What is a good brand for socket wrenches?

P

Phydeaux

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Mar 4, 2006
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I work for a start up company(bio tech) so funds are kind of thin. We need a decent set of SAE and metric sockets. We have a set from ACE, but some of the metric sockets actually off the nut shoulders. So what do you recommend? We probably just need a 3/8" drive set.

Thanks for the help.

Ric
 
If you want tools that are precise and will last. Look at Snap On. They aren't cheap. But there's a reason why and a reason why mechanics will spend thousands on the brand.
 
Lots of nice brands out there. Snap on, matco, Mac, jh Williams, bahco, SK, Wright, Cornwell, Armstrong, Proto.

When you say the sockets are off the nut shoulders ... I'm just wondering ... Many "newer" sockets these days contact the sides of the nuts, not the corners. It's often referred to as flank drive, or surface drive, or wright grip or some other advertisement name. Sometimes it's referred to as 'off corner engagement'. It's to prevent the rounding off of nuts.

http://www.google.com/search?q=flan...%2Fforums%2Fthreads%2F120197%2Fpage-2;400;203
 
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given your needs, craftsman would probably do the job just fine. make sure you have six point sockets instead of 12s. Most of the time rounded nuts are operator error, so maybe some people just don't get tools? a good tool for already stripped nuts is channel lock parrot beak pliers, they grip harder as more torque is applied. Very handy to have if you have the skills to use them.
 
I've broken 2 Craftsman sockets and a extention changing a spare tire on my truck. I am looking in to other brands as well.
 
Gedore, Hazet or Stahlwille if you can get them in the US. If you use your tools for work everyday, you will not regret that decision.
 
atony said:
I've broken 2 Craftsman sockets and a extention changing a spare tire on my truck. I am looking in to other brands as well.
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Even though you may not be using an air gun,get replacement sockets that are made for air guns. They are usually black and are strengthened in the shoulders to prevent breakage.

Snap-on, Mac, and yes, even Craftsman are good choices.
 
For reasonable budget set that will serve you well, CRAFTSMAN on a holiday sale are good value and will serve you well. Avoid the non-CRAFTSMAN stuff like the plague - they are poor quality.

A set of true SNAP ON from ebay is also a great option. Today, I treat CRAFTSMAN like I used to treat the cheap off-brand stuff because their quality has declined. However, I don't always require SNAP ON quality and pricing for every job I do.

Any yes, you want 6 POINT standard and deep sockets. Get them in a set with the plastic case so you know when one has gone AWOL. ;)
 
Kobalt from Lowes are good and affordable. I like them better than Craftsman. Same warranty and comparable price but with a higher finish.
 
Atony, that should have nothing to do with the quality of your tools. A lug nut should never be that tight in the first place.
 
atony said:
I've broken 2 Craftsman sockets and a extention changing a spare tire on my truck. I am looking in to other brands as well.
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Were the lug nuts really too tight? Or, did you perhaps use a slightly oversize socket?

I could see possibly breaking a socket on a lug nut with an extension if you weren't totally lined up on the lug and tried to turn it at an angle. To break two of them is really suspicious. Was the tire put on with an air impact that wasn't torque limited?
 
I've used Craftsman sets in my construction and service work for more than thirty years. I have not seen a decline in quality. And yes on getting the black impact tool sockets for lug nuts. I use them on rusted/frozen bolts on diving boards. It does help to spray a penetrant on the bolt/nut before attempting to turn it.
 
genewiseman said:
Kobalt from Lowes are good and affordable. I like them better than Craftsman. Same warranty and comparable price but with a higher finish.
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I can't confirm but I'm inclined to think they are made in the same factory. I have a craftsman extension, adapter and swivel set that came with a kobalt 1/4 to 3/8 adapter. Looked identical to the craftsman one in a second set my cousin has other then the kobalt branding.
 
I am for certain that my tires were impacted on. I had the correct size sockets for the lug. I broke the extention off right above where it fits in the socket, the detent ball actually fell out. The extention twisted and deformed badly before it broke, almost like it was rubber. I did notice on one of the sockets that broke that the wall on one side was thinner? I was using a Kobalt 14-16" breaker bar to get the lugs off.
 
craftsman ,,had my set for years with no problem,and if ever any problem , just take it to your nearest sears and they will replace it for free no questions asked .
 
I use craftsman professionally and compared to snap on they're a great deal. Gear wrench ratchets are almost all I use. Snap on is too thick. Cornwell and Matco make nice ones as well but a 4 piece flex head set from gear wrench (kd tools) will run about 90$ and last you forever. And they're easily warranties at many places.
 
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