Socket set question

[txbonds]

I know these questions are all over the forum and the net but I have one with some specifics that I wanted some leads on.

I have a 20 year old craftsman socket set so keep that in mind. I also have a new Klutch (northern tool) set. Both are mixed 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 packaged sets.


If you look at my other posts you will see I've been buying tools recently to update my tool chest with better quality tools (USA made where I can, but some Spain and German too).

I just bought and returned a Wright #337 set, which is a boxed 22 piece 3/8 metric set. Bought for a decent deal locally at $200 for my first higher end set. Well after getting it home I discovered some rust on the ratchet handle and some Crome issues on a socket. Also many of the sockets didn't seem to match size wire. I called Wright and it turns out I got a 2005 set that had been sitting around the store. I didn't feel the price was discounted enough so I returned it for refund (they wouldn't discount more)


So that puts me back at square one looking at ordering the first piece of my socket set upgrade so that I can piece my other sockets out to truck tool boxes. I've looked and read all the info about Wright, Williams, Armstrong and SK that I can find. I think any of these 4 brands will meet my needs and they are similar in price.


So, can anyone give advice on how to put together the best packages from amongst these 4 brands so I can pick one? I've looked at ebay and Epstein as well as others trying to decide if I should buy ratchets separately and sockets separately or stick with sockets.

I've looked at the Bahco ratchets! the armstrong ratchets and the williams ratchets that are all 70-80+ teeth. Anyway my head is swimming.

The only thing I can add is that I'm a DIY'er that wants high quality and doesn't care if a set comes with a small metal box or clip rail as prob won't use it if that helps me save a few bucks. I don't have experience with any of these brands other than the wrights I just returned which seemed nice and my williams made kobalt wrenches from 10 years ago that are nice.

 

[ng8264723]

Look for an older set of craftsman on ebay

 

[alinc100]

Find yourself a new dealer for Wright Sockets.Or find a set of fresher stock.Here is one example:
http://www.pts-tools.com/cgi/CGP2LMXE

Or check out ToolsDelivered for Williams sockets:
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Sockets-Drive-Tools_c_2621.html

The US made ones are nearly identical to Snap On

another source for Williams:
http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/hatoforpr.html

Wright ,Williams, bahco all make great ratchets too.I am told the some of the Bahcos has the same internals as the Snap On 80's at less than half the cost.
Buy what you can afford,pieces at a time and trial and error will let you know what you like the most.

 

[txbonds]

Yeah the local folks don't carry wright any longer but had the one set left. It has apparently been sitting a while so who knows the story on it.

I had looked at both of the websites you linked. Also looked at the SK sets via Amazon. I just can't decide what makes best sense for me as I don't have local support for any of them other than the fact that there is a grainger store here and they sell SK I think.

Find yourself a new dealer for Wright Sockets.Or find a set of fresher stock.Here is one example:
http://www.pts-tools.com/cgi/CGP2LMXE

Or check out ToolsDelivered for Williams sockets:
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Sockets-Drive-Tools_c_2621.html

The US made ones are nearly identical to Snap On

another source for Williams:
http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/hatoforpr.html

Wright ,Williams, bahco all make great ratchets too.I am told the some of the Bahcos has the same internals as the Snap On 80's at less than half the cost.
Buy what you can afford,pieces at a time and trial and error will let you know what you like the most.

 

[txbonds]

Look for an older set of craftsman on ebay

I have a few of their USA made socket only sets on watch list on ebay but I have craftsman now but wanted to go up a notch in quality and with something that still offered USA made pieces and warranty replacements.

 

[David W]

Yard sales, the thrill of the hunt. I myself plan on phasing out my crapsmans and late 80's vintage SK's with higher end stuff.

 

[Zeroek]

I'm gonna start buying some SK stuff. Mostly sockets. Maybe a wrench set. I already bought snap on ratchets. So right now I'm planning to hit tooltopia or amazon for SK sockets.

 

[txbonds]

So maybe I should try this from a different angle and list the ratchets I have been trying to chose from if I buy separately since I don't think any of the sets include the brands higher level ratchets except maybe Wright. Would that make it easier to help me?

Williams S52A
http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/wi1rohechfir.html

Armstrong 12-992
http://www.armstrongtools.com/armstrong-12-992-1-2-drive-armstrong-maxx-standard-handle-ratchet.html

Bahco 8150-1/2
http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/baenhera1drc1.html

 

[txbonds]

I'm gonna start buying some SK stuff. Mostly sockets. Maybe a wrench set. I already bought snap on ratchets. So right now I'm planning to hit tooltopia or amazon for SK sockets.

