Upgrading 1/4" sockets

[BK13]

I'm slowly replacing my 1/4" drive sockets (from CM). I don't really like the dark chrome, and as I approach 50 it's getting harder to read the sizes, LOL. Not necessarily looking for brand recommendations (though, just for S&G, I'm looking at, in order, KoKen, Hazet, Proto, SK, Williams USA, used SO/Mac/Matco. Wright would move near the front of the line if I could actually check out the detents before buying), just trying to get people's opinions about whether the small sockets need to be high quality because the fasteners are small and therefor delicate, or if you can get away with a more midline option because the fasteners are small and therefor low torque.

Thanks, fellas!

 

[buckwheat_la]

On one side 1/4 aren't the most used sockets however the heads of bolts for them tend to be small and easily rounded. Get a decent set.

 

[AA/FC]

I'm slowly replacing my 1/4" drive sockets (from CM). I don't really like the dark chrome, and as I approach 50 it's getting harder to read the sizes, LOL. Not necessarily looking for brand recommendations (though, just for S&G, I'm looking at, in order, KoKen, Hazet, Proto, SK, Williams USA, used SO/Mac/Matco. Wright would move near the front of the line if I could actually check out the detents before buying), just trying to get people's opinions about whether the small sockets need to be high quality because the fasteners are small and therefor delicate, or if you can get away with a more midline option because the fasteners are small and therefor low torque.

Thanks, fellas!

Are your current CM sockets made in USA? Not sure what you mean by "dark chrome" but I've never had a problem with any of my USA CM 1/4 sockets. Strength isn't really an issue with 1/4 sockets....

 

[crab]

CM is decent, as good as some you mentioned. If what you have is U.S. I'd be tempted to keep them. If you must upgrade I think Snap-On would be what I'd do. I actually use 1/4 quite a bit.

 

[gdocktor3]

Are your current CM sockets made in USA? Not sure what you mean by "dark chrome" but I've never had a problem with any of my USA CM 1/4 sockets. Strength isn't really an issue with 1/4 sockets....

To add to this, if you've made it this far with the Craftsmans, which are considered by some to be inferior to others, why do you feel the need to spend money on "stronger" sockets when the only real problem is the size of the markings? Because you can get 3/8" drive sockets in the same sizes as most of the 1/4" stuff, I would focus on finding something more legible and use the 3/8" drive stuff for the strength aspect. Another option is sunex impact sockets. They are impact grade (strong) and have laser etched and stamped markings (sight). Not to mention they are extremely affordable and carry a lifetime warranty. I think going a route similar to that is your best option. Here's a picture of a sunex and snap on impact socket. The laser etchings are actually very durable and the stamped markings are very legible as well. Plus they are same quality as snap on and sold on many tool trucks.

 

[shockwave]

I really like snap on for these but can be tough to read the stamping of sockets sometimes

For easy to read Matco will be an option but not as good of a socket as snap on/Williams Usa

 

[ssdave]

I have come to the opinion that quality matters a lot in 1/4" drive. I use mine a lot, on automotive stuff I use them almost exclusively with the 3/8 and 1/2" being rarely used.

I too had Craftsman (and SK), then upgraded to Proto, and finally to Snap-on. Although you won't break the 1/4" drive sockets much, the quality makes a huge difference in how many fasteners round off and slip. I have a small fraction of the round off and slip failures with the Snap-on that I had with any of the others. I currently have Snap-on, Proto, and Williams sets. Of the three, the Snap-on is by far the best. The Proto and Williams are about equal, and not as good. All three are much better than the Craftsman and SK I previously had. The Craftsman were just ill fitting and the sockets wore/stretched out. The SK were thick and clunky. The Williams aren't machined/broached as well, and I had problems with a few of the Proto stretching/deforming. Those were warranteed, and the new ones were better.

If you feel the need to upgrade, I'd go right to used Snap-on if you can find them. Or, at least buy the small sets of shallow ones, even at retail. These have been my best investment in Snap-on, right up there with the ratcheting screwdriver. I like my other Snap-on, but for most of them, some of my other tools are about equal. These small 1/4" sockets have no comparison in the other brands I have tried. And that has been a good selection: Thorsen, SK, Craftsman, Williams and Proto, along with an assortment of mixed brands I've had from time to time before I got nicer sets.

 

[pi_guy]

I live on 1/4 inch stuff, there is not much in big sizes on small bore formula cars.
It is all snap on much of it has served me for 30 plus years.
I swear by the universals, tried them all and nothing matches Snap On

 

[BK13]

It's all USA, I bought it in the early '90s. Everything I replace will go in my son's box for when he get's a little older.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[valentine]

I started buying Toptul sockets and wrenches about a year ago and I really can't say enough good things about them. Professional quality is there and at a very reasonable price. Sure it's not USA made but, from what I've seen from the Toptul stuff I have, I'd say that Toptul compares quite favorably against any reasonably priced tool brands currently out there. I'd still take a drawer full of Snap-On over one filled with Toptul if both were being offered to me free of charge, but if I have to shell out my own money, it's Toptul all the way for the best value. DNSchmidt is a member here and he's a seller of Toptul. You can find him on ebay. Very good prices and excellent service.

