Cheap Vs Expensive Sockets

[@Failsafeman100]

Snap-on's motto: "buy once, cry once a month for the next decade"

[@TonyTheTechnician]

😂👍😂

[@CrimFerret]

The Icon tools from Harbor Freight actually are pretty decent. On the plus side, you don't need to wait for a tool truck, you break something, you can just get it replaced at any Harbor Freight. Tekton flat out beats them all for their guarantee. It doesn't matter when you bought it, it doesn't matter if you bought it new, it doesn't matter if you have a receipt. If you break one of their tools, let them know. They might ask for a photo (everyone has a smartphone). They send you a new one immediately. One other nice thing is most of Tekton's sets are no-skip on the sizes so if you are OCD about that, you won't be missing the unicorn sizes with theirs.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Absolutely agree 👍 thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@erikaustin4223]

I love my ICON sockets. I'm a rust belt diesel tech, I never feel bad hammering on an ICON socket. I'd cry if someone hit my snap on sockets with a hammer...

[@thomasdabbs1628]

Absolutely

[@Tailgatesntoolboxes]

Sorry icon is over priced crap. I sold all my icon tools...i mostly had the rachets

[@CrimFerret]

@@Tailgatesntoolboxes They are decent for what they are. If you're a home do-it yourselfer, They are fine, but then probably so are the lower priced lines. That doesn't apply to the Icon tool cabinets, those are every bit as good as the best any other company offers including Snap-On.

[@sovietrepublic38]

I'm a weekend worrier. Almost all my tools are Gearwrench, Icon and Tekton. They're similar in quality and price plus mostly made in Taiwan (I'm from Taiwan). In my opinion, hard to beat their quality for the price you pay.

[@JimLake.Junior]

Weekend worried lol. That’s a new one

[@mdzaid5925]

Someone mentioned a great advice- Buy the cheapest and as they break, replace those specific with good quality ones. Thus you will not waste too much money on tools that you don't really use.

[@sammiches6859]

Yeah, but buying pieces individually usually means you are probably spending 2x more per piece plus the initial expense of what you bought. Just buy ones with a good warranty that will last long enough to warrant the hassle of swapping the parts.

[@PureToxicYouth]

Solid advice, I’ve got everything from Pittsburgh Pro to Snapon in my tool box. I went from weekend warrior to Diesel Tech about 6 months ago an I’m slowly bringing home some of my… lesser quality tools but I’m in no rush. I’ve got Icon, Tekton, Snapon ratchets. Tekton, Duralast, Mac, Pittsburgh sockets. Craftsman, Icon, Gearwrench wrenches… before I started turning wrenches every day I didn’t see the big deal on Snapon but when you use them everyday…. It’s nice to have nice tools

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Absolutely 👍 it all depends on how much they are used and how hard. Any tool can do a great job just depending on how much work is going to be done thank you for sharing your thoughts and the brands you use. I appreciate it 👍

[@nordicpride9708]

I own varied brands, however my new go to is KOKEN Japan. Their quality and economy is hard to beat. I will add that I own a TEKTON 3/8 ratchet and it’s my go to favorite. Very impressed with it!

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice. I'm picking up some koken as well. I love the Japanese tools and the quality they produce.

[@James-dx9ho]

@@TonyTheTechnician please do a review and comparison with other brands. This vid needs an update

[@jasonfeaster4154]

Tekton has a super easy warranty, send a picture and they'll get you the item out that day.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

👍👍👍

[@npb3871]

The tools at walmart are awesome for when you're broke down in a walmart parking lot at 9pm and need tools on the cheap so you can get back on the road and get home. But That's about it.

[@cheapskateaquatics7103]

Yeah the hyper tough is better than expected and is better than nothing especially in a bind. My Stanly rachet fell apart in my hand and I ended up getting the Walmart set and it was great. Now I use Master Force and HF since they both have lifetime warranty.

