I want to buy a set of SAE and metric sockets for general around the home use. I own some Craftsman tools from the 80’s that work but have misplaced some over time. What have you used and would suggest for my needs?
Thanks

Eseaton

What’s your budget and do you want Communist China made, US made, or Taiwanese made?

As far as sockets go, Craftsman are still fine for non-commercial use. Kobalts are good too.

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Hi Eseaton,
Keeping in mind that I do not turn a wrench for a living in a machine shop working on heavy duty projects...

I bought Kobalt Xtreme (sku 0379760) 38 piece set. I can't find it available anymore. This set made each socket so is turns both a SAE and a Metric bolt:
www.Lowes.Com/search?searchTerm=kobalt+socket+sets&refinement=4294618275

This link takes you to Lowes online sales page. If I did it correctly, it will display all of Kobalt's socket sets where a single socket fits both a SAE and Metric bolt. The set I bought that I can't find for you, fits both 3/8 inch & 1/4 inch drives. Most of the sets I see on Lowe's website are either 3/4 inch or 1/4 inch but I didn't find one set that has both.

I don't need a professional heavy use set and the ability to save space where the socket is designed to fit both a SAE and Metric bolt appealed to me.

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I've been replacing my Craftsman sockets with Proto stuff.

Tekton from Taiwan https://www.tekton.com/

Following this thread for suggestions as well.

I was lucky enough to acquire a large set of US made craftsman before they went offshore. Now I scour garage sales and craigslist. I’m not opposed to the cost of buying US made when I need a new or replacement piece but finding them locally is a PITA. Easily available online but i like to touch before I buy sometimes.

Over the past few years I have found some great deals on USA made Proto hand tools through e-bay.

I know e-bay pretty much sucks, but if you keep checking on a regular basis you can find some lightly used tools for a good price.

90% of the tools I bought are usually a pawn shop on e-bay looking to score a few quick dollars.

I have bought both complete 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch metric socket sets for like $80.00 bucks each with free shipping.

Just a suggestion. Good luck.

S&K is quality, Snap-on too.

quote:

I have found some great deals on USA made Proto hand tools through e-bay.

That's an excellent suggestion.
Sometimes you can find real quality at a bargain price. Check your local Craigslist too.

I have been very happy with my Metrinch set that I keep in my work van. I have full sets of both in my garage that are Craftsman, but that is where they stay.

Has there been any instances of counterfeit tools such as fake Snap-On, MAC, Proto to be weary of?

If you want a very good set from Taiwan, I would start with this 6 point 3/8" drive set from Tekton: https://www.tekton.com/3-8-in-...m?set-range=combined

Tekton is an American company that has tools made in the USA, Taiwan, and China. They state the country of origin of specific tools on their website. I would avoid their Chinese tools. The warranty on their tools is excellent. Email a picture of the broken tool and they send you a new one.

If you want made in U.S.A. go with Wright, Williams, Proto, and of course Snap On.

If you just need to fill some holes, hit the pawn shops. You should be able to find plenty of older Craftsman, SK etc. You'll probably be able to find everything but that damned 10mm

^^^^
A darned good idea.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
If you just need to fill some holes, hit the pawn shops. You should be able to find plenty of older Craftsman, SK etc. You'll probably be able to find everything but that damned 10mm

I have a bunch of Craftsman sockets in a bucket. List what you need and if I have them you are welcome to them for free.

Get ones that have large numbers etched on them.

Kobalt is going away. Lowes is now selling Craftsman.

I second the large numbers. Also, an easy way to distinguish SAE from metric (different colors) is good.

Beyond that, others know better than me. I don't wrench a lot any more. Most of my stuff is older Craftsman.

I have a bunch of Home Depot Husky brand sockets and they do just fine for my needs.

Tekton, or wait and see what the new Craftsman plant in Fort Worth is putting out.