Recommendations for a Good Quality Entry-Level Socket Set

idonteven on 26/01/2022 - 11:23

I try to do handy stuff around the home and occasionally the car, there are so many options for socket sets. Can somebody recommend a good quality beginner one? I’m happy to pay for quality as I believe the “buy right, buy once” philosophy for tools.

Ideally my budget would be less than $100.

I see lots of brands thrown around such as Kinchrome, Milwaukee, Sidchrome, SupaTools but I’m unsure which one I should go with for good quality entry level sets. I’m not ever going to be taking apart an engine block or rebuilding cars etc. just small jobs around the house and car.

Home & Garden Socket Set

Comments

    • idonteven on 26/01/2022 - 11:34
      +2

      I want to buy quality for tools like sockets/ratchets. So no Craftright for me.

  • BOGOF on 26/01/2022 - 11:34
    +5

    ToolPRO from Supercheap
    https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/tools-storage/hand-tools/s…

    • pegaxs on 26/01/2022 - 11:55
      +3

      I work as a mechanic, and I use ToolPRO gear as my daily driver sets, so I second this suggestion. Never had an issue with them and I also own other more "name respected" brands and they are no different or better than my ToolPro gear.

      And at Supercheap they are 25% off today for club members, so excellent time to grab a bargain.

  • Catullus on 26/01/2022 - 12:07
    +1

    I think it's important to get one with a good metal case, a good ratchet handle and a breaker bar. If individual sockets break or get lost, or just wear out, buy a single good quality replacement, quite often you'll find one on special in the rat bin.

    • freefall101 on 26/01/2022 - 15:40

      This, I've broken maybe a handful of sockets in my life and always just sent them back, most manufacturers are pretty good on their "lifetime warranty" stuff (especially if it cracks), but I quickly figure out the most used ones and invest in a decent one for a few bucks. When I changed tires on a couple of cars every six month (snow tyres) I invested in a good impact socket and breaker bar, that's about it, otherwise it's just kincrome, sidchrome or repco stuff.

  • stuntmanron on 26/01/2022 - 12:12

    General Tips and Tricks:

    Try and get a kit when the rachet is at least 72 teeth, so that you a greater arc of travel when applying force. If not, you will be searching for a fine tooth ratchet quickly as you get annoyed with lack of movement.

    If you can avoid a set with A/F it is good as they are honestly not used that and you can buy a set when you need them.

    Think about adding what you need when it is required, ie hex drive sockets for commonly used sizes, deep socket sets and then 12 point sets if you are working on automotive stuff in tighter locations. Also add sparkplug sockets if not included in a kit.

    Specific Sets:

    There are a few options at this price range, consider the Sidchrome 39pc Socket set with both 1/4" and 3/8" drive. These are available at the big green box or Total Tools has a version on sale today which covers a lot of what is needed to start (https://www.totaltools.com.au/174669-sidchrome-39-piece-1-4-…)

    Bahco also decent quality at this price point for the socket sizes most used for 1/4 & 3/8 drive which can be found at Sydney Tools and similar stores.

    If you get a change to extend the budget, Wera sets can be sourced via Amazon at certain times, but this means being without a set until 1 comes up with what you need.

  • UnknownUser74 on 26/01/2022 - 12:39
    +1

    Repco tools have a good reputation and a lifetime warranty.

    Also, try and avoid 12 point sockets buy 6 point sockets whenever possible they are less likely to slip and round the fastener.

    Bahco is also good, not sure about the warranty process.

  • ThatKiwiFella on 26/01/2022 - 13:15

    What type of sockets are you looking for? 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" or a mixture?

    Bahco is good. Teng Tools are good and well priced too. You say you want quality tools but you don't really have quality tools budget

    • idonteven on 26/01/2022 - 15:33

      What would be a suitable budget for entry level?

      • ThatKiwiFella on 26/01/2022 - 16:23
        +1

        I’d budget up to $200 and you’ll have a socket set that would last you for life. You’ve said you’re an occasional handy man so don’t get caught up too much on reviews and big name brands that workshops use day in, day out.

        I’ve used the 1/4” and 1/2” combination Bahco set and they’re good quality. I do all the work on my cars myself and it’s never let me down. ToolPro from SCA are good quality too, can be had for around $190 on sale at the moment. These also come with scanners so you’d be pretty set for anything.

        6 point sockets are more preferable than 12 point due to less chance of rounding bolts, but it seems you’re not a heavy automotive DIYer so you’re likely not going to be working with too many stubborn bolts such as suspension, subframe and axle nuts (correct me if I’m wrong)

  • brad1-8tsi on 26/01/2022 - 14:28

    I was a motor mech / aircraft engineer. All my tools got stolen and I was in analytics so I replaced them with a KC Tools socket set. The sockets are great, the ratchet was crap. Replaced it with a ratchet from SCA and it's fit for purpose. I also bought long/std 6 point black sockets from SCA and 3/8" breaker bars from eBay as needed.

    I mainly work with 3/8" drive and metric seems cover most things.

  • Netorius on 29/01/2023 - 00:53

    I recently watched this Youtube video and thought his advice was spot on. Buy economically (not cheap cr@p) and replace individual items later with good. Depends how much you use stuff. Do not buy anything you don't need.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PJ4tEN0vRA

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