Out of curiosity how did you decide on SK for the sockets? I basically might follow this approach of ratchets from one and sockets from another purchase.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Go and get yourself SK set 94562. It's a mix set of 1/4 and 3/8. That will give you a good start and a chance to try some quality stuff. I would then grab a snap on 3/8 drive FF80 and a snap on 1/4 drive FHD80. SK ratchets are great, but the selector for forward and reverse is a bit hard to turn when your hands are slippery. On the snap on's you just have to flick a lever.

 

[steelespeed]

There's a good chance I'll get flamed for saying this, but I don't know why so many here rate SK sockets so highly. I would rate the few that I have as merely average. These are from the time period where SK was being taken over by Ideal.

I know the choices for affordable, US made products have really gotten smaller over the past few years, but I think there are better choices. Just my opinion.

 

[Askme42]

Go with the Armstrong flex head ratchets.

 

[bob15]

Sorry, but I think that it is stupid to return a socket set because is from 2005.

The ratchet has a rust area.....gone the first time it is covered with oil and grime.

Sockets matching "size wire": no idea what you're trying to say.

What is wrong with Wright tools from 2005? I have a couple socket set and a wrench set from 1997. I guess i should replace them with newer stuff? Most on my Bonney tools are from the late 80's, should I replace them as well? What happens when you stuff becomes 8 years old? Trade it in for a newer model.

Ratchets with 70+ teeth....over-rated. Yes i have one (Snap On), but find the old 36 tooth Snappy's do just fine.

Worrying about a warranty is a waste of time, and stupid to justify a socket set purchase on. Unless you're abusing a tool, chances of breaking it are slim. And say you do, what guarantee is there that place you bought the tool from still carries that particular brand? Or even if the store is still in business? I use bonney tools all the time, yet they are out of business. I'm not worried about the: "what if i break it" mentality. It isn't worth it, and definitely not worth basing a socket set purchase on. Granted, you just blew off a local business because of a 8 year old socket set they were selling and now want to deal with an internet purchase, so good luck with returning them if needed.....or are you going to return them locally after blowing them off for the original set purchase?

 

[txbonds]

I didn't care about them being from 2005 but one had bubbled chrome, rust on the drive ratchet and some if the sockets seemed longer an out of a different set that didn't match. On top of that the ratchet, extension and at least 10 sockets had been used.

To me that isn't acceptable for a $200 or more socket set sold as new. The dealer was no longer a wright dealer and couldn't get a new one. They didn't offer any greater discount to keep it. And while wright agreed to replace the ratchet I didn't want to go through the process given the other issues.

This is not a quality complaint regarding Wright and I might very well buy the same set again from another dealer.

Ps I tried to buy local but for what these tools cost I expect new to be new so get off the judgmental horse.

Sorry, but I think that it is stupid to return a socket set because is from 2005.

The ratchet has a rust area.....gone the first time it is covered with oil and grime.

Sockets matching "size wire": no idea what you're trying to say.

What is wrong with Wright tools from 2005? I have a couple socket set and a wrench set from 1997. I guess i should replace them with newer stuff? Most on my Bonney tools are from the late 80's, should I replace them as well? What happens when you stuff becomes 8 years old? Trade it in for a newer model.

Ratchets with 70+ teeth....over-rated. Yes i have one (Snap On), but find the old 36 tooth Snappy's do just fine.

Worrying about a warranty is a waste of time, and stupid to justify a socket set purchase on. Unless you're abusing a tool, chances of breaking it are slim. And say you do, what guarantee is there that place you bought the tool from still carries that particular brand? Or even if the store is still in business? I use bonney tools all the time, yet they are out of business. I'm not worried about the: "what if i break it" mentality. It isn't worth it, and definitely not worth basing a socket set purchase on. Granted, you just blew off a local business because of a 8 year old socket set they were selling and now want to deal with an internet purchase, so good luck with returning them if needed.....or are you going to return them locally after blowing them off for the original set purchase?

 

[franzdom]

The Bahco ratchets are really nice!!!

 

[txbonds]

The Bahco ratchets are really nice!!!

I like those but wonder if I would find the handle too large. Any thoughts?

 

[Conductor562]

Blackhawk offers great value for sockets. USA made and affordable. Less than Proto or SK.

 

[Zeroek]

Out of curiosity how did you decide on SK for the sockets? I basically might follow this approach of ratchets from one and sockets from another purchase.

