What socket wrench set to buy

[argoldst]

I am a simple homeowner who does some work around the house and helping others. I am not a professional. With that being said I need to get a new socket wrench set (my last one was lost in my move) and I am debating between gear wrench and Husky.

I know GW is a better quality kit but I like the idea of the lifetime warranty from Home Depot on Husky. Regardless of where I am, or where I move to, there will always be a Home Depot a few miles away making a return/exchange for a broken unit very easy and something that can be done with a replacement in hand in under an hour.

What do you guys think? Hopefully I will never have a broken socket or wrench but if it does happen, GW would be much harder and time consuming to get replaced.

Also, I have never owned a pass through socket wrench which I have seen around in various stores. Would you recommend this over a standard socket wrench? If you were only to buy one set, which would you get?

 

[Ponchoguy]

For me, it's been USA made (harder to find now) Sears Craftsman.

 

[argoldst]

I ruled out Craftsman as I have heard all there new stuff is made in China (no better than Husky). I know there older stuff was great when it was made here. For me, there are not many Sears nearby so exchanges would be difficult if one broke.

 

[General Geoff]

The pass-through stuff is great if you're working with all-thread.

Honestly, as a homeowner/DIY type, if you don't take cheater pipes to them, new Husky will be just fine. Kobalt is also a possibility if there is a Lowes nearby.

 

[CNGsaves]

If you're near Home Depot and like the Husky socket set, then get it.

You might get better deal if you watch for sales at Advance Auto on GearWrench and use internet coupon like $50 off $125 or similar. Look through prior GJ threads in Hot Deals section as the GearWrench ratcheting wrenches go on sale periodically at Advanced Auto.

Both brands will be fine for normal homeowner use. Good luck.

 

[argoldst]

If you're near Home Depot and like the Husky socket set, then get it.

You might get better deal if you watch for sales at Advance Auto on GearWrench and use internet coupon like $50 off $125 or similar. Look through prior GJ threads in Hot Deals section as the GearWrench ratcheting wrenches go on sale periodically at Advanced Auto.

Both brands will be fine for normal homeowner use. Good luck.

I saw this and was going to buy my GW set there. I was pretty much set on it until I considering the process of what I would have to do to replace a broken piece. Mailing it out would just not work for me. I would want to get a replacement immediately. With that in mind I'm definitely now leaning more toward the husky (more HD then lowes around). Only real question left I guess is get the normal set or the pass thru

 

[General Geoff]

Normal set first. Get pass-through only when you need it.

 

[ravenzfusion]

I've been impressed with my Husky set. Warranty replacement was super easy and fast too when they gave me a double socket, they got me the right one in no time, no hassle. You could always go harbor freight too, but I can't stand how its always crowded in there and never warrantied anything from there. If you have a Menards near by, i'd choose that over Husky (USA rebranded Allen )

 

[Adam.C]

I agree. I wouldn't concern myself with warranty. I would let the packaging be part of my decision. Ratchet wrenches could also be considered.

I'm thinking primary usage is barbeque grill, kids bike trike assembly, possible maintenance of gardening equipment. You could almost get away with a knipex plier wrench.

Snap on makes a ratcheting screwdriver set that includes a small selection of sockets as well as a good selection of bits. It's a darned handy little kit, too nice for deck and ikea furniture assembly, but you could maybe duplicate it with lower cost bits. I'm sure other people make something like it. Do you really need big sockets is what I'm thinking. When you get to those big sizes, you might do just as well with a pliers wrench.

 

[AmishFury]

some auto parts stores will warranty gearwrench in store

 

[General Geoff]

I agree. I wouldn't concern myself with warranty. I would let the packaging be part of my decision. Ratchet wrenches could also be considered.

I'm thinking primary usage is barbeque grill, kids bike trike assembly, possible maintenance of gardening equipment. You could almost get away with a knipex plier wrench.

Snap on makes a ratcheting screwdriver set that includes a small selection of sockets as well as a good selection of bits. It's a darned handy little kit, too nice for deck and ikea furniture assembly, but you could maybe duplicate it with lower cost bits. I'm sure other people make something like it. Do you really need big sockets is what I'm thinking. When you get to those big sizes, you might do just as well with a pliers wrench.

