Which Socket Brand or Brands if Starting From Scratch?

[kngelv]

My best friend had all of his tools stolen recently by some low life dirt bag or bags. They pretty much cleaned out his garage. He works as an electrical Best Boy on movie sets and his toolboxes and tools are part of his compensation package as kit rentals. They are used by all the electricians working on set. A few years ago he gave me a very expensive weight set that my son uses five days a week. My friend was asking my advice on some brands and I mentioned that I had plenty of excess tools and would like to give him some as kind of a payback. While going through my stuff I decided to just give him pretty much all of my non-impact sockets in addition to plenty of wrenches, various pliers, screwdrivers etc etc. The sockets are 90% USA Craftsman from the mid 80's - 90's. I had been looking at upgrading anyway and decided that now is a good time. I'm looking at either satin or chrome in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive. I will need regular and deep well up to about 1 1/4" and 32mm. I'm good on ratchets, extensions, swivels, torx etc. Brands I'm considering are Proto, Wright, USA Williams, Koken or Hazet. I'm ok with any USA, German or Japanese brand in case there is one I missed. Not really looking at Snap-On for sockets because the value quotient is not there for my usage A mixture is fine too. I mostly work on cars, trucks, dirt bikes and mountain bikes. Thank you.

James

 

[four.cycle]

^ Way better bang for the buck with the four premium-grade brands you've mentioned as opposed to Snap-on particularly in respect to sockets.
I would not exclude Tekton, to be honest. The stuff I've had in my hands has been pretty impressive.
Personally I find Proto to be a bit steep, but it sure is nice to use.

YMMV

 

[jmf535]

I think that Koken is the best bang-for-your-buck out there...exceptional quality at a very reasonable price.
I currently have a mix of the regular line/z-series/nut grip/impact in shallow, mid, and deep, in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. Zero complaints with any of it.

I can also recommend Hazet. I have the 953HP (1/4 and 1/2) set, along with the 163-181/17 (3/8) set and they are actually my favorite. I wouldn't pay full price for them (insanely expensive), but if you can find a good deal on them, then they are very much worth the money.

 

[Jim greengo]

I've never had a problem with kobalt stuff,even husky stuff from hd carries a lifetime warrantee.
As far as specialty stuff,I'd check with with supply houses that deal with specific trades/tools.

 

[matthew]

If it was me, I’d probably buy a mix. And I wouldn’t buy everything I currently have, either.

1. I like satin finish. I’d lean towards brands that have that.
2. I like stamped markings, or dual stamped and laser marked.
3. I like 12 point, unless it’s a really rusty monster. Right now my main 3/8” set is 12 point, and the 1/4” and 1/2” are 6. Not sure if I’d leave it that way…

I’d focus on 1/4”. I’d buy a pretty comprehensive set, and one of the better brands. 1/4” is both what I use the most, and the biggest bang for buck.

I’d probably buy Toptul or Napa or maybe Williams 3/8”. I don’t own any, but Toptul has good reviews and Cryer Tool has good prices on it. 8 to 19mm and 7/16” to 3/4”. I wouldn’t care about any more range than that.

For 1/2” I’d probably buy a deep impact set 10-24mm, 27, 30, 32 and a shallow chrome Klutch set from Northern Tool, plus a few singles. That’s what I have now, and I don’t see any reason for anything else. And I’m not sure if I’d bother with 1/2” SAE, or maybe a set of inexpensive impacts (not even sure if deep or shallow).

 

[Fedwrench]

For a community tool box, I would definitely recommend Tekton. Yes, the bulk of their tools are made in Taiwan. However, it's great stuff, that won't break the bank. If you order from tekton.com you get free shipping once registered and 10% back in reward points that spend like cash on future orders. They also have excellent customer service and warranty claims. Email Tekton a photo of the broken tool and they quickly mail you a replacement. They may not have everything you need but, for basic, durable, get the job done day in and day out tools, it's a no brainer. Plus, Tekton has one of the widest selection on no skip chrome socket and wrench sizes on the market

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

It’s all based on preference for me but if I was starting out today my choices would be Tekton, Capri, or anything from the auto parts stores which have all came a long way with tools in the last few years. At least in my opinion and I say that from a standpoint of using the tools on an everyday basis at both home and work. I’ve yet to break anything from any of those brands. I have tools from the four big parts stores and they all hold up really well. I do have my fancy stuff too but honestly for most things I find myself grabbing the less expensive stuff. I’ve used the German stuff like Hazet, Stahlwhile, etc and they just don’t feel as good as a decent made Taiwan or USA tool. What I did when I started was go to the pawn shop and piece together stuff. I can fill up a box for $20 so that was the cheapest route to go. Proto, Williams and Wright aren’t bad either just not readily available like the stuff I listed. But it’s all preference and that’s what I would do if starting out. Hopefully you find the best options for you.

