Good brand for new socket set?

Thanks Cal.
 
If something happened and i lost all of my tools i would have no problem going to the normal local stores (home depot, sears, lowes) and buy a simple set because they are decent products and reasonably priced. use them a few times and see what isnt going to cut the mustard and replace it with something better. Not every tool needs to be high dollar snap on.

I have a hodge podge set that has taken me years to build and it has pieces from just about every company that you can think of. I started with a small basic craftsman set and went from there. Each company has its goods and bads like have been stated already. I still believe that for a simple basic set of hand tools craftsman is hard to beat. When you start getting to more advanced tools is when i would turn my attention to other companies.
 
I have snapon ratchets and sockets that are phenomenal

I have some newer craftsman stuff that gets the job done, but is not as nice.
 
Agreed. Craftsman is not what it used to be. You're buying a name the way you are with snap-on, but it doesn't come with quality the way a snap-on does. ;)
 
I like the sunex stuff, it's a good deal and they're made in Taiwan. Some of the Kobalt stuff is good, check the country of origin. For long pattern wrenches, gear wrench hands down. As for ratchets, snap on, a little bit pricier but man I love my FLF80. The site http://www.garagejournal.com has a lot of good tool info. Other brands to consider for tools are Williams (crowsfeet) SK, proto, bonnie, etc. If you have a swap meet, you can pick a lot of the older stuff up for cheap. If you don't want to spend the bucks on a snap on ratchet, I think it's Kobalt that has a nice 72 tooth made by Danahar (Taiwan). Look at the threads on garage journal.

Gear wrench 81916 and 81918 are great for jeeping every size you need with a tool roll. Just have to find them on sale.
 
x2 on proto and bonnie. I have quite a few of their wrenches and they are well made.
 
I like sunex and gray pneumatic for impact sockets. Great value and warranty from them. As far as impact sockets I wear them out before I break them so I don't see the point in getting the $300 snappy set...they wear out just as fast and have the same warranty. Unless you have a specific 12 point application I always go 6 point, you round off less fasteners that way.
 
Appreciate all of the additional detail folks - Thanks!
 
I haven't purchased anything just yet. I'm still mulling over it all, just at glacial speeds!
 
I like the Koken socket sets. The Zeal line of sockets is very compact, and the quality is second to none. These are made in Japan, and that is all they make are sockets ratchets and extensions, I think. I think they are just as good if not better than snap on. For less money too.
 
For rachets skip the lower level craftsman. They are crap. A step up is the craftsman thin profile ratchets http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...0944992000P?prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12. They are pretty good. I have one in 3/8" and 1/4" drive. They also have premium grade racthes that are very nice with 84 teeth. http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...0902548000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11 I have one in 3/8" and I love it.

The newer craftsman sockets are ok. Older ones are much better quality. I have a set that are 30 years old and I cringe every time I break one and have to get it replaced. Luckily I don't break them very often, but it happens after 30 years of use. The new sockets aren't horrible, but not what they use to be.
 
Thanks for the extra info. I really appreciate everyone chiming in here. I'll be ready here in the next few months to get some new tools!
 
I have different sets for the tools I keep in the jeep and car, and for the tools I keep at home under lock and key. Most domestic tools are made by the same 1-2 companies and they are just made to different production quality according to the market segment the vendor wants to occupy.

Craftsman socket sets are easy to use (esp the laser etched size markers--good for old eyes), and they are available at most hardware stores so you can assemble full sets with spare lunch money over a couple of weeks, not the best quality but they dont tear or strip out like the really cheap stuff. Kobalt and Husky about the same grade but they dont have large print. Kobalt has some nice screwdrivers, magnetic tips, wrench helper, color-coded insulated handles so you can tell Philips from flat-head without picking it up. Flex-head Gear Wrenches are also good, I have full sets of metric and standard up to about 21mm (control arm bolts), they are a little pricey especially the larger sizes where that isnt mass market, and not the hardest metal around but get a forged adjustable wrench for stuff you are going to put the full monkey on. Last year I bought a large set of Stanley tools for my Cadillac roadside bag, and have been very pleased with the quality, missing a few pieces but what is there is very good. You really want to spend the big money on your ratchet drivers, since those have to stand up to real load duty (breaker bars etc). You can also find used Snap-On ratchets on ebay, or grab the truck if you see him at somebody's shop, sometimes they sell repaired returns.
 
Last edited:
ehall said:
Flex-head Gear Wrenches are also good, I have full sets of metric and standard up to about 21mm (control arm bolts), they are a little pricey especially the larger sizes where that isnt mass market, and not the hardest metal around but get a forged adjustable wrench for stuff you are going to put the full monkey on.
Click to expand...

The flex head ratcheting wrench is invaluable for removing the transfer case:
DSC_1274.JPG
 
You have lifetime warranty on the stuff you have, get it replaced. Then start buying quality pieces as budget allows.

It's a long and expensive process, especially once you start buying all the odds and ends (spring compressor, pulley puller, etc)
 
Im a heavy equipment tech by trade and have tools from Harbor Freight to Snap On. I agree with the above statement of quality ratchets. There are times they are worth there weight in gold. But for sockets and wrenches get something that's local to you. I have tools like Craftman S-K and Proto that is hell for me to warranty. All of them are a 40 mile round trip drive to get replaced or I have to mail them and weight. So many of them get replaced with used stuff that don't match or from my local Napa, Carquest or Ace hardware. Even if what you choose is made in China as long as it has a lifetime warranty and easy to replace.
 
I've been happy with the husky tools from home depot.

It's 5 minutes from my house if one needs replaced.
I've not broken one yet, even doing things I shouldn't.

They are decently chromed.
I'd put them in the upper tier of China made tools.
Better than new craftsman anyway. Last time I exchanged a made in the USA craftsman tool I got some crap in return. Very disappointed.
I better have the rest of my broken craftsman stuff replaced before sears goes bankrupt soon.
 
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