[@davidpinnix7446]

It's been said a million times, don't work for your tools, let them work for you. As always excellent video.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Absolutely agree. Thank you 👍

[@kahlen109]

I'm a locomotive mechanic (heavy duty diesel) for my local transit agency, and half our shop uses gear wrench and pittsburgh, then you get some who are tool junkies and have the snap on and mac. The general consensus among my field is that the cheap stuff will undoubtedly get the work done, and it'll do it well, but the nice stuff just makes the job a little nicer, and in some cases less painful or strenuous. I fall somewhere in between where I have some of both, and specifically with sockets, I have Quinn and Icon. They both get the job done very well, and honestly not any better than the other. My ratchets however is a whole other story, night and day difference between the Pittsburg and Icon, small difference between the Icon and Snap on

[@brandonenloe2102]

Take a shot every time he says “other than that” lol I love your content man thanks for the videos

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Lol damn your looking at getting drunk fast 🤣 thank you

[@jrbpit1]

I’ve gone all SK and Wright for my sockets. US made, and they seem to work very well. My son got me a Mac ratchet for Xmas, it is legit.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice. That's awesome

[@MegaHomieJ]

when I first started wrenching I was given a set of that dollar store socket set you were talking about ( again this was my first time ever touching a wrench 10yrs ago) my brother was guiding me over the phone how to take a starter out to replace it. literally the second bolt I tried to take out, the avail split and I busted my knuckles. sometimes finding the cheapest way out hurts. nowadays I have my Milwaukee guns and ratchets, tekton sockets/ratchets, and a couple snap on ratchets

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya completely agree. Cheap will get you hurt and expensive can leave you broke lol. It's about finding that great quality at a great price 👍

[@bg3160]

A mechanic friend tells new mechanics, buy the better stuff at Harbor Freight. Use it till it breaks, then replace that tool, socket, wrench or whatever with the better tools from the tool truck, but only buy what you need. Sounds like sound advice.

[@lykaojalao2733]

First time someone actually taught me why the difference in price range. Now…as a normal Joe not even a DIY…Pittsburgh/Icon/Craftman will surely do. Thank you

[@kjainana]

I find the lower quality sockets like mastercraft will flex/stretch over a bolt and round it. Snap and matco will not flex under lots of stress. My first experience was not fun.

[@JimLake.Junior]

Honestly quarter inch I just use Walmart sockets. They came in deep and shallows no skips for like $9. They work

[@boosted2.4_sky]

T-BONE!....LET'S GO!!!!!!!🏁 I have never broken a socket ever.... and I have everything from Pittsburgh and Tekton...To DeWalt sockets & some SnapOn sockets... I've never snapped one....I really feel going with Tekton and DeWalt for sockets is the best value and quality

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Haha 👍👍👍 agreed most people could get by with those. Good quality and pricing.

[@gregblau8082]

I have some of each of those except mac and silver eagle. If money was no object I’d have all snap on but gearwrench has done great for about 9 years and I really like the knurling for getting a socket off with greasy gloves on. Just got a 90 tooth today and it might be my favorite ratchet

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice that's awesome and ya I know exactly what you mean

[@spawnandbatman6975]

I love the saying how a toolbox doesn’t make you money. Hate it when I see new guys who think that they need a snap on box for there first time.

[@ca8281]

I’m a big tekton fan. I have their 3/8 deep and shallow sockets and they are great. The company seems like they really care about the customer as well. Will also be buying some capri tools in the future. Snap on is great, but their prices on a lot of stuff is just absurd and I can’t justify spending money like that at this point. Maybe one day.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Completely understandable. Ya tekton and Capri make great tools for a great price and both actually care about the customers satisfaction

[@spaz19]

I appreciate the tape price labels and the names so my add brain can remember which ones you're talking about

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Lol I giggled it would help the viewers and myself haha. Glad you enjoyed

[@upnorth5465]

I Have had Gearwrench and tekton chrome sockets for 4 years now and finally am going to get snap on tomorrow when my dealer comes. The cheaper ones have gotten me to where I am now but they break, A LOT. Just cracked yet another 13mm using a ratchet today doing a bolt on wheel bearing.

[@thomasdabbs1628]

I have alot of tekton tools. Because of quality and warranty.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Agreed. Same here

[@sirkdopsah1081]

I have Pittsburg, Tekton, Capri, Sk, Genius, Sunex, Gearwrench sockets...All work great. Pittsburg, Sk, Genius have had 10 plus years.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice. I have had good experiences with all of those as well except genius I've never owned and only used a couple of times but it's good to know they have worked well for you

[@sirkdopsah1081]

@@TonyTheTechnician Genius still sells the 1/2 Semi deep thin wall impact socket set I got years ago. Cro-mo and have held up well; Albeit I don't use them as often anymore.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

@@sirkdopsah1081 very nice. Still good to know and glad they have worked well for you

[@guyconnell2250]

I would add Capri and Carlyle in there as real alternatives to the Tool Truck brands.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Both are great I could have added a lot of brands but it would have just been to overwhelming lol