 

[Marvin Berry]

I really like the Astro 3/8 set I just got:

Astro low profile 3/8 metric Sockets

I also picked up the SAE set and their double flex head wrench that holds the sockets (they still work with a regular ratchet or impact wrench. )

I may actually grab them in 1/2 eventually.

 

[LogiLuddite]

Hazets for their socket knurlings, Koken Zeals / Astros for their shortness, and Proto for all-around durability.

 

[kngelv]

Appreciate the comments but I'm only looking at Proto, Wright, USA Williams, Koken or Hazet. No other brands unless USA, European or Japanese. These will be replacing my current Craftsman. They are not going in a community box. My friend is the one with that scenario.

James

 

[shibertus]

I have some Proto, Wright, and Koken. In my opinion the Koken sockets are a step above the other two in quality. Their pricing is also very reasonable.

 

[Buxfan]

Milwaukee makes good stuff - wait until HomeDepot puts them on sale and grab a few different sets.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

The only two brands on that list that will offer a full suite of sizing in all drives are Proto and Ko-ken. Williams, Hazet, and Wright all skip sizes based on the drive size and the points (6/8/12). Hazet is hard to source. Williams and Wright are often on backorder and you might be stuck waiting a bit for them. Proto is getting more expensive but still readily available at Zoro and you can find coupons for them here and elsewhere. Ko-ken isn't often on sale outside of their US site but that is often marked up. Some of their other distributors, like Palmac, HJE, and DRPD will have better prices and even sales.

Williams are the only sockets that are going to have a shallow shoulder/broach on the standard and deep sockets which makes them really useful. The Protos have a more traditional mid-length shoulder on the deeps and a full broach on the standards. Ko-ken and Hazet are in the middle with a shallow but a bit deeper shoulder. Wright is all over the board as I have some with a full broach and a half-broach in the deeps. The Williams and Ko-ken have a nice neck-down taper so they get into a lot more places and their bigger sizes for the Ko-ken have the taper on the bottom. Proto can have some ugly broaching compared to the other brands but the sockets are stupidly stout. People here claim the Williams are a bit softer, but mine have been alright; their size stampings are really small and a pain to see. I have all these brands and use them all for work and play.

Overall, if you don't mind the wait and you're cool with socket sets consisting of more traditional size ranges and you can live with 12pt metric chromes I'd recommend Williams. They are affordable, have the shallow shoulder which helps with car stuff, MiUSA (if you want it and you pay attention to the SKU/model number), and they aren't pretty so you won't care if you trash them up. If you want the absolute full range of socket sizes (both in measurement and shallow/semi/deep) then go Ko-ken.

I absolutely love my Proto stuff but they are more industrial and I find that they don't work as well with car stuff as they do with my work stuff. I'm not saying a mechanic would fail with them, but they are kind of big, thick, and heavy. Hazet is a brand I'm still exploring but I do like them a lot. Just so hard to find and really expensive. Wright, as far as sockets, I would pass on.

 

[ZRX61]

I just got all this for $178.... (Tekton) 3/8 drive 1/4-1in & 6-24mm in 6 & 12 pt. (no skips)

 

[MWEric]

If I was starting at zero, I’d go with Williams. The USA line. They are for all intents and purposes Snap on sockets but way cheaper. In fact I have sold a bunch of my SO sockets on eBay and replaced them with Williams. I usually get them from PRO tool Warehouse.

 

[NoahG]

I work as a stagehand/ scenic & props carpenter and the majority of my sockets and wrenches are Wright. Wrightgrip combos are just too good, and I havent run into anyone else in my field with a Wright kit so I always know they’re mine.

