Socket set brand suggestions
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
this brand
http://www.wrighttool.com/
gets great reviews at garagejournal and is made in the us of A
http://www.wrighttool.com/
gets great reviews at garagejournal and is made in the us of A
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
You might also think of asking this down in the "Garage and Workshop" section down further in the forum listing.
Few tools will handle the abuse that a Snap-On can take. The Marine Corps made the transition to Snap-On while I was wrenching for them, and it was a good choice. But, they probably are not the best "bang for your buck" for more recreational/occasional wrenching.
I have had excellent luck with Craftsman over the past two plus decades. On the shorter term, I have had no problems with both Lowe's Kobalt & Home Depot's Husky lines. Both are backed by a lifetime warranty; which I have not had the need to make use of that yet.
On a side/related note, I would suggest looking for 12-point vs. 6-point sockets in certain conditions. 12-point sockets in the smaller sizes (1/4" & 3/8" ratchet sizes...going up to about 3/4") seem to work well, but I would suggest that you look at staying with 6-point sockets for all 1/2" ratchet sockets and/or sockets larger than 3/4". (Hopefully that makes sense.)
Few tools will handle the abuse that a Snap-On can take. The Marine Corps made the transition to Snap-On while I was wrenching for them, and it was a good choice. But, they probably are not the best "bang for your buck" for more recreational/occasional wrenching.
I have had excellent luck with Craftsman over the past two plus decades. On the shorter term, I have had no problems with both Lowe's Kobalt & Home Depot's Husky lines. Both are backed by a lifetime warranty; which I have not had the need to make use of that yet.
On a side/related note, I would suggest looking for 12-point vs. 6-point sockets in certain conditions. 12-point sockets in the smaller sizes (1/4" & 3/8" ratchet sizes...going up to about 3/4") seem to work well, but I would suggest that you look at staying with 6-point sockets for all 1/2" ratchet sockets and/or sockets larger than 3/4". (Hopefully that makes sense.)
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 1
In order of preference: MAC, Snap-on, Craftsman. In order of what my budget can afford: Craftsman. I have only ever broken one tool and it was a Craftsman spark plug socket. I was using it on a lug nut with a long extension, so it may have been an operator inflicted failure. I really can't offer anything more to this discussion than what has already been said.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
I use to work for a company that sold most of the major brands of hand tools. What I found most interesting is that a lot of the major hand tools are made by the same company, Danaher Tool Group. Reps told me that they are all the same tool, just a different brand name on each. They make Allen, Armstong, Craftsman, Gearwrench, K-D, Matco and Sata.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Maple- NE corner of NC
Wow, there is some really great testomonies in this thread. It seems the overwhelming support is for Craftsman, but I have to buy at the right time. If I buy that 240 pc set I hope they are using a good manufacturer at the time. I totally dig the eBay idea, and I will just have to see how much money I have when I actually pull the trigger to buy.
Dependability is important 'cause my time is more limited than money at this point and I am not going to handle working on my truck on sunday and having to stop in the middle of a project to try to find a replacement tool durring the week. I guess I really just need to check the price difference between Craftsman and Snap on. I do feel like a dweeb buying high dollar tools when I am not a professional, but I don't want to get stuck with a project half done...
I can't tell you guys how much I value all the specific opinions from everyone.
So far I do think I have decided not to deal with Lowes or Home Depot wrenches and sets. I was leaning towards lowes and sears, but after reading the hassle about returns I expect to stay away from it.
Dependability is important 'cause my time is more limited than money at this point and I am not going to handle working on my truck on sunday and having to stop in the middle of a project to try to find a replacement tool durring the week. I guess I really just need to check the price difference between Craftsman and Snap on. I do feel like a dweeb buying high dollar tools when I am not a professional, but I don't want to get stuck with a project half done...
I can't tell you guys how much I value all the specific opinions from everyone.
So far I do think I have decided not to deal with Lowes or Home Depot wrenches and sets. I was leaning towards lowes and sears, but after reading the hassle about returns I expect to stay away from it.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
Hey, you're no dweeb for wanting to purchase high quality tools... If I could justify it, I only purchase Snap-On tools for the reasons stated. The way I look at it with anything in life... if you have the money, and want it, then buy it!
It will stimulate your passion and the economy at the same time!
It will stimulate your passion and the economy at the same time!
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Maple- NE corner of NC
I will have to agree with your other post, "I am a man, but.." I love shopping/a good deal. I know it was something like that.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Only thing I need to say is to repeat the ratchet suggestion. Craftsman ratchets don't last very long when you are really torquing on a regular basis. I have had good luck with the high end Craftsman and Husky ratchets but they just don't last more than a year or so. I view them as wear items that need to be replaced now and then.
I got some inexpensive impact 1/2" sockets from Norther Tool. Work great.
How about some advice on torque wrenches? I have a Husky 3/8" torque wrench that works fine but only goes up to 100lb/ft. Not enough for some SD apps.
I got some inexpensive impact 1/2" sockets from Norther Tool. Work great.
How about some advice on torque wrenches? I have a Husky 3/8" torque wrench that works fine but only goes up to 100lb/ft. Not enough for some SD apps.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
Doesn't really matter brand wise, there seems to be good tools and bad tools in any brand in certain productions runs. Looking through my tool box I find a mix of brands...Snap On, Proto, Craftsman, Armstrong, Williamson, Acme, Stanley, Apex, Xcelite, Moore, and others. One thing I find is that mechanics who respect their tools seldom break them. Abuse is the main cause of broken tools, The trick is to get the right tool for the job at hand. If you feel the need for a 4 foot cheater bar, get the impact out. Use the penetrating oil. Apply some heat. Why break a $20.00 socket "thinking" it will work? Speaking of cheater bars, once, when young and somewhat foolish, I had to remove lugnuts from an 18 wheeler trailer. Using a 1/2 inch drive socket, a Snapon Breaker bar, and a length of pipe, broke the breaker bar. As luck would have it, Snap On truck came same day, and replaced the bar. Promptly broke the new bar. Went to town, got a Craftsman bar, returned and removed all the lugnuts with it and the pipe, Still have the bar. Go figure. /ramble off.
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.—Robert A. Heinlein
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.—Robert A. Heinlein
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
And if I may add (as a mechanic with 35+ yrs in the biz) there is an unmentioned benefit to a high quality tool. You not only don't have to go looking to replace a broken tool in the middle of a project, you more than likely will not have to bandage your knuckles nearly as often, either. (Somehow ,the tool advertisments always seem to overlook that point,LOL LOL!)
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Kodiak, Alaska
Like almost all I have been a mechanic for almost 20 years and used most brands of tools (some I think were from Korea). Craftsman is your best bang for the dollar, but a few of the common tools you may want to spend a few dollars more for the good stuff ie. Snap-on. My toolbox is full of just about every brand out there, but the best tool is the one that doesn't break when you need it. Like the old saying sometimes you get what you pay for.
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