Thoughts on an inexpensive sockets set

[nbpt100]

Ideas and thoughts on an inexpensive 1/4" and 3/8" metric sockets. This is to keep in my car for those emergencies when you need to make a road side repair for yourself or a stranded party?

Like changing out a battery, alternator or coolant hose.

I have the ratchets just thinking of getting a set of metric sockets to put on rails and keep in a car tool box.

I am thinking HF, Husky or Kobalt. I did a quick look on eBay and these brands came up at a reasonable price. I Saw some very inexpensive off brands that I never heard of and unbranded stuff that I would never trust to be good enough.

Hopefully they won't get much use.

 

[jsmeece]

Tekton or Gearwrench, would be my choice.

 

[ddawg16]

I would do the Husky or Kobalt set. Try to get one in a case with all the common tools...pliers, screw drivers, etc. The plastic case will not rust and make less noise bouncing around in your car.

I have one in the kitchen. Don't need one for the car....yet. It's 5 months old.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I bought a set for the back of the pickup , A Mastercraft, 200 piece or something like that for $69.99 or so. You get the picture. The Stanley ones were a little more expensive. I've used it surprisingly often on hunting trips for ATVs.

 

[AS556]

Just use HF stuff. The Quinn line is decent.

Get an SAE set too, never know what you'll need.

 

[seber]

All three of the brands you mention have tools made mostly in Taiwan and a few in China. Just pick one that looks good to you or fits your hand. I would make sure the COO is Taiwan. The supplier of any given tool may vary from one day to the next.

 

[sberry]

HF has real shopping power, they do vary from one day to the next,,, they normally get better. The cost difference at that level of wholesale is so minor they buy better if they can get it, often spec it like Stanley does.

 

[lilredex]

This one might do it......hard to beat 50 cents per socket. Might even grab one for myself on my next MI visit.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=430491

https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/6f/6f40d759-800a-4e6f-bb7a-168da18ab34f.pdf

 

[B_Bimmer]

The stanley sets from wal-mart are my choice for car sets, mostly because of a decent case.

 

[jasonphelps]

Tekton metric only set for the vehicle. Not a whole lot of use of SAE unless you're driving something really old.

 

[ex-x-fire]

It takes time but you can get some real good stuff at flea markets.

 

[jasonphelps]

Also, if you post make/model you make get better answers.

My primary vehicle requires 8, 10, 12, 14, 17 and 19mm six point for most everything.

Get under the hood with a 10mm and see what fasteners it will fit, etc. Better to do now than on the side of the road realizing you need a deep well 14mm but the set you bought only has 13 and 15mm deep for instance.

 

[Nineeightyone]

Tekton is excellent stuff. The Kobalt 3/8" shallow/deep metric socket set is $20 now in most stores, mine has been in service for over 10 years and it's excellent.

I've also been thinking about a basic car kit, and the Stanley at Walmart doesn't seem to be awful for the basics.

 

[CR888]

Someone posted a link to a 12 piece 1/2" Stanley set for $16.99 on sale from $20. It had metric sockets 8-19mm an extension about 5" & a ratchet all in a compact case. Hard to go wrong at that price, it looked pretty decent too. I think it was at Menard's??

 

[Robinson1]

Buy a set in a case that includes both standard and deep. I've tried the socket rail route before and they always rattle and annoy me. Especially if you keep them behind a truck seat on in an interior storage area.

You can probably skip 1/4 drive for roadside repairs.

Add a 6 in 1 screwdriver, slip joint pliers, 8 or 10 inch adjustable wrench, and a tire plug kit and you are fairly prepared for most situations you'd likely be able to fix roadside easily.

Also keep a few hose clamps, small assortment of spare fuses, zip ties, and electrical tape on hand.

 

[lilredex]

One here...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley...t-and-Socket-Set-12-Piece-STMT74873/301413055

 

[jsmeece]

One here...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley...t-and-Socket-Set-12-Piece-STMT74873/301413055

I would rather have this set than the Stanley.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-66636-20-Piece-Socket-Set-1-2-Drive-Tools-SAE-Metric/392305407402

 

[u118224]

The stanley sets from wal-mart are my choice for car sets, mostly because of a decent case.

+1 for the road box.

 

[jd_1138]

Tekton metric only set for the vehicle. Not a whole lot of use of SAE unless you're driving something really old.

I'd also slap in a rail of SAE, as it's dirt cheap especially used at a yard sale or flea market, and someone might run into a situation where they need a SAE size like if you're at the in-law's and need to put a BBQ together or something or some house repair that requires SAE. When you're not home with your main set.

I don't think brand is too important, though Tekton and GW would be my first choices, as they aren't much more than inferior brands.

