Socket set recommendations

[Animal357]

In the market for a socket set and case for home use

narrowed it down to this: DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece)

DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece) | eBay​

<p>DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece). </p><br /><br /><p>Ship to 48 states only </p>
www.ebay.com
Anyone with any experience with Dewalt Socket sets? Is there something better that I should look at that's not crazy expensive?

Is the Milwaukee set worth the extra money?

Milwaukee Ratchet Socket Mechanics Tool Set SAE/Metric PACKOUT Case (106-Piece) 45242576074 | eBay​

This Milwaukee Combo Kit features a 90-tooth ratchet tool that provides 4° of arc swing and a slim profile for work in tighter spaces. The included ratchet and socket set has FOUR FLAT Sides that prevent rolling and are wrench compatible.
www.ebay.com

 

[Simonsza1]

I would suggest a set from a place that’s easy for you to get warranty’s. For the level your looking at I would say head to lowes or home depot whichever is more convenient and buy either kobalt/craftsman from lowes or husky from Home Depot. The quality is probably exactly the same as your looking at but will be very easy to get exchanges on lifetime warranty tools.

 

[Average guy]

The Milwaukee are very nice sockets. I would look at Huskey, and other store brands that are easily replaced. The seem to be pretty decent quality.

 

[n0glock]

Home Depot had a good Black Friday deal, also since almost all sets are foreign made harbor freight has a great warranty and are decent.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

If you're getting into the fields where you ARE using tools, then you'll be BREAKING them as well. Question is, are you going to be able to continue to do your job, without the broken tool?

Is it something you can get swapped back, on the way home from work? So that you can start the next day with it? OR/

Is it something you'll have to 'send-off and wait for warranty replacement to be shipped to you'? Can you still do your job? OR/

Is it something that you have to wait till the weekend, to drive to whatever town/store and see about warranty? I've no idea of your locale, or circumstances. But these questions above, place the 'value' of the tools you buy to begin with.

I'm not even getting into the differences of quality between brands, nor am I getting into comparisons of ratchet guts grenading side-by-each with mine (that didn't grenade) and while my co-worker was on his 3rd ratchet replacement at the end of the year, I was still using the same one I'd started with. (and no, it wasn't a Snap-Off one, either)

That, is a whole different conversation regarding 'tool value'.

 

[MtnCreek]

A lot of dewalt tools are chinese. Check origin if that matters to you.

 

[HeavyAssault]

Husky has some decent home owner sets. Might just want to look at the Harbor Freight offerings. I can't think of the product line but they have a top tier level that's got PLENTY of selections. In the end you can build off of them adding what you want over time.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

Define for "home use". Are you working on your cars, Lawnmower type thing? Putting together Ikea furniture?
For the occasional auto repair type stuff. Get a set from the local Lowe's or Home Depot that have a lifetime warranty.
I started using Craftsman back in the late 70's and still have most of them. I have built several hot rods over the years and work on all of my vehicles boats and bikes. Which they are fine for. Craftsman is now Chinese and sold through Lowe's. I don't know how they would deal with a broken socket or an individual tool since they are now sold in the big sets like you are looking at. Sears always had individual tools.

In the market for a socket set and case for home use

narrowed it down to this: DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece)

DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece) | eBay​

<p>DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece). </p><br /><br /><p>Ship to 48 states only </p>
www.ebay.com
Anyone with any experience with Dewalt Socket sets? Is there something better that I should look at that's not crazy expensive?

Is the Milwaukee set worth the extra money?

Milwaukee Ratchet Socket Mechanics Tool Set SAE/Metric PACKOUT Case (106-Piece) 45242576074 | eBay​

This Milwaukee Combo Kit features a 90-tooth ratchet tool that provides 4° of arc swing and a slim profile for work in tighter spaces. The included ratchet and socket set has FOUR FLAT Sides that prevent rolling and are wrench compatible.
www.ebay.com

Can anyone identify this socket? I bought a new toolbox and was going through the tools as I was swapping them over and found it.

 

[fyr4efect]

Wrenched on aircraft. Most used Snap on or MAC. pricey!

