"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
11/21/2016 at 20:17 • Filed to: None
0
49|
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
11/21/2016 at 20:17 • Filed to: None | 0
| 49 |
So I’ve been using a mish-mash of newer Craftsman and Husky gear, but after numerous quality control issues I’m looking to upgrade. I only want metric, and I have no idea if I should get 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2. What do you guys recommend? Current top choice is this set GearWrench makes, based on a couple friends who seem very happy with the brand.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
bob and john
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:20 |
|
3/8s drive.
I just bought a full set (1/8, 3/8, and 1/2) + some other small tools in a stanley set. retailed for $400, got it on sale for $100 (yay canadian tire!)
if i Had to choose one set, 3/8. 1/2 is WAY to big for the smaller sizes, and 1/4 just doesnt give you the torque needed for anything serious.
theloudmouth
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:22 |
|
GREY PNEUMATIC. You will never need to buy again and they are 100% worth it.
|
Phatboyphil
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:24 |
|
3/8. Get a 1/2 breaker bar and buy the 1/2" sockets as you need them (for axle nuts etc)
1/4 is nice to have 8-12mm so you don’t have to switch sockets everytime you come across a 10mm. just leave it on the 1/4"
|
AestheticsInMotion
> bob and john
11/21/2016 at 20:27 |
|
Wow I might need to cross the border.
Okay I’m looking at 3/8 sets. Looking at my set it’s almost all 1/4 which would probably explain the ratchet that sheared off in the socket. . .
|
AestheticsInMotion
> theloudmouth
11/21/2016 at 20:28 |
|
I’ve never heard of them, will look into it! I’d rather save up and buy once so thank you sir!
Steve in Manhattan
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:31 |
|
Snap-On?
|
bob and john
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:32 |
|
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/stanley-183-piece-black-chrome-socket-set-0589287p.html#srp
This is roughly what set I have. Canadian tire does insane deals on these things all the time.
Urambo Tauro
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:34 |
|
I’ve been using the same Craftsman 4-drawer
set
for almost 15 years now, and have had to replace one 15mm socket (cracked) once and the 3/8 ratchet twice. From what I’ve heard, Craftsman’s quality is just not what it used to be.
Craftsman used to be the go-to for lifetime guaranteed tools, but everyone else started offering the same deal, and I think it hurt Craftsman’s business. Maybe that’s part of why they started cutting corners in manufacturing.
Snap-On’s way out of my price range, but I’ve been pleased with Tekton (a Michigan Industrial Tools brand), and have heard good things about Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh Pro line of hand tools.
lone_liberal
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:34 |
|
I’d go 3/8 since that’s a more flexible size and leave 1/2 for larger jobs. I’ve had good luck with my GearWrench pass-thru vortex set but then again I’ve never really had issues with Craftsman or Husky either.
Clown Shoe Pilot
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:37 |
|
If you’re only going to get one drive size, get 3/8. I use 3/8 most, then 1/4, then 1/2.
If you’re tired of quality problems, buy a set of SK sockets and a ratchet. SK made all the Craftsman Professional stuff before it got offshored. They have a good warranty/guarantee as well. Nearly everyone has a lifetime warranty these days, but having to drive down to the store twice a week to replace your sockets is a load of crap. I’ve never turned a bolt with a warranty, it always requires a decent socket :)
Also, I prefer 6 point sockets. 12 point will turn more shapes, but most everything I need to turn is hexagonal so 12 point is just an invitation to round something off. 12 point definitely have their place and I own a full set of those too, but I reach for 6 point first.
Here’s a good starter set of SK:
https://smile.amazon.com/SK-94549-6-Point-Fractional-49-Piece/dp/B000MAOQVC
Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:39 |
|
Snap On, but be warned you will never be able to stop.
gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:42 |
|
1/4 isn’t really design to take that much torque, which is why they only go up to 14mm.
the benefit of sears is that often they’ll replace a broken tool.
|
Clown Shoe Pilot
> Steve in Manhattan
11/21/2016 at 20:42 |
|
I like Snap On. I have very little of it though because holy crap is it expensive. The vast majority of my stuff is old Craftsman. As it breaks it’ll probably get replaced with SK.
|
AestheticsInMotion
> Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
11/21/2016 at 20:43 |
|
I know myself well enough to know that what you say is very true. I’m holding out as long as I can.
MM54
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:43 |
|
3/8 drive 6-point SK socket set (standard and deep well) should last a lifetime.
|
Clown Shoe Pilot
> Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
11/21/2016 at 20:43 |
|
Snap On is easy to stop, because you quickly run out of money. It’s hella nice though.
|
Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:44 |
|
( •_•)
( •_•)>-
You can’t Snap Off....
(_)
YYYYYYYEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH
atfsgeoff
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:45 |
|
Grey Pneumatic Duo (if budget is a concern):
https://www.amazon.com/Grey-Pneumatic-81635MRD-Standard-Duo-Socket/dp/B002BHWD64/
Or if you want USA-made, amazing customer service, and full lifetime warranty, go SK: https://www.amazon.com/SK-94547-6-Millimeter-19-Millimeter-Assortments/dp/B0002NYCJU/
|
Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
> Clown Shoe Pilot
11/21/2016 at 20:46 |
|
They do lay away!!!!!
|
AestheticsInMotion
> lone_liberal
11/21/2016 at 20:47 |
|
I saw the pass-thru set online, what exactly is different about it compared to a standard set?
