Complete 1/4 3/8 1/2 socket collection

LJoelyMoley on 06/10/2022 - 11:15
Last edited 06/10/2022 - 12:53 by 2 other users

Hey Guys, looking for an as complete socket collection to build out my socket drawer but struggling to find anything somewhat local and im wondering if any mechanics on here may have had a similar problem and found a solution.

I like the look of this of the following set but unfortunately reviews can be hit and miss and not looking for a headache with warranty when it comes to Amazon US.

https://www.amazon.com.au/GEARWRENCH-176-Pc-Chrome-Socket/dp…

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B088GXXK2L/

Anyone know of any local solutions?

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  pegaxs on 06/10/2022 - 11:33

  Mechanic here… Either set looks ok… It's a lot of doubled up sockets though, which isnt a bad thing in regular sockets, by why the double and single hex extended sockets?

  And I just have 3 grab kits for each set size.

  What's your budget and why you need so many sockets? What are you working on? Do you need AF or just metric? Are you going to be doing any work with impact tools? Do you already have ratchets and breaker bars?

  • 

    JoelyMoley on 06/10/2022 - 12:23

    apologies, was meant to reply to this but posted bellow, cheers!

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  JoelyMoley on 06/10/2022 - 11:51

  hey mate, appreciate the reply

  Bit of context, consolidating from a shared workshop space, brought along a few race cars and toys and hoping i can cover 90% of what i would have done in the workshop space at home. Had the luxury of being able to walk up to someone elses box over the years for any niche tools so feeling a little under-prepared once i made the move. Sick of half sets and tools going walk about so when i moved the toys home i decided to build out 2x 41" rollers/top cabs at home. Good assortment of impacts already (hex, torx, deep/shallow sockets), at a point in life where i just want to have the tool i need on hand when i need it, just getting frustrated trying to make particular sockets/tools work and turning 30 minute jobs into hour long ordeals.

  Would be great to have a combination of 6/12 points.
  SAE sockets are nice to have but im predominantly in the metric pile.
  Ratchets and breaker bars are covered.
  Budget would be about $1000 which im well aware is a drop in the ocean of the tool space but considering i wouldn't be making heavy use/relying on tools for income i figured its a fair budget for a somewhat complete fitout.
  Work performed is in the range of everything from engine swaps/rebuilds to general maintenance.

  appreciate any input mate!

  • 

    Cobber870 on 06/10/2022 - 12:13

    If you know any mechanics in your area and if there is a Snap-On truck that goes around that may be better to get exactly what you want - can pick/choose. However will probably be quite expensive. I have not seen pricing for a long time so can't give any ideas.

    A local Bolt/Tool/Steel shop may be a good alternative, they generally have good quality tools, if it is a big store they should have a good range.

    • 

      JoelyMoley on 06/10/2022 - 12:23

      yeah, honestly, id be lucky to get out of the truck with 20 sockets for $1000, pricing is pretty wild and being a home user i wouldn't have much of the "snap on comes to you" perks :(

    • 

      pegaxs on 06/10/2022 - 12:41

      Snap-On truck

      Or as we affectionately call it at work "the rape van".

      Instead of candy, they have sockets…

      And it's not so much a van as it is a large empty void you just throw money into.

  • 

    pegaxs on 06/10/2022 - 12:46

    Bit of context

    If that's the case, I think either of these sets would be pretty good. I would get the Gearwrench set and save some $$'s for something else you might need. They are pretty similar sets, so I would look at maybe looking at other specialty tools for your race cars, like torque wrench, pullers, panel tools, brake tools, diagnostic tools or the things you always go "(fropanity) I wish I had a …."

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  Muzeeb on 06/10/2022 - 13:56

  +3

  Whichever you decide on make sure you purchase 5 of everything in the 10mm size.

  Thank me in 12 months.

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  Euphemistic on 06/10/2022 - 18:34

  Looks like overkill to me. Do you really need a bunch of sockets in 3 drive sizes? I typically get away with 1/4 or 1/2 drive not needing 3/8.

  Can’t remember the last time I used non-metric gear at home, but have been caught out assembling a portable basketball ring which came wth stupid US sized fixings.

  But then if you’ve got $1k to spend and want to set it up once … go for it.

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  ThatKiwiFella on 07/10/2022 - 04:58

  Bahco make good quality, reasonably priced socket sets. I know you can get a set with both 1/2” and 1/4”. I’m unsure of the price range in Australia though, sorry