I bought a single 17mm chrome socket and compared it to the rest of my sockets. I like the SK sockets a lot. Not to say my Gearwrench sockets aren't good sockets but I feel the SK sockets are much nicer. I'll take the GW ones home when I get some SK for work. Was going to get Snap on but decided to save a little money. Want to get Shallow, Deep metrics in chrome in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2". For impact I done gone Gray Pneumatic and Kobalt sockets that are serving me well. May switch out the kobalts later on and take those home.

 

[sonvolt]

I have SK and Blackhawk, can't go wrong with either depends on your budget

 

[d.mcfarland]

Armstrong flex ratchets, sk sockets, and williams 36 tooth for ratchets if you want more or long handle. All USA and all bases covered.

 

[woody 73]

Yard sales, the thrill of the hunt. I myself plan on phasing out my crapsmans and late 80's vintage SK's with higher end stuff.

Posts like this confuse me, why are you thinking them as a low end product is confusing to say the least.

To the op you will find a ton (and I mean ton of posts to start reading from older GJ Posts about top quality socket sets).

For my two cents...

Read over the for sale posts on the GJ and treat yourself to a good socket set from snap on, or any other truck brands that have a good lifetime warranty.

 

[txbonds]

How about these sockets? Would this constitute a significant upgrade over my 20 year old USA made craftsman (with worn out ratchets)? I'm trying to piece together a set to last me the next 40 years, sort of like my Dads older USA made tools like New Britain and whatnot. I can always buy separate ratchets as mentioned but are these their normal high end USA made sockets or should I just stick to the Wright or Williams ones? These sets seem to include a lot of sockets for the money though.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/14drsets/91844.html

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Sktools/94547.html

 

[woody 73]

txbonds both of those sk sets are fantastic they will last you a lifetime.

 

[txbonds]

txbonds both of those sk sets are fantastic they will last you a lifetime.

Thanks. Any idea how the ratchets are in the sets?

 

[sonvolt]

Thanks. Any idea how the ratchets are in the sets?

That ratchet design was designed right the first time over 70 years ago, excellent ratchets !

 

[BK13]

So maybe I should try this from a different angle and list the ratchets I have been trying to chose from if I buy separately since I don't think any of the sets include the brands higher level ratchets except maybe Wright. Would that make it easier to help me?

Williams S52A
http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/wi1rohechfir.html

Armstrong 12-992
http://www.armstrongtools.com/armstrong-12-992-1-2-drive-armstrong-maxx-standard-handle-ratchet.html

Bahco 8150-1/2
http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/baenhera1drc1.html

I have the 3/8" version of the Armstrong in standard and long. I've not beat on them a bunch, but I really like them so far...

Of course, I'll likely end up trying some of the Bahco Dual 80 clones at some point...

 

[sselander]

Don't forget to look at Cripe for some sets as well.
I bought an older NAPA 3/8" only set in a case that works out well.
You may be able to find some sockets as well

 

[mudflap]

Those are very nice sets for the money (depending on shipping costs)....

 

[aaronrkelly]

Ive got a few ratchets laying around from different companies.....if your looking for "comfort grip" grab those Bahco ratchets. Same internals as my SnapOn dual 80s......at 1/4 of the price.

Also cant go wrong with the Armstrong 88s if you dont want "comfort grip".

 

[nicksnothereman]

I know these questions are all over the forum and the net but I have one with some specifics that I wanted some leads on.

I have a 20 year old craftsman socket set so keep that in mind. I also have a new Klutch (northern tool) set. Both are mixed 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 packaged sets.


If you look at my other posts you will see I've been buying tools recently to update my tool chest with better quality tools (USA made where I can, but some Spain and German too).

I just bought and returned a Wright #337 set, which is a boxed 22 piece 3/8 metric set. Bought for a decent deal locally at $200 for my first higher end set. Well after getting it home I discovered some rust on the ratchet handle and some Crome issues on a socket. Also many of the sockets didn't seem to match size wire. I called Wright and it turns out I got a 2005 set that had been sitting around the store. I didn't feel the price was discounted enough so I returned it for refund (they wouldn't discount more)


So that puts me back at square one looking at ordering the first piece of my socket set upgrade so that I can piece my other sockets out to truck tool boxes. I've looked and read all the info about Wright, Williams, Armstrong and SK that I can find. I think any of these 4 brands will meet my needs and they are similar in price.


