(Part 2) Best socket wrenches according to redditors

Those things are pleasantly cheap as well.

I didn't see anything worth buying. None of the deals were exceptional.

Edit:

For Cyber Monday, Zoro.com has 25% off everything!

Just found this 3 piece set of Channellocks for $29.99. If I didn't own all of them already, I'd be all over it.

https://www.doitbest.com/products/303214?via=57c72fea69702d410a003cf7%2C57c7301c69702d410a003ede

Also, I picked up this Wera socket set for $150. Still a rip off IMHO, but fuck it. (Click on the "new from" link to access the $147 price)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001O9M4BE/ref=psdcmw_553424_t1_B0024LRV00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024LRV00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MA3gAbMC0FRKK

For tool boxes, I'd go craigslist, 100%. Get in the habit of looking for toolboxes twice a day, and you'll find a good deal eventually. I'd also recommend buying power tools on CL, especially corded ones (where you don't have to worry about a worn out battery). If you want to buy new, the harbor freight tool boxes are a great deal and work really well.

As far as tool sets, I've found it better to kinda just accumulate the stuff you need over time. To start, definitely get a good socket set with 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets, as well as a couple ratchets. I'm partial to the composite bodied tekton ratchets on amazon, as it's great to not have to worry about dinging the paint by swinging a ratchet into it. I'd also reocmmmend getting a set of gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. They're phenomenal, and once you go to a ratcheting wrench you'll never go back.

As far as other tools, you can't go wrong with a big hammer, a set of pry bars, and a good screwdriver set. It's expensive, but the chapman manufacturing bit driver sets are incredibly well made and super versatile. It's not cheap, but it's also essentially the only screwdriver set you'll ever need. A good impact wrench can be very helpful for general use, though I'd recommend getting a set of impact-rated sockets to go along with it (the 12-point sockets in most socket sets can strip quickly when used with an impact).

Also, buy as much lighting as you can, and get something comfortable to sit on. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.

> 3/8" square drive

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-962-8-Inch-Rotator-Ratchet/dp/B000HEKV1W/

All the green stuff is Wera brand.
Here's the Zyklop Ratchet
Here's the ratcheting driver
Here's the Lasertip screwdriver set

Here’s the manual hand tool, no vibration, way if anyone needs that:

Crank Pulley Holder Tool $15

Short Breaker Bar $14

Long Breaker Bar $35

Plus, the correct size 1/2 deep socket that fits on your crank bolt. $10-15

• Jack up the front of the car high.
  
• Put the pulley holder and small breaker on — to hold the pulley in place.
  
• Stick breaker handle between some strong suspension parts. This is going to hold the crank from spinning counter clockwise.
  
• Put your long breaker and socket on the bolt.
  
• Stand in-front for the driver headlight, and put your weight on the long breaker with your foot.
  
  I usually have someone look it everything is saying put while I put my weight on it.
  
  If you have a hard time getting enough clearance you can do the jack stand and multiple extensions trick.
  
  P.S. These guys used pipe instead of the long breaker, and socket wrenches instead — I would use breakers for both. How to Video
  
  Just be careful if you know it’s seized or suspect it is. Then you’ll need to explore other methods. Don’t want to snap the bolt.
  
  Then if you want to torque to spec, then a long torque that can hit your needed ft/lbs.
  example

I would be highly suspicious of this. Here is another listing on Amazon for the exact same set.

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-450-Piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set/dp/B077BW8S66

I bought this Wera socket set on sale about a year ago, and it’s been one of the finest tools I’ve ever owned. Even my professional fabrication friends are impressed. I don’t know how it would hold up to daily use, but it’s taken a lot of abuse from me when I needed it. The one bit that has suffered is actually my T15 (or maybe similar size hex bit). I managed to put a slight twist in it recently while aggressively tightening a steel bolt, but it didn’t break or even lose its edges. So probably not indestructible, but then nothing is. As mentioned in another comment, with predrilled holes, I don’t think maple would be a big deal for it.

