sockets to replace craftsmen

[merbie]

So a couple years ago i was given a 175 piece set of craftsmen sockets for my 17th birthday, they a us made double detent and frankly underwhelming but i thank them for there service and they really helped me get off the ground, i upgraded the deeps to snap on (metric only) and i need to upgrade the shallows, what are good options for solid and durableshallow metric sockets? i am prepared to pay snap on prices because to me they are worth it but of course im open to any recommendations

many thanks merb

 

[kctyphoon]

I would say gearwrench, or Williams... But sounds like you already know what you want..

 

[merbie]

Haha maybe..but I like trying different brands the new mac sockets look nice

Sent from the sticks

 

[merbie]

Also I live in England so I can't really get the nice industrial brands like you guys can, need ease of warranty for my hardline stuff, so looking at truck brands or something European


Sent from the sticks

 

[nickjj]

Wait for Snap on to do a special, I bought a set of semi deep sockets, and got a free long ratchet, free set of extentions and a free t-shirt, all for £130odd

You only really have snapon or mac to choose from, or some cheap ones from Machine Mart, what's wrong with the Craftsman set?

 

[merbie]

Worn out and the broaching a little too deep, also chromed peeling pretty bad I build engines so I can't afford for
Bits of chrome to get into 20 grand roller crank


Sent from the sticks

 

[nickjj]

"Buy a set of 3/8 drive single hex semi deep sockets and get a free 6 piece 3/8 extension set and a long handle 3/8 dual 80 ratchet" - see if snapon man has any left

 

[ttpete]

Worn out and the broaching a little too deep, also chromed peeling pretty bad I build engines so I can't afford for
Bits of chrome to get into 20 grand roller crank


Sent from the sticks

Snap-On sockets can be had unplated. They have a phosphate finish that won't flake off.

 

[nickjj]

A set of these would do the job:

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets

 

[merbie]

What do you guys think between these two sets?

facom 3/8

koken 3/8 which one about a tenner between them so just want the best quality


Sent from the sticks

 

[BK13]

If I was in the UK and wanting sockets, I would look at:
Hazet
Stahlwille
SO
Gedore
Nepros
KoKen (the last two based on posts in which Dave 455 [I think] !has talked about their availabliity)
Facom
Beta

I swear, if I lived in Europe I would be a total Hazet ****...

 

[AndrewV]

Beta is quality from what little i've seen.
But if you're willing to go SO prices, you have to many choices really.
I personaly own the p.torque mac set, love them. But if you just want to get slightly less quality, with good warranty gearwrench will do fine. Never had an issue with them.

 

[jdmstr]

What do you guys think between these two sets?

facom 3/8

koken 3/8 which one about a tenner between them so just want the best quality


Sent from the sticks

I would go with the Facom set if you dont go snap-on. I have a 3/8 facom set and love it.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP if your Craftsman set from couple years ago is all Made In USA . . . and you're in UK . . . then I'd say KEEP the C-mans as your backup set for metrics. Heck, would be kinda cool to keep together your USA C-Mans for your son some day in future.

+1 on Facom since you're in UK.

. . . . and for kicks, you should have some King **** tools !!

 

[Jacobson]

What's wrong with what you've got? Why don't you invest your spare money? PM me if you want some advice on that.

 

[Wamsutta]

Is Facom cheaper than Snap-on in the UK? Just curious.

 

[Cope]

What's wrong with what you've got? Why don't you invest your spare money? PM me if you want some advice on that.

From OP: Worn out and the broaching a little too deep, also chromed peeling pretty bad I build engines so I can't afford for
Bits of chrome to get into 20 grand roller crank

 

[merbie]

Yeah I think the facom set looks good for the money, I looked in to nepros but I assume the shipping would be mega, facom is about 2 1/3s the price of snap on over here


Sent from the sticks

 

[marcone]

What do you guys think between these two sets?

facom 3/8

koken 3/8 which one about a tenner between them so just want the best quality


Sent from the sticks

I'd rate Koken (Japan made) higher on the quality scale than Facom (Taiwan made) but here Facom offers more for the money (a complete set vs only the sockets for Koken)

 

[Jure]

So a couple years ago i was given a 175 piece set of craftsmen sockets for my 17th birthday, they a us made double detent and frankly underwhelming but i thank them for there service and they really helped me get off the ground, i upgraded the deeps to snap on (metric only) and i need to upgrade the shallows, what are good options for solid and durableshallow metric sockets? i am prepared to pay snap on prices because to me they are worth it but of course im open to any recommendations

many thanks merb

hazet,gedore,stahlwille,unior etc etc...