[@draffa5798]

Another great video. I agree with the craftsman. I have the old ones, and I am afraid of having to replace them with the cheap stuff that unfortunately I has to do. I mainly use my SK now which I was able to get a great deal on when tooltopia still sold SK. I actually used cheap sockets and dropped a tiny magnet in them and super glued them in and made my own diy magnetic sockets. They actually don't work that bad

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya I would be afraid to warranty them too. And very nice. Sk makes some great stuff. That's smart I have a buddy that did the same thing with small magnets

[@rodneywager2142]

Good content Tony. Honestly they all work, however long term finish, wear/ flaking of chrome etcetera all happens from use. Cheaper sets faster. Not a great surprise. Typically the reason for myself going with higher end is non size skipping. The one you don't have is always the one you need. LOL

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Lol absolutely agreed. You make a great point 👍

[@gtcam723]

Coming back to this. It occurs to me that someone starting out, Yeah buy really good stuff for the stuff you use all the time. Basically shallow and deep metric sockets and a set of good combo wrenches. Then everything else can be more economical and can be upgraded as necessary. Makes no sense to spend a ton of money on a tool you use one time.

[@jamesbranham2217]

Sorry matco and craftsman I'm not buying your name for stuff made overseas.. I'll buy the lower prices stuff

[@KB-hq6vl]

Isn't a matco tool you can't buy with a different name stamped into it for 1/4-1/2 the price. EXCEPT the ratchet head. Matco owns the patent for their ratcheting mechanism.

[@asmautollc]

Matco still does make USA chrome sockets. People shouldn’t be getting Taiwan sockets on warranty replacements. If they are, it’s a mistake.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Yes they still have USA made sockets as well but curtain sets were made in Taiwan unfortunately

[@GH-oi2jf]

I'm old school. I bought a couple sets of pre-GreatStar SK sockets after the acquisition. At my age, I'm not likely to need any more.

[@SimplyStreetClothing]

i love tekton so much

[@TonyTheTechnician]

👍👍👍

[@snowdogs01]

Recently managed to break a 30 yr. old Craftsman 17mm deep socket. Walked into the local Sears (depressing sight) and got a Chinese replacement. No hassle, just gave them my phone # and walked out.

[@snowdogs01]

It cracked because I used a 24" bar and cheater pipe on a trailer lug that had about a million pound feet of torque on it....

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Damn that sucks but always you were able to get a replacement

[@jaydee2620]

Hey that gator grip got all the stripped bolts off my old motorcycle so it’s not a total waste. I would honestly say u need 1 in I’m your box there may b an occasion once or twice a year where it really helps u

[@tuffluveagle1516]

I'm the lead engine tech at a western states cat and I want to get some nice proto or Wright sockets but my Pittsburgh have lasted me 8 years. Don't lose them and regular use on a m18 high torque won't break them

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Shoot if you can save money and get by. Then that's all that matters. As long as it works for your needs 👍

[@boanderson6919]

I’m a Generator tech and I personally used the HART brand from Walmart, they work very well

[@phillipdewitt4454]

I like SnapOn ,Mac or Williams sockets for the smaller under 1/2 sizes. Cheaper sockets for the large and impact sockets work well.

[@frankcrutchfield9052]

I purchased a set of Craftsman sockets/wrenches over 30 years ago; they came in a cardboard box, if that tells you anything, lol. After years of use, I had one break, the deep-well 1/2 inch socket. Because my father-in-law was a Snap-On dealer, I was able to supplement my Craftsman's with a set of Snap-On ratchets, screw drivers, and pliers at cost, and have never had an issue; you can "feel" the quality as compared to the Craftsman ratchets. I don't make my living with my tools, but I've been wrenching all my life, my stuff, family stuff, friends, stuff, etc. "Oh, you know about engines", etc., etc. When my FIL passed away, I inherited a lot of his tools and his Snap-On toolbox. Anyhow, if I was starting out, and going to make my living with tools, I would look for a good quality set of sockets/wrenches, and supplement with Snap-On's; if I decided this is how I want to make a living, I'd invest in Snap-On's as my budget allowed. Time is money, and that includes going to Harbor Freight to exchange a tool, or getting one replaced on-line. With Sears gone, it is hard to warranty Craftsman; if you don't have a receipt showing you purchased it here, we won't warranty it; not sure that works for Snap-On tool trucks. Any who, that's my two-cents from a professional certified shade-tree mechanic, lol. Good luck!!