Wera Zyklop 8100 SB 4 3/8-Inch SAE Ratchet Set, 38-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024LRV00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_CTiXAbS9YT2JS

Not a stubby, but the closet thing I can think of: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V9NCS6/

It's still pretty small, though (152mm).

You know those sockets used for removing spark plugs? Use it to remove a spark plug. This will open up one of the "holes" in the cylinder (the other ones are the injector, if you have direct injection, and the intake/exhaust valves).


Then crank your engine. Do you smell gas? Can you tell if it's coming from the hole? Then your injectors are working. Maybe you even wipe your clean finger around the inside of the hole WHILE THE KEYS ARE OUT OF THE IGNITION and see if there's gas.

Hey! If you have a cassette player, you're gonna need an adapter which can be found here if not you dont need this! Make sure the measurements of the radio match up, it should fit most single/double din radios.


After that make sure to buy a wiring harness


And then get your radio!



Also this would help a bunch, be sure you have a 8mm socket ready.

That's about £200, but I'd probably not spend it all.

I'd buy a couple of boxes of these - http://www.amazon.co.uk/FLYERS-Liquorice-Crystal-Centre-Pieces/dp/B004SGFN0Y - I don't really like liquorice but they're really nice and you can't really buy them in shops.

Then some droewors - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00BTO0V8C/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1419109180&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX110_SY165 - mmm chilli flavor.

Then I'd probably buy a few kindle books and Madden 13 for ps3, I never really used my ps3 and I wouldn't mind trying a new Madden, plus that version's only a fiver now.

Altogether I think that's about £75. Nothing extravagant. :)

I don't believe I've heard of it...

Do you mean these FLYERS Liquorice with Fruit Crystal Centre 40 Pieces https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004SGFN0Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UzWoDbKZSK74J

Or, for a blast from the past, there's this USA-made set:

https://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-Standard-Metric-Socket-Point/dp/B001CCMW3S

$220 for USA-made sockets and ratchets; I'm not sure you need more than your fingers and toes to count the number of teeth in the ratchets, but... :D

here is a video of that tool from youtube I have the husky rebrand of this style of the same tool and it works good, you do just have to turn the handle like a screwdriver to make the head turn, it does feel like i could easily break it if i use it as a standard ratchet and torque it hard, but otherwise it is super nice when you have a short stroke length. the nice thing with this one is that whether you turn the handle counter or clockwise the head moves the same way so you just twist your wrist back and forth and it comes right out. they were a gimicky "as seen on tv" item originally, here is a video that shows how it works and here is another video showing another similar tool

People make it with all kinds of gear kits, but my personal and subjective opinions are that I would consider:

• bringing waterproof shoe covers; I admit that my personal happiness perhaps more closely tied to the happiness of my feet than average, also shoes usually take a long time to dry out
  
• definitely keeping the 20000mAh powerbank (someone suggested 5k), I have the same one and especially if you're using your phone for nav you can go through it. you probably know this but that sucker takes like 8 hours to recharge, so just plan on that being an overnight thing not a stop-at-a-cafe thing.
  
• take vulcanizing patches instead of Park. The Parks are fast but I've found them less reliable
  
• lean towards just using a rain jacket for wind conditions. Or maybe bring a wind vest, I got one of those recently-ish and it rolls up so small. The main downside to using rain jacket for wind is it doesn't breathe, can get to warm and sweaty, but whatevs
  
• put my computer in a separate lightweight drybag - redundancy of protection for critical item
  
• bring something so you can have something warm on your head and your neck (not sure which the Buff was intended for). Per unit mass, I think my fleece neckwarmer is one of the best items I have. Yeah, it's July, but you have to imagine you get a mechanical issue on a pass. Also, downhills. Arm warmers also very warm for the weight
  
• If you have a kitchen scale and an extra hour: weigh everything, put it in a spreadsheet, and sort by weight. It seems OCD, and I swear I'm not really that OCD and felt ridiculous doing it, but it was really helpful to put things in perspective as to what items were worth leaving at home due to weight and which just didn't matter compared to my overall packed weight
  