Chasaboo
> theloudmouth
11/21/2016 at 20:50 |
|
Never heard of them previously. They are not cheap and they look really bad ass.
jkm7680
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:51 |
|
GearWrench is alright, Snap On is the absolute ruler of socket sets though.
|
theloudmouth
> Chasaboo
11/21/2016 at 20:53 |
|
Found out about them through a buddy after having my own issues. They’re indestructible, don’t tarnish, and you’ll have them forever. 100% recommend them.
|
gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:55 |
|
What do you plan on using them on?
I would say for most applications 3/8 is your best bet. 1/2" is overkill and likely to overtorque or snap stuff. Also the wrench will be longer and may have problems fitting in tight spots.
I’ve always had craftsman. I think the problem they’ve run into in the last few years is that they’ve been getting killed by harbor freight and have had to drop prices to keep alive.
|
lone_liberal
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 20:57 |
|
They don’t have a center so will work on long bolts and studs as well as normal bolts.
|
AestheticsInMotion
> gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
11/21/2016 at 20:59 |
|
Miata, and a 90's Japanese halo car sometime soon (haven’t picked which yet).
Yeah, I wish I’d been wrenching a few years ago, sounds like Craftsman was more or less the best without having to make monthly payments.
|
AestheticsInMotion
> Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
11/21/2016 at 21:00 |
|
You’re not helping.....
|
AestheticsInMotion
> Clown Shoe Pilot
11/21/2016 at 21:01 |
|
Haha this is a very good point. I saw a tourqe wrench that was more than half of what I paid for my car.
|
AestheticsInMotion
> atfsgeoff
11/21/2016 at 21:03 |
|
Currently looking for an SK kit that’s metric only... Not finding anything yet. Rats
|
Urambo Tauro
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:05 |
|
It’s just what it sounds like. The wrench is basically a ratcheting wrench that fits on the outside of the sockets. The sockets are open on both ends which allows you to slide the whole thing on a stud or threaded rod without need for a deep socket. I have a craftsman set that comes in handy every once in a while.
One extra benefit is that since the socket goes inside the wrench a little, the combination of the two ends up being a little more low-profile than the standard kind. It’s helped me out in some tight spots.
|
theloudmouth
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:07 |
|
Happy to help, I recommend this to start
Grey Pneumatic (1430MRD) 1/2" Drive 30-Piece Standard/Deep Metric Socket Set - $117.29
|
Clown Shoe Pilot
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:09 |
|
Fun fact - The Snap On torque wrenches that are really really worth having are actually made by Precision Instruments and you can get them on Amazon. Look for the split beam torque instruments.
The Snap On versions of the wrenches DO come w/ Snap On ratchet heads but the PI heads don’t suck.
|
Clown Shoe Pilot
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:16 |
|
You might want to check pawn shops for used Craftsman.
|
atfsgeoff
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:26 |
|
The one I just linked is metric-only.
EDIT: nevermind, I missed the fractional. I’ll try to find one...
FOUND! https://www.amazon.com/SK-91820-8-Inch-10-Millimeter-19-Millimeter/dp/B0007U0H3I
|
atfsgeoff
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:33 |
|
You can also go Williams:
A little pricier, but quality on par with Snap-On (and warranty through Snap-On!)
A more complete set going up to 24mm, with more extensions:
gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:36 |
|
I’m not going to make any brand recommendations, although I will point out that the relatively cheap store-brand tools are usually not all that bad, especially if you’re not making a living by wrenching. Most of my tools are Mastercraft, and we’re all acquired on sale for 50-70% off, because Canadian Tire is weird like that. I’ve only ever broken two tools, both of them ratchets (one 3/8" when I should have grabbed a 1/2", and the other was a 1/2" that I tried to undo an axle nut with a 6' cheater bar) and both were immediately replaced under warranty.
But as far as tool recommendations go, I find I reach for the 3/8" most often, but there are many tasks where it’s simply not enough. Basically any suspension or drivetrain bolt, for example. For those, the longer handle on the 1/2" ratchet helps a lot, but there’s almost no way a normal human could break a 1/2" ratchet without a cheater pipe, but I have done in a 3/8" ratchet without applying all that much force. The 1/2" set is also useful for things like lug nuts, with the addition of a breaker bar (or cheater pipe).
1/4" ratchets are convenient for small tasks, like trim piece bolts and things like that, but you really can’t get much torque into them without making them asplode.