Someone mentioned Stanley's come in nice cases. I wouldn't fart around with factory provided cases. They don't last long. I'd get a nice little toolbox and put them in along with other basics -- pliers, screwdrivers, small hammer, measuring tape, extensions, mechanic's wire, spare fuses, etc..

 

[LOW1]

I have a 1/4 inch kobalt socket set. It also has a driver with a bunch of different bits. I have used it a lot and it holds up well. It has a good case that actually holds sockets, etc in place. That is essential imho. I would avoid the $20 sets and look in the $50 range if you can.

 

[jd_1138]

I have a 1/4 inch kobalt socket set. It also has a driver with a bunch of different bits. I have used it a lot and it holds up well. It has a good case that actually holds sockets, etc in place. That is essential imho. I would avoid the $20 sets and look in the $50 range if you can.

Yeah those bits like Torx, Allen, Robertson/square, Phillips, slotted, etc. are important to have.

 

[Professional Tool User]

If size skips are not a problem for you, Harbor Freight sets are reasonably good and expendable. Otherwise go with Tekton.

 

[kctyphoon]

ANY of the brands mentioned will work just fine.. pick whatever you want.. the biggest factor for you might be the case. What’s nice with tekton and gearwrench is you can get sperate case for each drive size, and there is no ******** included in their sets to up the piece count. Just my opinion - but I’d go with a set that includes SAE as well.. you never know what the tools might be used for once you have them. I wouldnt limit it to “ONLY” metric, esp for socket sets.

 

[bob15]

So you want to buy cheap tools that can fail quicker than even vintage USA-made tools for that one time job you need them not to fail?

To me, I would rather have and rely older US-made flea-market/swap meet found tools (Billings, Bonney, New Britian, NAPA, KD, Easco, Allen, C-man, etc) for that emergency repair rather than having low quality stuff that might break before you even finish the job on the side of the road/parking lot.

Same hold true with screwdrivers and pliers. I've seen some "emergency tool kits" that people have assembled which include torque limiting screwdrivers (the handle spins, but the blade doesn't move due to be a pos screwdriver).

 

[sberry]

Nothing wrong with the Allen at 17$. I am not familiar with all the Stanley stuff but got a couple buds brutalize it in a junkyard, they beat it way beyond any emergency road kit by a hobby type. One has the big HF breaker bar added to the set. How tuff does it have to be?
I got a friend with some Sears in the cases. That stuff is slow and hard to work from but does keep it all together. It takes a lot of room.

 

[cjarvis]

I simply picked up a HF socket/ratchet set and wrenches, and added a few things to it. I have tools to cover every fastener on my truck from 19mm down. I don't need expensive tools to do what I anticipate using this kit for.

I think you'd be fine with any of your initial choices.

 

[Tallpilot]

ANY of the brands mentioned will work just fine.. pick whatever you want.. the biggest factor for you might be the case. What’s nice with tekton and gearwrench is you can get sperate case for each drive size, and there is no ******** included in their sets to up the piece count. Just my opinion - but I’d go with a set that includes SAE as well.. you never know what the tools might be used for once you have them. I wouldnt limit it to “ONLY” metric, esp for socket sets.

This. Tekton and Gearwrench offer blow molded cases in compact form with the tools you need and no b.s. The big Tekton metric set is probably best if you only want to carry one. 3/8” drive 6-24mm should cover anything you would do on the side of the road that requires a hex socket.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Canadian Tire has a $279 Stanley kit on for $69.99 this week. It's a special purchase sort of thing. If the Stanley is as good as the Mastercraft that I have, ( It's likely better) you can use it for lifetime before they fails. I would say the socket quality is ahead of my American made -V- Craftsman. Only problem with using them is having a bag over your head so no one sees you using them, chuckle.

 

[sberry]

Like a moped, fun ti ride if your buds don't see you. The US Sears was bad in the 80's 90 something about busted sockets. I haven't heard breaking any new China. I am not sure when /if they fix it in the US versions later, hadn't bought much in that time frame. I warranty a bunch and the replacements worked fine. But I busted at least one from every 80s set I had. Some more. Once used they were fine, lots of them bust right out of the box.

 

[kctyphoon]

So you want to buy cheap tools that can fail quicker than even vintage USA-made tools for that one time job you need them not to fail?

To me, I would rather have and rely older US-made flea-market/swap meet found tools (Billings, Bonney, New Britian, NAPA, KD, Easco, Allen, C-man, etc) for that emergency repair rather than having low quality stuff that might break before you even finish the job on the side of the road/parking lot.

Same hold true with screwdrivers and pliers. I've seen some "emergency tool kits" that people have assembled which include torque limiting screwdrivers (the handle spins, but the blade doesn't move due to be a pos screwdriver).

