Socket Sets, how many?
- Thread starter Pistolero
- Start date
General Geoff
Well-known member
I have at least 20, and I don't even have a garage
Granted only four of them are what would be considered complete sets of SAE/metric, the rest are more specific subcategories.
Granted only four of them are what would be considered complete sets of SAE/metric, the rest are more specific subcategories.
four.cycle
Well-known member
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have a "set" in my box, a 200ish piece portable one in a blow molded case, and one more small set in the car.
The set in my box is the one with lots of duplicates, 6 PT, 12 point, all the odd and extra sockets. The portable one is a kobalt kit that I'll use if I need to bring a bunch of sockets somewhere or if I need a loaner. It's been at a buddy's house for a few months now. I'll probably let him keep. It and I'll replace it at some point
The set in my box is the one with lots of duplicates, 6 PT, 12 point, all the odd and extra sockets. The portable one is a kobalt kit that I'll use if I need to bring a bunch of sockets somewhere or if I need a loaner. It's been at a buddy's house for a few months now. I'll probably let him keep. It and I'll replace it at some point
seber
Well-known member
One full set of about 100 in the main box plus a backup of just the basics in the bottom drawer. Another basic set in the house and a minimal set for the travel box.
tez929rr
Well-known member
Good point. I’m sure what I consider complete sets are nothing compared to a lot of people here. I have two big rolling chests (2 different buildings) and a smaller rolling chest and a tool cart in different areas. All have different amounts and mixes of sockets. The cars and trucks all have tool kits that contain some sockets; I even have a Cruztool motorcycle kit that has three or four sockets in it. Come to think of it, the Cruz multi tool in my briefcase has a few sockets in it. I once spent about 15 minutes trying to get it through airport security.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
At home at have 6 or 8 sets. 3 main drive sizes in metric and SAE, and some hex and torx sockets. During covid19 slow downs I counted all my sockets, male and female, one day. Around 1500 at work IIRC.
Bondo
Well-known member
Ayuh,..... I've got oodles of sockets, all came in "Sets", but most are now lackin' 5/16", 1/2", 9/16", 10mm, 'n 8mm, due to azzhats "Borrowin' 'em,......
Last year, I had a break-in, which cost me several sets, 'n 1/2 dozen rackets, some irreplaceable,.....
Last year, I had a break-in, which cost me several sets, 'n 1/2 dozen rackets, some irreplaceable,.....
Dave455
Well-known member
Again, it depends what you consider a “set”. The 4 sockets and 1/4” ratchet in the glovebox of one vehicle? Or does it need to be a boxed set? Either way, I’ll admit it’s a lot!
In my defence, I’m in the U.K. where I need Whitworth, A/F (SAE) and metric.
I also work on a range of stuff, so I use everything from 1/4” drive through to 3/4”. I also find I need different grades of tools. The socket that I use to turn a nut on an aircraft component will be a very good one, and I won’t chuck it in my bag to wind a coach screw on some workshop rebuild..!
In my defence, I’m in the U.K. where I need Whitworth, A/F (SAE) and metric.
I also work on a range of stuff, so I use everything from 1/4” drive through to 3/4”. I also find I need different grades of tools. The socket that I use to turn a nut on an aircraft component will be a very good one, and I won’t chuck it in my bag to wind a coach screw on some workshop rebuild..!
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I’m not sure on the exact number of sets. I actually think I’ve only bought 2 or 3 sets the rest have been pieced together from the pawn shop. At home alone I have over 2,000 sockets most divided into sets. At work I have probably 8 or 10 sets two Metric sets of each drive size one for the box and one for the cart, SAE, axle nut, spark plug set, hex and torx etc.
I have about 10 'complete sets' (Thorsen, SK, at least 3 CM, several Proto, 1 Plumb, and a couple of Taiwan sets (1/2 and 3/4" drv). This does not include the multiple HF sets that I have behind our vehicle seats and in a 2 drawer portable box for 'on the side of the road' repairs.
Kinda depressing for me in a way due to the fact that I've been struggling with reducing the extensive hoard that is my 3 car garage for over 4 yrs now (I've gave several duplicate socket sets away last yr).
Kinda depressing for me in a way due to the fact that I've been struggling with reducing the extensive hoard that is my 3 car garage for over 4 yrs now (I've gave several duplicate socket sets away last yr).
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
One more than I need... probably 10... several of which will never be used. Several missing a 10mm...
I actually got a free metric 1/4" set free with a "grab bag" for
.
I actually got a free metric 1/4" set free with a "grab bag" for
.KnurledNut
Well-known member
Just one...
Sorry to hear that Bondo. I lost ~ $1500 in new yet-to-be used Snap-On tools back in '84 due to a break-in at my apartment. I was stupid in that I didn't have insurance. Sad thing was that I had an unpaid 'tab' with the tool guy for about 2 hundred or so IIRC. Wasn't much fun paying off tools that I no longer had.
Please insure your tools everybody, and have good New Year!
finn
Well-known member
Three in the Az house, including one set that lives in the old Ram down here.
