Walmart starting to carry Stanley single sockets

[Cfendrick]

Walked past the tool section at Walmart today and noticed that they are now going to carry single Stanley sockets.

Looks like they are pretty cheap in price for example a 10mm 6pt 3/8” socket for $1.49 and all made in China. Also saw it was going to have some hex and star sockets.

 

[southalabama]

They've had them here six months or so.

 

[bob from indiana]

The store in Salem Indiana had singles last year when it opened. They were gone the last time I was there.

 

[Snakebyt]

never hurts to have a few extra 10mm laying around

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm curious to see how the detents work being that they're from China. All the modern day Taiwan sockets I've tried are very nicely made except for the detents being in the wrong location.

 

[AmishFury]

this will obviously vary from store to store... kinda like the random selection of automotive tools i found at one store that none of the stores in my area have

but i can say 3 of the local stores aren't carrying single sockets... as far as the others... i don't tend to go there often

 

[Snakebyt]

the one nearest my house is starting to get them

 

[James-W]

I don't know about you guys, but I draw the line at buying tools from Wal-Mart. That just seems wrong to me.

 

[seanb02]

I don't know about you guys, but I draw the line at buying tools from Wal-Mart. That just seems wrong to me.

I draw the line and buying anything from Walmart. Not so much due to the stuff they have as you can get decent food or other essentials there, but because of the people that frequent the joint. Also the complete lack of customer service. 2 registers open out of 20 where you have 5 folks ahead of you in their pajamas with 2 shopping cars full of cereal and soda pop and can't figure out how to make the credit card machine work...

 

[mfewtrail]

I don't know about you guys, but I draw the line at buying tools from Wal-Mart. That just seems wrong to me.

They still have a *small* collection of USA made stuff. A couple of offerings from Channellock, prybars by Wilde, and some other stuff.

 

[jonesg]

I draw the line and buying anything from Walmart. Not so much due to the stuff they have as you can get decent food or other essentials there, but because of the people that frequent the joint. Also the complete lack of customer service. 2 registers open out of 20 where you have 5 folks ahead of you in their pajamas with 2 shopping cars full of cereal and soda pop and can't figure out how to make the credit card machine work...

They're called Americans. They don't judge.

 

[jonesg]

I don't know about you guys, but I draw the line at buying tools from Wal-Mart. That just seems wrong to me.

What about sears?

 

[wolf_from_wv]

I like them because they are intermediate in length... Longer than shallow and shorter than the deepwell.

 

[bpjr]

Our local Walmart has had a really good selection of single sockets for 6 months or so. They look good but I haven't tried them to see how the detents work.

 

[78C-10]

I wonder how many of these single sockets will make their way into the pajama pants pockets. Someone will ruin it.

 

[Cfendrick]

I like them because they are intermediate in length... Longer than shallow and shorter than the deepwell.

I have one or two mid length Stanley sockets and I like them as well. They are exactly the same size as some of the Carlyle Mid length sockets, but do they sell a complete set any where as I have yet to locate one from Stanley\Walmart?

See attached 13mm Stanley for comparison to a Duralast, GearWrench, Craftsman(Deep and short), and Carlyle(Mid).

 

[Cfendrick]

I wonder how many of these single sockets will make their way into the pajama pants pockets. Someone will ruin it.

I can't recall, but I believe some of the parts stores and Sears have security tags under each single socket they sell. Hopefully the single sockets have a security tag placement underneath the barcode rather than out in the open as compared to the Stanley Black Chrome 120 tooth sealed non serviceable ratch with a COO=China that currently sells for $14.36 online. In-store will usually price match themselves but YMMV
https://www.walmart.com/ip/STANLEY-STMT81207-3-8-Drive-120-Tooth-Ratchet/856004039

I for one sure hope that people don't ruin it. While I have many different brands, I like options and competitive prices and all tools in general.

 

[1320]

I'm curious to see how the detents work being that they're from China. All the modern day Taiwan sockets I've tried are very nicely made except for the detents being in the wrong location.

I have heard this before abut the detent location, but can't say I've noticed a problem - can you elaborate?

 

[Wamsutta]

I have heard this before abut the detent location, but can't say I've noticed a problem - can you elaborate?

If we call the top of the socket the square drive end, then the "detent scoops" need to be positioned further down the "square hallway" a little ways.

 

[James-W]

What about sears?

