucks a rail roughly for nice quality and design .
OEMTOOLS™ 22959 Metric Deep Socket Set, 10-Piece
OEMTOOLS™ 22961 SAE Deep Socket Set, 11-Piece
OEMTOOLS™ 22955 Metric Deep Socket Set, 12-Piece
OEMTOOLS™ 22953 SAE Deep Socket Set, 10-Piece

Wow thanks for the heads up, the price on those is really nice now I have some serious decisions to make. I didn't even know about OEMtools

 

[Mr_B]

^
prices can be good if hunt around.
very good design spec and well finished considering cost . Very usable and good size coverage .

 

[Rogers954]

^
prices can be good if hunt around.
very good design spec and well finished considering cost . Very usable and good size coverage .

Just took a quick peak at them on amazon and I found the oemtools 22963 set that has knurling about half way up the body of the socket, it looks impressive and very useful as I find myself often especially in confined spaces breaking a bolt loose and then spinning the socket on the ratchet to fully remove the bolt, hard to accomplish when your hands or the socket is covered in oil. Has anyone used these ones?

 

[Rogers954]

oops just took a close look at the 22959 set and those have it as well. really liking that design

 

[Rogers954]

https://www.maxtool.com/milwaukee-48-22-9408-3-8-inch-drive-durable-sae-ratchet-and-socket-set-28pc

The Milwaukee sets are looking good too.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

I'm sure these are a nice set but no way I could ever get onboard with a square socket. That would drive me crazy

 

[ptgarcia]

I recently purchased the OEMTOOLS 3/8" shallow sockets on the rail. They're really a nice socket, especially for the $13.99 asking price on Amazon. I'll definitely be investing in more.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ELYPLZO/?tag=atomicindus08-20