[@roundman-1972]

so as a guy that has used tools as a DIY and in industrial settings i pretty much agree with you. i think for home the pitts stuff is fine. it has to do with the warranty more than anything. craftsman were the king but they are trash now. i have given up on turning in craftsman tools. harbor freight truly doesnt ask questions, it go in get and walk out. as you said yes we would love to use snap on but if you do not have a truck coming to you, its really off the list, same with mac and matco. i have bought a few tekton and they seems fairly good, do not have much use yet with them. i have a set of gearwrench ratchet wrenches and broke out the ratchet part. could not get anyplace to trade it in. napa wanted me to prove i bought it there. so i have ruled GW off my list. really all the sockets coming out for the DIYer are really pretty good and its gonna come down to who services your area. 30 years ago i was all craftsman, they use to take tape measures back, i traded in a bent punch, a chipped cold chisel, it did not matter if it said craftsman you were good but we all know that aint the case any more. like the video

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Exactly. Completely agree with you. Definitely depends on your needs and what is easiest to access for you

[@matthewmansfield1232]

Nice content! Can’t wait to get my Tekton socket sets!

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you. Hope you enjoy

[@williamfindspeople4341]

I worked for the Craftman Tools back in the 1970s, they were good then. I use Mac tools for impact sockets and Snap-on 1/4 inch for electrical work and rebuilding carbs. If I see Mac or Snap-on trucks in gas stations I will always buy something.

[@Toolaholic7]

The very cheap throw away sockets,I keep to modify.Grind them down for certain applications.Certain sockets,I buy Grey Pneumatic and Sunex if I don't use them a lot for impact sockets.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very smart. Great way to go about it. Don't want to cut or destroy anything expensive. 👍

[@Toolaholic7]

I have a box of them when I need the cheap throw away sockets.Modified one cutting a shallow socket more shallow for access to a bolt holding the a/c clutch in a Ford Taurus.Ground one down to get into a space getting on a bolt.Still have them both

[@RaySpeaksTruth]

Definitely prefer gearwrench stuff to USA craftsman. But personally I think Icon kills any Taiwanese competition. The in person no pain warranty is there and the icon stuff I have is slightly nicer than my gearwrench. I think they’ll dominate in the market as a result.

[@Ozzypup1]

I have the Tekton 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" socket sets and really like them. You can buy them as a package on the website for $350. Plus youll get 10% back on your account to use toward future purchases.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya that is a great set and deal. Glad to hear your enjoying them as well.

[@nickway_]

Oct 2023 (2 years later) and the full set is now $595.

[@Ozzypup1]

@@nickway_ Ouch. Dont know that Id pay that much for them. I guess maybe if I wrenched for my job. But I only work on my own stuff at home.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

That's if you buy them on the rails. They are 475 for the blow molded cases. But either way it's a big price jump from what they were.

[@nickway_]

@@TonyTheTechnician Thanks, somehow I had missed seeing that set. I just compared the sets. Beyond the difference in storage systems and a few accessories, they near identical in sockets. The rail set has more sockets in the largest 1/2" sizes (starting at 1 3/8 & 33mm and up), but the blow molded cases add ratchets, extensions, breaker bars, swivels. Considering the price jump, the blow molded cases seem like a better deal. Someone could buy aftermarket rails/socket holders for less money. Which for myself, I prefer a different style anyways. Thanks for the tip!

[@rototiller78]

I use the Quinn sockets for my ¼" drive set. I do like the color band that is on each socket noting whether it metric or SAE. Plus for around $20 for both metric & SAE sets, darn dirt cheap. With fastners that you can use a ¼" socket on, they usually aren't really "cranked" on there requiring a lot of torque that could break either your socket or fastner. Just saying...

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya absolutely no problem with that. Agreed. You shouldn't have to worry about breaking the fastener or socket. If it's that tight for some reason it's easy to just step up to the next drive size 👍

[@rcud1]

I have some sets of the mid range ones noted here. I would simply recommend getting the best set you can afford at the time you purchase. I have 6 different brands of sockets, chrome and impact and most of them were just the best deal for quality sockets I could find at the time.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I have a mix of all brands and styles. My daily use is 1/4" drive. For shorts SO is it, old Craftsman deep wells are the best there. For home use on my motorcycles again, SO is it in 3/8" drive metric but the rest are an eclectic mix of brands. I have extensive selection of tools at home and work.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice. A little bit of everything for all of your needs 👍

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@TonyTheTechnician My wife thinks A LOT OF bit for my needs...but she likes tools about as much as I do. I recently have been buying antique tools and restoring them. From rusty wrenches to wood planes and everything in between. Quite fun.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice that's awesome. I've always wanted to try that as well

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@TonyTheTechnician I find some processes and skills doing those tool restorations that helps in my daily job, aircraft mechanic. My experiences there mean a 1999 Beechcraft is pretty damn new and I get to be the first guy to remove the engine for overhaul. It's not a simple process like on jets or turboprops, it takes a bit of skills and experience. I quite enjoy that work.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice that's awesome. That all sounds complicated lol. I don't know anything about aircrafts.