I haven't been to a Sears store for so long I can't recall when I was there last. I used to go to Sears a lot and over the years I have spent many thousands of dollars there. We have a Sears charge card and it just sits inside our wallets unused. Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired and they really don't have anywhere near the selection of anything like they once did.

 

[Kenskip1]

I will spout my opinion to the anti- Walmart crowd.Here in Lebanon Missouri, the local Walmart is a great place to visit. Why? The floors are clean,the help will assist you in every way possible. I purchased a Stanley 3/8 1/4 drive 6 point socket set about a year ago.I had an issue with my cell phone.They went out of (her) way to get the anomaly corrected.Before you talk down an entire chain, may I suggest that you visit other stores then make a comparison.As to your store,I would suggest you speak to the management.I did in Lebanon. He would have made a good Santa Clause.However after a firm hand shake we talked for close to 45 minutes. I would work for this man anytime. Not all Walmart's are like you described. Ken

 

[bpjr]

I didn't notice they were mid length and may go check them out again.

 

[Fedwrench]

I wonder how many of these single sockets will make their way into the pajama pants pockets. Someone will ruin it.

I was in a nearby wal mart the other day and the stanley individual wrench, socket, and tool display is now in a locked glass case. The selection looks smaller now too.

 

[ChevyEFI]

They are in stock, waiting for me to come buy them at 10pm when it is the easiest option. Thank you, WalMart for carrying overhead I don't need to carry. See ya in a few years.

 

[mudflap]

I will spout my opinion to the anti- Walmart crowd.Here in Lebanon Missouri, the local Walmart is a great place to visit. Why? The floors are clean,the help will assist you in every way possible. I purchased a Stanley 3/8 1/4 drive 6 point socket set about a year ago.I had an issue with my cell phone.They went out of (her) way to get the anomaly corrected.Before you talk down an entire chain, may I suggest that you visit other stores then make a comparison.As to your store,I would suggest you speak to the management.I did in Lebanon. He would have made a good Santa Clause.However after a firm hand shake we talked for close to 45 minutes. I would work for this man anytime. Not all Walmart's are like you described. Ken

There is a big difference store to store...the ones in more rural areas are actually a pleasure to roam around in, and shop at.. But the ones that have a bus stop nearby are not so much...

 

[Professional Tool User]

Stanley as a conglomerate, is an abomination to me. I try to avoid buying anything from them, including Stanley subsidiaries.

 

[southalabama]

I can recall as a kid dad making a list of individual sockets he needed and we would make an effort to buy as many as we could at the local Sears. Those days are gone. Most of us here have multiples of everything. My grandfather was a carpenter his entire working career. At his death he had a folding ruler, hammer, level, hand saw, tape measure, chisel and a couple screwdrivers. I've got more tools in the back of the Jeep. There are those that can't afford snap on and harbor freight isn't around. They are trying to get their car working and can't afford a set. The Wally World is likely open most of the night and they can run get the $2.00 socket they need to get their car working again before morning.

Having said all that. It won't last and not be profitable. Just my opinion. Given time they will be in the clearance section and they will be back to selling sets only.

 

[6PTsocket]

LOL!! I can vouch for the rest but never saw anyone in pajamas. Your Walmart sounds like a fun place.

I draw the line and buying anything from Walmart. Not so much due to the stuff they have as you can get decent food or other essentials there, but because of the people that frequent the joint. Also the complete lack of customer service. 2 registers open out of 20 where you have 5 folks ahead of you in their pajamas with 2 shopping cars full of cereal and soda pop and can't figure out how to make the credit card machine work...

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[6PTsocket]

What about sears?

Sears? The shelves are bare. Their suppliers have cut them off. They are closing stores at a hunded at a clip, every few months. The stock is at $2.80. Home depot is around $160.00, for comparison. Gone by the end of the year.

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[6PTsocket]

I have heard this before abut the detent location, but can't say I've noticed a problem - can you elaborate?

I bought a Sunnex crowfoot set and they had no detents. They stayed on well enough to use but I would not have bought them if I had noticed.