So, can anyone give advice on how to put together the best packages from amongst these 4 brands so I can pick one? I've looked at ebay and Epstein as well as others trying to decide if I should buy ratchets separately and sockets separately or stick with sockets.

I've looked at the Bahco ratchets! the armstrong ratchets and the williams ratchets that are all 70-80+ teeth. Anyway my head is swimming.

The only thing I can add is that I'm a DIY'er that wants high quality and doesn't care if a set comes with a small metal box or clip rail as prob won't use it if that helps me save a few bucks. I don't have experience with any of these brands other than the wrights I just returned which seemed nice and my williams made kobalt wrenches from 10 years ago that are nice.

You can find old williams kobalt socket sets for 20 bucks on ebay if that's okay for you.

"DIY" generally doesn't merit the cost of professional stuff (at least the truck stuff). You can do it if you can afford it but the warranty service won't be as easy as just walking into a local store with one of the retail brands.

Most of the retail stuff nowadays isn't too shabby if you know what you're doing.

I like the armstrong stuff but not sure if that's something you'd go for/would want to pay for. I'm sure there are cheaper us made sets you can buy. Otherwise maybe go for craftsman usa old stock or the kobalt usa old stock but even the modern taiwanese kobalt is good...might actually be better than the old low end us-made stuff. I know it's better than the low end craftsman usa which I assume the williams is very similar to (when they made it for kobalt).

 

[txbonds]

Would it be crazy to order a single socket from Armstrong, SK, Williams and Wright to compare them side by side? I'm also tempted to order a few of the ratchets to compare.


I'm just not sure if I would be able to tell enough discernible differences in the sockets to make this exercise worthwhile and it would mean ending up with a bunch of the same sizes. Living in a smaller town makes going out to see and try these items difficult too since there isn't a dealer here for them other than Grainger which carries SK and Armstrong I think.

Think I'll call Grainger this morning and see if they have anything in stock locally I can check out. Having a local dealer would be nice.

 

[txbonds]

No such luck. Grainger locally doesn't have any SK or Armstrong in stock.

 

[txbonds]

I looked through my existing sockets and the biggest area I needed help in is the 1/2". I have been restoring and rebuilding a 97 4runner which has been covered with metric bolts up to 24 and 36 mm so far. So after lots and lots of reading I decided to start with tools direct and the following 3 items. I will eventually get the deep sockets too. I may still do the SK set for a 3/8 set but I think I will go ahead and order some replacement ratchets for my 3/8 and 1/4 craftsman sockets. Hopefully I won't regret the Williams purchase.

JHW-MSS-24RC Williams MSS-24RC | 1\2in. Drive Shallow Socket Set 12-Pt, 24 Piece (USA Made)

JHW-S-52A Williams S-52A | 1\2in. Drive Round Head Ratchet 11-5\16in. (USA Made)

JHW-S-41AA Williams S-41AA | 1\2in. Drive Flex Handle 15-1\2in. (USA Made)


I would have loved to go with Wright or Proto but the pricing just worked out to be too high. I liked the SK stuff too and will probably go that route on the 3/8 size but I couldn't find a similar range SK set of metric sockets. At the end of the day I hate making decisions like this via the internet.

 

[Gmonkee]

TX, I've been using good quality ratchets and merely decent generic Asain sockets for a decade. DIY and pro use. I've not tried the later issue SK or Wright sockets, really I feel no need to step up from what I have in the cost factor for the same promise of trouble free use these Asains have given me so long.
This is no suggestion of any sort just my experience.

I will however suggest to get the best ratchets you can of a style that you like because that is where troubles have always started for me. Not saying spend the most you can but spend what you must to get a lifetime tool that won't ever need a warranty, hopefully.
Cheaper ratchets stripping out or skipping mid job causes delays or mid day shopping trips.
That *****, simply put.

The one other item that got me working more comfortably was wobble plus extensions. Not the bling brands again but I tried the AZ house brand a few years ago. I have rarely used a U joint afterward. None have failed in any manner.
Some love them, some loathe them but for me they made a positive difference.

 

[bareass172]

The problem, or at least part of the problem, with asking here is that you'll get a lot of very differing opinions depending on the day. Not that this is bad, I ask all the time too, but I would double your efforts by reading OLD posts as well. God knows these topics are all beaten to death.

My suggestions based on what you've said, and not just on what I like - I would strongly consider the Gearwrench 120XP flex head set.
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT81230P
For $100 + shipping I just don't think you can get much better. They're not SO, but they're also not priced like SO either. I own both, so just saying...