[@markiefufu]

My 1/4 6 point and 3/8 12pt shallows are Craftsman USA as are all my deep socket chrome. I have Tekton 3/8 shallow 6 point chrome and impact. My 1/2 deep socket and 3/4 shallow impact are Neiko. I do have Wera 1/4 sets for use around the house. Still a mystery to me, but I ended up with a 7mm Snap On 1/4 shallow socket in my Craftsman set (I bought the set new decades ago).

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing!!

[@juako061]

Teckton actually does have a master set comes with the 1/4 55pcs 3/8 74pcs 1/2 84pcs for a total of 213pcs for $375 that's a heck of a deal.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya I know of that combo set. It's an amazing deal bi was talking more along the lines of one case with all drive sizes. But the 3 piece combo set is way better to have 👍

[@juako061]

@@TonyTheTechnician For the quality of tools that you are getting for that price it's a steal. Grate video comparison. Do you happen to have a video where you talk about different types of metal that tools are made of, and what metal is best for what tool?

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you. I don't have one that goes in depth really. I just have a few that mentions the pros and stuff of each cr-mo and cr-v. Maybe I'll work on a more in depth videp

[@nickway_]

Oct 2023 (2 years later) and the full set is now $595.

[@wertz987]

My 30 year old Taiwan Mastercraft set Is still holding it's own with abuse but recently upgraded to Tekton and Icon 😊

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice 👍

[@tshadow6]

Craftsman used to THE toolset to buy when you got your first car. Unfortunately, with so many house brands (Husky, Kobalt, Hart) being warrantied for life, one can get more tools for the $$ as Craftsman.

[@FranciscoMata-hs1uo]

I use Craftman sockets that ive had for 9 years and honestly I still have not broken a socket im about to upgrade all my tools to Tekton.

[@That_hondaguy]

I use icon sockets. They are like 300 bucks for all the sockets you need. I only use Pittsburgh impact sockets cause they have held up perfectly and I have beaten on them

[@NervousNick]

S•K Sockets are all Made in U.S.A.!

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Yes indeed 👍

[@mattborman5780]

As of 2024, no longer the case :(

[@brianmac1]

I'm wondering if Japanese brand Koken is sold in the US. It's popular here in New Zealand with guys in the auto trade, and is excellent quality, quite expensive but not as pricey as Snap On.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya we can find some stuff available here but ya like you said it is a bit pricey

[@daviejz6698]

Koken isn’t really that expensive. I don’t mind paying tool truck prices for made in Japan quality.

[@mrjimshotrodbarn1686]

I Just sold most of my snap on stuff and went with Tekton master set. Got a lot more sizes and some extra ratchets and still money in the bank. No snappy truck around here . the Snap on and MATCO are so overpriced .

[@TonyTheTechnician]

They can be very expensive. It all just depends on the situation and what's best for you. Smart idea since you don't have a snap on truck around 👍 glad your enjoying them as well.

[@markarmstrong3394]

Especially since Sunex makes their ADV impact sockets.

[@nordicpride9708]

@@markarmstrong3394 Exactly!!! I love my SUNEX impacts! Things are bulletproof

[@georgeindelicato5664]

Craftsman warranty are easy. Walk in no paper work required. get one off the shelf at Lowe’s. Take maybe 15min.

[@CorvetteTrev]

DeWalt for chrome vanadium sockets have been fantastic , the 192 piece set. $150. MARCH. 2023. AMZ.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

It's an amazing set. Same set I have and haven't been disappointed

[@xXBurntBaconXx]

The Craftsman deep almost looks like a Chrome Bullet casing.

