Which socket wrench set's a better buy?

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2nd Hand Yank
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Which socket wrench set's a better buy?

Post by 2nd Hand Yank » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:31 pm

1) I found a Kinchrome "Lok-On" 39 piece 1/4"-3/8" drive set today (3/8" ratchet with a 1/4" adapter) at Auto One for $99, normally $136 there and probably $144 at Discount Auto. It's nearly the price they are selling them for on eBay, so I snagged it in case it'd sell fast. :mrgreen: Lok-On looks like a 6-point socket, but it's supposed to be eccentrically shaped to grip the middle more than the corners. Claims like it can loosen "up to 85% of rounded fasteners." Sounds a little funny them coming up with that number, but at least it should be very good. The only downsides I can see to this kit is it doesn't come with any flex joints and has only one extension, at 75mm length.

*Edit* It's 75mm extension says it can be used as a wobble bar to allow for 15 degrees of swivel, with a "hex-nut end" if additional torque is required.

2) I saw a set from a brand name I forgot, but it has instead of a square drive, it has a hex-drive with a large hole through the middle, allowing it to be put over long bolts. All the sockets have square teeth on the inside, allowing it to grip any shape bolt; hexagon, square, torq, something rounded. They have a demo of at least 6 kinds of nuts that it will grab, a socket tied to the demo so you can play with it and see how it works. This has a few extensions and at least one flex joint. I think because this one doesn't bother with separate metric and imperial sockets, its largest sockets might go much larger, perhaps up to 32mm and it still goes down to at least 8mm.

Too good to be true?
It only comes with a 12 month warranty though the tool shop selling them claimed they have never seen any returns.
It also sells for $99.

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mud_king91
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Post by mud_king91 » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:45 pm

Buy the cheapest and an arc welder i did that... i just weld it up everytime i break a socket or ratchet

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d_generate
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Post by d_generate » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:46 pm

I have a Kinchrome 1/4 - 3/8 socket set that I've literally hammered the crap out of for the past 5yrs & it's still absolutely perfect, virtually nowhere you can't get into with it, i've also bought Kc ratchet wrenches etc also, I've got a mate with all sorts of expensive Euro & US tools & he loves using these over them so I'd grab them at that price provided they are only metric.

Here's mine.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Kincrome ... 4aa0df0126
98 Libbo with V3 STI running gear. 13.0 @ 105mph with CAI & 3" Zorst:mrgreen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKrsF-2JS3M :twisted:
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2nd Hand Yank
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Post by 2nd Hand Yank » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:53 pm

Kinchrome is metric and imperial:

4-19mm and 3/16"-3/4"

Your set is far more elaborate.
This set does not come with deep sockets.

If I could choose it'd be metric only with short and deep,
but at the $99 price tag it doesn't seem worth quibbling over.

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Venom
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Post by Venom » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:53 pm

Simple justification to spend money on tools is thus:
Do i need it to fix my car - Yes.
Is it cheaper than paying a mechanic $80 an hour to do the job - Almost certainly.


Go spend money on tools, fix your car yourself for less. Drink a beer, admire your tools and the job you've done. :-D
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GOD
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Post by GOD » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:59 pm

1) That set should serve you well. Buy extensions and flex joints separately when you need them.

2) IMO those splined sockets should only be used as a last resort if you've got a buggered or odd-sized fastener and the correct conventional socket won't go on. 12 month warranty suggests they aren't very good quality.

BTW, generally just "sockets" rather than "socket wrenches", unless you want people to think you're a 2nd hand yank :)
mud_king91 wrote:Buy the cheapest and an arc welder i did that... i just weld it up everytime i break a socket or ratchet
*cringe*

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taza
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Post by taza » Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:16 pm

Venom wrote:Simple justification to spend money on tools is thus:
Do i need it to fix my car - Yes.
Is it cheaper than paying a mechanic $80 an hour to do the job - Almost certainly.


Go spend money on tools, fix your car yourself for less. Drink a beer, admire your tools and the job you've done. :-D
$100 an hour. Get it right! :lol:

I have thought "Yeah I can do this, its easy!" an Hour later "F**K" then a few more hours later "Come on you F**King piece of...". Then an hour later" Yeah I did that and it took me all day but I saved 400bucks in labour".
Now time for a beer and to admire my work. haha :mrgreen:

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Post by 2nd Hand Yank » Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:39 pm

taza wrote: I have thought "Yeah I can do this, its easy!" an Hour later "F**K" then a few more hours later "Come on you F**King piece of...". Then an hour later" Yeah I did that and it took me all day but I saved 400bucks in labour".
Now time for a beer and to admire my work. haha :mrgreen:
Been there, done that. :mrgreen:
A few times I've wondered why I'd tried to save,
(sometimes I've needed a beer or two to settle my nerves)
instead of chillin on the beach while some bloke does all the yakka. :cool:
(one of the beauties of Bunbury; a beach is never more than 15 min away :D)

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Post by 2nd Hand Yank » Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:44 pm

GOD wrote:1) That set should serve you well. Buy extensions and flex joints separately when you need them.

