Sockets for Dad

[VeeDub]

My dad wants some metric sockets for Father's Day. I am debating between two sets. He will tackle some minor repairs by himself but anything too crazy he will go to a garage. He has a 2005 F-150 5.4 FX4 and a 2007 Ford Fusion V6 AWD. He also has an early 2000s Johnson outboard boat motor (not sure if those are metric or standard).

Any thoughts on which set would be more useful with the vehicles he has? I know one is USA and one is not. That argument can wait for another thread.

Craftsman Set

Stanley Set

 

[franzdom]

The 3/8" drive will be more useful.

 

[FLRover]

Go 3/8", and maybe find him a nice used set of Snap On sockets or try Gear Wrench at Advance Auto, I have been thrilled with their tools for price. Problem with Craftsmen is how long Sears is going to last. Advance isn't going anywhere.

 

[Brian_B_]

I use my 3/8" drive constantly. I have some 1/2", but its rare that I use them. I also have 1/4" for little stuff, but again not often.

 

[franzdom]

Go 3/8", and maybe find him a nice used set of Snap On sockets or try Gear Wrench at Advance Auto, I have been thrilled with their tools for price. Problem with Craftsmen is how long Sears is going to last. Advance isn't going anywhere.

Maybe not but the ones around here dumped Gear Wrench a while ago.

 

[FLRover]

Maybe not but the ones around here dumped Gear Wrench a while ago.

Wow here in Florida they made a huge deal about the new line of tools. All the stores have huge selections now.

 

[spongerich]

Go 3/8", and maybe find him a nice used set of Snap On sockets or try Gear Wrench at Advance Auto, I have been thrilled with their tools for price. Problem with Craftsmen is how long Sears is going to last. Advance isn't going anywhere.

If you want to spend a few extra bucks, I'd stick with the Craftsman sockets, but treat dad to a Snap-On F80. You can find a nice gently used one for $50-60 and even a casual wrencher can appreciate how nice one is.

 

[JASTECH]

A combo set of 1/4" & 3/8" SK, JH Williams or Wright. SAE/MM

 

[JoeyMitch]

I would go with 3/8 SAE for the Johnson. I work on those all the time at the marina and almost all the bolts are standard.

 

[Anotherrcguy]

If you want to spend a few extra bucks, I'd stick with the Craftsman sockets, but treat dad to a Snap-On F80. You can find a nice gently used one for $50-60 and even a casual wrencher can appreciate how nice one is.

+ 1 on the F80, craftsman 3/8" drive 6 points in metric and standard.

 

[RedFordTruck]

Not paying attention to COO I would go craftsman. I like mine, and theyre easily warrantied if you ever have a problem.

Sears has a 154 piece set for only 80 bucks on sale through fathers day. not a bad deal!

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

I'd personally say SK. The Craftsman set isn't bad, but it's only metric shallow sockets, and no ratchet. Even though most new vehicles are all-metric, it never hurts to have metric and SAE, and shallow and deep sockets. I normally grab my 3/8" sockets first, or 1/2" if it's anything to do with suspension work, and 1/4" stuff is relegated to putting together electronics and that sort of thing.

Tootopia's got a pretty good price on the 3/8" SK set:
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-to...utm_term=SKT94547&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u

 

[VeeDub]

Thanks for the quick response guys. I did end up getting the 3/8 6pt. Craftsman set on Ebay. He already has tons of SAE stuff so metric was what he needed. I will let him know about the Johnson outboard being mostly SAE.

Maybe I will get him the 1/4 drive metric set for his birthday.

I will have to post a picture of it next time I am at their house, but he has an old Snap-On 1/4 drive ratchet and some older SK stuff.

 

[VeeDub]

That SK set is nice, but I do not have the cash to spend on that right now. I think I will be piecing together a full shallow/deep metric set for him over the next few birthday/Christmas gifts.

 

[bcradio]

So I have a question too... How many people would think it rude to buy their pops a used tool?

 

[RM209]

The Craftsman sockets will serve your dad well.
That's a very thoughtful gift.

RM209

 

[mscribellito]

I would say 3/8 is used the most often. 1/4 and 1/2 not as much... depends on what you are doing though. I used to own a set of Stanley sockets and I had no complaints. They survived through an engine and trans swap as well as some other repairs. Not bad for the money IMHO. I have the Craftsman 299 piece set now and I can't complain about those either.