Looking for advice on socket sets

[Haertig]

I'm looking for advice on socket sets. I do not do much mechanical stuff myself, and I have been getting along with an el-cheapo set. 40 years old probably. From K-Mart, I think that's where I got the set. Obviously junk tools, but they met my needs OK for decades. I don't expect to need a bunch off good tools going forward either - I'm not suddenly going to turn into a mechanic when I turn 65 soon. But my old set is 3/8" metric and SAE combo, missing a few sockets, the kit is all 12-point sockets, no deep sockets, and my ratchet drive is who-knows-where.

I was thinking of going cheap with the Costco DeWalt set ($30):
https://www.cochaser.com/blog/dewalt-¼-and-38-34-pc-drive-socket-set/
Possibly supplemented with the add-on DeWalt deep sockets (either now or later, the first one is $21, the second one is $28):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-4-in-Drive-Socket-Set-20-Piece-DWMT73811/207007330https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...et-Set-with-Case-20-Piece-DWMT73812/207007350
Or go with a Craftsman set that contains pretty much what those three DeWalt separates contain - it's on sale at Lowes ($80):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...Polished-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set/1000596433
The Craftsman is a bit cheaper overall when you consider you get a few more things (a 1/4" drive ratchet, some hex keys, and a bit driver and some bits). Both the Craftsman and the DeWalt sets are 6-point, which from my research appear to be the better choice for occasional at-home use like I do. I have missed having deep sockets a few times over the years, so I will probably get those now with the Craftsman, or as add-ons later with the DeWalt.

I looked at Kobalt, and they look to have nice ratchets and nicely labeled sockets. But their kits sometimes end up being higher priced because they tend to add unneeded stuff to them (unneeded by me). Some of them contain 1/2" drive extras, and I don't need that. Another one contains a mix of 6-point and 12-point sockets, and also 8-point sockets. What in the heck is an 8-point socket? I've never run into that or even heard of it ... ever.

Tekton has some nice sets too.

So, what do you folks think? Good/bad experiences with any of these brands? Recommendations? Are there other sets I should look at?

I am also looking for a nice set for my son for Christmas. He works on his motorcycles a lot (Yamaha and Honda). His cars are Honda and Subaru (but he really doesn't work on the cars - motorcycles are his passion). So I imagine he's 100% metric, not needing SAE very often, if ever. Is this correct?

For him, I think the Craftsman set above would be good (he could just ignore the SAE stuff). Or, I kind of like this 1/4" drive Tekton kit, which has a full set of 6-point 4 through 14mm sockets in both normal and deep, and the kit is physically small for ease in carrying around:
https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-6-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt05201
... supplemented with a second 3/8" drive kit most likely. I haven't researched 3/8" metric kits yet. But I don't know - do motorcycles use smaller bolts than cars, and would be OK with just a 1/4" drive kit? My hunch is that 1/4" might be too small for larger components, but what do I know? My son does replace things like exhaust systems, forks, and larger motorcycle components like that so probably he needs a 3/8" drive set too.

I don't want to go overly cheap for either myself or my son, but then, I'm not a mechanic and just can't justify a $200+ socket set. Overkill for someone like me who just replaces car batteries and oddball stuff like that. My son has been doing his motorcycle work with a mish-mash of cheap tools and I wanted to get him something that is a good step up from the Harbor Freight kit I bought him with his first car (so that he would have a least some kind of tools to work with way back then). I don't know if he's still using that Harbor Freight junk, but I know what he currently has is still low-end stuff.

So any suggestions for my son who has a longer life ahead of him than I do, and is interested in mechanics, but still of relatively low to moderate experience? Are 6-point sockets the way to go?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Supervisor42]

I'm looking for advice on socket sets. I do not do much mechanical stuff myself, and I have been getting along with an el-cheapo set. 40 years old probably. From K-Mart, I think that's where I got the set. Obviously junk tools, but they met my needs OK for decades. I don't expect to need a bunch off good tools going forward either - I'm not suddenly going to turn into a mechanic when I turn 65 soon. But my old set is 3/8" metric and SAE combo, missing a few sockets, the kit is all 12-point sockets, no deep sockets, and my ratchet drive is who-knows-where.

