Undecided on a 3/8 socket set

[JVB]

I know there are quite a few threads like this but was hoping to find someone who has used many of the sets before.

Gearwrench 80550 set has good reviews but looks to be a Chinese made set.

I am also looking at the sk set but I do not like the Roundhead ratchets

My leader as of now seems to be the armstrong 15299 set or the williams 50607

I currently have a craftsman industrial 3/8 drive set but metric are 6 point and standard are 12 point and it really bugs me .

Any other recommendations under the 175$ range or what real world experience do you have with the above sets?

 

[Aquaticbob]

Gearwrench 80550 set has good reviews but looks to be a Chinese made set.

My leader as of now seems to be the armstrong 15299 set or the williams 50607

Are you looking for american made tools only? GearWrench is made in taiwan, and I personally really enjoy their products. Gearwrench has been a good in-between for me of Home DIYer and truck brand. Also, it's worth noting that armstrong and gearwrench are owned by the same company.

 

[justgurn]

I have pulled many hours on the SK round heads. My only issue is you have spin it to tell what direction it is on. Most cases not a big deal, but there are times when a visual is good.

 

[richfinn]

I've bought Koken sockets and I really like the quality.

I already had Snap On/MAC/Britool ratchets and extensions etc

But I did get a 3/8 dual 80 Bahco and that's what I would do again.

Koken sockets

Bahco Ratchets

MAC extensions

 

[jim1987]

If Taiwan is ok depending on use duralast has held up great. Gear wrench isn't all Taiwan, some is chinese.

Also idk what the price would be for what you want, but possibly Carlyle is another contender to look at.

 

[dankicksass]

Buy USA Williams.

But I did get a 3/8 dual 80 Bahco and that's what I would do again.

Those are excellent. Love Bahco.

Also, it's worth noting that armstrong and gearwrench are owned by the same company.

Uncle Ben's and Snickers are owned by the same company. Should I feed my kid candy with his meatloaf?

 

[ChevyEFI]

Choosing sockets based on the ratchet that comes with them (that's known to be a dead-reliable ratchet that goes decades of use) seems silly. Maybe because I've had the 47 piece SK set for over 15 years. Buy the ratchet you like. My primary ratchets are roto.

 

[JVB]

Are you looking for american made tools only? GearWrench is made in taiwan, and I personally really enjoy their products. Gearwrench has been a good in-between for me of Home DIYer and truck brand. Also, it's worth noting that armstrong and gearwrench are owned by the same company.

I'm not picky just want something to last.
I called GW direct and they said 80550= Chinese

I have pulled many hours on the SK round heads. My only issue is you have spin it to tell what direction it is on. Most cases not a big deal, but there are times when a visual is good.

I see lots of good reviews on them, but I prefer the pear head ratchet design. I could always just buy a ratchet as I use the socket boss rails anyways

If Taiwan is ok depending on use duralast has held up great. Gear wrench isn't all Taiwan, some is chinese.

Also idk what the price would be for what you want, but possibly Carlyle is another contender to look at.

I actually have a duralast 1/4 set it was priced good and only skipped the 5.5mm socket. The 3/8 set is not as complete as I would like. I believe it is a 49 PC set, by the time I buy the extra sockets separate I would be into a USA made set

 

[jim1987]

But them desperately. My 3/8 metric set ran 8-19 if memory serves me right. Deep and shallow no skips

 

[Gmonkee]

Choose ratchet and sockets to the best of each, as you see it.

I have Wurth - Facom type ratchets and average Taiwan sockets and extensions. A few different brands including HF offerings. All the money where it makes the difference, the ratchets.

Hunt around a bit and you will find what excites you.

 

[Wamsutta]

That Williams set you posted is not USA; it's Taiwan.

This is the USA set here:

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

 

[Audiocrazy28]

I have owned the sk 3/8 set for over a year, no issues. Havnt used the ratchet much. Replaced it with a snap-on dual 80.

 

[BK13]

But them desperately. My 3/8 metric set ran 8-19 if memory serves me right. Deep and shallow no skips

Pretty funny typo, at least I hope you meant separately... Buying tools desperately is never a good idea, like grocery shopping when hungry!

I'd be looking at 'murican Williams if you need a set, maybe Williams ratchets and SK sockets if separate.

 

[espyking83]

I love SK sockets but aren't too hot on their 3/8 ratchets. I'd get a Armstrong aero ratchet ($37) and an SK socket set.

