Socket Set question

cperky · Jul 3, 2004

( : 1. Do I need metric, standard, or both?? 2. Should I go with a 3/4" set, or a 1/2" set?? And 3. Standard or Deep well or both? And if you know of a place online that sells them pretty cheap (but still good quality of course) that would help as well. Thanks!
-Brad )

1. I have found that is good to have both metric and sae. Some implements are sae while most of my tractor nuts/bolts are metric

2. A 1/2 inch set seems to be best all around size for me but I also use a 3/8 set often. I also reccomend the air tools as others have suggested

3. I use deep well impact sockets more than shallow well sockets I have also bought most of my air tools from Harbor Freight . I bought most of my hand tools from sears IMO you cant beat craftsman for quality.
I also keep a cheap set of metric and sae wrenches in my tractor tool box along with a set of pliers and a hammer for use in the field.

Soundguy · Jul 3, 2004

I picked up a 1"plus sized socket set from harbor freight.. had a breaker bar and ratched.. 1/2 drive stuff.. went up to 2 1/4

Great set.. I've kapedn axle bolts off the ford tractor with it ( 450 ft# ).. and twisted heads off 1/2 bolts on an old rusty disk with -NO- problems... The sockets or ratchet or breaker bar show no signs of use after 3 major tractor projects with them now..

Soundguy

polecat · Jul 3, 2004

absolutely enough air!!!!!!! need bigger hose...... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

NOW HEAR THIS GUYS!!!!!!!ONE OF MY NEIGHBORS CAME over to see me the other day...and in the back seat he had this huge box2'x 2.5'...wide open that he jist got at wal-mart...
i have a high quality 3/8" air ratchet and have been thinking bout gittin a 1/2!!!!!!
this set had a 1/2" impact...3/8" air ratchet...air hammer/chisel...high speed angle grinder...and 2 other tools????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$62.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whole set
now i know theses r china dools but!!!!!!!!! i donot use them all of the time and this kit is it 4 me!!!!!!!...oh yeah!!!!1/2....impact shallow and deep well...sae and metric will do jist bout anything u will eva need ..think i'm gonna go git that kit today!!!!! i e i do will put on a pic... i jist thought it was a killer deal...kit had all sortsa blow guns and other attach.s too!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

oh yeah!!!!!one other thought!!!!...whenever u take one of those big nuts/or bolts off!!!!!! hit it with some never sieze b4 puttin back inand you'll have a much easier time gittin it off nxt time...especially on blades and tire lugs... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

i always make sure i put some on the tire lugs on all of the vehicles..makes 4 a very quick tire change with the least amount of effort!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JimR · Jul 3, 2004

Here is a list of what brands to buy that in my opinion are the best avaiable. All come with a lifetime warranty.
Snap-On
Mac Tools
S&K
Craftsman

All are quality sockets with Craftsman being the easiest to break. I have replaced more Craftsman sockets that I own over the rest. As for the cheaper Chinese sockets. You will get what you paid for. If you are going to use impact tools I reccommend you buy impact sockets. Standard sockets do not hold up as well as the impact sockets. A picky tool sales guy may not replace a broken standard socket if it shows signs that it was used on an impact wrench.

5030 · Jul 3, 2004

Jim:

You may not know this but, the Kobalt line of tools that Lowes sells is made by Snap-On. Same guarantee and a lower price. I have some of their open end wrenches and they fit in you hand really well, just like Snap-On.

I like Williams tools. They aren't as readily available as other brands. Mostly they are sold by machinery houses. They make a wicked 3/4" and 1" drive sets. I have the 3/4" and it's very stout.

JimR · Jul 3, 2004

Thanks for the info on Cobalt tools at Lowes. I never heard of them. There is a store near me and I will have to check them out. Snap-On tools are the best in the industry.

bgott · Jul 3, 2004

If all you're going to work on is farm implements all you need is a cutting torch and a Crescent wrench. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Craftsman has been around for ever, good quality but half the time they don't have the tool you need in stock when you try to warranty one. When I was bustin' wrenches proffessionally it was a PITA to remember to bring the socket from work to a Sears store just to find out they didn't have what I needed. Stanley tools seem to have good fit and finish and Stanley owns Mac tools so they just might be made in the same factory. The Kobalts look good and if they're made by Snap- On they ought to hold up. The racks at Lowe's seem to be well stocked so you would stand a better chance of finding the socket you need when you take one in for warranty.

KENSFM · Jul 3, 2004

( Jim:

You may not know this but, the Kobalt line of tools that Lowes sells is made by Snap-On.)

Kobalt tools are made by Danaher, the same company that makes Craftsman.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

zuiko · Jul 3, 2004

I got a 1/4", 3/8" and a 3/4" set. I don't have a 1/2" set because it would be almost entirely overlapping with the 3/8" and the 3/4". I find that the 3/4" set (along with a matching set of large wrenches) is the only thing to do some jobs while I never miss the 1/2" set.