 

[merbie]

I'm only after sockets so not bothered about accessories so I'm thinking koken


Sent from the sticks

 

[bob15]

If you are so paranoid over chrome flaking off, why aren't you looking at industrial finished tools?

 

[metaldad]

if the pic of the koken set is of a new set, they look like ****. you'll have problems with the chrome flaking on those.

 

[exmaxima1]

I'd rate Koken (Japan made) higher on the quality scale than Facom (Taiwan made) but here Facom offers more for the money (a complete set vs only the sockets for Koken)

I recently bought a Proto branded Facom ratchet similar to the one in that set, and the box read "France". Not sure where the sockets are from, but I'd be disappointed if made in Taiwan

 

[T45]

Facom in 3/8 is the way to go. Spend money on other stuff.

German style matte chrome I've never seen flake.

A guy did a wrench test here and said there is no actual plating on it.

 

[merbie]

If you are so paranoid over chrome flaking off, why aren't you looking at industrial finished tools?

I'm not paranoid I just expect better from a us made socket. And in regards to the industrial finish it's not an issue I just want something durable and industrial tools wear faster than chrome so I think matte chrome is the way to go


Sent from the sticks

 

[devoncoolman]

Snap-on i would want tools that are easy to warrantee if needed koken and alot of the other brands can be more hastle.

 

[RAYJAY]

What do you guys think between these two sets?

facom 3/8

koken 3/8 which one about a tenner between them so just want the best quality


Sent from the sticks

buy them wish we could get them in the states

 

[merbie]

Well I think iv made a decision and it's smelling like garlic and wine


Sent from the sticks

 

[chepe]

SK

Boom

 

[snowpro90]

SK



Boom

Nailed it !


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Rico.]

No prizes for guessing what I would recommend.....


Over the years I have spent thousands on Facom tools and not a single one
has broken, worn out or let me down... In fact they still work as good as the
day I bought them... and with the amount of Facom suppliers in the UK, the
prices are better than other top end stuff like Snap-On, Stahlwille or Hazet.



Facom 1/4" & 3/8" Drive Socket Sets


Facom 1/2" Drive Socket Set


Facom 4mm - 34mm 440 series spanner set


Facom Pliers and Cutters


Facom 6mm - 24mm Reversable offset Ratchet Spanners and Flare nut Spanners


Facom 6mm - 19mm Straight, Stubby and Flex Head Ratchet Spanners


Facom 6mm - 24mm Offset and Half Moon Spanners


Facom Protwist Screwdrivers

 

[CNGsaves]

Holy cow Rico . . . . . THAT's some Facom **** right there !!!

All I can say is . . . . Scooooby, Dooooby, Dooooooooo !!!!

 

[ultgar]

buy them wish we could get them in the states

I stock close to 3000 Facom items here in the states.........NJ to PA is 1-2 days. Here's a link to the 3/8" drive sets (both standard and CDX) in stock......see http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/index.php?cPath=35_100_217 . Use coupon code FREESHIP at checkout for free shipping.

SD

 

[bob15]

I'm not paranoid I just expect better from a us made socket. And in regards to the industrial finish it's not an issue I just want something durable and industrial tools wear faster than chrome so I think matte chrome is the way to go


Sent from the sticks

It sounded like you were. Any pictures of your flaking issues?

 

[Bruce57]

I have been replacing Craftsman with Snap On. No regrets even though they're more expensive. Buying lightly used sockets on eBay helps bring the cost down.

 

[merbie]

It sounded like you were. Any pictures of your flaking issues?

I'll post up on Monday, I think facom is right choice I'll order that set when I get paid


Sent from the sticks

 

[Hako86]

No prizes for guessing what I would recommend.....


Over the years I have spent thousands on Facom tools and not a single one
has broken, worn out or let me down... In fact they still work as good as the
day I bought them... and with the amount of Facom suppliers in the UK, the
prices are better than other top end stuff like Snap-On, Stahlwille or Hazet.



Facom 1/4" & 3/8" Drive Socket Sets/QUOTE]

Just curious, which ratchet design do you like better, the round head or the 100% closed/sealed style?

 

[Brownsfan]

What if any tool trucks service your shop? I know your choices are somewhat limited over the pond but I like the Mac set you posted. If you get service from a Mac truck then it would be very convenient. And the quality is top notch.

 

[Rico.]

Just curious, which ratchet design do you like better, the round head or the 100% closed/sealed style?

There is not much in it.... They are just as smooth as each other, but I do
prefer the Pear Head ratchet as you can see at a glance if it's set to loosen
or tighten and being able to flick a lever to change direction is easier too.

I suppose also, the pear head is a little bit thinner so has the potential to
get into a tighter gap... but only by a couple of mm.

Cheers.