[@johnasosajr]

I have the icon 3/8 shallow impact sockets the 3/8 chrome deep Quinn sockets and the 1/2 deep Pittsburg sockets I have been using them all for about a year and some change it was the cheapest way to go to start my cart at my shop but I haven’t broken any yet and haven’t had any fitment issues or rounded anything I’ve ran into issues with swollen lug nut caps but the snap on or Mac sockets wouldn’t fit either I have 19.5 sockets for those issues now

[@PioloQuiboloy]

I think Gearwrench is best for the value for weekend diy. I have craftsman and I never broke a single socket or wrench. If Gear wrench is better then I can't go wrong.

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Good post and topic Tony. I have a mixed bag of sockets, some of the older are craftsman, husky USA made and i do like snap-on it just bugged me that a 1/4 deep metric set was, at the time, 272. Bucks so i found a gearwrench set on sale and saved 250. Lol but thats a lot of money. I have never said "im glad i bought that cheep set of sockets"

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you!! Lol ya sometimes you have to decide if spending that extra money is necessary or not and finding the best ones that will work for you and at an affordable cost. Glad you found them and they work well for you

[@piclife1178]

Cheap tools are ok but the first time you round the head on a critical bolt you will be wishing you bought better. For DIY car work it is nice to have one really good set of extra length spanners and one really good set of 1/2" sockets. The rest of the tools box can be filled with cheaper helper tools.

[@MajorWeakness]

I've got the icon impact sockets, used for a year so for so good

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice 👍

[@nordicpride9708]

People really throw hate at ICON. Yes they aren’t Snap On. But Snap On isn’t even the best. If someone thinks everything they make is the best… well they’re DUMB. That said ICON is a very high quality, middle of the road tool company that compares very comparably to Gear wrench and Tekton. All Taiwan based tool manufacturers 👍🏻

[@psycho-nutkase9233]

all the vehicles I work I need short shallow, short, mid , and deep nothing like fighting a tight space where just the length of a socket will determine adding 6 hours of extra work.

[@1Korse]

I still have a lot of old craftsman tools that I bought at sears. When any of my old craftsman tools break, I throw them out, the new craftsman tools are junk. I will replace any broken craftsman tools with icon or tekton tools.

[@GH-oi2jf]

I recently bought one Craftsman wrench because I needed one in a hurry. I agree it is junk. It looks like a cheap imitation of the ones I used many years ago. I think it was made in India. On the other hand, I just bought a few Sunex wtenches which are made in India and they look very nice at a reasonable price.

[@mikemerheb7038]

I have a bunch of Sunex,Snap On, and Genius sockets/ tools. With the being said besides their specialty tools Z in my opinion Kobalt makes some very affordable/nice kits and I personally think their ratchets are wayyy better.

[@mattmgarza]

I've had a lot of luck with Neiko sockets.

[@rappsks]

I needed some replacement sockets and our parts clerk got me a rail of Williams USA sockets and they seem really nice

[@forrestteague4187]

Cornwell is the new snap on there really good tools

[@7dioclau]

This guy really loves ice tea!!🤣😅🤣 Love your content!! 👍🇺🇲👍 And tools.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Lmao indeed 😂👍 thank you

[@mrwendell4564]

Nice setup and content! No proto in your lineup? Where would you place them

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you and unfortunately not but they would definetly be on the professional end 👍

[@prairiefarmer5994]

Tekton doesn't have an all in one set, but you can get their 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sets with no skips from 4mm - 32mm and 5/32 - 1 5/16 for $375!

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya the new combo set is awesome and a great price for all three of them

[@nickway_]

Oct 2023 (2 years later) and the full set is now $595.

[@prairiefarmer5994]

@@nickway_ not particularly surprising, everything has gone up 50% or more in the last two years unfortunately. I’ve been looking for a clean used skid steer, seems like anything in good shape is 40k plus.

[@nickway_]

@@prairiefarmer5994 Yeah, things have gone up a lot. I was looking at a Vermeer mini tracked skid steer. They are up 50-100% too, compared to pre Covid. I should also add, I stand corrected on price. The blow molded case option is $475, it's the socket rail set is $595. Considering all the inflation, this seems very reasonable.

[@scarling9367]

For a small town, I got an ACE and a NAPA. Most of my kit is Evercraft with some Craftsman or Duralast because NAPA has banker's hours. Ive been looking at Carlyle, but honestly some Proto or Williams is in the same price range.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

As long as it works for your needs 👍 and those are some good options

[@swanaldmcdnld]

Just curious where would you put Milwaukee chrome sockets on this ranking?

