Socket set brand suggestions
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Maple- NE corner of NC
Socket set brand suggestions
I could not figure out where to post this so I will try to make it Super Duty relevent.
I am beginning my auto tool collection again and I really need a lot, but I want to start with a simple question.
I would like to get some sockets that will last me the rest of my life. I also plan on using them with impact. I would like to just get one huge quality set. I understand impact need to be hardened so maybe I don't need them all to be hardened. These will be used on my Super Duty now, but mainly for the continuing 4wds in the future.
Anyways, I would be really interested to hear what everyone reccommends.
Brand is important. I would love to get a great deal, but I want to make sure I get good quality.
Thanks. I understand if the Mod wants to move this to another forum...?
I am beginning my auto tool collection again and I really need a lot, but I want to start with a simple question.
I would like to get some sockets that will last me the rest of my life. I also plan on using them with impact. I would like to just get one huge quality set. I understand impact need to be hardened so maybe I don't need them all to be hardened. These will be used on my Super Duty now, but mainly for the continuing 4wds in the future.
Anyways, I would be really interested to hear what everyone reccommends.
Brand is important. I would love to get a great deal, but I want to make sure I get good quality.
Thanks. I understand if the Mod wants to move this to another forum...?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
From: round rock, tx
I am def just a shadetree mech, but I still think Sears Craftsman tools are great for a decent price, plus there are SEARS stores everywhere in the US
The professional mechanics will def tell you that SNAP-ON, MAC and MATCO are the shizzat, they are but are expensive and hard to be returning broken tools to a authorized dealer
The professional mechanics will def tell you that SNAP-ON, MAC and MATCO are the shizzat, they are but are expensive and hard to be returning broken tools to a authorized dealer
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
craftsman get my vote, have had a set for way too long...over 30 years I guess. geez that's not good.
Those that work for impact wrenches are different though so you will have to buy them as well, but you would not need as many.
Those that work for impact wrenches are different though so you will have to buy them as well, but you would not need as many.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 147
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From: Maple- NE corner of NC
I spoke to my uncle about this yesterday and 15 years ago I swore by craftsman and they had a lifetime guarantee. My uncle said that Craftsman started going downhill about 7-8 years ago. He swears by Cobalt brand from Lowes...?
It's interesting to note that the first two postings endorse Craftsman. I wonder if those 30 year old tools are far better than the new ones?
It's interesting to note that the first two postings endorse Craftsman. I wonder if those 30 year old tools are far better than the new ones?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 3
From: Goose Creek, SC
The only issues I've had with my craftsman tools have been with the ratchets. Of course I was using a cheater bar on them when I broke them so it's not a normal use failure. I've broken the sockets that way too. Kobalt is also a good brand in my experience. I'm not sure what their guarantee/replacement policy is though.
New User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
I just got the big set from craftsman... all 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 they make, except impact sockets for about $400. They're not snap-on quality, but for the price I'm not complaining; the chrome is a little sloppy on the inside sometimes. You'd have to get impact sockets separate.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Its hard to beat craftsman IMO. I think its worth spend the extra money on Snap-On, Matco, Cornwell and Etc Ratchets because you can get them with finer teeth for less degree of handle rotation. I have the best slim polished fine tooth ratchets from craftsman and they still arn't don't ratchet as fine as the high priced ones do. That said it is hard to beat the warrenty on craftsman sockets, ratchets and etc. If you break one take it back and they will replace it free. I also have a bunch of SK and Proto/Blackhawk tools also and they are very good also. I have noticed though that SK's sockets and extensions are not what they used to be though. I'm not brand loyal when it comes to tools, they just have to be quality tools.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 82
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i manily use westward and have abused the pi err heck outta them, i think if you stick to a brand name with life time warranty you should be ok, sheoot happens and tools do break with the warranty your not out any money for the same tool. i would have a set of hand tools and seperate for the air. buy as you go along and it keeps the cost reasonable, myself and im sure with many others on here have been collecting for many years so we have it all now but i know thats not how i started. good luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
It really depends on how you are going to use them. Professionally, you can talk your tool truck driver in to "truck credit" and they will handle all of your returns for you. Snap on and the other professional tools are intended to be used every day to make money.
I use craftsman as well, however I would trust husky or kobalt just as quickly for shade tree work. Less expensive, good warranty. Now the big thing I would suggest is get regular built 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets. Then to save some money, buy 1/2 drive impact sockets. If you need a thinner wall driver, you probably have it in 3/8 drive and your not going to destroy the 1/2 impacts as easily when you put power on them.
I use craftsman as well, however I would trust husky or kobalt just as quickly for shade tree work. Less expensive, good warranty. Now the big thing I would suggest is get regular built 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets. Then to save some money, buy 1/2 drive impact sockets. If you need a thinner wall driver, you probably have it in 3/8 drive and your not going to destroy the 1/2 impacts as easily when you put power on them.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
Personally, I use Craftsman and they have served me well. I've broken one socket over the years due to abuse and it was replaced no questions asked. Pretty easy to get them replaced with a Sears store in almost every city. If you go to Sears, they offer Craftsman, Sears, and Champion (I think) tools. Only the Craftsman tools have the lifetime warranty. They're more expensive than the other two lines, but worth the extra cost IMO.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
I have to agree with the other FTE members... unless you are a professional mechanic, it's hard to beat Craftsman tools. Sears has a 4th of July sale going on thru Monday.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/v_10153_1...&sbv=Craftsman
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/v_10153_1...&sbv=Craftsman
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Remsen,NY
I'm saying this as a mechanic that my tools bring home the bacon!
snapon for every day use
craftsman for 1x a week use
my teenage son i buy harbor feight until he stops loosing or forgetting where he put them.
I will agree on some craftsman tools i think quality has dropped a little
snapon punch set i can beat on till sundown. craftsman are not that way anymore they bend alot quicker.
and I do own a few tools that I researched and found craftsman to be better for my purpose small thinner
snapon for every day use
craftsman for 1x a week use
my teenage son i buy harbor feight until he stops loosing or forgetting where he put them.
I will agree on some craftsman tools i think quality has dropped a little
snapon punch set i can beat on till sundown. craftsman are not that way anymore they bend alot quicker.
and I do own a few tools that I researched and found craftsman to be better for my purpose small thinner