-Valentine

 

[TheEuronater]

Are your current CM sockets made in USA? Not sure what you mean by "dark chrome" but I've never had a problem with any of my USA CM 1/4 sockets. Strength isn't really an issue with 1/4 sockets....

I think he means they look more nickel plated than a super bright chrome. They are definitely darker when next to an SK or SO socket. My Craftsman sockets are the same way, but I personally like the look.

 

[1950mercury]

I really like the matco sockets with the easy to read markings. Plus the larger sizes are machined down at the bottom making them easy to take off a ratchet when your hands are greasy

 

[BK13]

I started buying Toptul sockets and wrenches about a year ago and I really can't say enough good things about them. Professional quality is there and at a very reasonable price. Sure it's not USA made but, from what I've seen from the Toptul stuff I have, I'd say that Toptul compares quite favorably against any reasonably priced tool brands currently out there. I'd still take a drawer full of Snap-On over one filled with Toptul if both were being offered to me free of charge, but if I have to shell out my own money, it's Toptul all the way for the best value. DNSchmidt is a member here and he's a seller of Toptul. You can find him on ebay. Very good prices and excellent service.



-Valentine

I dig the Toptul stuff as well, but it's a little scarce on SAE stuff, at least a on dnschmidt's eBay page.

 

[BK13]

I think he means they look more nickel plated than a super bright chrome. They are definitely darker when next to an SK or SO socket. My Craftsman sockets are the same way, but I personally like the look.

Exactly. I just bought some 3/8" Carlyle semi-deeps ('cuz I'm a sucker for mid length) and the chrome is MUCH brighter.

 

[BK13]

I live on 1/4 inch stuff, there is not much in big sizes on small bore formula cars.
It is all snap on much of it has served me for 30 plus years.
I swear by the universals, tried them all and nothing matches Snap On

Yea, when I get around to buying swivels, at least in 1/4" chrome, they will be Snappys.

 

[gdocktor3]

I really like the matco sockets with the easy to read markings. Plus the larger sizes are machined down at the bottom making them easy to take off a ratchet when your hands are greasy

I have a few Matco sockets with the size marked in bright orange. I forgot about that. Also, Proto sockets have real large size markings stamped into them.

 

[AA/FC]

Exactly. I just bought some 3/8" Carlyle semi-deeps ('cuz I'm a sucker for mid length) and the chrome is MUCH brighter.

PROTO and MAC have very bright chrome also... I have a brand new set of 1/2 deep MAC sockets sitting here and they are extremely bright.

 

[four.cycle]

If being able to read the tiny numbers stamped on the sockets is the issue, I'd tend to go with S-K, as they do at least seem to stamp the numbers/sizes on the sockets large enough to be seen.
You should be able to find a set of slightly used S-K shallow chrome sockets (SAE or Metric) on Ebay for anywhere from about $20 - $30 (including shipping), so they're not a huge investment. (I just picked up a 10-pc metric set with tray for $25 to supplement the SAE set I got from ssdave about a month ago.)

Snap-on: yeah, better quality socket (as noted above), and the numbers/sizes stamped are pretty easy to read (at least on the few of them I have.)

WORST 1/4" socket for size/number legibility: Giller, a close second being Thorsen. (Just to note that your Craftsmans are NOT the most difficult to read the numbers/sizes on.)

 

[Greg85mcss]

I like the older dark sockets. They're in much better shape than the bright chinese ones I bought when I lost a couple but they do have lighter engraving which doesn't help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

I posted this same question a while ago. I decided not to upgrade because the USA made craftsman had served me well. Maybe 1 or 2 broke since 1996. I did however have it narrowed down to Williams USA and SK. I saw USA made Williams compared to snap on in a thread here and I couldn't see ANY DIFFERENCE. SK offered a more complete set so I was leaning toward them. But like I said. I ultimately just kept my USA made craftsman.

 

[T45]

The best 1/4 sockets are Hazet and Snap on.

buying a single sleve of sockets is not going to break the bank

buying a huge kit of 1/4 drive stuff will, so start small and pick up your most crtical pieces first.

I definitely would not try to buy a 12-rail-lot of sockets (sae x metric in short/mid/deep in 6+12 points) right off the bat. Just grab a single rail of whatever you use the most, or in the most mission critical apps.

The cman usa is not terrible--mine have thinner walls than current spec snap on in some cases. The knock on cman is the production/broaching/finish variability, so if you have good copies they are ok. If you don't then better spec stuff will be noticeble even more so.

 

[Ghost11]

My father bought husky sockets because he was having trouble reading sizes. There black with big gold writing. Ill find a picture.

 

[Ghost11]

Here

 

[jd_1138]

1/4 sets are usually cheap even for a USA made quality set -- may as well get a nice set.

