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Which 1/2" drive deep metric socket set?

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HiccaBurp

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EDIT: Not looking for an impact set. I already have a 1/2" drive deep impact set. HF is not a consideration. Thanks

I want to purchase a full 1/2" drive deep metric socket set. I am a DIY'er and not a pro. I would like a big set. I've found a couple of what seems like decent deals.. wanted to see your thoughts?

1. Armstrong 22 piece set. USA made!! $160. Is there any reason I should not get this one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F99F5G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

2. SK 21 piece set. USA made!! $231. I've heard conflicting stories on SK and their quality?? Plus, the main dealer by me.. Berlands House of Tools is carrying Dewalt sockets/wrenches instead of SK!! Warranty a bit tougher now.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007U0H6A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

3. JH Williams 24 piece set. Taiwan made. $185. I've heard they are a Snap-On company and their quality is good?? I have no experience with them. Seems like a good deal??

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VMSHIO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Let me know what you guys would buy and why? I do have the trucks near me.. Snap-On, Mac, Matco and I think I've seen Cornwell around. However, I really don't want to spend a few hundred dollars on a tool I use occasionally. Thanks for any input!
 
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oldldh

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GearWrench #80730 37 pc 1/2" Drive 12 Point Metric Standard and Deep socket set...

9 thru 30mm and 32 and 36mm sockets...24 standards...

14 thru 22mm and 24, 27,30, and 32mm sockets...13 deeps

The set pictured is mine...I also have the 27 pc 6 pt SAE set---#80729...$ 87.93...2nd photo...

As pictured in hard blow molded tray...$ 85.95 plus freight...

Or---$ 173.88 for 64 1/2" drive sockets...the mostest for the leastest...

I know that not "exactly" what you wanted---but it's a helluva deal for some nice sockets...

I really like mine---a lot...Santa bought mine from:

www.tooldiscounter.com

Of the three you listed---the Armstrong looks like a good deal, but for almost the same money...you could have both of the GearWrench sets...
 

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bob15

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The SK set the OP mentioned can be gotten on e-bay for $ 195 and free shipping.

I would question if you really need a deep set that goes to 32mm? What do you work on that you would think you need something that big? It sounds like you just are looking for a large set which is fine, but have you used metric the big already? Slightly smaller sets are quite a bit cheaper......
 
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SASORacing

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Honda civic axle nut is 32, common car. But You could save a bit of money getting a smaller set, and buying individual harbor freight sizes, it might be a better option. But if you have OCD a big complete set looks nicer.
 
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Dave455

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Of the three mentioned, get either of the U.S. made sets.

I don't own any newer armstrong myself, but I've seen a fair bit around and it seems very good. I do own some SK and that's good too. There may have been some quality issues with SK in the past, when they were part of Facom, but I hear nothing but good things about the current range!

Most Taiwanese tools feel very similar to me , irrespective of the name that's written on them. They have got better over the years, so if the quality is acceptable to you buy the cheapest you can find. If you like the Williams, then get the Williams 'Made in USA'. These are very similar to Snap On but at a much more reasonable price.

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty. It seems to be almost an obsession here, but if you get a genuinely defective tool any decent maker will exchange it. What most folks seem to expect from a warranty is a 'tool for life' and they seem to expect that they can abuse it, break it, or just wear it out and the manufacturer will still replace it. That's not in the wording of any warranty!
 
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jonjon1

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I vote for the sk set, you can get them on ebay for under $200...
 
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Fedwrench

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Skip the flag waving for a moment and let's have a reality check. :wtf:

Seriously, how often are you really going to use the larger metric sizes when clearance is an issue? If you're using 1/2 drive you most likely have plenty of space. Buy impact sockets instead of chrome.

Since these sockets won't be used daily and will spend most of their time gathering dust, I would pick up either a SUNEX or Grey Pneumatic complete set for a relatively small investment compared to other brands. Either one will provide you a lifetime of hard service though.

If you're allergic to Taiwanese made tools, Proto and SK offer very complete 1/2 drive metric sizes. :beer:
 
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BFHtime

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I would go with 1/2 deep impacts. As cheap as Taiwan but not China. Shop around for a deal. Craigslist and eBay. Just because you are not a professional does not mean that you need cheap tools. I would look for a buy one get one snap-on deal. Which would still be more expensive than just about anything else.

Figure your budget how much do you want to spend vs how good a tool do you want vs convenience (how soon do you want it, warranty service included, if needed)

Then shop for a deal.

After all that a good used set for a good price, might be your best deal.
 
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CobraChevelle

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I don't want to bring up the HF name but they have some decent impact sockets too, I bought a small set over 9 years ago and they worked fine, and yes I used them with hi torque impact guns, Snap on and IR.

I went with the IR set only because I wanted more sockets and I wanted them all together in one case. If HF made a complete 80+ set in one case I would of went with them. My sockets fit tight all the time so no problems with fitment. I wouldn't worry about the flag on this one.
 
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HiccaBurp

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Thank you all for the replies! Few things...

1. I already have a 1/2" drive deep impact set in SAE and Metric

2. I like the bigger set, because when you don't have the size is when you will need it. Ex., I've needed 32 which I bought in standard depth. I was just working on a buddies car the other day and needed a 24mm. Luckily I have SAE set that goes up to 1 1/4" and if I recall, 1" or 15/16" was equivalent..