Are we really STILL doing this?
This is like saying someone is stupid for putting a donut in his car as a spare - when there was nothing there in the first place. That its worthless to have anything less than a full sized wheel, and full sized tire - and you should carry that around for the next 8 or 10 years just “in case” you might need it. Some new cars dont even come with spares anymore. Lol

Granted - if someone is driving around in a $500 car riddled with problems that leaves him stuck once a month - i would think they’d be smart enough to not buy their socket set from the 99 cent store. Every brand he listed is a well known, solid, AFFORDABLE brand, with MILLIONS of people using them everyday without issues (some professionally BTW). If people are pulling engines and transmissions with the SAME brands he & others listed, I’m pretty sure he can put a new battery in IF the time comes.

The guy LITERALLY listed a COOLANT HOSE as what hes looking to POSSIBLY do with these.

 

[sberry]

I bought some screwdrivers a while back from HF. 1.50 a piece in singles and I like them about as well as any I have ever used.
This whole type of question would be different if it cost ad much as a Klein, or even half as much, or even 1/4 but when it's this good and 20% it's worth considering.

 

[kctyphoon]

I bought some screwdrivers a while back from HF. 1.50 a piece in singles and I like them about as well as any I have ever used.

HF Pro screwdrivers have a HUGE following on this forum, and the whole set is like $9.

 

[sberry]

They have nice handles with a big mark on the end can see what style they are if in a pouch or pocket. I was going to take a couple nails to a flea a while back to see how good the side cutter and **** clones were. I got some I wish I could find again, if I knew they would outlast the Klein would have taken a bit better care of them. All my "good" stuff is worn out and needs replacement.

 

[nikerret]

I have a Crescent set, along with a roll of Craftsman wrenches, Teton screw drivers, and a Proto ratchet set, among an assortment of pliers and other random tools, in my truck.

 

[nadogail]

The Harbor Freight stuff has served me well enough.

Their long breaker bar has proven to be professional quality.

Their Plastic Handle Pry Bars are equal or better than anything else I have seen.

 

[sberry]

Being cheap is like a bonus with some of this stuff,, what's not good about that? China now makes a generic adjustable that is world class, almost as good as any made and improved and better than some brand. 4 piece set 25$ and my go to if I can only carry one.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I would choose HF. The last roadside repair I did was around 2005, I changed a thermostat on my 1990 Volvo 240. I didnt have the tools or part, was lucky I was on the way home from work, called my wife, gave her a list of tools to bring and she stopped at the parts store on the way to the parking lot I pulled over into.

IMHO car components are a lot more reliable than 20 years ago. the 1/4 and 3/8 Husky combo I keep in the car I've only used for helping other people and not on a car.

I do find the NOCCO lithium ion battery pack helpful. I've that several time, and again on other peoples cars.

How many times have you needed to do a roadside repair?

 

[sberry]

Agree about the need. 30 years ago, maybe a bit more it cost 5$ to turn a bolt with a reliable wrench, today the same can be had for 2 or less.

 

[nbpt100]

Lots of great comments. Many that confirm my thinking and some that are expanding my thinking. Ideas like getting a wrench roll with some common combo wrenches. Also Including some torx and hex bits. Torx are more common and needed to change some light bulbs.

I currently have a tire plug kit and small air compressor that runs off of the cig lighter outlet. I keep one in my van and my car.

I am convinced to get the SAE too! As more than one suggested it may be used for non auto applications. Why limit yourself for only a few dollars. You never know When you are helping someone fix their snow blower, lawn mower, or assemble a grill. What ever!

In my original post I just threw out a few possibilities that quickly came to my head. Who knows what it could be? Who knows what kind of car I will be driving in two years? It is all an educated guess to cover the basics.

I find myself using my 1/4 drive sockets on cars a fair amount. Typically on sizes 13 and under. The often tight spaces make it desirable. I also like to use a nut driver handle often for speed. I have a proto nut driver that takes a 1/4 drive ratchet on the top of the handle for added leverage. Think of it as an extension with a wide grip. It is a nice tool. It seems only the tool truck level 1/4 nut drivers come with that simple feature.

Lots of ways to go and lots of options. That 200 pc Husky set is a great deal. I did not see it at my HD as I was there less than a week ago looking around for idea. I would have noticed that!

Thanks to everyone. I love tools and I will likely buy more stuff than I set out to do. That is the danger of looking for ideas on the Garage Journal.

 

[Citation]

I think one of the more important questions would be what tools do you really need.

These are two socket sets that strike me as good values at the low end of the market, around $50 rather complete 1/4 and 3/8 drive sets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KE6E1U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWT0NGH/?tag=atomicindus08-20
But you would still need screwdrivers, sockets etc.

I've tried to think about what would I hypothetically want in a road tool set. My last two on the road failures were a starter and an alternator. The starter was easy but seemed to require a very random assortment of socket sizes. The alternator had some access problems and getting it with one of the above kits would have required removing the under tray from the car. That would have required jacks, stands etc. I'm not likely to bring all that.