 

[BK13]

I posted this same question a while ago. I decided not to upgrade because the USA made craftsman had served me well. Maybe 1 or 2 broke since 1996. I did however have it narrowed down to Williams USA and SK. I saw USA made Williams compared to snap on in a thread here and I couldn't see ANY DIFFERENCE. SK offered a more complete set so I was leaning toward them. But like I said. I ultimately just kept my USA made craftsman.

I swear I was looking for your thread off and on for the last couple of weeks! I thought I remembered it....

 

[BK13]

Here

Those are cool, but I'm not buying any PRC tools if I have any other options...

 

[BK13]

The best 1/4 sockets are Hazet and Snap on.

buying a single sleve of sockets is not going to break the bank

buying a huge kit of 1/4 drive stuff will, so start small and pick up your most crtical pieces first.

I definitely would not try to buy a 12-rail-lot of sockets (sae x metric in short/mid/deep in 6+12 points) right off the bat. Just grab a single rail of whatever you use the most, or in the most mission critical apps.

The cman usa is not terrible--mine have thinner walls than current spec snap on in some cases. The knock on cman is the production/broaching/finish variability, so if you have good copies they are ok. If you don't then better spec stuff will be noticeble even more so.

I DO have a set of Snap On 12 point MM semi-deeps that I like. And yes, unless I find a screaming deal on eBay, this will be a work in progress.

 

[nh_yota]

I use nut drivers (and combination wrenches) most of the time when I'm working with small nuts and bolts. The colored handles make it easy to know which size I'm picking up without looking at the marking. Come to think of it I can't remember the last time I used 1/4" sockets.

 

[HeelSpur]

I know a guy who color coated all his wrenches and sockets but he was damn blind. It does make it easier like the craftsman nut drivers are.

 

[188slo50]

Why not just by easier to read labels for the craftsman sockets if they've worked this long? If you use them for a living than snap on is the way to go but for a do it yourself type stuff it's a waste of money(yes the haters will hate).

 

[RRmech]

While the majority of US-made sockets are generally GOOD, some are certainly priced better than others.
IF....I had to buy 1/4" sockets all over again (mine are GRAY - Canada), I'd probably look for PROTO.

Steve

 

[BK13]

I use nut drivers (and combination wrenches) most of the time when I'm working with small nuts and bolts. The colored handles make it easy to know which size I'm picking up without looking at the marking. Come to think of it I can't remember the last time I used 1/4" sockets.

That's funny, I have at least two full sets of nut drivers that I'm not sure I've ever used.

 

[buckwheat_la]

While the majority of US-made sockets are generally GOOD, some are certainly priced better than others.
IF....I had to buy 1/4" sockets all over again (mine are GRAY - Canada), I'd probably look for PROTO.

Steve

Don't like the GRAY?

 

[Jim Diesel]

On one side 1/4 aren't the most used sockets however the heads of bolts for them tend to be small and easily rounded. Get a decent set.

I agree. Always go for quality when it comes to the basic hand tools. Generally the small fastners are of lower grade, however like all things with a thread or taper fit can seize and the cheaper sockets are more prone to round the heads of the fastners.

The old adage preveils, always buy the best you can afford.

 

[94EG8]

Genius makes really nice 1/4 drive stuff and it's very reasonably priced. Their 1/4 drive stuff also goes up to 14mm and 9/16s which isn't especially common.

 

[Carves]

Genius makes really nice 1/4 drive stuff and it's very reasonably priced. Their 1/4 drive stuff also goes up to 14mm and 9/16s which isn't especially common.

I was going to suggest the Genius labelled products too.

Socket markings are quite good as Ive noticed when buying their spanners.


King Tony is not bad either for fit, finish and price ... but the markings are a little shallow for, very easy reading, so Ive found.

Anybody got any horror stories about those stick on, socket labels that I've seen on Amazon ??

e.g.... do they stay stuck - once they're on ??


.... Ohhhh and I have a single 1/4"dr 3/16th SK socket in my mix.

... it is the ugliest, most poorly made looking item on the 1/4" rail.

Might be a stanley one tho - since it was in with a bunch of sockets & spanners - stamped as ABW Anniversary Edition ??
.

 

[John in OH]

Wright makes beautiful made-in-USA sockets with large size stampings on the sockets. This is a pic of a 1/2" drive socket, but you can see the size of the stamping and clarity of the stamp:

 

[rockinacummins]

Short answer: yes, they need to be of good quality. But don't most all sockets?

You said you didn't want brand recommendations.

 

[RRmech]

Oh, I like the GRAY Canada tools just fine.
I bought them off of a Toronto-born co-worker when he retired.
However, the odds of finding any replacement sockets for my Gray Canada socket set in New Mexico, is slimmer than hitting the lottery.

Steve

 

[buckwheat_la]

Oh, I like the GRAY Canada tools just fine.
I bought them off of a Toronto-born co-worker when he retired.
However, the odds of finding any replacement sockets for my Gray Canada socket set in New Mexico, is slimmer than hitting the lottery.

Steve

Hey dude, I am pretty sure there is a couple online places for GRAY. Also their customer warrantee is top notch. I know of a couple guys who have used it and if you can't easily ship a tool back they will accept a pic of the damage...