Pliers-Wrench is one of my most-often-used tools around the house. If you have a spare $50 to put toward tools, I'd put that up there on the list.

 

[argoldst]

I do have pliers, wrench, hammer and other basic tools. This is purely a search for either socket wrenches or pass thru socket wrenches

 

[drtyler]

If you only need the socket wrenches (ratchets), then NAPA has this three piece Carlyle set for $50 and it also includes a lifetime warranty.

CHT 8992345

I do have pliers, wrench, hammer and other basic tools. This is purely a search for either socket wrenches or pass thru socket wrenches

 

[Leoruiz]

Whatever the closest box store has. For your needs it's all pretty decent. Stanley, Gearwrench, Husky, Cobalt, Dewalt.All is quite decent stuff. Nothing to get worked up over.It's all lifetime warranty. It won't break on you anyway.
That's mythology and idiots who select the wrong tool for the task at hand.
I've broken some tools. Every time it was my fault.

 

[MattVette89]

I know very few people who will break a tool doing normal homeowner tasks unless they are using the tool incorrectly.

That being said I would look at local stores. Sears, Harbor Freight, Walmart (Stanley), Home Depot, Advance Auto (gearwrench), etc. Any comprehensive set from those stores will suit basic homeowner needs.

 

[Brownsfan]

Gearwrench and Husky are VERY similar. I lost a 5/16 socket from my Gearwrench set. I replaced it with a 5/16 Husky. Other than the names on the socket it is very difficult to tell them apart. The new Husky stuff is actually pretty good. Most of it is gearwrench clones.

 

[Adam.C]

Yes, you likely won't break a tool doing stuff around the house, but breaking a tool is not the sole measure of tool quality or utility.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Lots of good suggestions here. I started out with the allen set someone mentioned, the sockets themselves are very nice. Mine are the dahner era ones and they look and work very nice, I got dahner made kobalt sockets and those are very nice as well. The triwing ratchet those used to come with are garbage, mine broke and I had to send it into apex, took a while but I got a gearwrench 84 back so I got nothing to complain about . Husky is perfectly fine, there ratchets are nice (apex made) and the sockets are good. Stanley is perfectly fine as well, just harder to warranty. I have no newer kobalt sockets but I got a 1/4 ratchet and it is nice, I think it even has the same guts as the older style hf composites, have not confirmed that though. It would not hurt to check craigslist, I have seen a husky set for $10 and a 116 piece craftsman usa set for $20 (would have picked it up but it was hell and gone from where I am).

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I do have pliers, wrench, hammer and other basic tools. This is purely a search for either socket wrenches or pass thru socket wrenches

I think there is a misunderstanding. The guys are talking about the Knipex Pliers Wrench, which will be used in place of sockets, especially the bigger sizes they are saying you do not need to buy sockets for.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4OG94/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[route246]

Isn't GW made in China?

I ruled out Craftsman as I have heard all there new stuff is made in China (no better than Husky). I know there older stuff was great when it was made here. For me, there are not many Sears nearby so exchanges would be difficult if one broke.

 

[ravenzfusion]

can't go wrong with this bostitch 235 pc master set with wrenches for 89$
http://www.walmart.com/ip/39073441?...39570152&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=90980081552&veh=sem

they also have pass thru sets:
21 pc
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bostitch-21pc-Pass-Thru-Socket-Set-3-8-BTMT72286/25440931

65 pc

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bostitch-65-Piece-Pass-Thru-Socket-Set-3-8-1-2-BTMT72287/25440928

 

[HanShotFirst]

So if you're not looking for US made, I personally would throw off all pretense and buy Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight. Gearwrench and Husky may have more attractive "names" but their sockets and ratchets are NOT better than Pitts Pro. The Pitt's Pro Snap On knock off is a damn fine ratchet. It's well made, tough, smooth, and HF does their warranty right; meaning they treat their customers they way they want to be treated.