At the Mi house, one in the Basement, one in the shed, one in the garage, and three to seven in the shop, depending on how you count.
That’s nine to thirteen. Probably double or triple that if you count all the little 1/4” and 3/8”” sets laying around.
At the Mi house, one in the Basement, one in the shed, one in the garage, and three to seven in the shop, depending on how you count.
That’s nine to thirteen. Probably double or triple that if you count all the little 1/4” and 3/8”” sets laying around.
klassenl
Well-known member
I have a 3/8 "set" in the work van. In the shop I have a full 3/8 set and a full 1/2 drive set. I think that's it. Maybe I should buy some more.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Depends on what you're doing, I suppose. Agree that what makes "a set" is a question mark.
I have standard, semi-deep, and deeps in all three drive sizes. Metric only. Standard and deeps in SAE in 3/8" and 1/4". Then there's the weirdo sizes for specific uses. Plus totes full of older uncatalogued stuff that I still need to get sorted out.
-Ryan
I have standard, semi-deep, and deeps in all three drive sizes. Metric only. Standard and deeps in SAE in 3/8" and 1/4". Then there's the weirdo sizes for specific uses. Plus totes full of older uncatalogued stuff that I still need to get sorted out.
-Ryan
claymont
Well-known member
Somewhere around ten plus numerous loose sockets in three work areas. I don't like going back and forth for tools 
A set is pretty vague.
At home I have a sears companion blow molded case tool set with a few added sockets and missing the 8mm
At work I've got tons of sockets as an auto tech, which I guess would make one big set from various manufactures that will never be complete. Along with a some redundant and odd ball sockets for specific tasks
If each socket rail is a set... for work I'd have to go through the box and count but over 20.
The companion set has 1/4 shallow metric/sae. 3/8 is shallow/deep and metric/sae.... so 6 sets
At home I have a sears companion blow molded case tool set with a few added sockets and missing the 8mm
At work I've got tons of sockets as an auto tech, which I guess would make one big set from various manufactures that will never be complete. Along with a some redundant and odd ball sockets for specific tasks
If each socket rail is a set... for work I'd have to go through the box and count but over 20.
The companion set has 1/4 shallow metric/sae. 3/8 is shallow/deep and metric/sae.... so 6 sets
Thanks for all the replies folks, I thought I have too many socket set, 1 full set of Hazet 3/8 metric deep, 1/2 short, 1 set of 1/4. 3/8 Stanley deep and short Metric and SAE, 1 set of Deep 1/2 Deep impact, 1 set of 3/8 Williams impact, 1 set of 3/8 for junk yard trip, 1 set of 3/8 in the car, 1 set of 1/2 Chrome SAE.
You have friends that don’t own their own sockets?! You need to reevaluate the kinds of people allowed in your life.
Depends on what is considered a set. I have a pretty good set of sockets in my garage:
- 1/4 shallow, mid, deep, swivel(chrome)
- 3/8 shallow, mid, deep, swivel(chrome)
- 1/2 shallow, deep(chrome)
- metric and sae hex, torx, torx plus, external torx, etc in various drive sizes
- plus tons of ratchets, breaker bars, extensions, swivels, etc.
- also impact sets in 3/8 and 1/2, shallow, deep, swivel, metric and sae
- also torque wrenches and impact guns
- also a few individual 3/4 items
In both of my work trucks, I keep a fairly extensive set of 1/4 and 3/8 drive, plus a 1/2 breaker bar and a set of flip sockets. In the garage, I also have enough spare stuff to put together a fairly complete set of chrome in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. All of my 1/4 and 3/8 chrome sockets and all of the torx and hex stuff is on rails.
- 1/4 shallow, mid, deep, swivel(chrome)
- 3/8 shallow, mid, deep, swivel(chrome)
- 1/2 shallow, deep(chrome)
- metric and sae hex, torx, torx plus, external torx, etc in various drive sizes
- plus tons of ratchets, breaker bars, extensions, swivels, etc.
- also impact sets in 3/8 and 1/2, shallow, deep, swivel, metric and sae
- also torque wrenches and impact guns
- also a few individual 3/4 items
In both of my work trucks, I keep a fairly extensive set of 1/4 and 3/8 drive, plus a 1/2 breaker bar and a set of flip sockets. In the garage, I also have enough spare stuff to put together a fairly complete set of chrome in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. All of my 1/4 and 3/8 chrome sockets and all of the torx and hex stuff is on rails.
Packard V8
Well-known member
I've found inch dimensions so cheap, I keep 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" in two garages and the basement. The anomally is by getting the inch sets for cheap, quite often the ratchets, extensions, speed handle, breaker bar, comes with them. Then, one only has to buy the metric sockets.
Having said that, the complete sets at Costco; Stanley or Kirkwood, are of acceptable quality for home use and take the fun and savings out of pieceing together sets from garage sale detritus.
jack vines
Having said that, the complete sets at Costco; Stanley or Kirkwood, are of acceptable quality for home use and take the fun and savings out of pieceing together sets from garage sale detritus.
jack vines
A socket set is sold in a case/tin comprising ratchet, sockets and possibly extensions/uj’s/other (bits, spinners, etc).
