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suggestions on decently priced quality impact sockets

that set could be pieced together on eghey for about 1/2 that...
 
Brian, is there some reason you won't just buy Craftsman stuff? Just about all of my tools are Craftsman mainly because I don't wrench for a living but also cost is a huge factor as well. I will say though that all of my six torque wrenches are Snap-on and I wouldn't use anything else as far as torque wrenches go. I have had all of my Craftsman stuff for years and I can't remember the last time I ever broke a socket, wrench, or any other of the Craftsman tools.

Like was also said if you're not in a hurry you can buy Snap-on stuff from E-bay really cheap (that's where i bought all of my torque wrenches).
 
That's probably what I'll do. My socket set is all stamped "made in USA" but was bought many years ago and I've heard that the new stuff isn't as good. I just thought I'd invest in a nice set from snapon until I discovered the cost. I haven't done much research yet so maybe there's a nice craftsmen line available I can try. My biggest requirement is that I don't want any chrome plating that peels off.


-Brian
 
if you shop eghey consistently and watch the prices, you can pick up just the socket set new, or near new for probably $75 to 150... same on extensions and ratchets, usually about 1/2 price.... the Bluepoint stuff ain't bad, but I prefer the Snappie, engraved as opposed to etched sizing, etc...

do you wrench for a living?
 
ryoken said:
if you shop eghey consistently and watch the prices, you can pick up just the socket set new, or near new for probably $75 to 150... same on extensions and ratchets, usually about 1/2 price....

do you wrench for a living?
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No, but I do prefer using nice tools when possible. Engraved socket sizing is nice, the finish should not wear off, and they should clean off easily with a rag. I guess those are my criteria.

-Brian
 
i've got snappie sockets that are 10 to 20 yrs old that look near new, and NOBODY abuses tools like a marine mechanic...

i avoid the laser etched stuff, i like the oldschool engraved/stamped sockets.... all this isn't saying I haven't had decent craftsmen sockets over the years... they do ok most of the time, but there certainly is a difference in quality and performance..

i'm a BIG fan of medium deep sockets.. my sae and metric sets are my "go to", "keep in the rigging bag" sets..
 
bp71k5 said:
Assuming that's true, it's a shame. I really would prefer an American made set of tools even if I have to pay a little more. I might even pay double. But there's just no way I can justify that much for a seemingly simple socket set. Maybe I haven't bought tools in a long time, but I expected that set to cost about $250 which included a ton of markup because it was snap-on. I'll have to look into what a lesser brand name goes for.

-Brian
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BP, the price on the website is generally what you will find on a truck. However, most dealers will work with you, especially if you pay with green paper. Try and find a local dealer, and see if he has one on the truck, if he does, and it looks like it's been there a while, hit him with the "what kind of cash deal will you make me?" line, and see how it goes, you may be pleasantly surprised. He may have bought the set on a promo years ago and want it gone.. Good luck
 
ryoken said:
:whistle: :whistle: :whistle:

dude, you've acted like an unprofessional, condescending a$$ thru this entire thread...
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Not entirely true, but I wont argue that I did come off a little harsh. For that, I apologize. I don't like lies being spread, especially about something I'm fairly passionate about.

If I offended anyone with my attitude, you have my apologies.
 
bp71k5 said:
Assuming that's true, it's a shame. I really would prefer an American made set of tools even if I have to pay a little more. I might even pay double. But there's just no way I can justify that much for a seemingly simple socket set. Maybe I haven't bought tools in a long time, but I expected that set to cost about $250 which included a ton of markup because it was snap-on. I'll have to look into what a lesser brand name goes for.

-Brian
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I'd like to clear this up a little, Brian.

It's not mark-up, when the tool company makes their own product. It is however, pricing in accordance to what people are willing to pay for a premium product. That said, what ryoken says is VERY true. Marine mechanics are the absolute hardest users of tools, and Snap-on produces tools for the professional technician. He also told you to look on ebay, which is a great place to find a deal, especially when a dealer retires, or a tech decides to do the same. You can find what you're looking for at a great price, if you just shop around. Heck, even craigslist has good deals on tools.

Good luck.
 
Craftsmen makes okay tools. They will make you angry though if you are use to using Snap On tools.

Martin
 
82355 said:
Craftsmen makes okay tools. They will make you angry though if you are use to using Snap On tools.

Martin
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I would have to add, at the very least, step up for a good ratchet, even if you do end up going craftsman for sockets and wrenches. That is one expense you will NOT regret.
 
I gave up on craftsman ratchets about 15 yrs ago when I broke 6 in one year, 5 3/8's and a 1/2... yeah, they replaced em, but what's my time worth to go there that many times...
 
ryoken said:
I gave up on craftsman ratchets about 15 yrs ago when I broke 6 in one year, 5 3/8's and a 1/2... yeah, they replaced em, but what's my time worth to go there that many times...
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I've heard stuff like that too about different ratchets but my 1/2" is pretty darn old and has had zero problems. Maybe it's even 20 years old.

I'll probably just keep the wrench I got and just get new sockets.


-Brian
 
thats the only 1/2 i broke... i own 2 others that are fine tooth and ancient, and they've held up well... tho they don't hold a candle to my Snappies...

3/8's. forget it, they don't hold up for sh*t...
 
ryoken said:
I gave up on craftsman ratchets about 15 yrs ago when I broke 6 in one year, 5 3/8's and a 1/2... yeah, they replaced em, but what's my time worth to go there that many times...
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said like a true single guy!!!!!!!! pfffft.. wife doesnt have to tell me twice that we need to go to the mall..... i walk in and grab my return bag and off we are.. hell im there anyway!!!!! :whistle:

im with ya guys.. i would rock the snap-on's if it was my profession. but since this is just a hobby where i dont wrench often.... then i just buy craftsman... and i have 2 rolling toolboxes full of craftsman and nothing else.. love em...
ive got the craftsman wall cabinets, 2 locker style cabinets, 8' table.... love it all
 
We have 12 guys at my work. So we have opinions on things like ratchets. The 2 top ones that I've seen are the Snap-ons and Cornwell. Mac comes in at the bottom. The Matco 3/8ths that I have is ok but I don't like the feel. Thats a personal thing. My Matco 1/2 drive 24 inch flex head I love but it seems a little fragile.

We've all broken a ratchet at work. But the best are the Snap-ons and Cornwell. They break, just not often.

Ryoken, truck mechanics in the rust belt will give a marine tech a run for pain in the ass seized and corroded bolts any day. Steel bolts and aluminum housings with calcium chloride for a wash and stuff grows fur.:doah:
 
smalltruckbigcid said:
mechanics in the rust belt will give a marine tech a run for pain in the ass seized and corroded bolts any day. Steel bolts and aluminum housings with calcium chloride for a wash and stuff grows fur.:doah:
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:bow::bow::bow: 10+ years of this and i am glad i dont suffer with it anymore other than my own stuff. :popcorn:
 
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