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Unwanted Sockets

E

engineer2

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 13, 2009
Messages
11,798
Location
Chicago burbs
What do you guys do with your unwanted sockets? I finally went through all my sockets (keeping the Craftsman) and a bunch I inherited from my dad, who was pretty cheap. I don't want or need the Chinese/Taiwanese sockets. Some are duplicate Craftsman. Some chinese are nice quality "chrome vanadium", some are ****; mild steel, none are a complete set. I already have 'road kits' for my cars. Donate, scrap, sell?
 
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T

The Fall

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Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Messages
419
Location
Austin, TX
I keep them for when I need to abuse them. Like running them on impacts when clearance is an issue.
 
C

ChevyEFI

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Joined
Sep 2, 2012
Messages
8,721
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Put them where they're out of your way so they don't disorganize your work, but available for modification or abuse, as above.

One of my best uses of randoms was for a friend whose vehicle had been stolen, with tools inside. I bought a new version of my favorite organizer box and put together a partial set of sizes that would get him by. Now I gotta help him sort through his garage and get better organize. :)
 
V

Vahispd

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Messages
141
Location
SE VA
I agree with the abuse/hack/modify category, if you have space to store them.

Also, sometimes the socket diameter and length varies by manufacturer so an off brand gives you the flexibility to reach a certain fastener or fit into a tight space.

Donating is a good option. I would look for a young person starting to work on a project vehicle or even small engines that could benefit from a few more sockets. Or donate to a charity-based thrift store. I wouldn't scrap any usable tools.
 
C

Chad88

New member
Joined
May 25, 2020
Messages
2
Location
HOME
I agree with the others on the thread - ABUSE or DONATE, but I would donate to someone you know that would really appreciate them. I know when I was just starting working on stuff I would take ANYTHING since I didn't have jack sh** for tools.
 
L

lbhsbz

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Joined
Jan 13, 2010
Messages
1,173
Location
Long Beach CA
I have a few boxes of old sockets/wrenches/pliers that I've acquired over the years. If I get a new vehicle, I'll dig through it to put a basic tool kit together to keep in the vehicle. (I have one for the jeep, the truck, the wifes car, the boat, etc...). If I need to heat and bend a wrench for something special, I go in the spares box...if I need to weld a socket to something or cut it in half and make it 10 inches deep with a piece of pipe or cut it to make a spanner type socket or pin driver or whatever...I go into the spares box. Keep 'em if you have room for them.
 
R

Ralf11

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Joined
Feb 29, 2016
Messages
2,275
**** sockets should probably be put out of their misery by a trip to the metals recycling bin - this will avoid damage to other people and make the world a better place

agree on the donations points above for the others
 
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J

Junkdrawer Dog

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Jan 14, 2019
Messages
1,460
Location
LV NV
When I did my sell off/clean out, any thing garage related that didn't sell went to Habitat for Humanity. Tools, building materials, furniture went to HH. Clothes and household stuff to Goodwill. I figured GJ'ers and Garage Gazetteers would find the tools and adopt them.
 
J

JerryC

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 28, 2012
Messages
244
Location
Memphis TN
In addition to the above, they are handy if you need a spacer or need to drive a seal or press out bushings, etc.

Hammering over a wheel lock when you can't find the key is another use for cheap sockets.

Slingshot Ammo ?

Put them in can if you need to weigh something down.
 
1

1320stang

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
4,572
Location
Edmond, OK
I have an old Folgers can for each of 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" on the shelf. I also have a small chlorine tablet bucket half full of wrenches. I usually donate them or give to a kid.
 
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