PMD1966
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Who is Guy Martin? What makes the SnapOn ratchets different with his name on them
Thoughts on a new socket set
- Thread starter jasonrohrer
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Dave455
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Good question.
When you get to know KoKen you notice that the ratchets they offer in the sets change with each catalogue that comes out. In reality, all are available, you just have to ask.
Best thing to do is probably look at the offerings from some of the bigger dealers. Start with the U.S. then maybe look at other countries.
In the U.K. for example, all the sets shown in the current catalogue are listed, but also sets with comfort grip ratchets.
Sets of 6 point sockets are available, despite not being in the catalogue.
Various ”Master” sets are available.
As are complete sets with 6 point sockets.
Japan is probably your best bet as I suspect they have the best selection, but if you have something in mind, especially if it’s just swapping 12 point sockets for 6 point, maybe just phone your supplier?
Fedwrench makes a good point about tariffs, which I’d forgotten being in the U.K.
Maybe reconsider the Wright? Good solid U.S. made tools and a positive step up from what you have? I’d have a load if I was in the U.S!
What now? I don’t understand anything about this question.
Good advice here!
I have an SAE and metric set of Bonney, shallow and deep. Had for years. When Craftsman was sold to the Chinese I set out getting the same 4 sets of the old V and G code. My original 3 set of S-K SAE and metric I also duplicated when they got bought by the Chinese, lacking only the deep metrics. And I've spread the sets between the house, the shop, and my truck. So any one of those storage places could be lost and I'd still have USA sockets.
For ratchets, I'd find some old S-K roundheads and swap in some of the DT90 gear kits. Basically doubles the tooth count and maintains the roundheads legendary durability.
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I know you're looking for a lot better set, but how much do you really want to spend? It doesn't sound like you need these for every day or to earn a living with. So, you could buy a really nice ratchet (Snap-on?) and use your old sockets, then buy a good set of SAE sockets, and later get a good set of Metric. I did this years ago I bought a Snap-on ratchet and used my Craftsman sockets. Then saved up and bought the sockets later.
OP
jasonrohrer
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This particular grandkid right here (me) wanted tools!
What's that they say about apples and trees? I come from a long line of handymen and engineers, and I have three sons.The Husky set is a bit misleading. It's something of a shameful black-eye in my tool collection. I buy for life, and always buy top-quality. The Husky was actually a throw-away that my Dad gave me in a box of stuff way back when, back when I was renting a small house and had no workshop. "You're gonna need some tools, take these." It was all Husky stuff. I don't think he bought it for me, but instead had it laying around. Around a decade later, as he entered his 80s, he finally started give me some of my grandfather's tools. Very cool stuff, that was.
woody 73
Well-known member
OP if you ever get the chance stop by and walk through the Stan Hywet house in your area for a real nice tour. The gardens are very nice.
Plus, one on the Wright tools.
Plus, one on the Wright tools.
Oldsmobile
Well-known member
Costco used to sell these sets. The organization is fantastic. The ratchets ****. The first one I had skipped a lot, so I took it back and got another. The second one also skipped, so I contacted DeWalt directly. They shipped me another ratchet, which also skipped. Now, I have the kits but refuse to use the ratchet. Maybe I'll find a good ratchet that fits into the box neatly...
alinc100
Well-known member
Ok going a bit further I dove into the Cat Tools catalog( it is tough to navigate) Short story Cat Tools are made by Snap On sold through Caterpillar dealers. They are Snap On sockets without the Snap On cost. I didn't suggest CAT in my first post because a (too) quick look at the catalog yielded 12 point sockets.
The Metric shallow 6 point chrome set is 8mm-19mm part number is 214-6620
The SAE set is 3/8"-3/4" shallow 6 point chrome is 214-1143 .Total cost for both sets $81.00 plus tax. Made in USA.
The Metric shallow 6 point chrome set is 8mm-19mm part number is 214-6620
The SAE set is 3/8"-3/4" shallow 6 point chrome is 214-1143 .Total cost for both sets $81.00 plus tax. Made in USA.
alinc100
Well-known member
A small organizer like this Dewalt box might be big enough to house the sockets, a ratchet and a few extensions.
https://www.acmetools.com/dewalt-me...liates&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate
https://www.acmetools.com/dewalt-me...liates&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate
From Suncoast, the Williams sockets, which are the same as the CAT, are
$63.46 for the 8-19mm
$73.30 for the 1/4-1”
Both shallow, chrome, 6pt on rails. Interesting the price differences for what amounts to the same sockets from different outlets.
If you’re ok with a really nice, US made 36 tooth ratchet, they have a 63 piece kit in a blow mold kit with 6pt shallows in metric and SAE, wrenches, and hex keys for $144.
