Suggestions on socket tool sets

Dear All:

This might not be the most appropriate place to place my question but since I have an honda accord 98 ex and have received many helps from this panel, I will try my luck here.

Recently, I am looking for an tool set for myself. I am in the field of fixing my car for less than two years and now I am really enjoying it. The projects I have done varies from small things like changing O2 sensor, change oil to recent more complicated things like replacing a leaking fuel tank and broken exhaust. I did all the works in my school's auto club where they have a very comprehensive sets of tools. However, I really like to have some tools of my own. My first tool set is a $20 ultrasteel bought from Walmart. Now the 1/4' adapter has broken when I tried to lose some old nuts.

So, in short, I am looking for a tool set sufficient for me to do most of car works. I am willing to expend my tool set in the future if I need more special tools. The major tool set I am looking for now is sockets and wrenches. But before I buy from any brand, I have the following questions:

1. Since all the bolts in my car are metric. Do I still need to buy a tool sets including standard? I am asking this question because Craftman has a tool set made completely of metrics.

2. I saw some tool sets have many overlap size between 6 points and 12 points sockets. Are those 12 points sockets useful? If not, I would like to buy a tool sets including only 6 points sockets, and if I need some 12 points, I could buy them individually.

3. I am interested in Craftsman and Stanley. There is a craftsman 207 pieces and Stanley 201 pieces.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-201-Piece-Socket-Set-with-Bonus-4-Piece-Screwdriver-Set/17279159
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-207-pc-easy-to-read-mechanics-tool-set-with-impact/p-00933207000P
They are both 6 points sockets. I am thinking about getting the stanley first as it is cheaper and waiting for a good deal on cratfsman. My future projects will be replacing the brakes and timing belt of car. Is that both of above tool sets have enough sizes to do my project? Also, how is Stanley's quality? I didn't find too much from Internet.
If you know any other good sockets set, please also suggest to me. I am not restricted to buy above two.

Thanks in advance.

You know, I have full sets of metric and standard, and I don't think I've used a standard size on a car in probably 15 years. So I'd say just stick with metric sets for now.

Six point sockets are stronger and grip better...twelve point will fit on a nut or bolt that's a bit buggered up or rusty, but tend to strip out when you really put the force to them. I look for six sided myself.

Extras that are really handy are a universal joint and a speed handle. U-joint will get you into places where you can't get directly over the fastener, speed handle allows you to quickly spin a fastener down, eliminating a lot of wrench-swinging. I've seen some neat socket ratchets that have a grip that can be twisted that applies a 3 to 1 turn to the ratchet head, works in the same way. Keep meaning to get one and try it.

I have a very strange variety of tools. I either get very high quality, for things that will be used everyday, or cheap Chinese crap for things I don't use often and are not critical if they break...like gear pullers, line flare tool sets, etc. But I digress...we were talking about ratchet sets.

Here's something you might look into....when I was starting out as a new mechanic, I used to troll the local pawn shops...a few had bins full of tools that they had bought individually or as parts of unmatched sets.

I'd pick 'em clean of all the real high end stuff, MAC, Matco, Craftsman, etc...they were getting $1 for sockets, $2 for combo wrenches and extensions and $3 for ratchets from those bins. I racked up a very nice set of pro-quality tools very quickly this way. All of them were so good, I still have most today. That's where the majority of my 1/2" and 3/8" socket sets and wrenches came from.

And watch craigslist...you might get luck and be able to buy a whole nice set of automotive tools in a box for cheap if you get lucky. Estate sales too.

Can you tell I'm a tightwad? I rarely buy anything new.

Oh and PS...I hate to say it, but I've found a lot of tools I've gotten good use out of from Harbor Freight. The caveat being that after all these years, I can kind of gauge how well a tool will perform when I pick it up and hold it. Weight, materials, ergonomics, etc. It's hit and miss with their stuff but you can't beat the prices...

http://www.harborfreight.com/

I forgot, you asked about Stanley. I have bought a few in a pinch. They are good tools, not quite professional quality but more than sufficient for the DIYer or backyard mechanic. You can definitely do worse.