 

[Madjik Man]

Appreciate the comments but I'm only looking at Proto, Wright, USA Williams, Koken or Hazet. No other brands unless USA, European or Japanese. These will be replacing my current Craftsman. They are not going in a community box. My friend is the one with that scenario.

James

If that's the case then I'd go with Koken and their ratchets. Z Series. The tolerances are incredible.

 

[M6erfan]

My best friend had all of his tools stolen recently by some low life dirt bag or bags. They pretty much cleaned out his garage. He works as an electrical Best Boy on movie sets and his toolboxes and tools are part of his compensation package as kit rentals. They are used by all the electricians working on set. A few years ago he gave me a very expensive weight set that my son uses five days a week. My friend was asking my advice on some brands and I mentioned that I had plenty of excess tools and would like to give him some as kind of a payback. While going through my stuff I decided to just give him pretty much all of my non-impact sockets in addition to plenty of wrenches, various pliers, screwdrivers etc etc. The sockets are 90% USA Craftsman from the mid 80's - 90's. I had been looking at upgrading anyway and decided that now is a good time. I'm looking at either satin or chrome in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive. I will need regular and deep well up to about 1 1/4" and 32mm. I'm good on ratchets, extensions, swivels, torx etc. Brands I'm considering are Proto, Wright, USA Williams, Koken or Hazet. I'm ok with any USA, German or Japanese brand in case there is one I missed. Not really looking at Snap-On for sockets because the value quotient is not there for my usage A mixture is fine too. I mostly work on cars, trucks, dirt bikes and mountain bikes. Thank you.

James

Out of the brands you mentioned, the only ones that stand out IMO are Ko-ken and Hazet. I think Hazet makes the best socket design on the planet, but they are difficult to source in the U.S. and they are expensive.

For value , it is hard to beat Ko-ken. They probably have the largest socket catalog of anyone and the quality is top notch. Their Zeal line is remarkable, great tolerances, available in shallow (which are really 'low profile'), mid, and long lengths. And they have new 72T ratchets. Easily available in the U.S. and they are reasonably priced.

If I were starting from socket ground zero, no question, I'd go with Ko-ken.

 

[kngelv]

I work as a stagehand/ scenic & props carpenter and the majority of my sockets and wrenches are Wright. Wrightgrip combos are just too good, and I havent run into anyone else in my field with a Wright kit so I always know they’re mine.

Local 38?

James

 

[kngelv]

The only two brands on that list that will offer a full suite of sizing in all drives are Proto and Ko-ken. Williams, Hazet, and Wright all skip sizes based on the drive size and the points (6/8/12). Hazet is hard to source. Williams and Wright are often on backorder and you might be stuck waiting a bit for them. Proto is getting more expensive but still readily available at Zoro and you can find coupons for them here and elsewhere. Ko-ken isn't often on sale outside of their US site but that is often marked up. Some of their other distributors, like Palmac, HJE, and DRPD will have better prices and even sales.

Williams are the only sockets that are going to have a shallow shoulder/broach on the standard and deep sockets which makes them really useful. The Protos have a more traditional mid-length shoulder on the deeps and a full broach on the standards. Ko-ken and Hazet are in the middle with a shallow but a bit deeper shoulder. Wright is all over the board as I have some with a full broach and a half-broach in the deeps. The Williams and Ko-ken have a nice neck-down taper so they get into a lot more places and their bigger sizes for the Ko-ken have the taper on the bottom. Proto can have some ugly broaching compared to the other brands but the sockets are stupidly stout. People here claim the Williams are a bit softer, but mine have been alright; their size stampings are really small and a pain to see. I have all these brands and use them all for work and play.

Overall, if you don't mind the wait and you're cool with socket sets consisting of more traditional size ranges and you can live with 12pt metric chromes I'd recommend Williams. They are affordable, have the shallow shoulder which helps with car stuff, MiUSA (if you want it and you pay attention to the SKU/model number), and they aren't pretty so you won't care if you trash them up. If you want the absolute full range of socket sizes (both in measurement and shallow/semi/deep) then go Ko-ken.

I absolutely love my Proto stuff but they are more industrial and I find that they don't work as well with car stuff as they do with my work stuff. I'm not saying a mechanic would fail with them, but they are kind of big, thick, and heavy. Hazet is a brand I'm still exploring but I do like them a lot. Just so hard to find and really expensive. Wright, as far as sockets, I would pass on.