• bring a smaller adjustable wrench, or no adjustable wrench at all. do you have bolt-on wheels or seat tube that require that? if it's for replacing cables . . . you probably could do with a mini-version or a Park ST-3 or similar hand socket wrench. A drive-side rear spoke break seems like a sufficiently rare condition, and a full-size adjustable wrench is a sufficiently common tool, that you could probably just borrow one in that circumstance
  
• I've found webbing-with-clip more secure than bungees for most applications, lost a down jacket once that was bungeed to a bike
  
• bringing lip balm, not mentioned in toiletries
  
• extra rack/bottle cage bolt or two, had one of those come off on me once and was very happy to have a spare
  
• bring extra spokes that are the right type/length for your bike's wheels (which often means three lengths: front, rear drive, rear non-drive), can tape those inside seatpost
  
  ok that's a long list I'll stop now

3/8" long handled flex is great. So great I got my high performance mechanic bud to get one too! The other ratchet I cant live without now is the Tekton 1/4" stubby. TEKTON 14901 1/4-Inch Drive x 3-3/4-Inch Stubby Low Profile Ratchet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLY193M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1wk3BbN0TKN9X

That same bud borrowed it from me for a tight squeeze and everytime I visit him it is the only 1/4" ratchet out of 4 in his work tray.

OH, yeah. I'm not looking at the "push-through" ratchets as the OP referenced the traditional Zyklop reversibles that most people use:

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7ZNPBC/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMF1B8K/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMF1B5I/

​

I've never used or even seen the push-through ratchets in real life.

Amazon also has the Wera Zyklop 3/8 ratchet on sale for $36.80. Not THE lowest this year, but pretty close. Not a prime day deal, just happens to be on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMF1B8K

you can buy just the metal one for $120

and there are competitors

I can't say as to longevity seeing as I just purchased this one but it was at O'rielieys for $9.99. I bought it to use as an EDC so I wanted small.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-11204-Offset-Ratchet/dp/B004WIWKZE/ is the one I have.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-14901-4-Inch-Profile-Ratchet/dp/B00KLY193M/ is another one that has a finer ratchet mechanism. (72 tooth vs 60 on the titan I have.)

easiest way is to borrow or buy an self adjusting socket like this one:https://www.amazon.com/BLENDX-Universal-Socket-Ratchet-Adapter/dp/B075STKL5T/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=adjustable+bolt+wrench&qid=1555531159&s=gateway&sr=8-14

That'll do it. Had the same problem a few months ago.

ABN 1/2” Inch Drive 8” Inch Long Torque Socket Extension Bar, 100 ft/lb CR-MO with Blue Color-Coded Aluminum Ring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P885C5

EDC- Penlight, Pocket Screwdriver, 6" Scale Rule, Folding Utility Knife, Gerber Artifact, Sharpie, Pen, Lighter.

LX- 2@ 8" Crescent Wrench w/ safety lanyard, gloves, diagonal cutters, sharpies/paint pens, wire stripper, 5-n-1 screwdriver, non-contact voltage tester. In my gig bag, I have a meter, allen wrench set, c-7's, among other tools I don't really need to lug around on the subway, but then that 1% of the time they come in handy and I accept hauling them around the other 99% of the time.

CARP- Dewalt 12v Impact Driver/Drill set, 7/16"-1/2"-9/16" deep sockets each on an adapter for for use in the impact driver. Same sizes in speed wrench.

Just picked up one of these thumb drive ratchets it has been super useful for working on unistrut and holding bolts when putting together flats or platforms.

Edit: I forgot. Always have my chalk bag handy.

Ok, so here's a rough parts list. Some items I'm not sure of, if you have any questions just ask:

• 4 pc Combination Mini-Tip Soft Grip Red Screwdriver Set
  
• Mastercraft 29-pc Screwdriver Set
  
• 8 pc Ratcheting Soft Grip Red Starter Screwdriver Set
  
• Ratcheting Soft Grip Stubby Red Screwdriver
  
• Snap-On Screwdriver Reversible (PN: SDDD42) - DISCONTINUED
  
• 7" Knipex Pliers Wrench PN: 86 03 180
  
• Custom Stripmaster® Wire Stripper, #16 to #26 AWG w/Grit Pad
  
• Pliers, Electronic, Needle Nose, Wire Looper Jaws, 4 5/8"
  
• Cutters, Electronic, Tapered Head, 5-3/16" (AWG #12 max.)
  