You sometimes never know where good tools will come from. Several years ago a local Kmart closed and my wife dragged me down there to check out the discounts. I happened to find a 48 piece 3/8" ratchet/1/4" driver set in a case, discounted 60% off so it was only $17! I thought what the hell, it might be ok just to have in the trunk. Of course the sockets were pretty crappy and I've broken many of them, but the damn ratchet kicks ass! It's very tough and feels really good in the hand. Weird.

Excellent post from jeffco.

FWIW I would go with Sears Craftsman. The hand tools have a lifetime warranty - if you break it you take it back and painlessly get a new one for free. I have no idea if Walmart is prepared to give you that kind of support in your area. Around here, the Walmarts are mostly useless - typically poor quality merchandise with terrible staff.

I have been using Craftsman tools for 24 years, with no complaints. Super strong tools, reasonably priced, especially if you buy one of their big sets.

I think its very reasonable to get a very large set including standard sockets. For the DIYer these tools will last a lifetime, and at some point in the future you will need standard sockets, whether its something around the house, a bike, a lawnmower, garage door, or another vehicle.... a standard set will come in handy.

I have 6 and 12-point sockets in all sizes. As jeffco notes, the 6points are more useful most of the time, but eventually you will find a 12-point bolt, or a messed up nut where only a 12-point will do. FWIW sometimes the only way to remove a rounded-off metric nut is to tap-on a standard 12-point socket of the closest size.

I have bought lots of used tool odds and ends, but sometimes find used sockets to be beaten up and worn. Some used tools are fine, like gauges, etc.
I am not such a fan of really cheap tools. These days, quality tools really do not cost much, especially when you consider they will hold up under stress. Its annoying to really need a tool to do the job, only to have it break when you need it most. Then you have to replace it with a quality item, and the money you spent on a cheap one is wasted.
Sometimes, cheap tools are fine. I only use a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder about 4 times a year, so my $19 one is fine It's gears howl a bit and it's a bit rough, but does a good job. It may not last too long for daily use but for me its great.

Another point I forgot to make, regarding my recommendation of metric only, that may put it in perspective....most of the common standard sizes you are likely to run across here and there on things have a metric equivalent...8mm=5/16" (the size of hose clamp screws and GM sidepost terminals)...11mm=7/16"...13mm=1/2"...one of the most popular size fasteners...but they are not QUITE the same, a 13mm will fit on a 1/2", but not vice versa...14mm=9/16", this one interchanges perfectly, another common size in both metric and standard.... 19mm=3/4", etc....

Anyway, my point being I've usually been able to make do with a metric set on the odd occasions I run across standard sizes. I rarely even dig into the standard drawer unless it's one with no equivalent, or I'm gonna have to put so much force on it that a slight oversize (like in the case of 13mm-1/2") might lead to the socket breaking right when I'm applying the most force. I hate that.

Of course the import auto industry has used metric sizes exclusively forever, but the domestic car makers started shifting to metric sometime in the 80's, and by the 90's were nearly 100% metric...although they do sometimes throw a few SAE's in just for fun, it seems. I ran across some on a Dodge truck transmission before...

And yes, as MagicRat said, things that you'll be applying a lotta force on you don't want to skimp...Even knowing better I occasionally still make that mistake.

Case in point: I had a really good quality breaker bar. When I went to do the CV shafts on my wife's Accord I couldn't find it. I needed it to break the spindle nuts loose. I went to Advance Auto Parts I think it was, and bought the Goodwrench breaker bar, took it home, and on the first mighty heave snapped the center right out of the head, it unloaded so abruptly and unexpectedly that it made something strange happen in my back, and I was down for three days recovering. I was so pissed...I woulda thrown what was left of it through their front window...'cept I couldn't walk, much less drive....by the time I could I'd calmed down somewhat, and just got my refund...;)

Skip Stanley. Not only they break. You do not want rounded fasteners. Go for Crafsman. But be wise. They fill their tool sets with 15 or 18 millimeter wrenches which you probably will never use.

I would still buy standard sets when they are on sale or on at a yard sale. You never know what you next car will be. And quality tools will definitely over-last your car.