$63.46 for the 8-19mm
$73.30 for the 1/4-1”
Both shallow, chrome, 6pt on rails. Interesting the price differences for what amounts to the same sockets from different outlets.
If you’re ok with a really nice, US made 36 tooth ratchet, they have a 63 piece kit in a blow mold kit with 6pt shallows in metric and SAE, wrenches, and hex keys for $144.
OP
jasonrohrer
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Grew up going to the Father's Day Car Show at Stan Hywet with my parents. Toured the place many times. My goodness, Fairlawn Heights has some incredible homes for such low prices. We took a drive around last summer... wow. Coolest houses I've ever seen in one area.OP if you ever get the chance stop by and walk through the Stan Hywet house in your area for a real nice tour. The gardens are very nice.
Plus, one on the Wright tools.
I live in New Hampshire now, but my parents still spend their summers in the Akron area.
I’ll second the tool pouch idea. I’ve run a bucket boss bag with socket rail for years doing junk yard runs.
Get yourself one of these bags. They come bigger, but for a basic socket set this small one should be perfect. Made in USA.
www.kleintools.com
Then get one of these socket trays. They come in different sizes, just depends on how big a socket set you want. Also made in USA.
www.tekton.com
Then buy a metric and SAE socket set of your choosing, and ratchet ah-la-cart.
I’m a big fan of Proto ratchets and sockets, but I’ve never used a Duel 80.
This should eliminate a lot of fuss looking for the perfect set that’s got everything you want in a carry case.
Plus, if you decide you may want a set of Allen wrenches or a screwdriver wherever you are taking the sockets, you can plop them in the bag and go.
Get yourself one of these bags. They come bigger, but for a basic socket set this small one should be perfect. Made in USA.
Canvas Tool Bag, 12-Inch - 5102-12 | Klein Tools
The Klein Tools 12-Inch (304.8 mm) Tool Bag is built of heavy-duty No. 8 natural canvas, and features two retaining straps with buckles for a secure closure. The bag's vinyl bottom and lower sides offer extra support and moisture resistance, while the non-scratch studs on the base protect...
Then get one of these socket trays. They come in different sizes, just depends on how big a socket set you want. Also made in USA.
3/8 Inch Drive 2-Rail Socket Organizer Set, 30-Tool (Red) | TEKTON | USA
Set includes 3/8 inch drive clips on 13 inch red socket rails in 2-rail tray. Place sockets onto clips to store them loosely, or twist them onto the clips to lock them in place. Made in USA. OST12130.
Then buy a metric and SAE socket set of your choosing, and ratchet ah-la-cart.
I’m a big fan of Proto ratchets and sockets, but I’ve never used a Duel 80.
This should eliminate a lot of fuss looking for the perfect set that’s got everything you want in a carry case.
Plus, if you decide you may want a set of Allen wrenches or a screwdriver wherever you are taking the sockets, you can plop them in the bag and go.
ThePostman
Well-known member
I have a 12pt spline husky set at the house, handles most things. Embarrassing compared to what's at the shop. There, is my stupid collection of ratchets at work that some visiting techs are in awe of, and probably a third of what some of you have. Matco has the best ratchet. Yes AJ
For house general use, I might look at one those new HF Quinn master sets, it's about on par or better than the Craftsman set from yesteryear. It can be built off of. And then, the Tekton boys chime in here too.
I have a Proto, it's a Mac Axis 90, it's a nice ratchet, I think the head for the flex design is designed stronger, but, it's head depth is far more than a Matco, and my SKLP90s/Olsa (were they making them the whole time?). Point is, nothing is better than having a good ratchet you can creep in somewhere and lean on. Were I to buy my first "real" ratchet again, before all others, for all uses, it would be a long handle fixed Matco 88.
For house general use, I might look at one those new HF Quinn master sets, it's about on par or better than the Craftsman set from yesteryear. It can be built off of. And then, the Tekton boys chime in here too.
I have a Proto, it's a Mac Axis 90, it's a nice ratchet, I think the head for the flex design is designed stronger, but, it's head depth is far more than a Matco, and my SKLP90s/Olsa (were they making them the whole time?). Point is, nothing is better than having a good ratchet you can creep in somewhere and lean on. Were I to buy my first "real" ratchet again, before all others, for all uses, it would be a long handle fixed Matco 88.
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OP
jasonrohrer
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Which specific one? Link?
Hilariously, I worked for Matco as a summer job back in college. I was their "software trainer" to help the employees learn their new order management system. I wrote a reference manual for them. Ohio!
kngelv
Well-known member
Proto is great. Koken is my latest obsession though.
James
James
I agree completely, and I would do the same. Specifically, the 11-3/4 ergo grip. Always the first ratchet I grab if I’m using 3/8.