• Midget Pliers PN: 5ACP
  
• Diagonal Cutter, Vinyl Grips, 4-1/4"
  
• Small Standard Needlenose Pliers PN: UNKNOWN
  
• Pliers, Connector (Blue-Point)
  
• XCELITE PS120, NUTDRIVER SET
  
• Panduit GS2B tie wrap Tension Tool
  
• Mirror, Inspection, Telescoping, 3-1/4" Mirror (Blue-Point®)
  
• Husky SAE/Metric Ball End Hex Key Set - Only using the SAE set
  
• Snap-On Duck Bill Pliers
  
• Wire Twister/Cutter, Reversible, Cushion Throat, .041" cap, 8-3/4" long (Blue-Point®)
  
• 4pc Red Soft Grip Miniature Pick Set
  
• 7 Pc. Stubby Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set SAE
  
• 5/16" Combination Ratcheting Wrench
  
• 12-Point 1/4" 15° Offset Box Standard Ratcheting Box/Open End Wrench (Blue-Point®)
  
• Standard 1/4" drive Ratchet, has since been replaced with Wera Zyklop
  
• CRAFTSMAN 9 PC. STANDARD EASY TO READ SOCKET ACCESSORY SET, 12 PT. DEEP, 1/4 IN. DRIVE
  
• CRAFTSMAN 10 PC. STANDARD EASY TO READ SOCKET ACCESSORY SET, 12 PT. STANDARD, 1/4 IN. DR.
  
• Pelican 1550 Medium Case Again, I have just upgraded to a 1560.

It’s just your basic swivel head ratchet. Here’s an affordable one that should be pretty sturdy.

Otherwise just search swivel head ratchet and knock yourself out!

Not bad at all, I regretted not getting this set when I got my Gearwrench set the first time. Not even really that much more money over the Gearwrench.

Is this the socket set you're talking about?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CCMW3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZafBCbSJA48EE

I looked at it previously, but hate that style ratchet with a passion. I need a switch on my ratchet.

Look into Williams, it's SnapOn's Asian company

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HR1Q4HS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fdfBCbPV6XPJ5

Honestly, the best route to go would probably just buy a really nice 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchet (from say, [Williams] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNRPH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hnfBCb1KV4TJE) and then just buy every socket Tekton has to offer

NKG it is.

Would the following items (all same brand, so should work together) be sufficient for this task?

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-85-891-8-Inch-Release-Ratchet/dp/B0007XBIR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1395776113&sr=1-1&keywords=3%2F8+ratchet

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-85-706-Piece-8-Inch-Extension/dp/B000NIFJKA/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1395776169&sr=1-5&keywords=3%2F8+extension

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-85-721-6-Point-Professional-3-Piece/dp/B000NIK932/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1395776221&sr=1-2&keywords=spark+plug+socket#productDetails

There is a tool called a reamer plumbers use. It attaches to a drill. https://www.amazon.com/PlumBest-J44300-Socket-Saver-3-Inch/dp/B000HE8F0G

ewwwwwwwwwww, cut the pipe flush with the floor, buy one of these.

somewhat expensive bit

cheaper bit, but I have not tried them personally

These will drill out the pvc inside the fitting and make that 90 look brand new inside, then you can glue in a proper toilet flange.

I strongly urge you to try TITAN Tools 1/4" ratchet. Been using one for years. Very compact and works well. Strong, have not messed it up yet and it gets hard automotive socket use.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-2-Piece-Gearless-Ratchet/dp/B0009IQ2BE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=titan+tools+ratchet&qid=1567179097&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Looks like a gimbal finger ratchet — just like this GearWrench brand one — for putting a socket on and hand-tightening fasteners that are otherwise difficult to access. Unlike a non-gimbaled hand ratchet, the one you should have gotten pivots in multiple axes to give you a better angle.