For sockets, well if you must buy new then I'd strongly consider new SK (like you are) but not rule out any of the good US brands you've mentioned. I have to be honest though, I still use some old Cman sockets professionally every day and have never had an issue. I just don't think that you can compare new Cman US made stuff to the -V- tagged stuff from the 50's and 60's. I find these sets at garage sales, estate sales and pawn shops a LOT and for pennies.

If you weren't set on buying new then I'd say piece together a little here and there as you come across deals. Ebay helps me upgrade some things, and estate sales net me a lot of great old tools too. Just my $.02

 

[txbonds]

In addition to the 1/2 metric Williams stuff I ordered above I'm looking at the SK sets and I'm looking at piece meal via ebay. I want to stick made in USA if possible on wrenches and sockets. I've been trying to buy all made in the USA tools going forward with exception of Spain channel locks and German screwdrivers.

I will be searching ebay and other websites to see how piece together sets would compare to the SK sets and Williams for 3/8 and 1/4 purposes. No time for estate sales and I never seem to find CL deals when I remember to look.


I appreciate all the help and will keep this thread updated with my decisions as I go.

 

[alinc100]

Saw this today on my local Craigslist:
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/4517456354.html

It certainly would give an opportunity to try several ratchets.
Usual disclaimers apply,not my listing,no affiliation,no horse in the race,yadda,yadda,yadda

 

[kythri]

I looked through my existing sockets and the biggest area I needed help in is the 1/2". I have been restoring and rebuilding a 97 4runner which has been covered with metric bolts up to 24 and 36 mm so far. So after lots and lots of reading I decided to start with tools direct and the following 3 items. I will eventually get the deep sockets too. I may still do the SK set for a 3/8 set but I think I will go ahead and order some replacement ratchets for my 3/8 and 1/4 craftsman sockets. Hopefully I won't regret the Williams purchase.

JHW-MSS-24RC Williams MSS-24RC | 1\2in. Drive Shallow Socket Set 12-Pt, 24 Piece (USA Made)

JHW-S-52A Williams S-52A | 1\2in. Drive Round Head Ratchet 11-5\16in. (USA Made)

JHW-S-41AA Williams S-41AA | 1\2in. Drive Flex Handle 15-1\2in. (USA Made)


I would have loved to go with Wright or Proto but the pricing just worked out to be too high. I liked the SK stuff too and will probably go that route on the 3/8 size but I couldn't find a similar range SK set of metric sockets. At the end of the day I hate making decisions like this via the internet.

That Williams ratchet is a fine ratchet, but it's only 36 tooth, if that matters to you.

It sounds like you're looking for the "new hotness", and that ratchet ain't it.

If your Craftsman ratchets are worn out, you can get them rebuilt - they still make repair kits for a lot of them.

 

[txbonds]

That Williams ratchet is a fine ratchet, but it's only 36 tooth, if that matters to you.

It sounds like you're looking for the "new hotness", and that ratchet ain't it.

If your Craftsman ratchets are worn out, you can get them rebuilt - they still make repair kits for a lot of them.

No, not really the new hotness. Just some nice life long sockets and a desire to try to support USA made where I can. Not always possible but wrenches and sockets seem to be a good area to do so. Everything I read lists that ratchet at 72 teeth. Is that not the case? Either way it should be a nice starting ratchet and if I want something fancier like the armstrong or Bahco I can always add a second or third ratchet to the mix.

My old craftsman set isn't complete as it was one of those starter kits from 20+ years ago so I have a little of each size and the corresponding 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets. Didn't come with a 1/2 ratchet but rather and adapter to use the 3/8 on the larger sockets.

Adding some new sockets allows me to have complete sets and it allows me to break up my cheaper or older sets into two mobile bags to keep in each truck. I'll look I to repairing my ratchets. Any guess on where to look for parts? Thanks.

 

[kythri]

Sorry, I missed that you were looking at the round-head/S-52A rather than the S-52EHA (which are the Snap-on 936 internals).

The round-heads are 72 tooth, according to the catalog:

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.c...rialbrandscom/Content/PDF/SOIB - CAT2 236.pdf

As far as ratchet repair, do you have the model number of the ratchets, or pics of them? Your first stop for repair would be the local Sears where hopefully you have a competent PMT that will repair it for you while you wait, or provide you the repair kit.

Barring that, you can usually find the kits on eBay, but some shysters like to price them like they're gold.

If you have the model or pics of the ratchets, we can try to find the proper repair kit for you, to make things a bit easier.