Good luck,

Sam

Thanks everyone for the replies. I think would wait a good deal on Craftsman while at the same time, I would try some cheaper ones for not so often use. It seems to me that mechanics usually have tools from various brand. But one thing is right, I will use good quality tools that I might apply a lot of force one. I really don't want to break my back. :smooch: Also thanks for pointing out that Craiglist would be a source of tool supplies.

Thanks again.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I think would wait a good deal on Craftsman while at the same time, I would try some cheaper ones for not so often use. It seems to me that mechanics usually have tools from various brand. But one thing is right, I will use good quality tools that I might apply a lot of force one. I really don't want to break my back. :smooch: Also thanks for pointing out that Craiglist would be a source of tool supplies.

Thanks again.

I was always in awe of the guys who had the $3,500 MAC roller cabinet with side and top boxes, stocked with another $12,000 in high end tools....but then I realized they can't do any more with them than I can do with my pawn shop finds....so who's smarter here?:biggrin:

Another point I forgot to make, regarding my recommendation of metric only, that may put it in perspective....most of the common standard sizes you are likely to run across here and there on things have a metric equivalent...8mm=5/16" (the size of hose clamp screws and GM sidepost terminals)...11mm=7/16"...13mm=1/2"...one of the most popular size fasteners...but they are not QUITE the same, a 13mm will fit on a 1/2", but not vice versa...14mm=9/16", this one interchanges perfectly, another common size in both metric and standard.... 19mm=3/4", etc....

The first few years of my wrenching life was spent on Japanese dirt bikes ,bicycles and Bombardier (Canadian) dirt bikes and snowmobiles, from about 30 to 35 years ago.

All fasteners were metric, so all I used, for about the first 7 years was metric. Nice and easy..... and I didn't have to learn fractions!! :)

But since then, I have used metric and imperial(aka standard) about equally, metric for the newer cars, standard for older cars, trucks, tractors etc. Standard is still very very common for anything that isn't a vehicle. :)

Sometimes, I do grab a metric to do a standards job,especially for the sizes noted above but sometimes its not satisfactory. The nut or bolt sometimes gets a bit tweaked it seems. A standard socket it cheap to get, if not right away, then a bit later.

Some American cars are still an odd mix of Metric and SAE fasteners. I have equal amounts of sockets for each. And I agree about the comment on 6-point sockets, definitely go for those rather than 12-points.

I'd also recommend Craftsman, they're the best value for the money IMO, perfect for those who do more than change oil and brake pads but don't do it professionally. They have sales constantly, so it's not hard to find good deals.

I do go with higher-end brands for some things though...Knipex Cobra pliers, Snap-On ratchets and torque wrenches, Klein adjustable wrenches and electrical tools.

That Craftsman set is good...I'd also recommend buying 6-in extensions for 1/4" and 1/2" drives, adapters to go between all drive sizes (1/4 to 3/8 and vice versa, same for 3/8 to 1/2), flare (or line) wrenches, u-joints, a breaker bar, some good Allen wrenches, and sets of metric & SAE 3/8" drive Allen sockets. Those are what I use most commonly.

That set is $230 right now BTW.

The first few years of my wrenching life was spent on Japanese dirt bikes ,bicycles and Bombardier (Canadian) dirt bikes and snowmobiles, from about 30 to 35 years ago.

All fasteners were metric, so all I used, for about the first 7 years was metric. Nice and easy..... and I didn't have to learn fractions!! :)

But since then, I have used metric and imperial(aka standard) about equally, metric for the newer cars, standard for older cars, trucks, tractors etc. Standard is still very very common for anything that isn't a vehicle. :)

Sometimes, I do grab a metric to do a standards job,especially for the sizes noted above but sometimes its not satisfactory. The nut or bolt sometimes gets a bit tweaked it seems. A standard socket it cheap to get, if not right away, then a bit later.

Yeah I wasn't trying to say that someone doesn't need to buy SAE tools anymore...but if I was starting out and owned an Asian car and didn't do it for a living, that's all you'd really need.

Hey man, Sears has their 309 pc. set for $199, half off:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00941309000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1