I was thinking of going cheap with the Costco DeWalt set ($30):
https://www.cochaser.com/blog/dewalt-¼-and-38-34-pc-drive-socket-set/
Possibly supplemented with the add-on DeWalt deep sockets (either now or later, the first one is $21, the second one is $28):
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-4-in-Drive-Socket-Set-20-Piece-DWMT73811/207007330https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...et-Set-with-Case-20-Piece-DWMT73812/207007350
Or go with a Craftsman set that contains pretty much what those three DeWalt separates contain - it's on sale at Lowes ($80):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...Polished-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set/1000596433
The Craftsman is a bit cheaper overall when you consider you get a few more things (a 1/4" drive ratchet, some hex keys, and a bit driver and some bits). Both the Craftsman and the DeWalt sets are 6-point, which from my research appear to be the better choice for occasional at-home use like I do. I have missed having deep sockets a few times over the years, so I will probably get those now with the Craftsman, or as add-ons later with the DeWalt.

I looked at Kobalt, and they look to have nice ratchets and nicely labeled sockets. But their kits sometimes end up being higher priced because they tend to add unneeded stuff to them (unneeded by me). Some of them contain 1/2" drive extras, and I don't need that. Another one contains a mix of 6-point and 12-point sockets, and also 8-point sockets. What in the heck is an 8-point socket? I've never run into that or even heard of it ... ever.

Tekton has some nice sets too.

So, what do you folks think? Good/bad experiences with any of these brands? Recommendations? Are there other sets I should look at?

I am also looking for a nice set for my son for Christmas. He works on his motorcycles a lot (Yamaha and Honda). His cars are Honda and Subaru (but he really doesn't work on the cars - motorcycles are his passion). So I imagine he's 100% metric, not needing SAE very often, if ever. Is this correct?

For him, I think the Craftsman set above would be good (he could just ignore the SAE stuff). Or, I kind of like this 1/4" drive Tekton kit, which has a full set of 6-point 4 through 14mm sockets in both normal and deep, and the kit is physically small for ease in carrying around:
https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-6-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt05201
... supplemented with a second 3/8" drive kit most likely. I haven't researched 3/8" metric kits yet. But I don't know - do motorcycles use smaller bolts than cars, and would be OK with just a 1/4" drive kit? My hunch is that 1/4" might be too small for larger components, but what do I know? My son does replace things like exhaust systems, forks, and larger motorcycle components like that so probably he needs a 3/8" drive set too.

I don't want to go overly cheap for either myself or my son, but then, I'm not a mechanic and just can't justify a $200+ socket set. Overkill for someone like me who just replaces car batteries and oddball stuff like that. My son has been doing his motorcycle work with a mish-mash of cheap tools and I wanted to get him something that is a good step up from the Harbor Freight kit I bought him with his first car (so that he would have a least some kind of tools to work with way back then). I don't know if he's still using that Harbor Freight junk, but I know what he currently has is still low-end stuff.

So any suggestions for my son who has a longer life ahead of him than I do, and is interested in mechanics, but still of relatively low to moderate experience? Are 6-point sockets the way to go?

Thanks in advance for any help!

I'm not saying I am a professional mechanic, but I was.
I used nothing but Craftsman tools daily from 1976 thru 2018.
How many years is that?
I rarely ever broke one.
The 8-point sockets are for driving a thread tap or ez-out in a place where there is no room for a handle.

 

[SheepDog]

I am an ex-professional mechanic so I don't buy "cheap" tools but I am not a snob about it either.
If you are going to be working on vehicles you are going to need 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive in both SAE and Metric. Craftsman is a decent brand but any brand that has a money back guarantee is probably good enough. Even Harbor Freight has some decent tools. I like their impact sockets (black steel) but they have some guaranteed polished sockets and ratchets and wrenches too.

Just a FYI: most of the store brands and Craftsman tools are made in China so if you want American made you have to pay more and you may not get anything better. Sorry but that's the truth.

 

[Bacpacker]

I used to be a mechanic. 1st tool set was Craftsman. Still got most of the set. Bought some MAC and some Snap On over the years, Good tools but way too expensive if you aren't making a living with them.
Craftsman is china made and I think no longer have a lifetime garuntee. I actually have been pretty impressed with Harbor Freight rachets, sockets, and wrenches. Not for every day use, but plenty good for a shade tree mechanic.
Other good brands are Proto, Gear Wrench, ...Kobalt IMO is so so. For a bike mechanic only 3/8" drive would be plenty large enough. Auto or farm use I would go to 1/2"

 

[SheepDog]

If you get into the farm equipment you may want 3/4 or even 1" drive sockets. I have both and the impact tools for everything. Spanner sockets, spline drive, 8 point, 6 and 12 point. I also have a set of socket to use on stripped bolt heads that are life savers.

