Thoughts on a new socket set

[jasonrohrer]

I've been limping along for years with this cheapo Husky 6pt 72-tooth socket set:



I suppose it has served me well, but it gives me that cheapo feeling, and it isn't a tool that I'd want to proudly pass down to my great grand children. Also, the "case" is kinda wearing out, and the larger sockets keep falling off the plastic plugs that hold them. Bounce bounce bounce, another heavy socket tumbles across the basement floor. The cross-bars, shown in this picture, were removed long ago (and I don't think it would be practical to keep them on there all the time).

Time for a real 3/8" socket set!

Forever, I imagined that I'd eventually get a Wright Tools ratchet and socket set. And YES, they have lots of 6-point sets, which is what I want. But two things hold me back:

1. Their sets are all either SAE or Metric. I only need one 3/8" ratchet, so I guess I could get an SAE ratchet set and a strip of metric sockets as an add-on, but it won't all fit nicely in one box.

2. Their ratchet doesn't look like it has changed design since the 1950s. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, maybe... but what about super-low back-drag available in more modern designs? Like, if this is the last ratchet I ever buy, I want it to be buttery smooth, etc.


Point (2) above leads me to Japanese sockets, like Koken or Nepros.

But I'm finding their support of SAE sizes to be quit limited. The Ko-Ken Z series doesn't even have an SAE set, and Nepros only has one tiny SAE set:

3/8"sq. Socket Wrench Set (6pt.) SAE (11pcs.) with Steel Case

Portable Tool Case NEKB-1, Case Size:W275XD150XH50 No. Description NEKB-1 275mm NB3-5/16 Socket 5/16" NB3-3/8 Socket 3/8" NB3-7/16 Socket 7/16" NB3-1/2 Socket 1/2" NB3-9/16 Socket 9/16" NB3-5/8 Socket 5/8" NB3-11/16 Socket 11/16" NBR390 Ratchet Handle NBE3-075 75 mm Extension NBE3-150 150 mm...

neprostools.com

Ko-Ken does make a very nice-looking mixed SAE/Metric set:

3/8 Sq. Dr. Socket set 12 point 42 pieces - Ko-ken USA

Input Drive Size: 3/8" Drive Shape: Square Type: 12 Socket Set Includes: Don't need complete set? Click here to buy items individually 3405M 12 - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

Yes, a speeder handle right in the box! But this set is all 12-point, and includes a bunch of Whitworth sockets, which I probably will never use. And it turns out that Ko-Ken doesn't make any fully 6pt 3/8" SAE sets.

They do have one SAE set that is half-and-half, with 6pt for the smaller sizes, and 12pt for the larger sizes:

3/8 Sq. Dr. Socket set 6, 12 point 18 pieces - Ko-ken USA

Input Drive Size: 3/8" Drive Shape: Square Type: 6 & 12 Point Socket Set Includes: Don't need - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

But then I'm back to needed a separate set for Metric, and not having it all fit nicely in one box.

I've never used 12pt sockets, and I have no 12pt fasteners, and I've never found myself in a tight situation where the extra angles mattered. I've seen all the debate on here about 6pt vs. 12pt.... but I have seen people saying that 12pt aren't as risky for larger fasteners.

So then... I thought... maybe I can get a 1/4" Ko-ken set too, and they have this one that's all 6pt:

1/4 Sq. Dr. 6 point Socket set 6 point 25 pieces - Ko-ken USA

Input Drive Size: 1/4" Drive Shape: Square Type: Socket Set No. Pieces: 25 Includes: Don't need complete set? Click here to buy items individually - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

It's a nice mixed SAE/Metric set, and it also handles smaller sizes, which I actually need pretty often. So then I'd use these 1/4"-drive 6pt sockets for everything up to 1/2", and then switch to 3/8"-drive 12-pt sockets for everything 9/16" and bigger.

But then I'd have two sets, with a bit of overlap, but maybe that's the best solution? Two boxes, with almost every SAE and Metric socket that I will ever need, with 6pt sockets for the smaller sizes that are more likely to get rounded. I would get a 1/4" speeder handle, and that would be the only thing that wouldn't fit in the boxes.


Does this make sense? Am I missing any other great options? Am I correct that a Wright Tools ratchet isn't going to be refined as a Ko-Ken or Nepros ratchet?