I’d have to suggest that for working on cars, you get a selection of all three. I started out with a generic 1/4 and 3/8 socket set, but it became apparent pretty quickly I’d need a 1/2" set, so I bought another (243-piece) multi set with 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2". Then I picked up a set of 1/2" impact sockets because the multi-set didn’t include anything larger than 18mm. Eventually I got a compressor and air-tool set to go with them, but mostly the impact sockets just see duty on the ratchet and breaker bar, cause it’s often a pain to roll out the compressor and set it up... I don’t really have a garage so my tools live in the basement. Carrying heavy things up and down narrow steps sucks.
|
gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:38 |
|
I still think they’re stuff is still good. as peter black said get the 3/8 and get a 1/2 breaker bar and sockets as needed.
Would also second clown shoe and check out pawn shops. can get some better sets at 1/2 off.
|
AestheticsInMotion
> atfsgeoff
11/21/2016 at 21:41 |
|
I think the 6mm-24mm version of the Williams set will be what I go with. Pricier than I wanted but it should handle basically everything I throw at it. Thank you man!
Must. Resist. Buying. More. Tools.
|
atfsgeoff
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:45 |
|
It is an addiction. I’ve been on a Japanese tool buying bent lately, for my 1/2" drive (high torque) needs.
10 up to 32mm:
And ridiculously over-engineered spark plug sockets.
|
atfsgeoff
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 21:55 |
|
Point of note, despite the picture, the msb-39f set may not come with a toolbox. For that you need the MSB-39FTB set, which is conveniently available on amazon for just a few bucks more (and specifically comes with a steel toolbox).
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-MSB-39FTB-39-Piece-8-Inch-Toolbox/dp/B001DNOQBC
wafflesnfalafel
> gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
11/21/2016 at 22:10 |
|
yep - 3/8". You can always adapt them to a 1/2" breaker bar if you need extra grunt. I am a craftsman person as well - never had an issues with anything from them, (ratchets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, clamps, etc.)
|
AestheticsInMotion
> atfsgeoff
11/21/2016 at 22:21 |
|
I saw that ! I was hoping for a set that’s all 6pt, looks like they do 6pt deep sockets and 12pt shallow. Oh well. I don’t know too much about the differences other than 12pt can cause rounding...
Japanese tools huh. My only experience is with a large set of Japanese industrial standard screwdrivers. Quite impressed, I’ll never be able to use Phillips head again on Japanese makes.
Those spark plug sockets are ridiculous
|
atfsgeoff
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 22:28 |
|
Yeah I’d highly recommend KTC or Ko-ken socket sets, but they can get pretty expensive because you kind of have to build them from multiple smaller sets to get a decent range. I get my Japanese tools from Frank’s Tools: http://www.frankstools.com
The ZEAL line of tools is super low profile, to help fit tools into tight spaces that even normal shallow sockets won’t fit into.
12 point sockets won’t round, as long as the sockets fit well. I’ve STOOD on a 2' breaker bar using 12 point sockets on stupidly rusty suspension bolts before, never rounded a fastener using em.
|
AestheticsInMotion
> gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee
11/21/2016 at 22:29 |
|
Condo living, so I understand the struggle between tool ownership and space. I realize I’ll probably never need more than the bargain brands so to speak, but... I don’t know. I want to go for the better stuff (whether it’s truly better or not). I guess consumerism and marketing has won against me haha.
Tried to remove the 23mm long bolt on the swinging A-frame thingy™ for a coilover install with. No luck. I’m guessing 1/2" would have given me greater success
JGrabowMSt
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 22:34 |
|
I personally use 3/8 for nearly everything. I have a mix of Craftsman, Husky, and some Tekton tools. Plenty of impact rated sockets for the heavy duty tasks, and a 1/2" breaker bar and torque wrench. If you ever decide that you don’t need a torque wrench, you’re wrong. You do. Very much so.
Can’t really say much more than I already have. For other tools, I have some Beta, but somehow the cheapest tools I own have managed to be the most abused and durable. Most notably an 18mm Husky wrench. I have done things to that wrench that you should never do to a wrench, and it hasn’t broken.
|
gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee
> AestheticsInMotion
11/21/2016 at 22:46 |
|
My tools were mostly collected because I needed something while I was a broke-ass college student, so that’s partly the reason I was buying what I did. After five years of that, there’s very little left that I don’t own that I really need. Which is fortunate because now I’m a broke-ass college not-grad, realizing I need less expensive hobbies. I haven’t bought a Jeep since May and I’m almost going through withdrawals.
Cé hé sin
> AestheticsInMotion
11/22/2016 at 05:11 |
|
I’ve got a Halfords set which, although the layout is different, looks exactly like that. Same anonymous Chinese supplier I expect.
ateamfan42
> AestheticsInMotion
11/22/2016 at 10:29 |
|
I only want metric, and I have no idea if I should get 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2.
1/2" is my go-to 90% of the time, usually with 6-point impact sockets, which are less likely to round over rusted fasteners.
I’ll grab the 1/4" drive for sizes smaller than 10 mm (since that’s how small my 1/2" sockets go). The 3/8" drive generally only gets used when clearances get in the way of the thicker/taller 1/2" drive sockets.
gawdzillla
> AestheticsInMotion
11/28/2016 at 11:07 |
|
if you can’t even decide on 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2
just go with something like this
you pretty much get everything u’d ever use, and if you somehow manage to break something you can go to the store and have them swap it out for you