There are lots to buy but they are just junk unless you need them.

 

[Bacpacker]

If you get into the farm equipment you may want 3/4 or even 1" drive sockets. I have both and the impact tools for everything. Spanner sockets, spline drive, 8 point, 6 and 12 point. I also have a set of socket to use on stripped bolt heads that are life savers.

There are lots to buy but they are just junk unless you need them.

If I was getting set up for major heavy work, 1/2" and 3/4" in particular. I would go with Pro grade tools. Nothing else would hold up to that abuse. And those aren't cheap, even with cheap tools

 

[SheepDog]

True that!
I have a lot of tools. Just when I think I don't need something I put myself in a place where I do!

 

[Peanut]

Most of my sets are old craftsman, 20+ years (lost a few sockets but never broke one). I have some small off-brand sets for vehicles that work perfectly fine. One I've kept in my truck almost 40yrs made by Easco, still going strong. Unless you plan to do serious work regularly, cheap sets are fine.

If you want something for your kids bike... I'd drop by the closest dealership and find out if there are any specialty sets that are great to have with your kids bike model. It could be screwdrivers, allens, or a single special wrench. If it has an engine and goes fast there's usually oddball special tools. A professional mechanic would know what to get... add a cheap 3/8" set to boot.

I'd be interested in what you discover researching those brands.

 

[rice paddy daddy]

I've been wrenching on cars, trucks, and motorcycles for well over 50 years.
I've got some of my dad's Craftsman tools dating back to the 1930's, I've got a miscellaneous hodgepodge of the aforementioned Craftsman, SK Wayne, Western Auto, even some JC Penny American made combination wrenches.

Really, a person just starting out, or someone adding on, would be fine with going to Advance Auto Parts, or O'Reilly Auto Parts and buying off the shelf as needed. Their wrenches are almost all lifetime guarantee, they'll replace a broken piece on the spot no paperwork or anything.

 

[Supervisor42]

If I was getting set up for major heavy work, 1/2" and 3/4" in particular. I would go with Pro grade tools. Nothing else would hold up to that abuse. And those aren't cheap, even with cheap tools

I still have my 3/4" set thru 2-1/2" . I started with a cheap set (because 1 good socket can run you $25) and replaced the couple that I was able to break with the 4-foot cheater pipe, with good sockets.
You only have to add a couple more sockets and you don't have to worry about metric, the rest are close enough.

@Haertig the Dewalt sets do not include a 1/4" ratchet or any extensions....well, except for a 3-foot 3/8" drive extension that I can't figure out how they get in the box.
Never used one of those in all my years, but I did use a 3-foot, half-inch drive one.

 

[havasu]

I too built my tool chest with real, old school Craftsman sockets. 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive are Craftsman. Short, deep, 6 point, 12 point, in 3 stackable chests. I also have a 3/4" and 1" drive are Harbor Freight, since I seldom use them.

 

[Alaskajohn]

I wish I can get my hands on the older USA made craftsman set. My brother got my dads extensive set when my dad pasted. I grew up using them and they were excellent tools.

I’ve gotten a couple of the Kobalt sets from Lowes that I use. They are okay. Not great, but not bad or too expensive. The problem with the Kobalt sets is that they appear to be geared towards the casual mechanic or for casual home use. But that is my perception of most that you find at Lowes or Home Depot.

 

[Cascadian]

Whatever you decide seriously consider large print " easy to read" sockets. I cannot read the size on most of my sockets. I have had them since way before this feature came to be.

 

[Peanut]

After reading this thread a few times I realized I don't need more tools. I need to hire an unemployed teenager to find my missing tools. It'd take 2 days just to go through my shop. Then there are the tractor sheds, both barns, and the old equipment building. Oh! and the tool rm in the house plus all the vehicles. I'd probably save a small fortune over replacement costs.

 

[Bacpacker]

Sounds about right Peanut. If I put mine all in one place I'd need about 11 roll around toolboxes to house them all

 

[havasu]

Whatever you decide seriously consider large print " easy to read" sockets. I cannot read the size on most of my sockets. I have had them since way before this feature came to be.

That is also my biggest gripe. The "old school" Craftsman were stamped in very small numbers, which is getting hard to read. The newer Craftsman tools are all lazer cut for easier reading. I hear if you clean all your sockets in solvent, then wash, then dry, you can add black paint on the letters, then wipe off the excess and only leaving the paint into the indented stamping, for easier viewing. I guess I am just too lazy to do this.