3. I'm 42 and plan on working on mine and family/friends cars for many more years.. and hell, pass the tools on to my one of my kids. I would like it to be very good quality.

4. The Grey Pneumatic sets.. they only come in black? Why? I guess it doesn't bother me too much, but I really like the look of nice chrome sockets/wrenches. I have heard good things tho.. I'll keep my eye on them

5. The GearWrench stuff.. I actually bought a 3/8" impact set that I really like. They are made in Taiwan. However, I've seen lots of their current stuff made in China.. sorry, no go for me!

6. Thanks for the IR set link.. that is nice. If I didn't have over half those, I would really consider adding that to my tools

7. Thanks for the Proto link. That is very tempting knowing how highly regarded Proto is. Hmmm

EDIT: Where do you warranty Proto? Any retailers or mail only?

Finally, really would like info on a full set of chrome 1/2" deep metric set. Opinions on the Armstrong and SK set is appreciated. Also, Proto.. is it worth the extra cost? Probably for a professional, but not sure about a DIY'er.

Again, thanks for replying to my post
 
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bob15

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Dave455 said:
Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty. It seems to be almost an obsession here, but if you get a genuinely defective tool any decent maker will exchange it. What most folks seem to expect from a warranty is a 'tool for life' and they seem to expect that they can abuse it, break it, or just wear it out and the manufacturer will still replace it. That's not in the wording of any warranty!
Click to expand...

This make so much sense. I use 20 year old Bonney's wrenches and sockets everyday....and with their warranty has long since past, I've still only broken one 3/4 socket. No big deal in getting a replacement.

Don't get hung up on warranties.....they are over-rated. People here complain about returning stuff all the time from companies A-M and stores N-Z, so the last thing to worry about...or even better, don't worry about warranties. Heck the company might not even be here in 10 years.
 
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Askme42

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Either the SK set or I would just get dewalt from the dealer you have close. I have some dewalt it's high quality stuff.

The armstrong usa is craftsman usa is all it is.
 
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HiccaBurp

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You are correct.. not worried too much about the warranty. Most of my sockets and wrenches go back to when I was a teenager. I've maybe broken only 2-3 sockets in that time.. more have been "lost" or "borrowed forever" :-(
 
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HiccaBurp

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Askme42 said:
Either the SK set or I would just get dewalt from the dealer you have close. I have some dewalt it's high quality stuff.

The armstrong usa is craftsman usa is all it is.
Click to expand...

Does Craftsman USA even exist anymore??? My local Sears Hardware is all Chinatastic now :-/
 
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Askme42

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HiccaBurp said:
Does Craftsman USA even exist anymore??? My local Sears Hardware is all Chinatastic now :-/
Click to expand...

No but it's the craftsman usa from 5,6,7 years ago however long ago it was. I mean it's not terrible stuff but you can get as good or better overseas stuff for much cheaper.
 
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raiderhillbilly

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The Armstrong set is the same as USA Craftsman that could be found a lot cheaper. I hate Laser etched size markings as they wear and rub off.

The SK sockets are great. My only complaint is that they are heavy. They have rings around the base to differentiate them from fractional sockets.

The Williams in that picture look kind of short and cheap. Not your Williams USA.
 
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cbus

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I just bought the sk set 1947 i believe from zoro on their last 30% off sale. 167.50 free ship. Excellent sockets. I dont think you can beat the size range and usa quality for that price
 
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nikonica

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I have the Proto 54201 set, and also have the 6-point equivalent of the SK set that you're asking about. Proto sockets are the best that money can buy, and SK are very very close. I prefer both brands, as well as Wright, to all other brands. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either one, and you should be able to get a good deal on either one too with sales and coupons and such. For the amount of use you are planning to get out of them, they are a bargain.

The Armstrong are also very good sockets, but not at the same level as the other two. As has already been mentioned, they are equivalent to the formerly US-made Craftsman sockets. Like Craftsman, the chrome or nickel plating is visibly darker than the chrome on SK or Proto - not a quality issue, but possibly a matter of preference for some folks. I have an Armstrong 1/4"-drive standard and deep set, and they are excellent tools. However, after using them for several years, I feel like I paid too much.
 
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Hammer1963

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I'm sure the SK set is a quality product and I know the Williams are as well, so either one will serve you well. I'll just mention that Cornwell does run great monthly specials on their tools and the best deals are on the tools that they forge themselves. You can check out the sales flyer on their web page. You may get lucky and find they may be on sale. I personally prefer their sockets due to the positive detent hole they use.
 
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jvitez

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Get the SK 21 piece set.

I've got sockets from Armstrong, SK, Wright, Proto, Snap-On, Gray (Canada, not Grey Chinese), vintage USA Craftsman and Indestro, plus Toptul. The nicest chrome is Wright, then Gray Canada, then SK, all very close but in that order. The Armstrong sockets are nice, no question, but the SK's are machined a bit finer, and I love the quality of their chrome.

The SK set has a nice broad size range, and you'll definitely be leaving it to one of your kids.
 
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