Socket set opinions

[r_chez_08]

Hey,
My brother was looking for a socket set, and I was guessing the forum might be a good place to start to ask questions for him.
What he wants:
1. 1/2" drive (to fit our impact wrench)
2. Metric sockets
3. 6 points not 12
4. A ratchet (if not, the price may want to be £10-20 less)
5. A relatively comprehensive set, maybe 10-25/30mm.
6. Extention bars would be nice, but not essential.
7. Under/ around £100
8. Good quality/ lifetime guarantee.
He was looking at some good brands, like snap on, but the set on eBay he liked went for almost £150, and new, theyre about £300
Any ideas on brands/ sets?
Thanks
Rob

 

[KieranM]

well first off never use normal, chrome, sockets on an impact, risk of flying apart under the pressure from the impact, impact sockets are black.

Take a look at draper, expensive but will last for ever, my dad got a set about 25 years ago and there still all present and correct, but we take care of tools still had the foam cover up untill last year...

 

[r_chez_08]

Ok, thanks. I didn't realise there was a difference! I thought impact sockets were just heavy duty 6 points. What are they made of then?
I have had a look at a couple of draper sets, and I have heard good things about them. Do you know if they have a lifetime warranty?

 

[redsox985]

Aren't 12 point the metric sets usually?

 

[devino246]

Aren't 12 point the metric sets usually?

Um, no. sockets come in 6, 8, & 12 point. Both SAE and metric. 8 point arent used that much. A "full" socket set would require:

SAE 6pt. 1/4in drive
SAE 6pt. 3/8in drive
SAE 6pt. 1/2in drive
SAE 12pt. 1/4in drive
SAE 12pt. 3/8in drive
SAE 12pt. 1/2in drive
Metric 6pt. 1/4in drive
Metric 6pt. 3/8in drive
Metric 6pt. 1/2in drive
Metric 12pt. 1/2in drive
Metric 12pt. 3/8in drive
Metric 12pt. 1/2in drive

mabe thats why mechanics tool sets run into the thousands of dollars.

Ok, thanks. I didn't realise there was a difference! I thought impact sockets were just heavy duty 6 points. What are they made of then?
I have had a look at a couple of draper sets, and I have heard good things about them. Do you know if they have a lifetime warranty?

Impact sockets are steel, just thicker. They paint them black so you can tell the difference, although the black wears off with use. Im not sure what stores and all you have over there. Do you have Sears/can you order from them?

 

[r_chez_08]

Hi,
No I don't think we do have a sears,
I am not quite so bothered about where to buy, as I understand that there are mainly US users on this site,
I would just prefer some ideas on what you would consider a quality brand/ a product no. On the manufactures website that you would recommend.
I will mention the draper sets to my brother.
Would you expect a good quality standard socket to hold up on an impact gun?
Thanks
Rob

 

[KieranM]

yea they will hold up just depends on the application, its more of a security thing so that if one flies apart using an impact and it wasnt designed for impact use, there covered.

Not too sure about the lifetime warranty on draper, machine mart do nice sets, but im just used to draper

 

[r_chez_08]

Ok, I think he will probably just get the non-impact sockets, as i doubt he will use the impact gun that often.
I will check out some draper sets, and maybe machine mart.
Are there any brands with a lifetime warranty apart from snap-on

 

[KieranM]

none that i know off to be honest, although i have seen cheep brands with life time warranty but the hassle of trying to get your way..I would soon spend the extra, even if it dont have a lifetime warranty.

 

[redsox985]

Craftsman tools carry a life time warranty. Too bad you don't have a Sears (the official Craftsman dealer). If you ever break a tool, even down to a screw driver bit, you walk in, hand it to the people, and go grab a new one and you're set to go.

 

[KieranM]

do you need a receipt?

 

[devino246]

do you need a receipt?

Nope.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I just thought I'd jump in here long enough to point out that impact sockets are not made of the same material as hand sockets. They are of a softer, less brittle composition. The reason behind this is that impact use causes standard sockets to crack and break from the shock loads, whereas the impact socket can tolerate it. They are much more likely to strip, twist, or deform, rather than shatter, which could cause physical harm to the user.

 

[r_chez_08]

Ok, so impact sockets are best on a gun, and normal sockets, vice versa.
I have used some of my dads normal sockets on a gun, and they were fine. I think I will chance it (or rather my brother) as otherwise he needs two sets.
Thanks
Rob

 

[HellSpawn]

I won't even touch any off-brand socket sets after using SK tools my entire life.

Honestly, its really worth it throwing down the extra moolah for quality tools.

 

[bighead]

Any tool made in the USA will do you fine. I like and buy Proto Tools Myself. But most my tools are Craftsman for I find them at yard sales all summer long.

Look on Ebay for Craftsman sets. You may find a good deal. Also look at the Sears Website.

 

[fowler]

kincrome also have a lifetime garuntee
they also sell every tool imaginable on there site

 

[r_chez_08]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-expert...274?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item41545f03ca
I liked these, and will see what my brother thinks.
I have searched for a coulple of brands such as craftsman, and kincrome, but as they are american products, i have a small range, and they are expensive.
Thanks
Rob

 

[r_chez_08]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Draper-250mm-...105?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2309298bf1
Does this look ok?

 

[KieranM]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Draper-250mm-...105?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2309298bf1
Does this look ok?

yes, it looks fine, you usually get one in a set anyway