 

[Peanut]

A heads up on what happened to me with a big socket set, maybe others had similar complaints. I made my living with tools but unlike most I had to be mobile. I also had to fly often and take tools with me.

I bought a big set of craftsman sockets. It combined 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives in a big 250 piece set, metric and std. The problem was that there wasn't a complete set of any of the drive sizes. Example - 1/4" sockets had no deep wells and no metric. The 3/8" had some std deepwells but no metric deepwell but short sockets for both. The 1/2" drives was nothing more than a starter kit.

Moral of the story, I'd have been much happier with a complete 3/8" drive set, std and metric, deepwell and short, 6, 8 and 12 point, extensions and universals, about 250 pieces. Most important... all of it fits in one case, grab and go!

Instead I ended up with another generic case filled with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" sockets not included with the first set. Even worse, it means I'm always using both cases because the socket I need always seems to be in the other case. A royal pia!

Edit to add... Also, if you do get a multiple drive size set don't skimp on adapters... so you can use a 3/8 drive ratchet with 1/2 inch drive sockets. Or 3/8 sockets with a 1/4 or a 1/2 ratchets etc.

Dad was a tool & die maker, handy! He machined a bunch of adapters for me so I can use any ratchet with any socket.

 

[Caribou]

Eight point sockets are for square nuts and bolts. You already have your 12 point sockets so you have that covered.
I once borrowed a couple end wrenches from a buddy. I broke one. It happened to be a Craftsman so I went to Sears and had it immediately replaced, for free. A number of my friends used to watch for broken Craftsman hand tools at garage sales, pay $0.25 and exchange it for a brand new one. Tools are a lifetime investment, and then they are treasured by your kid. I wouldn't worry about the price too much. I'd look at the warranty. Anything with a lifetime warranty is usually made to a higher standard and should last.
I used to slip a pipe over my Craftsman wrenches, when I needed better leverage. Today, made in China, and no warranty, I'd look elsewhere.

 

[Caribou]

P.S. The tool box is as important as the tools inside it. I found that if I didn't have my tools inside a box, I didn't have that tool for very long. When I was making my living with tools I kept my end wrenches in a rollup. I could see what was missing and I wasn't fishing around the toolbox looking for something. Boxes with individual bins for sockets is the way to go.

 

[backlash]

I have more tools than 10 people could ever need. Some American made and some from other countries. The absolute worst tools I have ever had were made in India. I sorted all of them out and tossed them.
Old Craftsman tools are good and some of the new Craftsman are just OK.
Laser etched sockets are very nice as the eyes get older.
If you have an Ace Hardware close watch for their sales. I have bought tools from them and have no issues.
The very best screwdrivers I have are Whia brand.
I bought a set of sockets from Harbor Freight to put in my tool box in the barn. They work just fine and they were cheap and they have a lifetime guaranty.
The best thing I have done with my tools is buying a big roll around box and cutting kaizan foam to make a shadow box. If a tool is missing I can easily see and when I need a tool I can find it.

 

[havasu]

I like your drill caddy. Can you charge directly from those top shelves?

 

[Supervisor42]

That is also my biggest gripe. The "old school" Craftsman were stamped in very small numbers, which is getting hard to read. The newer Craftsman tools are all lazer cut for easier reading. I hear if you clean all your sockets in solvent, then wash, then dry, you can add black paint on the letters, then wipe off the excess and only leaving the paint into the indented stamping, for easier viewing. I guess I am just too lazy to do this.

If you put them on organizers you don't have to read the sizes.
I screwed organizers to wood boards to put mine on. It also helps keep you from losing them.
Here you can see exactly which one (1) is missing if you glance at it:

A lot of sockets in a small place .
(20 bonus points for anybody that guesses what the gold plaques are for)

 

[INresponse]

I used to be a mechanic. 1st tool set was Craftsman. Still got most of the set. Bought some MAC and some Snap On over the years, Good tools but way too expensive if you aren't making a living with them.
Craftsman is china made and I think no longer have a lifetime garuntee. I actually have been pretty impressed with Harbor Freight rachets, sockets, and wrenches. Not for every day use, but plenty good for a shade tree mechanic.
Other good brands are Proto, Gear Wrench, ...Kobalt IMO is so so. For a bike mechanic only 3/8" drive would be plenty large enough. Auto or farm use I would go to 1/2"