Is there some other brand that I should consider when it comes to very nice, refined ratchet sets with good SAE coverage? I'm only considering stuff made in USA, Japan, Canada, and Europe. I'm looking for a set that I will proudly own and use for the rest of my life. Something worthy to pass to my grand children.

 

[liliysdad]

That’s a lot of thinking ….

Williams or CAT sockets, Matco or SnapOn ratchet. Easy peasy.

I don’t care for Wright ratchets. Williams USA ratchets are great quality, but 36 tooth legacy innards kill them for me.

You can never have too many good ratchets, by the way.

 

[HannibalLecter]

I'd say koken, but their ready assortments are 20+ years dated in terms of usability and this 20teeth 80 year old ratchet I wouldn't like to touch even with a pole. The only way is buying tool by tool.
Or if you really want an assortment and a case to go with it I'd look at hazet 1/2 and 1/4 assortment

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I'd piece a set together. I'd go for a Snap On ratchet. I prefer the Dual 80's. I haven't found any other ratchets that come close.

For sockets there are lots of good choices. Snap On is great, but I really don't think they are worth the price. I grab my Gearwrench sockets far more than I use my Snap On set. I also really like my older US made Craftsman's. You can't go wrong with these and you can usually find them pretty cheap at pawn shops. SK also makes great sockets and are worth a look. You'd probably also be fine with Tekton or one of the other import brands although I have less of those.

Then buy socket rails to put them on.

You'll end up with far better tools piecing it together like this rather than buying a kit.

 

[sightbike]

That’s a lot of thinking ….

Williams or CAT sockets, Matco or SnapOn ratchet. Easy peasy.

I don’t care for Wright ratchets. Williams USA ratchets are great quality, but 36 tooth legacy innards kill them for me.

You can never have too many good ratchets, by the way.

Agree w/ Williams sockets and Snap on ratchet. Although believe 36T Williams ratchets are the best value USA made ratchet one could buy.

I highly recommend buying used for SAE as it’s easy to find full lightly used sets at bargain prices.

 

[ecotec]

I would go with CAT sockets and Snap-on ratchets.

 

[Dave455]

I have a degree of sympathy.

I think you’re on the right track looking at manufacturers such as KoKen, the ratio of quality to price is incredibly high and you could do a lot worse. Williams or Wright are good options too, if you can sort the ratchet. Williams make very nice long ratchets, and the round head are quite fine tooth.

HannibalLecter is right though, KoKen sets are incredibly dated, and I think he’s being generous saying only 20 years. In fairness though, most of the manufacturers seem to suffer from this to a degree,

If you like KoKen but don’t want the Whitworth sockets or the speeder there are other sets available. The 3206AM has SAE and Metric sockets only, but you are still stuck with a standard length ratchet and 12 point sockets.


One option would be to make up your own set. Buy the ratchet you wanted, add the sockets / extensions, and you could even obtain a metal box. You won’t get a plastic tray to separate everything, but in my experience they have limited life anyway, so why not make some simple wooden dividers?

Here’s one I made. If you were making up a tray, you could maybe get a really nice Snap On Dual 80 or Nepros ratchet and perhaps save a bit by using Williams (U.S.A. made) sockets?


Most of the German manufacturers offer a choice of 6 point or 12 point sockets in their sets, but seldom offer Metric and SAE in the same set.

Tekton seem to design their sets for the U.S. market and offer nice complete sets with both metric and SAE sizes. Milwaukee do the same.

Facom do seem to have thought about this and are one of the few makers to offer sets for modern conditions. This one has 6 point sockets and an extendable ratchet. Nice, but not the cheapest. Ultimately, cost is one of the reasons many manufacturers include such a basic ratchet. You would still need your add the SAE sockets.

 

[Freakazooid52]

Another idea is too look on eBay for gently used SK socket/ratchet sets. The cases snap shut and stack nicely

 

[woody 73]

For my two cents op...
You don't say where you are from in your post I have no idea if you live in the USA or other parts of the World. Some of those fancy nice products are super, super fantastic, that is until they break, and you got to send them in for replacements and then the long wait sometimes.