 

[MtnCreek]

Define for "home use". Are you working on your cars, Lawnmower type thing? Putting together Ikea furniture?
For the occasional auto repair type stuff. Get a set from the local Lowe's or Home Depot that have a lifetime warranty.
I started using Craftsman back in the late 70's and still have most of them. I have built several hot rods over the years and work on all of my vehicles boats and bikes. Which they are fine for. Craftsman is now Chinese and sold through Lowe's. I don't know how they would deal with a broken socket or an individual tool since they are now sold in the big sets like you are looking at. Sears always had individual tools.

Can anyone identify this socket? I bought a new toolbox and was going through the tools as I was swapping them over and found it.
View attachment 8009788

I'm going to go with misprinted 11/16. But would be impressed if its actually in 13ths.

 

[EddieNFL]

Hired a lot of techs during my second career. Don't recall one that did not invest in Snap-On, Mac or MATCO, but any of them would tell you if it was not often used Craftsman or Kobalt was fine.

 

[Kein Mitleid]

I have some tools from PAR-X which have served me very well for years. I’m not sure if they still exist but I’d buy a used set in good shape without much worry.

I believe the Japanese brand KoKen is probably the best quality for the most reasonable price that I’ve seen.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I’ve got a Stanley set similar to one of those.

I keep it in the truck for misc jobs while out in the boat, on the dirt bike, etc.

It does what I need it to.


It is NOT the Stanley Proto stuff. Just a set I bought online.

 

[krw]

Go to Harbor Feight and buy their sockets. They will do 99.9% of what you need and want to do. And when you lose one, jus go buy another. For the money I saved you with this advice, go buy another rifle

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

My neighbor is a auto mechanic and has all snap on tools. I have used a couple of them. I will say that the ratcheting of a snap on is pretty nice compared to my 40 year old craftsman. He commented on the action of my ratchet while using it and grabbed his to finish. He's 29 years old. I had to remind him that the tool was made before his parents were able to have children.

Hired a lot of techs during my second career. Don't recall one that did not invest in Snap-On, Mac or MATCO, but any of them would tell you if it was not often used Craftsman or Kobalt was fine.

 

[StealthOwl]

For a budget set, look for Made in Taiwan instead of China. There's usually a big difference in quality.

 

[EddieNFL]

My neighbor is a auto mechanic and has all snap on tools. I have used a couple of them. I will say that the ratcheting of a snap on is pretty nice compared to my 40 year old craftsman. He commented on the action of my ratchet while using it and grabbed his to finish. He's 29 years old. I had to remind him that the tool was made before his parents were able to have children.

I was helping a bud pull the trans from a Grand National. I had him pass me a 9/16" to unbolt the torque converter. He handed me a Craftsman. I felt it begin to slip, so I crawled out and grabbed a Snap-on and removed the bolts. Don't get me started on flare nut wrenches.

 

[The D]

In the market for a socket set and case for home use

narrowed it down to this: DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece)

DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece) | eBay​

<p>DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece). </p><br /><br /><p>Ship to 48 states only </p>
www.ebay.com
Anyone with any experience with Dewalt Socket sets? Is there something better that I should look at that's not crazy expensive?

Is the Milwaukee set worth the extra money?

Milwaukee Ratchet Socket Mechanics Tool Set SAE/Metric PACKOUT Case (106-Piece) 45242576074 | eBay​

This Milwaukee Combo Kit features a 90-tooth ratchet tool that provides 4° of arc swing and a slim profile for work in tighter spaces. The included ratchet and socket set has FOUR FLAT Sides that prevent rolling and are wrench compatible.
www.ebay.com

If this set is really just for random shit that pops up at home, just buy whatever catches your eye and is easy to get replacement pieces for.

If you’re going to be using this for more than some rando stuff at home, still buy according to the above but buy a few good ratchets.

The important thing is buying the best quality you can justify for the tools you’re going to use the most. I’ve been a professional mechanic for over 20yrs and still have crappy Craftsman sockets from my very first tool set and some shitty Harbor Freight tools right alongside some very expensive big name tools. The most important upgrade I made was Snap-On ratchets and wrenches(and a legit multi-meter & test lead set, but that’s not what you’re looking for).