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[6PTsocket]

I will spout my opinion to the anti- Walmart crowd.Here in Lebanon Missouri, the local Walmart is a great place to visit. Why? The floors are clean,the help will assist you in every way possible. I purchased a Stanley 3/8 1/4 drive 6 point socket set about a year ago.I had an issue with my cell phone.They went out of (her) way to get the anomaly corrected.Before you talk down an entire chain, may I suggest that you visit other stores then make a comparison.As to your store,I would suggest you speak to the management.I did in Lebanon. He would have made a good Santa Clause.However after a firm hand shake we talked for close to 45 minutes. I would work for this man anytime. Not all Walmart's are like you described. Ken

Must be a different Walmart company. The one near me can't get their prices straight. They do not have lower online prices so the price is the price. Based on the price I found online I got to the store and found a much higher price on the shelf tag and one between the other two at the register. I run into this stuff all the time and they do not always settle without a fuss. I ordered something online and they sent a totally wrong item. I returned it to the store and they did not want to return the shipping cost. I spent a long time on the phone going through countless robo extensions before I got an apology and a refund. Their computer system is beyond help and cannot tell you if an item is in stock. I got an email telling me my " ship to store" had arrived but when I got there no one could find it. It was not until I got home that I got a call saying they found it. They have some things that I cannot easily find elsewhere but I go in there figuring that something will go wrong and I am seldom surprised.

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[wolf_from_wv]

The Walmarts here seem to have the 6 point sockets in sets. Only one has the individual sockets.

I got a couple to fill in for missing sockets (3/8" drive 1/4" and 5/16") and a couple metric deep well to try out. I guess I'll have to go back and get the rest.

Lowes has (had?) similar socket sets, but in 12 point.

The closest Walmart to me put all their razor blades and utility knives in locked security cases. They also won't match the online price, but you can order it and have it sent to the store for the cheaper price.

If your eyes/brain hasn't been scarred by in person encounters with people of Walmart, don't visit the peopleofwalmart.com site...

 

[Cfendrick]

Purchased some 3/8" deep(really mid) sockets to provide pictures and pricing however this may vary slightly as well as availability and selection and peoples experiences with Walmart/Stanley. Didn't have the full stock out so I'll get to make another trip back for the 12mm and 13mm to complete the set.

1/4" Shallow singles were $0.97 1/4" Deep singles were $1.28
3/8" Shallow singles were $1.48 3/8" Deep singles were $1.88
1/2" Deep singles were $2.88


Example pricing of a 3/8" deep(really mid) socket SET vs SINGLES which buying these as singles is a wash
10pc set of 12pt 3/8" deep would be $18.74
vs
10 single 6pt 3/8" deep sockets @ $1.88 would be $18.80


Example pricing of a 1/2" deep socket SET vs SINGLES which buying these as singles to make a set would NOT make sense.
10pc set of 12pt 3/8" deep would be $18.74
vs
10 single sockets @ $2.88 would be $28.80

 

[nmantas]

My local mom & pop dollar store got a liquidation of Made in USA Stanley singles for a buck a pop (couldn't identify the store they originally came from because they only had the price sticker on the back).....so far I have picked or upgraded 9 sockets for $9.

 

[Cfendrick]

Our local Walmart has had a really good selection of single sockets for 6 months or so. They look good but I haven't tried them to see how the detents work.

Detents: The detents on the Deep(mid length) Stanley sockets available today compared to older Stanley USA I would consider slightly smaller but they start at the same depth. Detent depths were consistent and all of them were there with no shavings or flashing left. The cut detent appeared un-chromed and slightly rougher around the edges and on par for the price point with a COO=China. The shallow socket was acceptable as well.

Broach: Broaching depth is around the middle of the socket on the Deep(mid-length)socket.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

The Walmart near me is well run and stocked. I've seen some that are real slums as well, so it really comes down to the staffing and attention paid by the store.

I do peruse the tools they have there, always in mind of things I might need at some time in a weekend knowing the store is always open.

We don't have Sears anymore, so really it's box stores or ... well, that's it.

 

[mfewtrail]

Example pricing of a 1/2" deep socket SET vs SINGLES which buying these as singles to make a set would NOT make sense.

That's a good point and almost universally the case when buying sockets unless you happen upon some clearance. Those singles are nice for a time where you might need that specific size but don't want to buy a full kit. For those that aren't outfitted very well yet, the singles there could get them back in business if they break a socket past say 9-10pm when most other stores are closed.

My local mom & pop dollar store got a liquidation of Made in USA Stanley singles for a buck a pop (couldn't identify the store they originally came from because they only had the price sticker on the back).....so far I have picked or upgraded 9 sockets for $9.

Those have been collecting dust for around 20+ years. I have some old Stanley stuff that's around twenty years old that was already being produced in Taiwan at the time.

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Yesterday, I checked, and the 3/8" drive sets here, are 12 point.

Lowes doesn't seem to have them.