If I was in your shoes and I lived in the USA, and money was lying all over the ground then a snap-on set would fit the bill. On the other hand, if money was tight and you are not a billionaire, then I would stop in a HF store and pick up their new G2 ratchets and give Tekton a call for one of their complete socket sets.

If money was very tight, then I would hit garage sales and stock up on old school names, trust me it will be slow going but you can put together some great sets. Been there done that.

 

[micromind]

If you want to go with Wright, you could get a complete SAE set and a socket only metric set.

As much as I like Wright tools, I am not a fan of their ratchets. No doubt unbelievably tough but I think there are better ones out there.

 

[alinc100]

If you go with Wright you could buy these two sets of 6 point shallow sockets, at right around $200. You could then find a box/rail that houses it, and buy any 80 tooth + ratchet Snap On, Capri, Gearwrench, Tekton and house it all in one small accessible toolbox.

11 Pc. 6 Pt. 3/8" Dr. Wright Std. Socket Set 1/4 - 7/8

11 Pc. 6 Pt. 3/8" Dr. Wright Std. Socket Set 1/4 - 7/8

www.harryepstein.com

3/8" Dr. Wright #354 14 Pc. Metric Socket Set 6-19mm

3/8" Dr. Wright #354 14 Pc. Metric Socket Set 6-19mm

www.harryepstein.com

 

[impactims]

Am I missing any other great options?

Is there some other brand that I should consider

YES.

Snap on

USA Cornwell

I don’t know why these arnt on the top of your list.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Someone already mentioned it but the old SK set 94549 would be everything you could ever need. Find a gently used one and enjoy. Great price to value ratio. Personally if I only got one 3/8 socket set I would drop the grand and get the snap on set in foam... but I don't only get one so I have them all, except that one.

 

[DarryT]

I like CAT sockets & a Tekton ratchets. Honestly Tekton & Icon sockets are also quite nice.

 

[impactims]

I would go with CAT sockets and Snap-on ratchets.

What advantage does CAT have over snap on?

 

[B_Bimmer]

Cheaper. Also look really cool.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

If you only want shallow sockets I would buy an SAE and Metric USA Williams set, they come on a metal socket storage rail.
Then what ever ratchet you want. A Snap On F80 would go nice with those sockets IMO
Williams USA also has extension sets you can add to the set.
Amazon sells the Blue Williams set boxes empty to keep it all together

 

[four.cycle]

Time for a real 3/8" socket set!

73 piece 3/8" drive SAE and Metric all in one box

 

[jasonrohrer]

You guys are amazing, as always.

First of all, I'm in the USA.

I guess the reason that I want a "set in a case" is that I currently grab my entire Husky set and carry it to where I need it, around the house, or in the basement shop. I then see which socket matches the fastener, or whether I need to use the extension. My main use for this is for run-and-gun scenarios. I do have some specialty socket sets, on rails (like deep sockets, and some impact sockets), but I don't generally need to carry those around with my ratchet in a set. Also, the impact sockets are 1/2", and don't even fit on my everyday ratchet (I use those on an air tool in the garage, and occasionally on a Wright Tools torque wrench, which has a ratchet with *terrible* back-drag).

I see that my hunch was right about Wright ratchets being solid but not great.

I spent quite a bit of time watching Project Farm's ratchet test videos, and that's where I got on the Ko-Ken track, given the low back-drag as seen here:



However, the Ko-Ken ratchet used in this test was indeed the new Z-series, which is not what comes with the set that I'm considering.


When you all say the Ko-Ken set is out-dated.... in which ways? Mainly in the ratchet? 24 teeth... hmm... But in the 1/4" ratchet video, Project Farm tested what looked like the Ko-Ken older design, and it still won in terms of back-drag:



However, it only had 22 teeth, and couldn't advance the dial at all in a 30 degree space!

So if I take the tool-by-tool approach.... if I got a Ko-Ken ratchet, I would have to get the Z-series one?

That Hazet set looks nice, but it's all metric. I've also been having trouble with German sets in terms of SAE support. They do make an SAE set, but it's 1/2" drive and all 12pt:

Hazet 900AZ 23 Pc SAE 1/2" Socket Set | Hazet at KC Tool

Hazet 900AZ 23 Pc SAE 1/2" Socket Set With 12-point sockets American dimensions SmartCase (1/3) 165-L Safety-Insert-System, 2-component soft foam insert. In...

www.kctool.com

I agree that I could find my own box and make an insert for it, but that's a whole project....