 

[mikeshaw2]

another alternative is to hit up pawn shops and get tool truck tools for pennies on the dollar

Here in NoVA there's a 'tool truck tool store.' Guy buys up toolboxes worth of tools and resells them.

HTH

M

 

[_Windrider_]

Hired a lot of techs during my second career. Don't recall one that did not invest in Snap-On, Mac or MATCO, but any of them would tell you if it was not often used Craftsman or Kobalt was fine.

IN addition to these high end tools, ive also used Olsa and Sonic tools, crazy good quality....and price. Although i do believe both are canadian companies.

 

[Int1968]

Laser etched tools are junk, even if you have good eyes. Those blow molded boxes like in your first considers won’t hold the tools properly or securely(do you want to open a mess every time you use em).

Williams make some sockets that are the same as snap on, garage journal will have all the info your looking for.

 

[LeftyJason]

Project farm is a good place to look for reviews. Hasn't done one specifically on sockets but has done wrenches, ratchets, and Allen hex sockets.

 

[Herb Stoner]

This^^^

I was just looking up the Project Farm link - good info.

I mostly avoid tools from Lowes Depot…

 

[LeftyJason]

This^^^

I was just looking up the Project Farm link - good info.

I mostly avoid tools from Lowes Depot…

His yearly reviews are pretty good too.

Fireball Tool had a great yearly review as well. Zep TKO hand cleaner is awesome.

 

[FWoo45]

Laser etched tools are junk, even if you have good eyes. Those blow molded boxes like in your first considers won’t hold the tools properly or securely(do you want to open a mess every time you use em).

Williams make some sockets that are the same as snap on, garage journal will have all the info your looking for.

If you can’t look at a wrench or socket and know what size it is without a label, then you don’t use em professionally or your eyes are shot. I’ve broken plenty of tools for a living but I’m going to replace most of my hodgepodge tools at home with a husky set at some point. The good stuff at work has been lost by retards and replaced by me numerous times. I bet I’ve turned over at least three complete sets filling a 72” rollaway top and bottom, countless 7/16”, 10mm, etc. Old craftsman was good, obviously so are the big 3 of quality-but-bend over. I’ve been impressed by some of the top line HF stuff and they’ll just give you a whole new set when you break something but I can’t support the chi com shit.

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

Do you remember what the saying was about snap on was years ago?
That truck never comes around when you need to use the warranty and there's a Sears on every corner.
The day of a Sears on every corner are long gone and unless you work in a professional setting you will never see a snap on truck.

I was helping a bud pull the trans from a Grand National. I had him pass me a 9/16" to unbolt the torque converter. He handed me a Craftsman. I felt it begin to slip, so I crawled out and grabbed a Snap-on and removed the bolts. Don't get me started on flare nut wrenches.

There are no cheap junk tools on my work truck and I buy quality tools for the things that I use a lot around the farm. Chain saws, string trimmers, sprayers, mowers, tractor and such need to work when I have to use them. If I wanted to work on tools I would have a job at the local repair shop. I want my tools work. I don't want to work on my tools.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

As you can see, there are many opinions that answer your question.
Plug some of your info into this matrix and you will find your answer:
What do you want ?
What do you need ?
What can you afford ?

If you are 70 years old, Harbor Freight quality will out live you.
If you are 20 years old Snapon, MAC, Matco will out live you.

 

[EddieNFL]

Do you remember what the saying was about snap on was years ago?
That truck never comes around when you need to use the warranty and there's a Sears on every corner.
The day of a Sears on every corner are long gone and unless you work in a professional setting you will never see a snap on truck.

There are no cheap junk tools on my work truck and I buy quality tools for the things that I use a lot around the farm. Chain saws, string trimmers, sprayers, mowers, tractor and such need to work when I have to use them. If I wanted to work on tools I would have a job at the local repair shop. I want my tools work. I don't want to work on my tools.

I've replaced a few Snap-On and MATCO tools in the years since I retired. Pretty easy to spot them around town or stop by local garages and ask when the guy comes by. Most of my techs had the Snap-On, MAC, MATCO guy's number. If desperate, they would call him and meet at his next stop.

