Socket suggestions?

[Itsjustdirt]

I am looking for standard and metric sockets, 6pt and 12pt and impact sockets.

Budget- few hundred bucks if needed.
I can buy the regular sockets bow and impact later if needing a bigger budget.

I’m not a mechanic but I like decent tools. “Truck” brands are out of my league and a total wast for as much as I wrench.

Craftsman seem like they are junk now and below what I am looking for. I used to like Gearwrench but I’m not sure if they are still reasonable for the price?

Any other brands to look at that are decent for the weekend hobbyist that wants something better than craftsman or harbor freight?

Someone mentioned “new sockets” have some fancy anti rounding design? Do all new sockets have this or is there a catch phrase to look for? Or is it bs?

Thanks!

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

These threads are as useful as knowing that in 1966, Al Bundy made sports history for Polk High, scoring four touchdowns in the City Championship against Andrew Johnson High. Facing a 3-TD deficit, Bundy refused to quit, delivering the game-winning TD over rival "Spare Tire" Dixon. A legend was born! Many people still today believe he failed to break the plane in the final seconds but without the technology of instant replay at that time we might never truly know.

 

[Nutria]

You're in luck-- it's a good time to be building a set of sockets. Hard to go wrong with any of the mid-tier lines, say, like Tekton.

 

[Fedwrench]

You can't beat Tekton for value, quality, and customer service. I recommend buying directly from Tekton because, you'll earn 10% back in rewards that spend like cash on future orders. Tekton has probably the widest selection of no skip sizes along with open stock in case you lose one and off corner engagement. Capri tools have similar offerings.
Now if warranty isn't a concern but, you want a nicely made metric socket, consider Ko-Ken.

 

[Stelzer]

If you don't do a lot of wrenching, I'm not so sure I'd be so quick to dismiss HF. Even their Pittsburg impacts are as good as you'll need. Tons of other great brands besides HF, but I doubt you'd ever see much of a difference. I don't buy chrome sockets from HF, but I've beat the absolute piss out of my 3/8" & 1/2" Pittsburg impacts and they're still kickin.

 

[vga]

proto, 1980'sold school craftsman, snap on are all in my kit

 

[rust in the eye]

Hard to go wrong with any mid range Taiwan.
The usefulness of 12pt. impact sockets has me scratching my head

 

[Jtels85]

If you have a True Value nearby, the Master Mechanic 268 piece mechanics set is one of the most comprehensive big box store sets on the market. They're Apex (Gearwrench) sourced, so the same tools you'll currently find from Husky at Home Depot and Duralast at AutoZone. The wrenches are "long panel" with the teeth in the open end, same as the Gearwrench combination wrenches. I've had this set for roughly 6 months and I absolutely love it.

268-Pc. Mechanics SAE/Metric Socket & Tool Set, 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 In. Drive

Master Mechanic, 268 Piece 1/4, 3/8, 1/2″ Drive Tool Set includes: 3 – 72-Tooth Ratchets- 1/4″, 3/8″, ½” Sockets- 74 SAE and 73 Metric 4 Extensions 19 Bit Sockets 12 Nut Setters 2 Spark Plug Sockets Combination Wrenches- 11 SAE & 9 Metric 10 Ignition Wrenches 40 Hex Keys 1 Magnetic Bit Driver 10...

www.truevalue.com

 

[Burt Shaver]

I would think any mid range set would do just fine. I have sets from Canadian Tire that I’ve purchased 25 years ago and sets that I’ve purchased 10 years ago, same with impacts, one set is from Canadian Tire and another I really don’t know where they came from. Anyways, point is, they are nothing special, just socket sets, with the up keep on the families vehicles, all my toys I’m usually wrenching on something at least once a month on average. I’ve never broken a socket or stripped a bolt or nut. Now the Allen’s and Torx from Canadian tire I would not recommend, broken a few of those, metal just cracked, and not under extreme stress either.

 

[Tynee]

As recommended above. Tekton or Harbor Freight will serve you well. On the budget you've indicated, HF is likely the only way you'll get close to buying all the sets you have on your wish list.

 

[lardy1]

Tekton is hard to beat for value and service. No frills on their sockets but they fit well and hold up well. There are many adequate mid-range tool companies out there these days. I believe that as long as you don't buy the cheapest **** available you will get decent sockets from a multitude of companies.

 

[Wamsutta]

Williams USA from Suncoast Precision Tools.

 

[Rinspeed]

Very hard to beat these for the price and made in USA. For impact sockets the HF Pittsburgh are a steel for what the charge.



CAT

 

[ohhimark]

Very hard to beat these for the price and made in USA. For impact sockets the HF Pittsburgh are a steel for what the charge.



CAT

+1 cat/williams usa, or proto. Taiwan Craftsman V series (facom?) actually aren't bad and can be affordable. Bundy was a born Legend, that game was just another example of it.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I have a set for work, at home, and when I travel.

https://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-tool-set-301-piece-63464.html

I buy them when on sale for $182 out the door with tax.

 

[BTL-A4]

+1 more for Tekton. I have 3 ratchets and they are really nice. You could also look into Olsa Tools. I have their flex head wrenches and they are also nice.

