Socket set under $150

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. Looking for a home set to keep around as a grab and go set. My actual set of tools/toolbox is not at my current residence.

I'm looking for 1/4 & 3/8, if I need half inch odds are I'll need my impact or breaker bar and It'll be a visit to my toolbox.

I was looking at the gearwrench pass-thru sets but also think opinions on a ratchet/extensions/socket set besides pass-thru are in order.

I don't want neiko/tekton or whatever Amazon offers for the average home owner. I know GW isn't top of the line but I've been happy with the few tools I've owned from them.

What are my options for an already assembled set of 1/4 & 3/8. I don't mind if they're separate, I'd just like to keep it under or right around $150. A bit above for the right set isn't out of the question.

Thanks!

 

[tez929rr]

Hey guys. Looking for a home set to keep around as a grab and go set. My actual set of tools/toolbox is not at my current residence.

I'm looking for 1/4 & 3/8, if I need half inch odds are I'll need my impact or breaker bar and It'll be a visit to my toolbox.

I was looking at the gearwrench pass-thru sets but also think opinions on a ratchet/extensions/socket set besides pass-thru are in order.

I don't want neiko/tekton or whatever Amazon offers for the average home owner. I know GW isn't top of the line but I've been happy with the few tools I've owned from them.

What are my options for an already assembled set of 1/4 & 3/8. I don't mind if they're separate, I'd just like to keep it under or right around $150. A bit above for the right set isn't out of the question.

Thanks!

It’s kind of hard to figure out where the satisfactory quality point is for you. I don’t see a big difference between Tekton and Gearwrench. The HF sets are very good for the price as are those Crescent sets if you want something complete and packaged in a case.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

It’s kind of hard to figure out where the satisfactory quality point is for you. I don’t see a big difference between Tekton and Gearwrench. The HF sets are very good for the price as are those Crescent sets if you want something complete and packaged in a case.

I'm partial to my Carlyle ratchets. I'm not so picky about sockets as long as they fit the fastener and the chrome is good. It's the ratchet and the coverage of sizes in picky about. I don't like low tooth count ratchets, round ratchets and non locking swivel head ratchets. Quick release is nice but not necessary. I'd like 7 or 8mm to 19mm or so in the set.

 

[nadogail]

To be honest I have made a lot of good wages using tools from Harbor Freight until I was forced to retire.

 

[jdsac]

Why not HF? Personal experiance or? The rachets are quite good and the sockets are as well. Lifetime guarantee . For home use, more than good enough

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I'm told (yesterday, actually) that Husky is made by the same US manufacturer that used to make Craftsman. I don't know if that is true or not. I think they may be involved with Stanley somehow, too.

Tommy

 

[dirtydrew420]

This has to be the best deal anywhere, and it's at lowes!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[CraigStu]

I was just going to mention Lowes. In addition to their Kobolt line they are now big into Craftsman. A couple weeks ago I decided it was time for a new 1/4 drive ratchet. Looking at Lowes I had 6 or 7 to choose from between those two tool brands. I was blown away.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I had a similar plan for my home set. I ended up getting a tool bag, and buying wrenches, pliers, ratchets, extensions, and sockets all separately. Wait for sales, get the ratchets you want, the pliers you like, etc.

 

[joe_padavano]

Personally, I'd be looking for used US-made Craftsman sets on C-list or FB marketplace. $150 will buy a lot of used tools.

 

[scg]

Check out Duralast at Autozone they are my grab and go sets. 70-042 and 70-043 are the part numbers.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

This has to be the best deal anywhere, and it's at lowes!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Ya know... I have a danbury near me! And that is a good deal. I'm gonna go search around.

 

[dirtydrew420]

Ya know... I have a danbury near me! And that is a good deal. I'm gonna go search around.

It's oos online but they have a bunch in-store

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[Kev442]

This Gearwrench set is about $63 after applying the coupon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5ECSK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ZRX61]

I'm told (yesterday, actually) that Husky is made by the same US manufacturer that used to make Craftsman. I don't know if that is true or not. I think they may be involved with Stanley somehow, too.

Tommy

Not sure about now, but the 20+yo Husky pro series wrenches I have are 100% identical to Craftsman of the same age with the exception of the name on them. I think Danaher made them.

 

[rayra]

Why not HF? Personal experiance or? The rachets are quite good and the sockets are as well. Lifetime guarantee . For home use, more than good enough

seconded. It's good stuff. Good plating, good function. No reason NOT to use it, except snobbery.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I second pretty much what everyone else has said. The Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Pro sockets are excellent except they skip sizes but you can easily pick those up somewhere else. Also that $99 Craftsman set is excellent they also have a Kobalt one that’s the exact same made by someone else with a different name same price and set layout the guy at my Lowe’s says that is a top seller in both brands. The Duralast from Auto Zone are excellent too and Carlyle from Napa. Also I think Capri offers a set under $150 maybe and I’ve been really happy with their stuff so it might be something for you to look at too.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[joey1320]

Kobalt - 286 Tool Set - $99
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-286-Piece-Mechanic-s-Hand-Tool-Set-in-4-Drawer-Chest/1003095532



I have the 232 piece version on it and can't complain. I did open up the ratchets and added silicone grease to them and they are silky smooth now.

 

[matt_i]

I think you are making a mistake if you want to save money yet immediately discard Tekton as "too low quality".

I own sockets of many price points and its pretty clear to me that Tektons sold at Meijer up the road will do the same amount of work as the others. I buy them for shared toolboxes at my plant because who wants to steal a tool you can buy at a grocery store (?) yet they work day in and day out.

 

[MooreGarage]

I've been really happy with this Crescent set (currently $105 on Amazon):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4AVRGW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Prior to that I had a Crescent set from Costco that was even better, but over the years from teenage sons borrowing tools, too many pieces got lost, so I ended up just buying the above set. I don't think Costco carries Crescent any more.

 

[tez929rr]

I've been really happy with this Crescent set (currently $105 on Amazon):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4AVRGW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Prior to that I had a Crescent set from Costco that was even better, but over the years from teenage sons borrowing tools, too many pieces got lost, so I ended up just buying the above set. I don't think Costco carries Crescent any more.

We carry those sets in two fire trucks and a HF 301 piece in our rescue truck. They have been very handy as you never know what you might need.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Kobalt - 286 Tool Set - $99
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-286-Piece-Mechanic-s-Hand-Tool-Set-in-4-Drawer-Chest/1003095532



I have the 232 piece version on it and can't complain. I did open up the ratchets and added silicone grease to them and they are silky smooth now.

I bought a few sets for our field crews, good starting point & for the price if you loose a few it's not bad.

 

[PWC Repair]

We carry those sets in two fire trucks and a HF 301 piece in our rescue truck. They have been very handy as you never know what you might need.

I also used to have that exact set. I have to say, It's probably the best grab-n-go, or road trip type set around. You can pretty much make any basic repair with that dude!