Off the top of my head, I’ve got:
1/4” Bluepoint metric
1/4” Draper expert metric/imperial
3/8” Draper expert metric/imperial
3/8” Sykes pickavant metric
3/8” Sealey Premier metric/imperial
3/8” Sealey Premier metric
1/4 & 3/8” bluepoint metric
1/4 & 1/2” Stanley metric
ste6168
Well-known member
I have an old craftsman 'set' in my home box (its not a full set, per se, as the 1/4 and 3/8 has very little overlap), both short and deep sockets. I have a Gearwrench set in a blow molded case for portability and I eventually plan to have a shop, where that would go. I also have a Milwaukee set in the packout case in my service van. I have 1/4" makita impact sets in both my service bags... I don't own any 1/2" sets, not really needed for what I do.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I'm working on him. He has some stuff, just not enough, if such a thing existsYou have friends that don’t own their own sockets?! You need to reevaluate the kinds of people allowed in your life.
Snapped-off
Well-known member
More than I need, or not enough?
I have a couple more special hex/torx sets elsewhere and 4 more small sets not pictured. I may take the extensions and bars out to fill up the remaining space. Also have a carry box with short/deep in 1/4 - 1/2 of just metric.
I can't stand to stop a job because I don't have some random socket I need. (Like a stupid mortorq fastener on a Porsche turbo that just got me.)
I wish I could ditch all the SAE stuff. Maybe in 20 years.
I have a couple more special hex/torx sets elsewhere and 4 more small sets not pictured. I may take the extensions and bars out to fill up the remaining space. Also have a carry box with short/deep in 1/4 - 1/2 of just metric.
I can't stand to stop a job because I don't have some random socket I need. (Like a stupid mortorq fastener on a Porsche turbo that just got me.)
I wish I could ditch all the SAE stuff. Maybe in 20 years.
Sockets are like herds of cattle. If you have 300 together you have a herd (set). Separate them into two groups of 100 + 200, and you have two herds (sets) - one smaller one bigger. One alone is a cow (socket). A few are a few. Where it becomes a herd (set) is inexact, depends on both a critical mass and whether the separation is temporary or permanent.
Personally I have 3 herds, the largest of which lives in the garage.
Personally I have 3 herds, the largest of which lives in the garage.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
On my cart -
1/4 - chrome shallow/chrome mid/chrome deep/chrome universal/impact universal/koken and wera holding sockets/koken zeal/ lonesome sae shallow set for hose clamps and chasers/flank drive extra shallow. 9 sets. Plus a set of torx and hex. 11 sets.
3/8 - chrome and impact metric in shallow/mid/deep/low profile. 8 sets there. Plus flank drive extra semi-deep, two sets of torx and one hex. 12 sets
1/2 - (all impact) - shallow and deep metric, sunex impact swivels, GW USA and snap on impact swivels for the semi-deep aspect. 4 piece sunex axle nut sockets. 5 sets.
So, if we include bit socket sets, I have 28 sets of sockets on the cart I push around the shop.
1/4 - chrome shallow/chrome mid/chrome deep/chrome universal/impact universal/koken and wera holding sockets/koken zeal/ lonesome sae shallow set for hose clamps and chasers/flank drive extra shallow. 9 sets. Plus a set of torx and hex. 11 sets.
3/8 - chrome and impact metric in shallow/mid/deep/low profile. 8 sets there. Plus flank drive extra semi-deep, two sets of torx and one hex. 12 sets
1/2 - (all impact) - shallow and deep metric, sunex impact swivels, GW USA and snap on impact swivels for the semi-deep aspect. 4 piece sunex axle nut sockets. 5 sets.
So, if we include bit socket sets, I have 28 sets of sockets on the cart I push around the shop.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
and I was worried I had too many at 10-12...I feel much better now. thanks GJ!
Boogerman
Well-known member
Two. Few over 500 top draw cabinet, 4 drives; regular, deep, metric, SAE, 6 pt, 12 pt, swivel, torx, etorx, hex, impact, 8 pt, special up to 55mm/2 1/2". Set 2 road box, reg/deep sae/metric, few swivel, torx, hex in 3 drives to 1 1/2". Maybe 200 total.
Not thinking why need sets over that, one shop one road. Collect, maybe?
Not thinking why need sets over that, one shop one road. Collect, maybe?
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kbeefy
Well-known member
This is my 'high use' socket drawer, has the more common metric and some SAE.
There is also 2 large drawers in other boxes that have duplicates and less common stuff, in addition to a few sets in my garage and a few more sets in my recovery bag. I'd guess I'm around 1000 sockets.
There is also 2 large drawers in other boxes that have duplicates and less common stuff, in addition to a few sets in my garage and a few more sets in my recovery bag. I'd guess I'm around 1000 sockets.
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I think I'm there; I've kept all my Whitworth/BS stuff and haven't needed them for at least 40+ years. But some day?