[@michaelkolbe5963]

Craftsman come out with the V series pro line of tools that is based off old school stuff but with a hudge price tag.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya I've seen them. I like the design of some of them but ya that price tag is a no go for me

[@alcerz984]

Does Quinn skip sizes like Pittsburgh?

[@WorkHorseLT]

I have USA craftsman China craftsman for beating on and Taiwan craftsman the warranty has been pretty easy for me its pretty much like sears used to be now

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Haha sounds like you have a decent selection of craftsman

[@TorryGood]

Iv been replacing my kobalt stuff with usa made williams and they are great.

[@ranchosunidos89]

Pittsburg pro is alright, icon actually surprised me decent stuff gets the job done. Craftsman USA made (old stuff) is great for the weekend warrior I would say it’s the best route. Matco is my favorite good tools can’t go wrong. Mac has some nice wrenches that are in my list. And snap on is king out of my pocket range but the best money can buy

[@williamking2545]

I’m a green tech 3 years in at a Toyota dealership Ive been running a cheap set of 3/8 chrome Quinn deep sockets on my snap on electric ratchet for 2 years now and have yet to break one or have any problems somehow😂 but I decided to buy a set of 3/8 icon today just for the hell of it if I don’t like them I’m gonna move up to tool truck brand sockets I’ll comment back in a few weeks and give my opinion on the icon they definitely feel a million times better than the Quinn 😂 never gave it thought until the other day I went you know what I’m still using this 14 dollar socket set from harbor freight everyday for everything lol

[@nordicpride9708]

Take a good look at KOKEN Japan. Even better vs Snap Off and they are affordable. The Japanese make impressive tools.

[@robfahey1349]

Surprised no SK. I wish I knew about tekton along time ago. Luckily I got craftsman back when it was USA made wish I knew and got more as I just have a small set. Although I realized I hate sets now that eventually you use them enough you'll find your missing a socket thats skipped in the set and it annoying have to either make it work, use a gator socket in a pinch and risk damaging the fastener, or running out to find what you need. I like the fact that tekton has no skip sets so if I had to do it over again I'd probably go that route. I know someone mentioned before but I got the craftsman gunmetal set on sale at lowes around the holidays and it's a nice set even got one for my brother in law who is a mechanic and he carries it in his work truck for on the road use and he was surprised and said he likes it.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Very nice and ya I would have included sk and many others but I would have been naming them all day. I'm glad your enjoying tekton as well and ya I would have bought that gun metal set as well. It was a really good price.

[@1kzrider]

Great video. It sucks the biggest thing of all about having USA made product and breaks sure you can try warranty it but, you will get taiwan made product now. This is such a huge bummer. Times change sadly and now it is unless your going to spend loads of money for made in USA your stuck with non USA products. I want to support and own made in USA for many reasons. Your right on point though. You did good job of covering from vast needs. I seen several guys now using HF stuff even now. To include guys selling off large truck tool boxes for cheaper US General Boxes and they are all saying they are happy with purchase.

[@MrSilvervw]

Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you

[@ryanjohnston4828]

Tony love the videos and been watching for a while. I think one of the important things that I maybe missed here is the tolerances of better sockets. You mention the chrome can cause fitment issues, but on a lot of sockets I have noticed that the better ones just fit tighter which means less rounded bolts. This is especially true when working with things like torx bolts on foreign cars. Also I'd love to see you throw Capri tools in there. They've become my go to sockets over Tekton.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you and that is important. Some cheaper sockets can either be a little loose or even a little to tight so when the fastener has just the slightest imperfection the socket does not fit well. Capri has been great used a few of the tools but never the sockets so I can't speak on that. Hopefully soon I'll get some

[@nathanielbonde7716]

Walmart socket sets are for when you are broke down in a walmart parking lot. Buy them, fix your shit, and return socket set or keep it in the trunk for emergencies.

[@mt1885]

Snapon has a *flute* in the semi-deep and deep sockets not sure why others don't (biggest issue) with others. Like the fastener falls down in the 'semi/deep' sockets and makes a fiasco using them. But it does seem like Gearwrench deep metric chrome sockets have a flute in them. Got SK (all mine metric) as work at Yam/Kawi shop they got a flute in them.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya alot of company's are starting to incorporate that shallow broach into the deep sockets. Very handy feature

[@mt1885]

@@TonyTheTechnician Hoping more do, makes a huge difference.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Ya it really does 👍

[@davidwalle5025]

Good review. I like texton Kobalt and gearwrench. Agreecwirh you about crapsman. Mac and snap on are food for speciality for speciality sockets. texton has the best warranty policy

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Absolutely agreed. Thank you. And thanks for sharing your thoughts as well.