 

[BK13]

I love SK sockets but aren't too hot on their 3/8 ratchets. I'd get a Armstrong aero ratchet ($37) and an SK socket set.

Not a bad way to go, either. I dig my Armstrong MAXX ratchets...

 

[jim1987]

Pretty funny typo, at least I hope you meant separately... Buying tools desperately is never a good idea, like grocery shopping when hungry!

I'd be looking at 'murican Williams if you need a set, maybe Williams ratchets and SK sockets if separate.

Lol yes. But funny thing is when I bought them a few years ago, I was desperate for them then. As I didn't have any and needed a set to r&r a motor in the Toyota I had at the time
Lol.

 

[Terra Nova]

I would look at Wright sockets too. In-line with Williams USA prices if memory serves.

I agree with the other posters, buy sockets and ratchets separately.

 

[Fedwrench]

it's not that hard....

That Armstrong set may have a cool maxx ratchet and knurled extensions but, those sockets are the exact same thing as us made craftsman sockets down to that funky double detent cutout on square drive end. Pretty pricey for what you get.

The US made Williams set is nice but, also a little pricey and the older 36 tooth ratchet isn't that impressive.

If you're going to buy the gearwrench set, you might as well get the rebadged napa set cripe sells for like $35 plus shipping.

You know what I would do? I would buy the SK 47 piece 3/8 set and pick up an Armstrong maxx locking 3/8 drive flexhead ratchet to compliment it.

 

[JVB]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I think I may go with the sk sockets and buy a armstrong maxx and a snap on f80 and see what I like.

 

[shockwave]

Really for just a basic 3/8 set I like the gearwrench set out of ur list the best I have used there sockets and have yet to break any.

Is this set going to be in a grab bag or primary set?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Get good USA sockets brother. The SK are a good choice. Their chrome is very nice!

 

[JVB]

It is for my home use. I'm not a mechanic just use them for household uses and to tinker on my camaro here and there. May get used once a week tops.

 

[jim1987]

Just out of curiosity, have you tried pawn shops in your area?

 

[vssjim]

I have always been happy with SK stuff and like the ratchets so maybe e bay for the set and find a different ratchet on there as well if not in a hurry you will find it.

 

[ibedayank]

$160 for the SK set http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-94547-3-..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item3a7c4bb953&vxp=mtr

 

[nicksnothereman]

I know there are quite a few threads like this but was hoping to find someone who has used many of the sets before.

Gearwrench 80550 set has good reviews but looks to be a Chinese made set.

I am also looking at the sk set but I do not like the Roundhead ratchets

My leader as of now seems to be the armstrong 15299 set or the williams 50607

I currently have a craftsman industrial 3/8 drive set but metric are 6 point and standard are 12 point and it really bugs me .

Any other recommendations under the 175$ range or what real world experience do you have with the above sets?

Doesn't armstrong make some of the craftsman industrial stuff? Doesn't look like they offer that set. In my opinion they make good stuff but at the end of the day they are still apex. The williams set is taiwanese so...um...unless you really like it you're overpaying and losing a retail warranty. Not that you'd want kobalt but you shouldn't overpay for essentially the same thing. Unless you think snap-on's (williams) got a plant there which I doubt.

My actual recommendation is to just buy a set of 6 or 12 point (replacing whatever annoys you). Much cheaper man.

 

[michiganman18]

I have the SK 3/8 set as well. I really like SK for multiple reasons. I've never had issues with their warranties on legit claims, and the products deliver continuously. I love the sockets and the chrome but I am with you I'm not thrilled with the ratchets.

While theyre super tough (and I've never stripped one on jobs where I should've used a breaker) and i love the feel, what gets me is not having a one handed selection switch. If my hand is holding a fastener or I need to reverse in tight areas the last thing I want to do is have to use my preoccupied hand.

Other than that I love SK and the ratchets seem to sound better to me over time. Snap-ons look nice but an SK sounds and feels so much nicer to me. Some reason the sound is half the experience of the ratchet. I'd find a ratchet you like and put that in the set then when it breaks you still have the SK.

As a plus, SKS us made with us steel.

Have fun.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

 

[skruft]

I have used many brands of 3/8 ratchets and sockets and have had no trouble with any good USA-made brand, except that I think the traditional Craftsman type is very weak and unreliable. I personally prefer the regular metal handles, of which different brands have different shapes.