You can go to Lowes for Craftsman replacements.

 

[Simonsza1]

Hey I saw leftyjason mention hand cleaner. As someone who has earned a living doing this for his entire life and I feel like I need to tell you all both hobbyists and professional like myself about a fairly new hand cleaner, been around five years or so. It’s called eagle grit and started in the motorcycle side of things. It’s fantastic and doesn’t tear your hands up at all. Daniel Blair came up with it who's an ex ama supercross guy and now does tv for them but in all seriousness the hand cleaner is fantastic. Give it a try and I guarantee you’ll thank me especially if your someone that uses hand cleaner daily.

 

[LeftyJason]

Hey I saw leftyjason mention hand cleaner. As someone who has earned a living doing this for his entire life and I feel like I need to tell you all both hobbyists and professional like myself about a fairly new hand cleaner, been around five years or so. It’s called eagle grit and started in the motorcycle side of things. It’s fantastic and doesn’t tear your hands up at all. Daniel Blair came up with it who's an ex ama supercross guy and now does tv for them but in all seriousness the hand cleaner is fantastic. Give it a try and I guarantee you’ll thank me especially if your someone that uses hand cleaner daily.

Might have to try it. My hands only get bad as a hobby these days. Working manufacturing grinding new parts is much cleaner than a repair job shop machinist.

 

[chevy_man]

Home Depot had a good Black Friday deal, also since almost all sets are foreign made harbor freight has a great warranty and are decent.

If you put a pittsberg socket on anything the chance of rounding it skyrockets. They don't fit anything correctly and are not worth scrap price.


I have the Milwaukee on the service truck. It's pretty good especially for the price.

I keep snap-on and Mac in my home shop. It's odd, but I never have a ratchet slip, rarely break a socket, and have destroyed 0 fasteners with quality sockets that fit correctly.

I started buying good stuff after breaking a cheap craftsman and breaking my knuckles.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

If you put a pittsberg socket on anything the chance of rounding it skyrockets. They don't fit anything correctly and are not worth scrap price.


I have the Milwaukee on the service truck. It's pretty good especially for the price.

I keep snap-on and Mac in my home shop. It's odd, but I never have a ratchet slip, rarely break a socket, and have destroyed 0 fasteners with quality sockets that fit correctly.

I started buying good stuff after breaking a cheap craftsman and breaking my knuckles.

I agree... I was working on a CAT 657 loosening drive shaft bolts. Could not get my impact gun in there nor a cheater pipe. Took a long handle MAC ratchet and fastened the 6,000 service truck boom cable onto the ratchet. Tightened up the cable, truck leaned over and suddenly the ratchet stripped out. Took my ratchet to my MAC dealer and he replaced the insert. He asked me "Did anyone get hurt when the ratchet failed" ?... I just laughed and went on back to the field.
That was the only ratchet that I ever had fail.
Life

 

[Aftermath]

In the market for a socket set and case for home use

narrowed it down to this: DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece)

DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece) | eBay​

<p>DEWALT Chrome Vanadium Mechanics Tool Set (192-Piece). </p><br /><br /><p>Ship to 48 states only </p>
www.ebay.com
Anyone with any experience with Dewalt Socket sets? Is there something better that I should look at that's not crazy expensive?

Is the Milwaukee set worth the extra money?

Milwaukee Ratchet Socket Mechanics Tool Set SAE/Metric PACKOUT Case (106-Piece) 45242576074 | eBay​

This Milwaukee Combo Kit features a 90-tooth ratchet tool that provides 4° of arc swing and a slim profile for work in tighter spaces. The included ratchet and socket set has FOUR FLAT Sides that prevent rolling and are wrench compatible.
www.ebay.com

You do plan to use these to assemble your precision rifles and associated accessories., right?

 

[Alpine 338]

Craftsman is back to being manufactured in the USA, but it may take time the clear out the Made in China crap that's on the shelves now.