Other than just the "I WANT" factor, I can't see ANY logic to buying Snap On for what you're doing. (Seriously Adam C...you just can't help yourself can you?....the first step is admitting you have a problem)

Honestly I'm not a ******** wrencher so I have a hard time justifying big expenditures on tools I don't use to make money. Still, I just love tools and I treat myself to the luxury of owning a Snap On ratchet, or some SK & MAC sockets.

So unless you want big name tools just because you want them, don't let anyone convince you that you have any actual NEED for truck brand tools.

Starrett is the "Snap On" for my line of work. The funny thing is, most everyone I know has Starrett in their Kennedy chest (I have a bunch too), but what's actually ON the dial indicator stands often comes from Harbor Freight.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Gearwrench and Husky are VERY similar. I lost a 5/16 socket from my Gearwrench set. I replaced it with a 5/16 Husky. Other than the names on the socket it is very difficult to tell them apart. The new Husky stuff is actually pretty good. Most of it is gearwrench clones.

The last Gearwrench ratchet I picked up was a dead ringer for the Harbor Freight Snap On knock off...which is to say, it's an EXCELLENT ratchet.

The Husky teardrop looks just like the Stanley ratchet I have, which is another very good ratchet. No not quite as nice as the Gearwrench/Harbor Freight, but very good nonetheless. I have given my Stanley some real hard use and it's none the worse for the wear.

I also have one of the round head Husky's and it has proven to be a very good ratchet. Actually next to my 1/4" Snap On it's my next favorite in 1/4". My Snappy is one of the tiny little 1/4" (can't recall the model number off the top of my head) and it's just fun to use. But when I need more leverage I reach for my 1/4" Husky and it's very good.

I think all mentioned are made in Taiwan, and I'm very impressed with the quality of most of the sockets and ratchets coming out of Taiwan (but I'm not always crazy about their combination wrenches).

 

[argoldst]

So if you're not looking for US made, I personally would throw off all pretense and buy Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight. Gearwrench and Husky may have more attractive "names" but their sockets and ratchets are NOT better than Pitts Pro. The Pitt's Pro Snap On knock off is a damn fine ratchet. It's well made, tough, smooth, and HF does their warranty right; meaning they treat their customers they way they want to be treated.

Other than just the "I WANT" factor, I can't see ANY logic to buying Snap On for what you're doing. (Seriously Adam C...you just can't help yourself can you?....the first step is admitting you have a problem)

Honestly I'm not a ******** wrencher so I have a hard time justifying big expenditures on tools I don't use to make money. Still, I just love tools and I treat myself to the luxury of owning a Snap On ratchet, or some SK & MAC sockets.

So unless you want big name tools just because you want them, don't let anyone convince you that you have any actual NEED for truck brand tools.

Starrett is the "Snap On" for my line of work. The funny thing is, most everyone I know has Starrett in their Kennedy chest (I have a bunch too), but what's actually ON the dial indicator stands often comes from Harbor Freight.

I did look at the large harbor freight mechanics kit (301 pieces) which I can get on sale for 150. My only concern was that I don't know how they operate in regard to returns if something breaks and they are not as many stores as Home Depot. I could literally move anywhere in the country and can't imagine being further than 20 min from a HD where some states I have lived in the past didn't even have a HF. I have not totally ruled them out (especially the ones made in Taiwan) but the HD just seems like I would be covered no matter where I am.

 

[mrjaw14]

I'm warranty focused like you are. I'm also a non-pro DIY kind of guy that gets into a fair amount of vehicle work. Probably more than you're wanting to tackle at this juncture. I can say that you will probably never ever break a socket. If I were in your shoes, If you want to fondle it first, get gearWrench, or Pittsburgh Pro. If you go the harbor freight route, don't get the 301 piece..but wait there's more kit. It includes a bunch of filler **** and is way over priced. Grab some of their nicer ratchets, the new comfort grip snap-on clones, and get some SAE and Metric Pittsburgh Pro sockets.

harbor freights pliers and wrenches absolutely ****, but the sockets are on par with any of the brands you're looking at. Save yourself some money and piece together a kit from harbor freight...don't forget about the 20% off coupon. buy a ratchet and one socket set one trip, get another socket set another trip with another 20% coupon. A set of sockets is like $10 from there. you'll be out less that $50 total with a ratchet and sockets. little more if you want 1/4" and 3/8" drive, but you can buy in increments with more 20% coupons

 

[HanShotFirst]

I did look at the large harbor freight mechanics kit (301 pieces) which I can get on sale for 150. My only concern was that I don't know how they operate in regard to returns if something breaks and they are not as many stores as Home Depot. I could literally move anywhere in the country and can't imagine being further than 20 min from a HD where some states I have lived in the past didn't even have a HF. I have not totally ruled them out (especially the ones made in Taiwan) but the HD just seems like I would be covered no matter where I am.