Matco 88
Oldsmobile
Well-known member
Precisely. I got caught up in the neatness of the packaging and bought $60 worth of tools I didn't really need. Know what does get used? The Snap-on and SK ratchets.
Lord knows I’ve been there….
OP
jasonrohrer
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Wow, turns out that Proto makes a variety of 6pt sets, some with both metric and SAE all together in a nice box, like this one:
www.protoindustrial.com
Do you all like Proto ratchets?
3/8 DR 25pc SAE & MM 6PT | PROTO
Do you all like Proto ratchets?
I don’t mean to be a smart *** but your grand children are unlikely to need SAE tools tbh. I would get a metric set and then get some tekton or icon SAE sockets to add in.
also is there any tools that were made 60 years ago that are still considered amazing today? Even the SK round heads which got alot of fans, would admit a modern day pear head ratchet from Taiwan is probably better.
koken ratchets have backwards levers so that would be a no for me tbh
i spend too much time thinking about and reading about tools I wish if I had a time machine I’d just get a Tekton set of ratchets and sockets and call it a day.
put the money savings from snap on into buying $400 worth of s&p etf and leave that to your grandkids, in 60 years will be worth alot.
I can’t help but think of that thread from @2ndGearRubber about his bad experience warranting one and honestly I’d never buy one just because of that.
OP
jasonrohrer
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You will tear imperial measurements from my cold, dead hands!
The metric system is cool and all, but it has no soul.
It's kinda like Esperanto.
People outside the US aren't generally aware of this, but... inside the US, they don't even sell metric tape measures at hardware stores... I've never seen a metric tape measure with my own eyes!
OP
jasonrohrer
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Yikes, just found that thread:
Proto 90 tooth ratchets = no warranty.
Just spoke with Proto, hoping to get a resolution as to my broken J4570HTC ratchet - 9 inch long 1/4 drive. It failed last week out of the blue replacing a master cylinder on a VW jetta. Broke both nuts free, began ratcheting one off, set it down, picked it up again and nothing. The "Y"...
www.garagejournal.com
Thanks for the warning!
rancherbill
Well-known member
Don't buy an Imperial set. You need, perhaps a metric upgrade. As time goes by the Imperial will be less important. I use mine very little.
This gets rehashed and repeated in every thread…and it’s simply untrue. Not everyone has the same needs, hobbies, or tasks.
I use metric tools 1/10 as often at SAE, if that. Just about everything that lives in, gets drug into or through has SAE fasteners.
yea but it’s not really up to you it’s up to the engineers who make the stuff your working on. Unless you want your grandkids to drive 100 year old fords in 60 years
I’m working on 80 year old Jeeps, so why not?
richfinn
Well-known member
Guy Martin is an English Motorcycle Racer (mostly infamous for his exploits at the TT), he is also a working truck mechanic and a TV presenter (mostly machinery related shows).
His "ordinary working class" personality and extreme hobbies have made him a bit of a cult figure in the UK.
Snap-On UK became a sponsor and sold some special edition tools with his branding.
rust in the eye
Well-known member
If I understand correctly the two main objections here are sockets falling out of the holder and the humble nature of this set, which apparently has served you well, is a bit embarassing.
This was a gift from dad? Why not buy a decent socket rail(Ernst?), a pouch and carry on?
I'm going to take cover now....
This was a gift from dad? Why not buy a decent socket rail(Ernst?), a pouch and carry on?
I'm going to take cover now....
OP
jasonrohrer
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Not really a gift from Dad. He just sent me off with a box of odds and ends one time. It wasn't under the Christmas tree, wrapped in a bow or anything!
I have a bunch of US-made Craftsman stuff from my deceased father-in-law, who was a serious car guy. That stuff is amazing, but there's not a complete 6pt 3/8" drive socket/ratchet kit the mix. A full set of 12pt sockets, and several ancient round-headed Craftsman ratchets that have seen better days. There is a nice little metric 6pt set in a metal tray, and a 6pt deep SAE set in a tray. The metal trays look like this:
There is a tiny Craftsman 1/4" drive set that looks like this:
The case-hinge on mine is held together with my father-in-law's duct tape, and the t-bar is missing. The fit/finish on the ratchet is stellar, but the feel of the ratchet.... it's just not that refined.
There's also a Japan-made Royal Seal set that looks like this:
12pt for the larger sizes, and 6pt for 3/8 and smaller sockets. But the fit/finish on this set is terrible. I'm guessing this is from the "Made in Japan out of Old Beer Cans" era.
I'm hoping that Royal Seal didn't just change it's name to Ko-Ken!
The metal box is also beaten to hell.... talk about scratching counter tops. This also gives me pause about metal cases, generally... is this what my shiny red Ko-Ken case would end up looking like?