Thanks for the detailed analysis. I use Proto at work and have their ASD wrenches at home. Very intrigued by the Koken stuff. I have a couple Wright ratchets and wrenches. I might have to do a sample order from HJE or somebody else

James

 

[vga]

I started off with Craftsman way back in 1980, Im a yr or 2 away from retirement and Im still using them today
Today I would chose PROTO.

 

[PhilJohn]

I vote tekton. Great quality. Prices are great. Complete sets (no skips). Look for the sales on Amazon.

 

[f121]

Starting again it would probably be Koken sockets, Williams extensions, snap on ratchets, screwdrivers and pry bars, knipex pliers/cutters, wera Allen wrenches.

Not sure about wrenchs, I’m loving the facom 440 set, but not sure if I’d want a regular profile too.

 

[NoahG]

Local 38?

James

I was under Local 2 when I lived in Chicago, now I work for a display fabrication studio.

 

[F-22]

Best bang for buck - Toptul. I got a complete 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" metric set of deep sockets for 70€. I have no need to SAE though, but I assume they make those too.

I really don't see what more any other brand could offer. I have some Nepros, Snap On, Stahlwille, Koken and Hazet stuff (mostly one-offs) too. Unless it's some special socket design, They'll all perform good enough to the point of making it hard to compare them...

Knurling is cool, but a cheap spinner adapter is nicer to me.


On top of that I also ordered a Toptul 3/4" socket and ratchet set (also came with a nice case and a t-bar and two extensions) that impressed me as well. And a set of their swivel wrenches. Everything together it was around 250€, and the 3/4" set was most of that (after all, there's a lot of steel in it...).

Could spend the same money for a "top end" set of solely 1/2" sockets that wouldn't perform any better..

 

[Fly YX]

If I had to start from scratch Wright. Love there stuff.

 

[lardy1]

If you can afford Proto, I doubt you will ever regret it. Their 90 tooth ratchets are also fantastic. My sockets are mostly domestic SK but if I were starting over today I think I'd go with Proto.

I dig the commitment to domestic. Respect.

 

[ecotec]

If I had to start from scratch Wright. Love there stuff.

I wish that Wright made a more complete line of tools. They seem more geared towards heavy industry and government contracts. Iron workers and millwrights often use their tools. For years I admired the contour Wright ratchets that they mostly carry. I like them as well. I find their combination wrenches feel pretty great in hand. The thick shape is even more comfortable than Williams. The Wright beam style is, definitely, the most comparable to the Williams/CATERPILLAR. The Williams/CATERPILLAR are also the same length as the Snap-on… so longer than Wright.

I have acquired a couple of dual pawl Wright ratchets over the years. The 15” 1/2” drive was at the flea market years ago. I wasn’t paying that much attention. I counted a quarter ish of the teeth and it was 21-22ish. Now I was paying attention. The wear is light for its age with a few heavy scratches. I would guess a very easy life while rubbing against something sharp in a box or drawer. I want to say that I haggled it down to $13ish. I brought it home, opened it up, greased it with SuperLube, and reassembled it, it went in the “good ratchet” drawer…

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I wish that Wright made a more complete line of tools. They seem more geared towards heavy industry and government contracts. Iron workers and millwrights often use their tools. For years I admired the contour Wright ratchets that they mostly carry. I like them as well. I find their combination wrenches feel pretty great in hand. The thick shape is even more comfortable than Williams. The Wright beam style is, definitely, the most comparable to the Williams/CATERPILLAR. The Williams/CATERPILLAR are also the same length as the Snap-on… so longer than Wright.

I have acquired a couple of dual pawl Wright ratchets over the years. The 15” 1/2” drive was at the flea market years ago. I wasn’t paying that much attention. I counted a quarter ish of the teeth and it was 21-22ish. Now I was paying attention. The wear is light for its age with a few heavy scratches. I would guess a very easy life while rubbing against something sharp in a box or drawer. I want to say that I haggled it down to $13ish. I brought it home, opened it up, greased it with SuperLube, and reassembled it, it went in the “good ratchet” drawer…

Does SuperLube work in Wright ratchets? I’ve been using 3in1 oil but the teeth still sound so loud and dry. I’d love to use SuperLube but was worried since the ratchets have “oil only” engraved onto them.