HF has pretty good customer service where warranty and returns are concerned.

But I'm not a real big fan of the "big sets" of tools. The 301 piece tool set is a great deal, but I personally would buy what I actually need rather than let a tool set dictate what I get.

I don't know what all you need, but most need a ratchet, several sockets in SAE and metric. I always recommend getting deep well sockets also. Wrenches in SAE and metric are always a good idea, and a good selection of screwdrivers. That gets it all started, then work from there.

There's nothing wrong with Husky, I've been quite happy with their tools. I have a set of Husky combination wrenches for my portable tool box an they seem to be very tough. As I said before, I'm very happy with their ratchets, but I like the HF ratchets better.

So if the Home Depot stuff works for you I think you'll be happy with their tools. Do pick up a 1/4" & 3/8" Harbor Freight composite ratchet; you'll thank me later. And don't worry, they're cheap, but I guarantee you'll use them far more than you'll use your Husky ratchets.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I'm warranty focused like you are. I'm also a non-pro DIY kind of guy that gets into a fair amount of vehicle work. Probably more than you're wanting to tackle at this juncture. I can say that you will probably never ever break a socket. If I were in your shoes, If you want to fondle it first, get gearWrench, or Pittsburgh Pro. If you go the harbor freight route, don't get the 301 piece..but wait there's more kit. It includes a bunch of filler **** and is way over priced. Grab some of their nicer ratchets, the new comfort grip snap-on clones, and get some SAE and Metric Pittsburgh Pro sockets.

harbor freights pliers and wrenches absolutely ****, but the sockets are on par with any of the brands you're looking at. Save yourself some money and piece together a kit from harbor freight...don't forget about the 20% off coupon. buy a ratchet and one socket set one trip, get another socket set another trip with another 20% coupon. A set of sockets is like $10 from there. you'll be out less that $50 total with a ratchet and sockets. little more if you want 1/4" and 3/8" drive, but you can buy in increments with more 20% coupons

That's good advise. And I agree, I don't like Harbor Freight's wrenches, they're just not to the quality level they should be at. The Husky wrenches are much better and they're not all that expensive.

Home Depot will have Channel Lock pliers for sale, buy that brand; they're very good and they're not horribly expensive.

 

[stage20]

husky has a better socket selection over hf and if you need a single, husky has you covered in many sizes. no singles from hf except a few impacts. not a fan of husky wrenches or ratchets, their sockets are nice.

id take a mix of husky sockets with hf ratchets and gearwrench brand wrenches. that would be my set.

 

[argoldst]

Thank you everyone for all the feedback. So the it seems many like the HF ratchets better than husky. Should I go husky sockets but then get a gearwrench ratchet or just stay with the HF ones? I also saw GW has the 120xp although not sure if that is really worth it or just a gimmick.

 

[kctyphoon]

dude - just buy whatever you like... you will be happy with just about anything, weather it be husky, kobalt, harbor freight, or craftsman...... i would persoanlly go craftsman just because they make so many sets there are plenty to pick from, and they make a wide range of tools if you want more... i dont think your warranty concern shouldnt be a problem.. home depot only stock normal sockets and some ratchets, a coulple wrenches - about the same as sears does these days..
come up with a price you wanna spend, and go from there.. dollar for dollar you cant beat the HF set, and its quality is on par with everything else these days.

 

[atownmack]

I think a combo kit will work well for you. The Harbor Freight 301, and Bostitch 246 piece set are the most complete sets with a case. I personally have the Bostitch set, and use it all the time for my car. It has 85% of what I need. If you are concerned about the warranty. Bostitch is owned by stanley dewalt, and the warranty is excellent. If you have an issue, just call them with the model number of the broken tool, and they send you out a new one, no questions asked. I used it and it took 2 days for me to receive a new 1/4" ratchet in the mail.

