I have Mac, Proto, Craftsman, Snap-on impact sockets.
I picked up a set of HF impact sockets 24 years ago when I needed them for a construction project. I paid about $6 for the set back them.
Blieve it or not I have drive hundreds of lag screws with the set. They are as good as the day I got them. I have a machine shop with all the tools but for the average home owner I would go with the Harbour Freight impact. Even If I were a mechanic on a budget I would buy them.
Got to My tractor forum where evey one with a riding mower toa huge tractor hang out. They are the big boys and thier toys make cars look like match boxes. Eveyone there that uses the cheap HF brand likes them and they say they hold up as well and as long.
I picked up all the different types of sockets and sizes form HF in impact to give as gifts to my grand sons. They are fantastic for the price.
The bottom line is that the tax on any of the good brands will buy you the same set at HF. HF even has a new pro line of impact sockets. The quality is as good as Craftsman and Proto. Proto's quality is not as good as the old ones. Thier sockets and new wrenches are thicker becasue the quality of the steel is not as good.
I don't drink but I would rather have an extra 6 pack and put the money in the bank. I only have the good sockets becasue I never pay more than $1 per socket for them.
Then again I have been collecting for 50 years. Cheap tools are not worth a penny but some of them are getting very good the past few years.
