What is your ideal socket set?

[PT Doc]

Keeping price in mind, what would be your ideal set of chrome sockets if you did not work with them professionally? Quality needs to be there as does a broad range on various drives. 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive only. Snap on is simply not an option because of cost. I'd like this to be an all inclusive set of sockets. No ratchets, extensions or universals are needed.

Could you list what you would get with your best ballpark of the price? Any chance to keep this under $500?

I've read dozens of previous threads but seems like people were looking got smaller sets than I am. Thanks for the help.

 

[ibedayank]

with or without a box for them?

 

[BajaBound]

dude buy the craftsman set it has everything you'll need! USA made and warrantied everywhere!

 

[reptilezs]

cman 299 pc set about 300-350 on sale

 

[kc-steve]

I'm sure EVERYONE has their own preferences, but after having a set of Craftsman tools for years I finally stepped up to S-K (again) recently because the original set I had back in the 1970s was stolen from me. I liked them then and I like them even better now. But I didn't replace them way back because I had other things to spend my money on at the time like supporting a family.

You did ask for "ideal" but if money is tight, the Craftsman 255-piece set is hard to beat when it is on sale for $180.

Steve

 

[matthew]

A lot of guys seem to swear by the 299 piece Craftsman sockets-only set. When it's on sale it's something like $300, and covers basically everything they offer in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive, both 6pt and 12pt.

 

[hammergodthor]

You're probably going to have a hard time finding socket sets without ratchets, extensions and such. Most kits with lots of sockets include the extras as well.

Having said that, I would try Cripe Distributing, they have a 165pc. gearwrench chrome for $95 plus shipping. Getting a socket warrantied will probably be impossible, I am guessing these sets are discontinued, thats why they are cheap. Still good tools though.
http://www.cripedistributing.com/gearwrench-80932-socket-tool-p-7376.html

If you want a good warranty, its hard to beat a Craftsman set. The tools aren't what they used to be, but still really good quality/warranty/bang for the buck. Craftsman 176 pc. Easy Read Socket Set, 6 and 12 pt., 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in. = $199.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934032000P?prdNo=4

If I had to start all over again, I would also look at GP Duo sockets, good for impact as well.

 

[Chadro]

I'm going to have to say Craftsman as well. All of my regular sockets are Craftsman and they hold up just fine in a professional environment. Sockets are one of the things I will not pay tool truck prices for.

 

[rsanter]

get a nice set of SO for the most used set and then Cman for the rest

bob

 

[PT Doc]

The cm 299 set seems to be a really good deal. And warranty should be easy if things are less than wonderful in the quality control area. Thanks

 

[BajaBound]

Go for it man!

 

[SIC90COUPE]

the matco ADV line of socket sets are nice and really affordable