 

[Gogo300]

Right now craftsman has 176pc set on sale $139.

https://m.craftsman.com/craftsman-176-pc-easy-read-socket-set-6/p-00934032000P

I got the 299pc set this year and all my sockets were USA. Apex made sockets. I had a few missing so I gave the 800 number a call and they shipped what was missing and that was USA also. Newer date code G2D and GK

 

[KEH]

I would spend the money and get a good Phillips screwdriver, with Snap On being the first choice and other tool truck brand being good also. Proto make good screwdrivers also.
The first time you have to install curtains that are fastened with Phillips screws you will thank me.

I also would get a quality flat blade screwdriver of the size that suits you.

Go to a flea market and look for an old US made pair of Vise Grips. The rest are just imitations.

KEH

 

[popparoach]

can't go wrong with this bostitch 235 pc master set with wrenches for 89$
http://www.walmart.com/ip/39073441?...39570152&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=90980081552&veh=sem

they also have pass thru sets:
21 pc
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bostitch-21pc-Pass-Thru-Socket-Set-3-8-BTMT72286/25440931

65 pc

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bostitch-65-Piece-Pass-Thru-Socket-Set-3-8-1-2-BTMT72287/25440928

Or the dewalt set when its available and on sale.but I would Aldo side wit the harbor freight guys on this one.no hassle warranty and they are inexpensive.if you desire quality put together some sets at hjepsteins.

 

[Youngguns]

First off, my nearest Home Depot is an hour away. Second, I recommend Gearwrench. It's everything you could want. 80550P - Inexpensive, good quality, expansive set, with a decent warranty.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have a set of pass thru sockets and ratchet from HF.....Ive used them a few times and Im impressed with how they work. Tools that dont get tons of use I have zero problems buying at HF.

Until I replaced them with better brands I had alot of HF sockets and honestly I dont remember ever breaking them. Even the ratchets seem pretty good.

 

[Dynasty]

So if you're not looking for US made, I personally would throw off all pretense and buy Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight. Gearwrench and Husky may have more attractive "names" but their sockets and ratchets are NOT better than Pitts Pro. The Pitt's Pro Snap On knock off is a damn fine ratchet. It's well made, tough, smooth, and HF does their warranty right; meaning they treat their customers they way they want to be treated.

Other than just the "I WANT" factor, I can't see ANY logic to buying Snap On for what you're doing. (Seriously Adam C...you just can't help yourself can you?....the first step is admitting you have a problem)

Honestly I'm not a ******** wrencher so I have a hard time justifying big expenditures on tools I don't use to make money. Still, I just love tools and I treat myself to the luxury of owning a Snap On ratchet, or some SK & MAC sockets.

So unless you want big name tools just because you want them, don't let anyone convince you that you have any actual NEED for truck brand tools.

Starrett is the "Snap On" for my line of work. The funny thing is, most everyone I know has Starrett in their Kennedy chest (I have a bunch too), but what's actually ON the dial indicator stands often comes from Harbor Freight.

Can you link to said ratchet? I'd like to go check this out in person.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Can you link to said ratchet? I'd like to go check this out in person.

I think this is the one he is talking about.
http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-flex-head-ratchet-62321.html
I have heard pretty good things about them besides the heads being a bit floppy after a while. There is also fixed head ones, low profile is what the are marketed as. The composites are nice as well.

 

[Flivver250]

Wright tool Cougar set. Low cost, US quality and based upon your description of usage, you are unlikely to break it. Lifetime warranty and you can mail it in for warranty. You can find metric and standard sets all over including Amazon. I am not endorsing the below company, it just popped in in a search. http://www.toolup.com/Wright-Tool-A...7&cadevice=c&gclid=CL3247qLx8cCFYcCaQodp2UE-g

 

[RH2]

I would suggest the dewalt 3/8 set or the mechanic set if you need a more complete kit. The quality is great and at the price Sears is giving them away for, you could get 2 and not even worry about the warranty.