[@bradyknowzbest1149]

Ive had awesome luck with craftsman over the years. Ive even used chrome on impact guns here n there. I have a shop where i work on vehicle repairs/turbo builds after work/weekends

[@m.ferreira470]

SK sockets are my go-to!

[@MyMomSayNoDota]

when unscrew a bolt, it slip and damage the bolt head, whos fault? the bolt head or the socket?

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Well that would depend on the situation, what kind of condition is the bolt, what access do you have, are you square on the bolt, how does the socket fit the bolt

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Tony Thank you for another Great Video. That's very good advice for everyone. Thank you again

[@TonyTheTechnician]

Thank you I appreciate it 👍

[@atrainace114]

I know this is a little late but why do you bag on craftsman so much. They re- released their socket sets and alot of their other mechanics tools are made in Taiwan just like most of the other brands apart from us made tools. Just wondering.

[@TonyTheTechnician]

I guess I don't mean to sound like I'm bagging on them. I just grew up using alot of Craftsman and was disappointed when they switched. And nothing is really wrong with any of the tools they make in Taiwan. Alot of tool companies do the same and have great tools. It's just a bad taste in my mouth bc I wish they were still usa made primarily. But the main thing is most of the tools are over priced unless on sale. So if I see a Craftsman set made in Taiwan and another brand that has a similar set and is the same quality or possibly better. Craftsman is usually the more expensive one of the two. So nothing wrong with a majority of Craftsman tools I just wish they would either bring the pricing down to the same as other brands or give the customers a reason to pay the slightly higher price by providing some tools made in the USA. Sorry that was long winded lol. Hopefully that makes sense

[@justcallmekiwi7701]

Are you saging that gear wrench impact sockets are great? Cause im really confused what impact socket to but and tekton is not available on canada fuck

[@ViperMods_216]

Should have had proto,wright and sk up with snap on

[@TonyTheTechnician]

I could have but then I would have more tape on the desk then I would have tools lol. I could spend all day writing down different brands lol 👍

[@blakewaddell451]

I’m actually impressed with the new Craftsman warranty. Now most of their sockets even the regular line ones are made in Taiwan and actually aren’t bad quality. If you do a warranty through their website you don’t even have to send the old one in they will send you a new one no questions asked as long as you provide a picture of the broken tool. Now yes it’s not USA but it’s better than the China ones they had had out for awhile. I don’t know why but I’ve been cracking sockets left and right here lately so I’ve used the warranty a lot. Hopefully they will get everything back to the USA like they promised they would. I’m a professional mechanic so a good warranty is important the only downside to that is having to wait on the tool to come in. My Lowe’s or Ace won’t warranty any of the Craftsman stuff so I always have to wait. SK is another of my favorites that I would put in the professional category I love SK stuff. This may sound funny too but one brand I truly miss is Popular Mechanics tools from Walmart way back in the mid 1990s they had the Taiwan and USA made Popular Mechanics stuff man I’m still using that stuff today it holds up excellent. I would rank it as at least middle of the road if not higher. Anytime I’m in a pawn shop and see the brand I pick them up. It seems nobody I’ve talked too remembers that brand.

[@Pinion512]

I use a lot of the newer Craftsman stuff as well and have had zero problems with them. If you use the tool as designed, you generally wont have them break. I've had an off-shore made Craftsman set for almost 5 years now and havent broken any of them yet. People can spend their money how they want at the end of the day, but I'll never drop tool truck prices on anything.

[@blakewaddell451]

@@Pinion512 I only go to tool trucks for certain things. Like I love my Snap-on and Matco ratchets that’s one of the things I buy from tool trucks. That and the extendable magnets cause I always break those haha. I’ve got other stuff from tool trucks too but not hardly any sockets or anything. No reason to spend big on sockets. I do buy my screwdrivers and pliers on tool trucks too but that’s because that’s my preference. I always tell people get whatever works for them. But I see no reason to get sockets on a tool truck or power tools either won’t buy either of those things on a tool truck.

[@JohnSmith-cw3tp]

I buy the best of the best because without that I would have little or no motivation to go complete yet another mindless task.

[@frankmontez6853]

Anyone know of store that has more individual pieces rather than the whole sets ? And has a wider variety to choose from ? Also anyone knows of where I can find a bit shorter length deep sockets ?

[@Stevenfrijol]

What tools do you keep in your family vehicle?