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Socket set choice.

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nomade

Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2016
Messages
5
Location
Ukraine
Hello!

I need help with the choice of socket set.
I have three candidates for today.

1. Williams
http://www.protorquetools.com/8-19m...ow-deep-socket-tool-set-6-pt-29-pcs-msb-29hf/

2. Armstrong
http://www.armstrongtools.com/profe...ric-standard-and-deep-mechanics-tool-set.html

3. Snap-on
https://store.snapon.com/6-Point-mm-chrome-Set-Starter-Metric-6-Point-17-pc--P649325.aspx

Benefits of the first and second one are obvious:
- Come with box
- Standard and deep sockets

Benefit of the third candidate:
Ratchet has 80 teeth, in contrast to 36 of previous sets.

So, here is the question.
How big is the difference in quality of all three sets? :dunno:
I'm ready to live with 36 teeth if the rest is equal.
Or maybe Snap-On is so great that one can neglect the absence of the standard sockets and the box? :eyecrazy:

:beer:
 
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nikh

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Sep 11, 2013
Messages
47
Location
Ava NY
For my money, its no contest. The williams is the way to go, double the sockets of the SO set for a third the price. If the 36 tooth ratchet becomes an issue take some of the $350 that you didn't spend on the socket set and get a higher tooth count ratchet.

Don't get me wrong, the SO and Armstrong are really nice tools, but the deal on the Williams set is too good to pass on.
 
H

[email protected]

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Mar 4, 2013
Messages
170
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H

[email protected]

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T

Tim37

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Dec 11, 2014
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560
I have so at work but I can't justify the price for home use
 
W

walkerbait

Active member
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Messages
39
Indeed SO is very expensive! I have craftsman sockets and SO sockets at home (mostly craftsman!). The SO sockets are a little nicer but not worth the extra money. The ratchet...probably worth investing in the FL80 since you'll use it all the time. I bought the craftsman "pro" ratchet a few years back for around $40...wish I would have spent the money for the SO. The FL80 will probably be one of my next tool purchases.
 
A

anndel

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Oct 28, 2015
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3,270
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Hawaii, USA
I have 70% Snap On, 15% Craftsman, 5% SK, then the rest Mac, Sunex, Gearwrench, Tekton and Carlyles. The fit and finish of the Snap Ons are truly awesome but when you're working in the engine compartment or under the car wrenching, none of these matters and any brand will turn a nut/bolt. Get whatever you can afford and have fun.
 
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Bruce57

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Feb 16, 2014
Messages
323
Location
Central Ohio
I'd go with the Williams and as others have suggested, if you want the 80 tooth Snap-on ratchet you can find a like new one on ebay for $50 - $75. The USA Williams stuff is excellent quality.
 
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WWheeler

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Jun 23, 2015
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Middleofnowhere USA
If you are wanting a set to use professionally that's one thing, but to use at home in the price range you are looking at I'd get a starter set of 'Made in USA' Craftsman, which unfortunately aren't available in your local Sears anymore, unless you were to get really really lucky to find some NOS that's been sitting there for a few years now.

Something like this ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-USA-MADE-193-PC-MECHANICS-TOOL-SET-39484-/291932403328

That's a nice little 193 pc 'Made in USA' starter set of SAE & Metric 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" shallow and deep + a few extras like allens and a couple wrenches thrown in, and I'd build from there. You'll be able to tackle a LOT more jobs with that set than any of the ones linked in the OP. The only thing about that set I personally wouldn't be perfectly happy with at home for the long run are the ratchets.

edit: There's still quite a few other USA Craftsman sets on ebay too if you're looking for more or less than that.

ebay search "craftsman mechanics set usa"
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=2&_nkw=craftsman mechanics set usa&rmvSB=true

I'd just make doubly sure they are actually 'made in usa' - most with 'USA' in the title are not. It is ebay afterall. You have to read the fine print & look at the images and the seller's feedback, etc. The one set I linked above was just about the best deal I saw from what looked to be a good seller.
 
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B

bigjeff94

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Oct 15, 2014
Messages
212
Location
USA
I have a set of armstrong sockets at work, supplied by the company, they are nice but I wouldn't get them if I was footing the bill. I personally like the 36 tooth williams ratchet and have a couple of them in different drive sizes and variations. Not quite as smooth as my dual 80 flex head but still damn nice ratchets. I own the 193 piece set linked above and it's nice I keep it in my truck I paid 90 dollars for it. If I had to get a set tomorrow though it would be the 47 piece sk set mentioned above.
 
Y

Yankee

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Dec 23, 2012
Messages
266
Location
Midwest
Thread after thread a OP asks for opinions on specific items and most replies are to get something else........ :willy_nil


Hands down (my opinion) the Williams set.
 
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S

ssdave

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Apr 11, 2015
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Eastern Oregon
The Williams set appears to be the best value to me. Personally, I think the quality is better than Armstrong, and the price is less. Snap-on, unless you need the warranty or the service, is excessively priced. As noted before, buy a SO ratchet on ebay for a discounted price if you find the Williams ratchets to be deficient.
 
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B_Bimmer

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May 7, 2015
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Eastern Iowa
You don't mention money like it's an issue in your post, given that, get the best, you never have to worry about "upgrading" again.
 
G

gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
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[email protected] said:
thats the same one i recomended right abouve yours.

by the way i grew up in Norwalk and lived in Stratford up to 4 years ago. Worked at Audi of Fairfield for 8 years
Click to expand...

M6erfan said:
Ha. I grew up in Fairfield. I remember when my dad bought the Jetta in 1981 from that VW/Audi...
Click to expand...

Then what are you two doing on a tool forum?! :confused:
Didn't mommy and daddy pay for everything and send you off to boarding school?

Just kidding. You know why I said that. You're from the "rich" part of CT!
 
J

jdlong

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Oct 2, 2016
Messages
333
Location
Kaukauna Wisconsin
If I was turning the wrenches 40 hours a week or building up long blocks and differentials and whatnot where exacting torque angle specs and socket elongation are a concern, the Armstrong or Snap on set for sure. Otherwise, for serious DIY work, the Williams set. The Alloys, their strengthening and plating processes make the price difference.
 
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