what is the most bitchin socket set out there?

B

Beezil

Member #Nay
NAXJA Member
Location
Indiana-Missouri
since half my socket set has become part of the exit obstacle on upper proving grounds, and a couple are still lodged up my ass, I'm in need of a new set.

I like my QUALITY tools, and i GOTTA have solid, reliable and effective blow-molded cases....

who's da best?

I sure liked my westward set, just lookin for options.
 
I cant recall the name, but I remember some German made set being tooted as the best that exists. I think they are even available in titanium. I think I saw them advertised in Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories catalog.

XJguy
 
On a less $$$ side, I really like the Craftsman professional/premium line. I believe they have to be special ordered I have only seen a sample set on display, heavier materials, very nicely made but still cost about double what the regular sets cost.

XJguy
 
snap on or craftsman are the best MO
 
I prefer my Allen socket set to my Craftman one. Craftsman ratchets suck IMO. I also like my SK wrenchs but don't have any SK sockets.
 
Hard to beat Craftsman, the no questions asked replacment policy alone, at any Sears that carrys tools is a powerful reason.

I agree the the ratchets suck....but...buy a S-K or Snap-On ratchet and use Craftsman sockets.


Rev
 
I have a Kobalt set that I really like. The ratchets lock the sockets with a pushbutton, the set comes in a sturdy case that is great for the trail because I can see instantly if I've forgotton to put one back. It comes with a full set of deep sockets along with the shallow ones. The sockets themselves are as strong as SnapOn or Craftsman, I haven't broken one yet. Same lifetime warranty.

Available at Lowes. I got the 135-pc set: http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=200174-1074-22415
 
I picked up a Husky set at Home Depot a couple of years ago. 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets, SAE and metric sockets to 1 1/8 and 32mm or so, deep well sockets for 1/4 and 3/8 drive, along with a handful of box-end/open end combo wrenches in both SAE and metric.

There's no 2 ways about it, the set is built cheaper than my Craftsman set, especially the combo wrenches. But it has a GREAT case, and lives permanently in my XJ now for trail duty.

GAHHH!!! Gawd, that's an ugly URL..... try this instead: http://tinyurl.com/rlvq
 
Money wise, the Craftsman are a decent buy. I bought a full set of sockets, etc. and a separate molded case from Sears. They've held up pretty well so far. I agree with the others about their ratchets, though.

In my last job I was responsible for assembling and ordering 5 very large tool kits using Snap-on tools. I also turned in broken items that were under warranty. We got a lot of use out of those tools and didn't turn much in for warranty work. I really dig the ergonomics of Snap-on compared to some of the other brands. A bit pricey, though.
 
Their ratchets do suck IMHO...however, they have a new ratchet that does not suck. Costs more, new design and last time I checked it did not come in any set, only separately. Might be part of the pro series.

XJguy
 
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Sounds like the catch is going to be the molded case. There are a lot of good sockets available. Getting a case which is the right size and holds up well is the problem. Sears seems to have the widest selection of different sized sets.

Personally, I don't like the molded cases. I think they take up too much room. Most don't seem to be able to take a fall without popping open either.

I organize my sockets on socket holders I bought at Sears. I put them in suitcase like tool cases with the rest of my tools. These cases keep my tools organized and won't pop open if dropped. I put my tool cases and other gear in a tool box I have tied down in the cargo area. This keeps everything safely contained in case of a rollover.

RR3
 
Whatever you do man, find a case that can be tossed HARD on the ground without cracking open and spewing it's contents. :D
 
Sears/Craftsman also has 3 or 4 different grades of ratches and wrenches. If you buy one of the 'kits' they come with the funky ratchets, the next grade up cost a bit more but have the little flip switch, push button release and the one above that are polished better have the flip lever and push button to release the socket, extension or universal then comes the 'pro' line which I have not seen personally but if their box wrench sets that I have are any indication the ratches are pricey but their pro line of wrenches fit better than the original set I got in one of those 199 piece kits.

You think loosing stuff on the trail is a PIA, try having two teenagers, tools dissapear faster than pocket change down a lazy boy... only to turn up as they zing into the trees when you run over them with the lawn mower or into the snow bank when your out with the snow blower

I think once I start re-building mine I'll piece the socket/ratchet set together with all 6 point sockets, the kits all come with 12pt.

Another one that is selling, or at least advertising on TV is from stanley. Some of their tools are nice and the socket set they have been advertising looks ok and has a moulded case and they claim American Made, whether thats the name of a city in china like Usa in Japan I don't know.
 
Recently saw a Sears ad for Craftsman sockets with new large easy to read size markings on a black background!
 
After the local Snap-on rep acted like an ass to me for asking him to warranty out the socket used on GM brake calipers, I stopped buying their stuff.


I use Craftsman sockets, and wrenches, but I still do carry my Snap-on Rachets, they are alot stronger then the Craftsman ones.
 
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