Socket set suggestions

[chemando]

I am looking for a 3/8 socket set that has metric and SAE 6 point sockets, ratchet, extensions and a universal joint in a case.

I am considering SK set 94549 but have read that some people have had quality issues. I am also looking at TOPTUL set GCAI3501.

I live in Canada so Craftsman isn't much of an option. Gray makes a really nice set but my local Gray dealer doesn't stock much and its a little expensive.

Any other options?

 

[Driveswifecrazy]

You can all ways search local Craigslist for a nice used set like Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Cornwall,etc. Lowes has a decent tool selection also (Kobalt used to be a small division of Snap-on) but still nice. Hope that helps!

 

[71Datsun510Wagon]

Nothing wrong with SK, TopTul or Gray but the Mastercraft brand at Canadian Tire is good value for the money. They have boxed sets on sale -all- the time. I don't know if they have the exact combination/set you are looking for.

The CT web site has the current sale flyer, if you don't get your local paper.

 

[Merkava_4]

PROTO makes some excellent sockets.

 

[nissan_crawler]

No other ideas, but between the two, the toptul I've seen is finished better.

 

[Joe Mamma]

I think the S-K quality issue have been with wrenches. Personally, if this was going to be my primary set, I would definitely go with S-K over Toptul.

Joe Mamma

 

[Chamkila]

I think the S-K quality issue have been with wrenches. Personally, if this was going to be my primary set, I would definitely go with S-K over Toptul.

Joe Mamma

Agreed.................

 

[Paladin]

Agreed.................

x2!

 

[Big Bad Jon]

x2!

+3

 

[sk farmer]

sk is the way to go. some here do not like sk and that is ok. some do not like some other brands, okay to. definately better than craftsman and made in usa for now any way. a very complete set in a nice case for something less than 150 if you scrounge around. not long ago i think they could be had for around 100 but probably not anymore. you can always replace the ratchet or ad to it if need be. could never figure out why that complete of a set did not come witha breaker.

 

[cruiser808]

sk is the way to go. some here do not like sk and that is ok. some do not like some other brands, okay to. definately better than craftsman and made in usa for now any way. a very complete set in a nice case for something less than 150 if you scrounge around. not long ago i think they could be had for around 100 but probably not anymore. you can always replace the ratchet or ad to it if need be. could never figure out why that complete of a set did not come witha breaker.

sk farmer nailed it.

 

[olds88]

For sockets I consider Snap-on #1, S-K #2, and the various US made Danaher brands #3. I wouldn't give much consideration to anything else. Supposedly Wright is good and US made but I don't know anything about them, in fact I don't even know what they make.

 

[66HertzClone]

I think the S-K quality issue have been with wrenches. Personally, if this was going to be my primary set, I would definitely go with S-K over Toptul.

Joe Mamma

No concern over the long term health of S-K?

 

[toolnut]

S-K x 6 . Great quality and I think the finish is fine.

 

[posaune]

PROTO makes some excellent sockets.

This.

For sockets I consider Snap-on #1, Proto and Wright #2, S-K #3, and the various US made Danaher brands #4. I wouldn't give much consideration to anything else.

Fixed.

 

[norry]

S-K 91823 is a set of 3/8 sockets, 8mm-19mm, plus a ratchet and (it looks like?) a rail.

Amazon shows various sellers starting at $68, but they're on Harry Epstein's web site for $40 'cause Epstein's just rocks like that. No affiliation other than as a satisfied customer. IMHO if you're just getting started, $40 for a full set of S-K metrics and a ratchet is a pretty sweet deal. Unfortunately they don't have an SAE version of it on closeout. But it's a start, eh?

 

[chemando]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think I will go with the SK.

What are the prices for Wright and Proto tools like?

 

[sk farmer]

No concern over the long term health of S-K?

yes i do have concern. that said, they are still a good value on a quality tool. maybe a few purchases might help them out of their slump. if they do happen to go out of business there is a large supply of new and used peices out there for replacements to a set. i have many tools from various companies that are no longer in business. they work just as well now as when the company was in business. i have no fear of the tools themselves. indestro, diamond, thorsen and bonney are just a few of the good old quality brands that still work every day yet have been out of business for years.

 

[Joe Mamma]

No concern over the long term health of S-K?

Not really. I think someone will buy the company assets or company name or something if they go under. It's too strong of a brand. If no one steps in after they go under, then your S-K tools will be worth a lot of money.

I've actually picked up some S-K tools recently.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think I will go with the SK.

What are the prices for Wright and Proto tools like?

They are expensive. From what I've checked in the past, they are not much cheaper than Snap-On, and much more than S-K.

For quality of sockets and related accessories, I'd rank them something like this:

1) Snap-On
1.5) S-K
2) Proto, Wright, Mac

4) Toptul
5) Craftsman and the standard Danaher brands.


Joe Mamma

 

[Nova72]

i got 2 full hansen trays of toptul sockets for cheaper than my used snap-on semi-deeps in metric...

 

[Flash21]

I have to endorse Proto here, from what I have laid my hands on #1: Snap-On #2: Proto #3: SK #4: Various Danaher USA products

 

[posaune]

They are expensive. From what I've checked in the past, they are not much cheaper than Snap-On, and much more than S-K.

Actually, that isn't so true. A set of Proto 3/8" drive 8-19mm is $85 or so at MSC. Catch them on a sale and the price drops to less than $60. I don't think SO can touch that.

Also, at the risk of screwing up my deals, Proto can be had on ebay for very reasonable prices. I just let the same set in 12pt get past me ('cause I bought the deeps instead). It ended with no bids and was $28.**.

 

[buckbrush]

buy a Matercraft Maxium set when thet are on sale.

 

[forceyoda]

Why not go for this cornwell set or one like it? Not new or perfect but I would take it over SK or craftsman.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CORN...Z200392992697QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[MadMark]

I wish the manufactures would put a breaker bar in those SAE plus metric sets.
or at least put a spot in the plastic case for one.