I will definitely take a closer look at Snap-On and the other manufacturers mentioned. I didn't get the impression that Snap-on generally made sets in cases, since that's not what an auto-shop would want, but I will look.

 

[ecotec]

What advantage does CAT have over snap on?

A fraction of the price.

For the price of three Snap-on sockets, you can buy a whole set of CAT sockets.

 

[drmarkr]

What's amazing is that someone who has your very basic, simple set of sockets right now is asking for advice on a bigger and better set, and some here are recommending some of the most expensive, professional grade equipment you can buy. As in buy for a lot of money.

Based on what you have right now there's no way you need to spend that kind of money on a better and more comprehensive socket set. Find a mid-grade, decent, bigger set, and for as much as you're going to use it it will still be in perfect shape to pass on to your kids or grandkids.

Snap-on? Seriously?

 

[four.cycle]

I see that my hunch was right about Wright ratchets being solid but not great.

Huh? The Wright model 2400 and 2426 are amazing feats of engineering and design. The 2400 had the smallest-diameter head of any 1/4" drive RHFT ratchet produced.
Wright just hasn't jumped onto the 962-tooth mechanism bandwagon, and continues to produce great products.


Project Farm's "bench tests" don't always reflect conditions in the real world, unfortunately. I've watched several of his "ratchet" videos and came away shaking my head in puzzlement.

everyone on here is recommending some of the most expensive, professional grade equipment you can buy

Which is the reason I posted the Tekton set which retails for about $175.00

Jumping from Husky to Snap-on is akin to trading in your Pinto for a Lamborghini - there's a lot of options there in between.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

You guys are amazing, as always.

First of all, I'm in the USA.

I guess the reason that I want a "set in a case" is that I currently grab my entire Husky set and carry it to where I need it, around the house, or in the basement shop. I then see which socket matches the fastener, or whether I need to use the extension. My main use for this is for run-and-gun scenarios. I do have some specialty socket sets, on rails (like deep sockets, and some impact sockets), but I don't generally need to carry those around with my ratchet in a set. Also, the impact sockets are 1/2", and don't even fit on my everyday ratchet (I use those on an air tool in the garage, and occasionally on a Wright Tools torque wrench, which has a ratchet with *terrible* back-drag).

I see that my hunch was right about Wright ratchets being solid but not great.

I spent quite a bit of time watching Project Farm's ratchet test videos, and that's where I got on the Ko-Ken track, given the low back-drag as seen here:



However, the Ko-Ken ratchet used in this test was indeed the new Z-series, which is not what comes with the set that I'm considering.


When you all say the Ko-Ken set is out-dated.... in which ways? Mainly in the ratchet? 24 teeth... hmm... But in the 1/4" ratchet video, Project Farm tested what looked like the Ko-Ken older design, and it still won in terms of back-drag:



However, it only had 22 teeth, and couldn't advance the dial at all in a 30 degree space!

So if I take the tool-by-tool approach.... if I got a Ko-Ken ratchet, I would have to get the Z-series one?

That Hazet set looks nice, but it's all metric. I've also been having trouble with German sets in terms of SAE support. They do make an SAE set, but it's 1/2" drive and all 12pt:

Hazet 900AZ 23 Pc SAE 1/2" Socket Set | Hazet at KC Tool

Hazet 900AZ 23 Pc SAE 1/2" Socket Set With 12-point sockets American dimensions SmartCase (1/3) 165-L Safety-Insert-System, 2-component soft foam insert. In...

www.kctool.com

I agree that I could find my own box and make an insert for it, but that's a whole project....

I will definitely take a closer look at Snap-On and the other manufacturers mentioned. I didn't get the impression that Snap-on generally made sets in cases, since that's not what an auto-shop would want, but I will look.

For around the house I would use a tool bag because less of a chance of scratching anything like fancy counter tops and ect.

 

[jasonrohrer]

drmarkr, I definitely don't mind spending the money on quality. USA-, Japan-, and German- made stuff is always double the price, and I always pay it, when I can find that option.

Lots of Festool in my shop, and some Japan-made Makita stuff.

