I have been making do now for many years with random scraps of several old socket wrench sets, and I have finally reached the point where enough of them are lost/damaged that I'd like to invest in a new set.
Since there seem to be many on this forum whose mechanical skills are far more advanced than my own, I thought I would solicit suggestions on what the best options are out there, and what the factors are to consider.
BIFL Socket Wrenches
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
Hi,
Depends on what you want to do. I went on a rant about craftsman a few weeks ago on this forum. But, their socket quality isn't bad. My problem is their return and replacement promise differing from reality now that all the Sears stores are closing.
As far as craftsman sockets go, my sets are of good enough quality that I never need to use the lifetime warranty. My issue with them is price. They are a tad expensive unless you buy a medium sized set at a sale. Then the price is fair.
Harbor Freights Pittsburgh professional line doesn't look bad for the money. Just don't buy the cheapest set unless you understand it's disposable. With the 20% off coupon you cannot go wrong.
Walmart used to have a line called Popular Mechanics like the magazine. I brinell tested some and they were harder than my proto professional set. They were cheap and good. I use them regularly.
Finally I like the feel and function of a ratchet called Armstrong. I just have one but I like the design (small head 3/8" that is smaller than a craftsman 1/4").
I'd stay away from the ultra high end stuff like Snapon, SK and Matco mainly because they are expensive. They are better. I love them but I cannot justify the much higher cost for the incremental improvement they may provide. I have friends with full snapon rollaways who'll scream at me for this but they are just too expensive. I'd rather have more mid priced tools.
Good luck. This is a great time to buy tools. They're very cheap now compared to 30 years ago.
Depends on what you want to do. I went on a rant about craftsman a few weeks ago on this forum. But, their socket quality isn't bad. My problem is their return and replacement promise differing from reality now that all the Sears stores are closing.
As far as craftsman sockets go, my sets are of good enough quality that I never need to use the lifetime warranty. My issue with them is price. They are a tad expensive unless you buy a medium sized set at a sale. Then the price is fair.
Harbor Freights Pittsburgh professional line doesn't look bad for the money. Just don't buy the cheapest set unless you understand it's disposable. With the 20% off coupon you cannot go wrong.
Walmart used to have a line called Popular Mechanics like the magazine. I brinell tested some and they were harder than my proto professional set. They were cheap and good. I use them regularly.
Finally I like the feel and function of a ratchet called Armstrong. I just have one but I like the design (small head 3/8" that is smaller than a craftsman 1/4").
I'd stay away from the ultra high end stuff like Snapon, SK and Matco mainly because they are expensive. They are better. I love them but I cannot justify the much higher cost for the incremental improvement they may provide. I have friends with full snapon rollaways who'll scream at me for this but they are just too expensive. I'd rather have more mid priced tools.
Good luck. This is a great time to buy tools. They're very cheap now compared to 30 years ago.
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
BIFLALAIDNGM?
Buy It For Life As Long As It Does Not Go Missing
Honestly why not just put together your kits and buy whatever's missing? Why does it need to be a whole new set?
Any chance it is the case(s) that's at fault, making it difficult for you to keep it all organized?
Buy It For Life As Long As It Does Not Go Missing
Honestly why not just put together your kits and buy whatever's missing? Why does it need to be a whole new set?
Any chance it is the case(s) that's at fault, making it difficult for you to keep it all organized?
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Riggerjack
- Posts: 3199
- Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:09 am
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
I agree with everything sclass said, with a few notes.
6 point, not 12 point sockets.
Get a nice ratchet. The smooth function and fine toothed ratcheting action will make a much bigger difference in use than socket quality.
Gearwrench makes a nice ratcheting wrench set that is a real nice addition to your toolbox. Costco occasionally carries them. Well worth the money. I use them instead of sockets most of the time, but you can't put a socket extension on them, so you still need a socket set.
6 point, not 12 point sockets.
Get a nice ratchet. The smooth function and fine toothed ratcheting action will make a much bigger difference in use than socket quality.
Gearwrench makes a nice ratcheting wrench set that is a real nice addition to your toolbox. Costco occasionally carries them. Well worth the money. I use them instead of sockets most of the time, but you can't put a socket extension on them, so you still need a socket set.
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
Riggerjack, indeed, the six point are a lot tougher. My 12s have held up well. The 10mm and 1/2" are a bit worn.
I spoke too soon about Armstrong ratchets. Mine was a gift. I just looked, they are really pricey. I also have a Wright that was also a gift. And it was also pricey. Never knew my pals could be so generous. Scratch those, they're like snapon.
There was a joke at my old workplace that we should not buy snapon for the line. The head tech said "they don't last long". What he meant is they disappear.
And finally, yes, the gear wrench (a great Danaher product) has a beautiful pawl. And guess what, you can use them as a ratchet. I just bought these adapters.
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/sign ... 85499.html
I spoke too soon about Armstrong ratchets. Mine was a gift. I just looked, they are really pricey. I also have a Wright that was also a gift. And it was also pricey. Never knew my pals could be so generous. Scratch those, they're like snapon.
There was a joke at my old workplace that we should not buy snapon for the line. The head tech said "they don't last long". What he meant is they disappear.
And finally, yes, the gear wrench (a great Danaher product) has a beautiful pawl. And guess what, you can use them as a ratchet. I just bought these adapters.
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/sign ... 85499.html
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
If you can afford it, snap-on is BIFL. If you pick up a set used, you can consider it an inflation protected part of your portfolio. I see clean sets from the 1970's selling for more than they initially cost.
Expect to pay ~$10 per socket.
Expect to pay ~$10 per socket.
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tommytebco
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 4:48 pm
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
The tool trucks sell top notch tools. BUT, they also sell financing and an unofficial break each week in the air conditioned truck, hence the prices a very high.
There are other brands that are good.
I have a set of Craftsman sockets I bought in the 70's that (by the grace of god) are still with me and complete.
Today, if I didn't use them every day, I would buy Harbor Freight Pittsburgh brand. They don't break and are pretty good, overall.
Once in a great while, you'll need a pricey tool to get at a connector that's "just so.Beg or borrow a snapon for just that one app.
There are other brands that are good.
I have a set of Craftsman sockets I bought in the 70's that (by the grace of god) are still with me and complete.
Today, if I didn't use them every day, I would buy Harbor Freight Pittsburgh brand. They don't break and are pretty good, overall.
Once in a great while, you'll need a pricey tool to get at a connector that's "just so.Beg or borrow a snapon for just that one app.
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Gilberto de Piento
- Posts: 1968
- Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2013 10:23 pm
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
The harbor freight ratchet that came with the socket set I bought stripped on the first use. It's garbage. They may sell a model that is better quality. I mostly have craftsman but its been a long time since I shopped for sockets.
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
This is all great advice. I think that the middle road is probably the right call here. Looking at the price on the BIFL brands and factoring in the chance of losing pieces, It doesn't make sense.
My current ones are real junk that I got as a gift, so I think the upgrade makes sense.
I'll check out the brands recommended here.
My current ones are real junk that I got as a gift, so I think the upgrade makes sense.
I'll check out the brands recommended here.
Re: BIFL Socket Wrenches
Actually more to my point - whatever you're going to get get it used on ebay. You can find most brands in complete sets used for amazing prices. From low price to high: Pittsburg Pro, Husky or Craftsman, SK, Matco, Mac, and Snap-on. Start at the top and drop down one level at a time till the sticker shock goes away.