 

[Skellyii]

For a non-pro, the HF impacts are fine. I've used and abused mine for years. The Craftsman Overdrive stuff has been getting good reviews, and I have some Tekton that I personably use.

If your budget allows, you might also look at ICON.

 

[AEAdam]

Williams offers a mid grade USA made line and a competitive Taiwan line exactly for people like you who want quality mid grade stuff. Take your pick.

With regard to metal working machines like my milling machine, people say (correctly) whatever you spend on the machine, you will spend again on accessories (tooling) for it. Feel the exact same way about sockets. I think I’d worry less about the sockets themselves and more about everything else.

Example: I think I’d rather have cheap sockets and nicer ratchets and extensions than vice versa.

 

[micromind]

Another vote for Tekton. Very good quality for a reasonable price.

Wright is another brand that I like. A bit more $$$ but nearly impossible to break.

 

[dnschmidt]

Tekton, for the cash they're hard to beat. When I sold TOPTUL those were the absolute nuts (although they don't make any 12 point impact sockets) but since I no longer do Tekton would be my choice.

 

[BWWgarage]

1/4 and or 3/8 and or 1/2?
What size sockets are needed?
You said sockets .. do you want ratchets too?
You say 6pt and 12pt ... do you really need both?

Going for value combined with quality…

Not in order:

Chrome:

• Tekton
• Gearwrench (if not in hurry, find on sale at HD)
• Quinn (get a master set on sale)
• Icon (get set on sale)

Impact:

• Pittsburgh
• Quinn (master set)
• Sunex

$113Quinn 3/8 metric+standard (includes ratchet)
$100 or $180 Quinn 3/8 or 1/2 impact
$213 or $293
Get on sale at 25% off, $160 or $225

I grabbed below gearwrench 3/8 and 1/4 on clearance for $80 (sockets a ratchets). Tough to beat for a well respected set.

 

[AEAdam]

With respect, Quinn is not better than craftsman or harbor freight. Quinn is near the worst of HF (Which I think is Pittsburgh). Agree Quinn impacts may be acceptable. The question is really, what is the step up from the bottom? I’m not sure it’s Tekton for a host of reasons. I think Icon could be a better fit.

The one concern I have with some of these brands is that they may be essentially crowd sourcing tools to get lowest prices. So their sockets may come from one manufacturer, extensions from another. That concerns me because the fit between tools matters to me and gives me confidence in the system. Sloppy fits between ratchets and extensions etc (like craftsman) FOR EXAMPLE, feels cheap to me. It’s distracting and annoying, like every joint has a built in wobble I didn’t ask for.

So my thought is, I’d find a mid tier supplier with a consistent supply chain, which isn’t easy. I thought Sunex had consistency (nope). Tekton just switched screwdriver suppliers. Maybe Bluepoint would make more sense. I think Williams makes sense.

I guess one possible scenario: You buy US Williams 3/8” and 1/4” socket sets, and pair them with used Snap on extensions and ratchets from eBay. Now you have a system that feels like the best, is easily upgradable, supported forever. Need higher quality 10 and 13mm, swap the Williams for Snap on, they will look and feel the same, fit the same and just perform a bit better.

Impacts belong in a completely different category. They aren’t designed to be used by hand (not that you can’t) so how they feel isn’t as relevant. I don’t think I’d associate that purchase, brand, or ecosystem with chrome.

Speaking of impacts, I desperately want to ask @Itsjustdirt the reason behind 12pt impacts. That’s a pretty specific request. And just so you know, the more you tell us, the better our answers will be. And we reserve the right to change our answers based on new information.

 

[zendriver]

It’s good to see Harbor freight (again )mentioned as their brands to show disdain for.

I use their crappy sockets( (some sets for close to 20 years) and I did have to swap out one (that I beat the piss out of, that that should almost be considered Unacceptable on the upside some of them I purchased so cheap and I could probably sell them at a garage sale at a profit. Of your snap on.!

I recently bought some icon sockets on sale. They’re almost too beautiful to use and I’m afraid they might destruct the first time I used them.

I’ve never owned any gear wrench products maybe I should get them to see if I can complain about them

Probably should have just bought all snap on - buy once cry monthly, but at least I wouldn’t have to be ashamed to let people come into my garage

 

[shoggoth80]

This is tough. It's kind of a time of plenty. I'm with some of the other guys in that I would rather have good upper tier ratchets, and middle range sockets. Even cheapies do pretty well these days. Hell, I've got Pittsburgh sockets that are probably 20+ years old still doing duty just fine.

I'm partial to Blue Point, Icon, and Tekton in the mid budget range. Older Gear Wrench was really nice for the money. Budget Pittsburgh, Power Torque, and even some Duralast. Don't overlook the parts stores... But I'd just as soon snag something from HF with a coupon for convenience sake. It's a pretty solid one stop shop for a ton of basics.

Impacts? Pittsburgh, Sunex, Tekton, old stock Armstrong, Kobalt, Craftsman, Jobsmart... They all take a beating. None have broken.

 

[zendriver]

It’s good to see Harbor freight (again )mentioned as their brands to show disdain for.