I recently got an antique Walker-Turner drill press, and put a Woodpecker's table/fence on it. I'm also running Rego-Fix collets in that drill press. Holy **** is that setup nice. I'm the king of over-kill.... do it once and do it right and (hopefully) have the problem solved for the rest of my life.

Yeah, I just put up my first Omni-wall panels... I'm that guy.

So my little Husky set is just out-of-step with my general tool ethos, especially now that it's constantly dropping sockets when I carry it around.


Ah, Snap-On does offer an SAE set in a box with the Dual-80 ratchet... for $1000!

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

I don't need the deep sockets in my main daily driver set, and it actually has fewer SAE sizes covered than my Husky set...

This one looks like a better fit, but it only comes with the tray:

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

I don't need metric most of the time, and I do have a beautiful little tray of metric Craftsman USA 6pts that I inherited from my father-in-law, John Serafin, the Long Island Cadillac man, RIP.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Here is a decent tool bag. I have this exact one. been using it for 5 years

tool bag

 

[Dave455]

When you all say the Ko-Ken set is out-dated.... in which ways? Mainly in the ratchet? 24 teeth... hmm... But in the 1/4" ratchet video, Project Farm tested what looked like the Ko-Ken older design, and it still won in terms of back—drag.

Mainly in terms of the sockets. Most of the sets have primarily 12 point sockets. They’re fine on good quality / suitably hard nuts and bolt heads, but there’s an awful lot of soft stuff out there, and the 6 point sockets will perform way better on those.

In terms of the ratchet, I would suggest that when folks have a choice, their most used is a long flex head, yet all these sets come with a standard length, and in many cases not even a breaker bar.

Some folks don’t like the low tooth count KoKen ratchets. I would agree the Snap On Dual 80 is better, but at more cost. I suspect a lot of the hate comes from folks who don’t own the KoKen and don’t realise they are very good tools.

In 1/4 drive I own several Snap On Dual 80’s (actually 72 tooth I think) and in all honesty I think the tooth count is too high. Some are fine, but one or two (I think with tiny manufacturing defects) are prone to binding up. I can’t get them to do it on demand, but they do it enough to be annoying in use.

The KoKen have no such issues, and they are a pleasure to use. KoKen quality control is first class (better than Snap On) and you will never find a “Friday afternoon” tool. At least I never have.

The difference between KoKen’s regular line and the Z Series isn’t really a question of old vs new, but rather different tools for different purposes. The Z Series was introduced as a compact range of tools for working on modern vehicles. In their place they are superb, but for general use you’re better off with the regular. As you noted, if you want SAE you have to use the regular.

Nothing to stop you buying the regular sockets and using a Z Series ratchet.

 

[jasonrohrer]

Huh? The Wright model 2400 and 2426 are amazing feats of engineering and design. The 2400 had the smallest-diameter head of any 1/4" drive RHFT ratchet produced.
Wright just hasn't jumped onto the 962-tooth mechanism bandwagon, and continues to produce great products.

I grew up in Akron, right around the corner from Wright, so they are very close to my heart. My impact sockets and my deep metric sockets are Wright, and they are very nice. On occasion, I've called them on the phone to ask about something, and they answer right away. It's like... a receptionist in a small office in Barberton!

I suppose the main criteria for me is low back-drag. It would be pretty amazing if I almost never had to hold the socket with my thumb to prevent back-drag, but maybe that's a fantasy. I don't think Project Farm's method of testing back-drag is misguided.... and the Japanese companies mostly seem to be winning that contest.

All that said, Project Farm didn't include Wright in his tests!

 

[jasonrohrer]

Mainly in terms of the sockets. Most of the sets have primarily 12 point sockets. They’re fine on good quality / suitably hard nuts and bolt heads, but there’s an awful lot of soft stuff out there, and the 6 point sockets will perform way better on those.

Is it true, in your opinion, that this issue matters less as the nuts get larger? So when dealing with 5/8" and larger nuts, the 12-points are more reasonable, but that you definitely want 6pt sockets for the tiny stuff (1/2" and smaller nuts). Or am I treading on thin ice by having 12pt sockets in my main socket set for everything 5/8" and larger? I could get the Ko-Ken 1/4" drive 6pt set for all the small stuff...