Finally, in terms of cars.... I have only Toyota/Lexus cars (old ones!), so those are all metric.
But I use my socket set for lots of other things, and that's pretty much all SAE.
Well, outside the socket set world, I guess it's just called "Standard", like in the bins at the hardware store. Like when I need to bolt my drill press to my bench, and I buy bolts from the little drawers in the local hardware store, I'm buying standard nuts and bolts. They're not SAE because they're not automobile parts?
I have a bunch of US-made Craftsman stuff from my deceased father-in-law, who was a serious car guy. That stuff is amazing, but there's not a complete 6pt 3/8" drive socket/ratchet kit the mix. A full set of 12pt sockets, and several ancient round-headed Craftsman ratchets that have seen better days. There is a nice little metric 6pt set in a metal tray, and a 6pt deep SAE set in a tray. The metal trays look like this:
There is a tiny Craftsman 1/4" drive set that looks like this:
The case-hinge on mine is held together with my father-in-law's duct tape, and the t-bar is missing. The fit/finish on the ratchet is stellar, but the feel of the ratchet.... it's just not that refined.
There's also a Japan-made Royal Seal set that looks like this:
12pt for the larger sizes, and 6pt for 3/8 and smaller sockets. But the fit/finish on this set is terrible. I'm guessing this is from the "Made in Japan out of Old Beer Cans" era.
I'm hoping that Royal Seal didn't just change it's name to Ko-Ken!
The metal box is also beaten to hell.... talk about scratching counter tops. This also gives me pause about metal cases, generally... is this what my shiny red Ko-Ken case would end up looking like?
Finally, in terms of cars.... I have only Toyota/Lexus cars (old ones!), so those are all metric.
But I use my socket set for lots of other things, and that's pretty much all SAE.
Well, outside the socket set world, I guess it's just called "Standard", like in the bins at the hardware store. Like when I need to bolt my drill press to my bench, and I buy bolts from the little drawers in the local hardware store, I'm buying standard nuts and bolts. They're not SAE because they're not automobile parts?
Yeah, that's the problem with rabbit holes. If you manage to extricate yourself from one you end up falling into another!
OP
jasonrohrer
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Here are some great examples:
I have a 2021 Southbend commercial stove with caster wheels that are held in place with nuts and bolts. These are standard, not metric.
Yesterday, I had to remove a pilot light gas tube on that stove to clean out a blockage. Gas fitting was standard, not metric.
I had to re-build my 2021 Fischer commercial pre-rinse faucet. Fittings were standard, not metric.
These things are built to last, and are easily serviceable. I'll be needing standard tools for a while longer...
I have a 2021 Southbend commercial stove with caster wheels that are held in place with nuts and bolts. These are standard, not metric.
Yesterday, I had to remove a pilot light gas tube on that stove to clean out a blockage. Gas fitting was standard, not metric.
I had to re-build my 2021 Fischer commercial pre-rinse faucet. Fittings were standard, not metric.
These things are built to last, and are easily serviceable. I'll be needing standard tools for a while longer...
Even if infrastructure (plumbing, electrical, HVAC and literal infrastructure like ironworkers and millwrights do) switched over to metric today, which will not happen, we would need SAE tools for decades.
Even in cars with all metric hardware, I find hose clamps with 5/16” or 1/4” headed screws. Other aftermarket auto parts sometimes have some SAE hardware.
finn
Well-known member
Craftsman was never sold to the Chinese.
Where on earth did you get that idea from? They were sold to SBD, an American company with global sourcing.
Spouting off that nonsense destroys your credibility.
That’s like saying Mercedes, Toyota, BMW, and GM were sold to China, since they all manufacture cars there.
I feel like that's arguing semantics. Being owned by the Chinese/a Chinese company is different then a company that manufacturers globally, but what difference does it really make when COO is shipped overseas?
Craftsman was a brand that established itself with primarily made in USA tools for decades. Many of us, myself included, grew up with Craftsman being a made in America brand. Those days are long since gone. It doesn't really matter who owns the name at this point.
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finn
Well-known member
I have Craftsman ratchets and, I think combination wrenches that were stamped Japan. Same with my made in Japan Craftsman 2 1/2 ton floor jack. I purchased the wrenches and jack new in the 1970s or early eighties. Does that make Sears who owned the brand at the time a Japanese company?
This site is filled with people that can’t accept globalization, and can’t get over the fact that it’s been here for decades.
Those Japanese Craftsman tools I have are approaching fifty years old.
I think you need to re-read my post.
alinc100
Well-known member
The Williams are $60 more than the CAT. Williams might be a better offering due to getting the 1/4,5/16",13/16",7/8",15/16",1" Which I don't see in the Cat Tools catalog, in 6 point chrome shallow.