I agree with Backpacker. For ever I bought Craftsman tools, because that is what dad bought for work and for home. I doubt they are the same quality today, but I would guess most all tools are made with the same low grade recycled metal as opposed to good quality metal from a few decades ago.
I also suggest the Harbor Freight tools. I still have my few sets of Craftman tools but I wanted a tool wall in the garage for easy and quick access for quick little projects. I bought 1/4" and 3/8" socket sets, both SAE and Metric, and made a rack to hang them on the wall, along with a variety of pliers and a couple screw drivers and adjustable wrenches, etc.
A few months after hanging the tools on the wall I noticed one of the Pittsburgh brand adjustable wrenches did NOT say Pittsburgh on the handle and was surprised I didn't notice the difference when I hung them up. What happened was the boys mixed up the wrenches and put mine in their Kobalt (Lowes) tool kit and put theirs on the wall. The wrenches are identical, same finish, same machine marks, same everything except the Kobalt brand is not labeled with a name. Side my side they are the same wrench but the low cost arbor Freight "Pittsburgh" brand pays extra to have their name cast into the handle and the more expensive Lowes/Kobalt brand saves money and doesn't have their name in the tool.
It was at this point that I decided the tools are made in the same factory in China and for most things I was fine with the affordable Harbor Freight tools unless I eventually need some high quality specialty tool for some important project, maybe when I get around to working on old transmissions or something important like that. I am pleased with the Harbor Freight stuff, and you will notice they also have different grades of tools with the good ones looking considerably better than their el cheapo version. Don't by the cheap stuff, the cost less because they are junkier than junk.

 

[INresponse]

.
(20 bonus points for anybody that guesses what the gold plaques are for)

ASE certification certificates/decals?

 

[Supervisor42]

ASE certification certificates/decals?

ASE Master Technician recertification. After you pass all the tests and are a master tech for 5 years, when you pass all the tests again to be master certified for another 5 years, only then can you get the plate.
One is for Auto, and the other is for Medium and Heavy Truck.

Edit: Did you spot the missing socket?

 

[backlash]

I like your drill caddy. Can you charge directly from those top shelves?

Yea the chargers are plugged in and working.
I would make a few changes if I built another one but over all I'm happy with it.
I made one for my son that I like better. The second time you build something it usually turns out better then the first time.

 

[joel]

I buy harbor Freight Icon socket & hand tools, I can not break them with my bare hands, so they are good.
I save my money for tractors, chippers & high price tool.
I have a collection of all kinds of sockets, but If I went out tomorrow to buy sockets I would buy HF impact tools, they are as good as any I have used in sixty year. Thirty of which I was a paid indusial Machinic, welder, machinist, even fold sheet metal & Lexan.
I could use a Thunder Bolt welder, now there a machine worth every penny.

 

[Supervisor42]

I buy harbor Freight Icon socket & hand tools, I can not break them with my bare hands, so they are good.
I save my money for tractors, chippers & high price tool.
I have a collection of all kinds of sockets, but If I went out tomorrow to buy sockets I would buy HF impact tools, they are as good as any I have used in sixty year. Thirty of which I was a paid indusial Machinic, welder, machinist, even fold sheet metal & Lexan.
I could use a Thunder Bolt welder, now there a machine worth every penny.

+1 on the HF impact sockets. I got a cheap set of HF deep-well sockets for impact use so I wouldn't grind the chrome off of my 'good' sockets. I never destroyed a single one even with the best of effort.
They are stacked on the far left in my pic.

 

[Neb]

I purchased the Craftsman mater mechanic set back in 79 when the company I hired on with paid for my work tools. I did wear out the 1/4drive rachet but aside from that all are still good. I did indulge myself with HF socket organizers, socket sets, and every adapter extension, swiveling ratchet they sell. Very happy with the HF stuff.

Ditto on the roll around tool cart. I got mine from HF and am very happy with it.

With labels on all of the drawers others can work on their cars in my shop and find what they need.

So go with HF for hand tools.

Ben

 

[Bacpacker]

Neb i have that same roll around box. 44". I want the top to match it.
I second the india made stuff as junk. It is worse than the China junk.
Peanut made a good point about getting sets for each size, 1/, 3/8, 1/2. A full set for all misses a lot.
Also the awiha screw drivers. German made, best I've ever used. Been buying them for my techs on my last 2 jobs. They hold up well.