The difference between KoKen’s regular line and the Z Series isn’t really a question of old vs new, but rather different tools for different purposes. The Z Series was introduced as a compact range of tools for working on modern vehicles. In their place they are superb, but for general use you’re better off with the regular. As you noted, if you want SAE you have to use the regular.

Nothing to stop you buying the regular sockets and using a Z Series ratchet.

Well, I wasn't looking at the Z-series sockets so much, but I got the impression that the Z-series ratchets were Ko-Ken's smoothest with the least backdrag.

I wonder if the Z-zeries ratchet would fit in the Ko-Ken set tray...

 

[Dave455]

Is it true, in your opinion, that this issue matters less as the nuts get larger? So when dealing with 5/8" and larger nuts, the 12-points are more reasonable, but that you definitely want 6pt sockets for the tiny stuff (1/2" and smaller nuts). Or am I treading on thin ice by having 12pt sockets in my main socket set for everything 5/8" and larger? I could get the Ko-Ken 1/4" drive 6pt set for all the small stuff...

Yes, absolutely! In the larger sizes you have to displace an awful lot of material for a socket to slip and it’s not an issue.

I have a lot of 12 point sockets in 1/2” drive and use them on large fasteners without any problems

In fairness, most manufacturers use reasonable quality fasteners now, but there’s still some rubbish out there. I’ve worked on 90’s vintage Fords that were awful. A Fiat too if I recall. Seen some dreadful soft / swaged bolts and I rounded over every one I attacked with my 12 points. That’s rare now though

You’re probably about right with the dividing line. I’d probably want 6 point up to 17mm to be sure, but you could go a lifetime and not need 6 point at all. Depends what you work on.

 

[Dave455]

Well, I wasn't looking at the Z-series sockets so much, but I got the impression that the Z-series ratchets were Ko-Ken's smoothest with the least backdrag.

I wonder if the Z-zeries ratchet would fit in the Ko-Ken set tray...

The Z Series were the first to go high tooth count.

I don’t have a lot of experience with them but I understand they are superb.

The regular ratchet’s have very low back-drag anyway, so the Z may be better but I doubt by much. Probably a little better as regards arc to re engage, and maybe overall smoothness.

Might fit in the KoKen tray. If you look closely you will see that the trays are shaped for the standard / comfort grip ratchets, but they substitute the others depending on the set. The Z Series are a lot more compact so the comfort grip might be too close to the head.

KoKen offer a lot of sets that are not on the website.

 

[impactims]

Snap-on? Seriously?

Yes.

What is the worst thing that could happen when using Snap-on tools?

I use them and think they are pretty nice.

 

[jasonrohrer]

KoKen offer a lot of sets that are not on the website.

Where do I find more info about these sets? I'm now looking at their PDF catalog...


What on earth is this, Cornwell? It's almost as weird as your logo!

CRW21GTS - 21 Piece 3/8” Drive Non-Slip Go Thru Socket Set

Heavy-duty gearless ratchet with go thru sockets allows long bolts to pass through the ratchet and socket for the ultimate bolt clearance. Special adapters provided that can be used with most standard sockets. Includes: Gearless Ratchet Handle, 3” Extension, 1/4” Adapter, 3/8” Adapter, Metric...

webcat.cornwelltools.com

 

[liliysdad]

Snap-on? Seriously?

Without a doubt..seriously.

You can pick up a good, used Dual 80 for $50-75, add it to a set of SnapOn made CAT or Williams sockets and you have tools that your kids can give to their grandkids.

 

[mreisner]

If you want to stick with American made but not spend snap on money, the Olsa ratchets are actually made in the US by AJ manufacturing although Olsa is a Canadian company. They do offer lifetime warranty. If you look around you can find new Snap on ratchets and especially sockets for less than retail. I used to be a huge Wright supporter, but no more. They used to warranty things very well and now it's virtually impossible to get something warranty from them. I have new sockets with flaking Chrome clearly a manufacturing defect that they said is not a defect and they wouldn't warranty it. Eventually they said they would check it out if I shipped it back to them.. $8 to ship a $9 socket is ridiculous and who knows if they would even warranty it and if not I'd have to pay to get my socket sent back anyway. The Chrome is not very good compared to a lot of other manufacturers even Taiwan ones now.. are Great American company that I wanted to support but if they keep going this way they're going to lose a lot more customers than just me. I would say 3 warranty claims in 30 years is not unreasonable, and of those three they only warranty one. My dad and I had a lot of their tools. No more.