I use their crappy sockets( (some sets for close to 20 years) and I did have to swap out one (that I beat the piss out of), that that should almost be considered Unacceptable. on the upside some of them I purchased so cheap and I could probably sell them at a garage sale at a profit. Up yours, snap on.!

I recently bought some icon sockets on sale. They’re almost too beautiful to use and I’m afraid they might destruct the first time I used them.

I’ve never owned any gear wrench products maybe I should get some to see if I can complain about them

Probably should have just bought all snap on - buy once cry monthly, but at least I wouldn’t have to be ashamed to let people come into my garage

 

[AEAdam]

I think the discussion of "mid range" sockets in terms of quality, not in terms of price, is nearly impossible to have here. I don't believe we agree on what defines the quality of a socket beyond its ability to turn a fastener.

If our criteria for quality is: "I bought *** sockets, used them, and they haven't broken" then how can we objectively compare sockets?

I'd like to suggest, when you pay for a mid priced socket, you should expect to get more than just the ability to turn a fastener.

• How do the tools feel? Are they easy to remove from a ratchet or extension. Does every socket in the set feel the same in this respect?
• How easy is it to read the size marking?
• How much wobble is there with an extension? Does it change with the brand of extension?
• How durable is the finish?
• Will you be able to buy a replacement socket that matches your set in the future?
• Can you buy additional sets that match the fit and feel of your sockets such as bit sockets or etorx?
• Does the product ship with a storage organizer that you like?

If all you care about is removing a fastener, then the choice of sockets should be clear. Buy the cheapest sockets available (used from a flea market or estate sale).

 

[Steve_P]

Hard to go wrong with any mid range Taiwan.
The usefulness of 12pt. impact sockets has me scratching my head

There are 12-point flywheel bolts, 12-point head bolts...

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'm with BWW garage. If I needed to start over, Tekton for my chrome sockets. Impact pick which ever ones you like with a lifetime warranty.

 

[Prospecter]

I recently upgraded to Icon ratchets, sockets, and some wrenches. I'm super happy with them. Much better than I ever expected to own and use. HF has had some really great coupons lately. 30-40% off good for their Icon tools. Some for everyone, some for ITC members, and some early access for ITC. Last time was the first time I ever joined ITC, and I did so at the register when my purchase paid for the cost of joining.

 

[Shelbylex]

I would recommend strategic buying:
figure out what you need right away and what can wait.

? Consider buying Ko-ken (may be 3/8 shallow and/or deep), trying to catch it on sale during holiday period

Then if you do not mind spending time, try to slowly add to your initial set from yard sales, FM, Craigslist, etc. You can get good deals (especially on SAE) and slowly build up. This will allow you to get "truck brands" at good prices as well. If you do not care about all the sockets being the same brand (and type) - even easier.
Do not forget about SK (including SK Wayne which seems to be less popular with a lot of people), Williams, older Craftsman (as mentioned above)...

Warning - you might end up with too many sockets while doing it (do not ask me how I know...)

 

[mreisner]

There are 12-point flywheel bolts, 12-point head bolts...

Drivelines, especially on trucks.

 

[iajonesy]

I used the same sockets for 40 years at my job as a machine repair tech in a cereal mill. They were Cman and they were only replaced if a socket was lost. Many of the big box stores have decent enough socket sets for the OP's needs. I have all Snap On now but my son is using my old Cman sockets. Save your money and get Husky or Pittsburg or Sunnex or something similar.

Mike

 

[Ohio Andy]

Until about 2 weeks ago. The large Craftsman overdrive set was on sale. $100 off. Has a ton of sockets and other things in it and I like the set because they also work well on rounded things.

But that sale was over now. If you're just looking for a cheap set of sockets, Craftsman still has some really nice sets, and the harbor freight sets are pretty good too.

And then you can figure out which ratchets suits you best.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

There are 12-point flywheel bolts, 12-point head bolts...

I think the only 12 point thing on my mini cooper is a rear camber adjustment nut. Really confusing.

 

[BWWgarage]

I think the only 12 point thing on my mini cooper is a rear camber adjustment nut. Really confusing.

Seems like 12pt impact is pretty specific from the replies. If that’s the case, just buy individual 12pt impacts from tekton for $5-17?

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

Seems like 12pt impact is pretty specific from the replies. If that’s the case, just buy individual 12pt impacts from tekton for $5-17?

I have some 90s vintage craftsman chrome for that.

 

[RangerChief]

I have and use Tekton, Capri, Milwaukee, Icon and Quinn.

Happy with all of them and all do the job.

 

[rust in the eye]

There are 12-point flywheel bolts, 12-point head bolts...

I'd never use an impact to remove head bolts. Flywheel? yeah.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I'd never use an impact to remove head bolts. Flywheel? yeah.

Why? I have done that for years with no issues. I am guessing you don't work as a mechanic.

Flywheel bolts and converter bolts can be tricky since they are typically a thinner head design. If you are using a swivel socket you just have to make sure the socket is fully seated.

 

[micromind]

I'd never use an impact to remove head bolts. Flywheel? yeah.

Why not? I've done it many times. Am I missing something?