 

[Billdoe708]

Last I needed craftsman warranty it was done online and shipped to me. Same with textron.
I have 2 busted snap ons to get fixed, need to find a truck

 

[Simonsza1]

You can also mail to snap on. But finding a truck route is probably easier. Do you have a local mechanic you trust? If so just leave your tools with them for a week and they can get the snap on guy to warranty without you needing to be there. I’ve done this multiple times for customers, not a big deal.

 

[hollowoutadime]

One is all you'll want.

 

[EddieNFL]

One is all you'll want.

View attachment 8011369

I'll bet.

 

[Bacarrat]

Depends on what you are going to do with it. If you are a weekend warrior and do projects around the house, most of the sockets will work.

I have good luck with ebay and finding used Snap-On wrenches and impact sockets since I like to tinker with cars and usually don't strip shit off with the professional tools.

 

[hollowoutadime]

A long handled, flex head 3/8" ratchet is often my go-to.
Every tool box needs one.

 

[Simonsza1]

A long handled, flex head 3/8" ratchet is often my go-to.
Every tool box needs one.
View attachment 8011391

Who needs flex head ratchets?

 

[Simonsza1]

Or more then one ratchet for that matter,

 

[Average guy]

Another good option is Gear Wrench tools. I’ve used a lot of their tools very harsh and they hold up good.

 

[Bacarrat]

Another good option is Gear Wrench tools. I’ve used a lot of their tools very harsh and they hold up good.

I have several of their 120 click ratchets as well. Super handy when you have very limited space to swing the ratchet. But for the most part, I just use a electric ratchet or cordless impact driver for everything nowadays.

 

[fpgt72]

In a past lifetime I did turn wrenches for a living. This was during the 80's-90's. Back then most techs had a 10k line of credit with the snap on truck. Craftsman tools back then like most things is very different from now. To tell the truth I would do Harbor Freight over Craftsman now.

HF's "good" line is Icon. And I would set their hand tools with anything else.....anything. Their tool boxes are also just fantastic, I just bought a top box to set on an old 80's craftsman bottom. I have also used their chrome sockets on air tools and have not busted a thing yet.

Cruise over to garagejournel.com they have a good HF thread with the good and not good from them, anymore the good outweigh the bad. And there are some "really good" will kick the ass of for example snap on tools costing 10x as much.

Project farm on youtube the other poster linked is another good source, he has been doing it for a while.

 

[BytorJr]

Not a socket set; but these things are wonderful:

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Wrenches/Ratcheting-Wrench-Sets/JSCV-9S_Proto®-9-Piece-Black-Chrome-Reversible-Combination-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set---Spline-/

I also have some Wera Jokers and they're also fantastic (wouldn't have double dipped in wrenches except the Wera's I practically stole on a "prime day" sale.

I had a real issue on one of my cars where I had to use a crow's foot to torque the crankcase drain. Needless to say, the Lowe's branded crow's foot totally stripped out the bolt head. I bought the proto thinking I'd have to use the spline end. Nope, the open end is designed in such a way to grab the nut I didn't even have to resort to the spline closed end. It was at this moment, I decided no more crap tools. That even though I'm barely a hobbiest, a crap tool can lead to bigger issues.

Yes, I still have my craftsman and lowes stuff; but those are designated to when I have to get a hammer out and bang on the wrench to break something free that hasn't been loosened in 10-15 years and sees constant dirt, grime, water.

 

[BytorJr]

One is all you'll want.

View attachment 8011369

The one on bulbhead is "quickly selling out, hurry before supplies are empty" - got different name though. I'd bet this actually works okay for ordinary household stuff. That said, I cannot even get the faucet out of my kitchen sink. Like it's welded on and the nut is only about 3mm in height...stupid...and CHEAP!!!

 

[fx77]

Nihilist approach to wrenches
If U R any age and a casual mechanic, any tool will do
If U R under 40 and a professional buying your first set, snap on or mac.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Or more then one ratchet for that matter,
View attachment 8011397

Are snap on made in USA. its funny to go to harbor freight and see those same tools at 1/100th the price.

 

[BytorJr]

The one thing at China Freight that I know is as good as Snap-On is their breaker bar. I saw a test online about that and it actually performed slightly better.