 

[E-RX7]

Gearwrench ratchets were among the best tested when Project Farm played around with them. They also have a lifetime warranty or did. I'm content with my Icon HF ones for now but will definitely switch over to GW if the Icons ever go although Icon's lifetime warranty can just get me new ones I guess.

I like Tekton's sockets, bought them after researching and reading up on manufacturers (most come from Taiwan). For impacts, I actually went with Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight as I rarely use them and my cousin owns his own auto shop and he's been using the same impacts from the day he opened the business like 5 years ago, having never broken one, so I figure if they're good for him, they'll be fine for me.

 

[liliysdad]

Gearwrench ratchets were among the best tested when Project Farm played around with them. They also have a lifetime warranty or did. I'm content with my Icon HF ones for now but will definitely switch over to GW if the Icons ever go although Icon's lifetime warranty can just get me new ones I guess.

I like Tekton's sockets, bought them after researching and reading up on manufacturers (most come from Taiwan). For impacts, I actually went with Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight as I rarely use them and my cousin owns his own auto shop and he's been using the same impacts from the day he opened the business like 5 years ago, having never broken one, so I figure if they're good for him, they'll be fine for me.

And not a single one of these options meets the country of origin requirements set forth by the poster.

 

[liliysdad]

If you want to stick with American made but not spend snap on money, the Olsa ratchets are actually made in the US by AJ manufacturing although Olsa is a Canadian company. They do offer lifetime warranty.

It looks like the only US sourced ratchet they sell is a 90t flex head, with only one offering in each drive size. The price isn’t far enough off of Matco or SnapOn that I’d even consider that, although I am glad to see another US sourced ratchet.

It is interesting that they seem to be using something other than the normal Matco/Armstrong/GW snap ring setup if they truly are coming from AJ.

 

[Fedwrench]

All I can say is WOW!!

I really like the Pinto to Lambo comparison upstream in the thread.

I also think whoever recommended the US made SK master 3/8 drive set in a green blow molded case further up was also a genius.

I would hold off on all of the Ko-Ken, KTC, Nepros, HAZET, Stahlwille, items until the tariff **** is resolved.

Ko-Ken makes some very nice sockets but, I feel the Z Series sockets are too short to rock as a one and only set for daily use but, that's just me. I love mine but, sometimes they're too short. All of the imported tools I listed are legacy quality tools that you could pass down but, would your grand kids really want tools?

Let's take a deep breath, a step back, and pause to reflect for a moment.

It's easy to improve on that little Husky set that seems to have served you well for a bit. You could always buy a SATA set that would be similar but, in a better case.

I would skip the tool truck brands unless you find a deal on Ebay and run with Proto if my main goal was to get a better feeling legacy type set. The set would outlast you and your grandkids.
However, the Proto set isn't cheap unless you find a deal on Ebay.
there are plenty of great master type sets out there from, Gearwrench, Tekton, that will last you a lifetime and serve you well for at least half of what many peeps are recommending here. I just don't see a reason to spring so far forward financially from the little Husky set to some of the recommendations in this thread.

My vote for a compact most in one 3/8 drive set would be this small Dewalt set. It's not made in the USA though but, there are great tools made in other places of the world. Get PROTO if made in the USA is most important to you.

https://www.dewalt.ca/product/dwmt45423/38-drive-mechanics-tool-set-50-pc

 

[Fedwrench]

It looks like the only US sourced ratchet they sell is a 90t flex head, with only one offering in each drive size. The price isn’t far enough off of Matco or SnapOn that I’d even consider that, although I am glad to see another US sourced ratchet.

It is interesting that they seem to be using something other than the normal Marco/Armstrong/GW snap ring setup if they truly are coming from AJ.

Olsa is using the SK LP90 series ratchet head, hence the screw retained gear cover. VIM had their prototype similar flex head ratchet on display at the last SEMA show. Look for more options in the future.

 

[liliysdad]

Interesting. Glad there’s another option, but just don’t see anything there, including price, that would make that a contender over other US offerings. Maybe time and product maturity will change that.

After my limited VIM experiences, you couldn’t melt a single thing they sell and pour it on me.