 

[ecotec]

Does SuperLube work in Wright ratchets? I’ve been using 3in1 oil but the teeth still sound so loud and dry. I’d love to use SuperLube but was worried since the ratchets have “oil only” engraved onto them.

I used it, anyways, in both the 1/2” and the 3/8”. It has not caused any issues.

 

[CGarage]

If I had to start from scratch Wright. Love there stuff.

Whoever does the sales for Wright USA is really dim.

The fact that Wright USA tools are not available off of Amazon is ridiculous.

 

[CGarage]

Best bang for buck - Toptul. I got a complete 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" metric set of deep sockets for 70€. I have no need to SAE though, but I assume they make those too.

I really don't see what more any other brand could offer. I have some Nepros, Snap On, Stahlwille, Koken and Hazet stuff (mostly one-offs) too. Unless it's some special socket design, They'll all perform good enough to the point of making it hard to compare them...

Knurling is cool, but a cheap spinner adapter is nicer to me.


On top of that I also ordered a Toptul 3/4" socket and ratchet set (also came with a nice case and a t-bar and two extensions) that impressed me as well. And a set of their swivel wrenches. Everything together it was around 250€, and the 3/4" set was most of that (after all, there's a lot of steel in it...).

Could spend the same money for a "top end" set of solely 1/2" sockets that wouldn't perform any better..

I really like TOPTUL. The prices you quoted are when they made US market entry. It seems the current price levels have made them much less attractive as a value option compared to what they were once priced at in the recent past.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I used it, anyways, in both the 1/2” and the 3/8”. It has not caused any issues.

Thanks! I’m going to give it a try. It would make sense, the DT kits from SK have SuperLube and they are dual pawl just like the Wright ratchets.

 

[Fly YX]

Whoever does the sales for Wright USA is really dim.

The fact that Wright USA tools are not available off of Amazon is ridiculous.

I think it’s because there core customer is industrial and they want you to go through a distributor. I usually use Circle C supply. I think if they sold more main stream that would probably kill their business. Just because of logistics.

 

[CGarage]

Williams is the other major offender. Amazing we cannot get Williams USA sockets and wrenches off of Amazon.

The Taiwan made Williams ratcheting wrenches they do sell on Amazon and I have bought those from Amazon.

 

[65k10]

Amazon used to have a decent selection or Wight and Williams tools, but I wonder if it sold all that well. From 2016 to about 2020 I would sift through the Williams and Wright sections on Amazon every few days to see if I could find anything that had significant discounts, which was common. I was able to buy several Wright tool sets for less than $250 and Williams 3/4" and 1" drive socket sets for similar money. Mind you a lot of this stuff was things your typical Amazon buyer probably would not buy, but I assume it wasn't selling, hence the discount to get rid of it. That might be why you don't see the selection of industrial brands on Amazon like it was in the past.

 

[NoahG]

When I McMaster a socket I’ll get either Proto, Wright or Williams.

If staying off Amazon and keeping in the industrial supply channels helps these brands stay made in USA then I’m fine with that.

 

[Bubba Fett]

For sockets, anything made in Taiwan will probably be fine. Williams, Tekton, Sunex, you name it. Since you need a lot of sockets (1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, 1/2: drive, shallow, deep, maybe impact, as well as E-Torx, etc.) I say save as much money as you can without sacrificing quality or skipping sizes.

By saving money on the sockets, you could get a nice ratchet, which can make all the difference.

 

[CGarage]

When I McMaster a socket I’ll get either Proto, Wright or Williams.

If staying off Amazon and keeping in the industrial supply channels helps these brands stay made in USA then I’m fine with that.

Eventually, all manufacturers will switch over to Asian manufacturing most likely. The future is in the east. Look at the population numbers, density, and ability to scale. Not every Asian country manufacturers like China. There is a lot of quality out of Asia.

 

[thooks]

Appreciate the comments but I'm only looking at Proto, Wright, USA Williams, Koken or Hazet. No other brands unless USA, European or Japanese. These will be replacing my current Craftsman. They are not going in a community box. My friend is the one with that scenario.

James

Why are you leaving out Wera?

I recently bought the Wera Tool Check Plus and I'm impressed. I'd buy their socket sets.