2) IMO those splined sockets should only be used as a last resort if you've got a buggered or odd-sized fastener and the correct conventional socket won't go on. 12 month warranty suggests they aren't very good quality.

BTW, generally just "sockets" rather than "socket wrenches", unless you want people to think you're a 2nd hand yank :)


*cringe*

Dane.
That's what I figured. Why buy deep sockets and extensions for every job imagineable. Better save on a set, then shop for any extras I actually need.

One thing I dislike about a set of questionable quality is that I probably wouldn't want to put a pipe on the end for extra torque. I wouldn't worry on a Lifetime Warranty piece. :D

I didn't know, but I like learning how Aussies say things.
Where I'm from the socket is just what grabs the nut.

Are you cringing at my yank-ness? :p

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taza
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Post by taza » Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:51 pm

2nd Hand Yank wrote:Been there, done that. :mrgreen:
A few times I've wondered why I'd tried to save,
(sometimes I've needed a beer or two to settle my nerves)
instead of chillin on the beach while some bloke does all the yakka. :cool:
(one of the beauties of Bunbury; a beach is never more than 15 min away :D)
Same with Geraldton up here! I still liek doing it myself most of the time though. Its good learning practice :mrgreen:
My Sidchrome 59 piece 1/2 drive has a life time warranty. I also found out that the 50cm + 10cm plus socket extention can hand over 100kg of force. Damn ball joints :P

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Post by NachaLuva » Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:37 pm

GOD wrote:1)
BTW, generally just "sockets" rather than "socket wrenches", unless you want people to think you're a 2nd hand yank :)

Dane.
2nd Hand Yank wrote: I didn't know, but I like learning how Aussies say things.
Where I'm from the socket is just what grabs the nut.

Are you cringing at my yank-ness? :p
Haha yeah but its all in fun ;)

If we were all the same what a boring world it would be!

I have a cheapo set that I've added bits n pieces to over the years. Iv never had any probs with it, But there have been times i've needed a deeper socket. (deeper pocket???)

I think you did well with the Kingchrome, never heard complaints bout them. Dunno bout the "splined" sockets but there tend to be a lot of rounded nuts/bolts on an older car so maybe a good idea if they're strong enough.

An advantage of doing it yourself, apart from the savings, is you know its been done properly. You do it YOUR way, paying attention to detail, using the best parts. Also its very satisfying knowing its YOUR handiwork...assuming its done properly! lol

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Post by tony » Wed Sep 14, 2011 1:07 am

taza wrote:Same with Geraldton up here! I still liek doing it myself most of the time though. Its good learning practice :mrgreen:
My Sidchrome 59 piece 1/2 drive has a life time warranty. I also found out that the 50cm + 10cm plus socket extention can hand over 100kg of force. Damn ball joints :P
i undid the large nut on the front axles with my 1/2" drive sidchrome with a 8" L handle, using a 1200 length of water pipe the nuts are done up to 200 odd ft lbs.
wouldn't try the 3/8" drive for head bolts etc but they take a lot less room in the toolbox and will do most stuff.
minimax are pretty good had a 3/8" set for years and abused them for years, got them second hand.
if they only have a 12 month warranty wouldn't pay too much for them when you can get ones with a lifetime warranty.only ever broken a couple of sidchromes a 5/8th and an L handle, replaced no arguments.
best set i ever saw was at an auction a mate bought them, they were a funny bronzy colour so I didn't bid on them, thought they were cheap junk, a mate bought them, turned out they were special submarine ones made out of phosphor bronze about 10 times stronger than steel and worth an absolute fortune. the phosphor bronze is used because it doesn't kick off sparks when banged against other steel stuff, a good idea in a submarine.

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Post by d_generate » Wed Sep 14, 2011 2:54 am

One of the best tools you can buy is the SuperCrap extendable wheel brace, it's a 1/2 drive with 2 double ended sockets 17-19mm & 21-23mm, covers the majority of what's under the car and doesn't take up that much room, I carry it everywhere along with a 12 & 14mm 1/2 socket, usually about $15, seen them at Coventries too.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=super ... OBw&zoom=1
98 Libbo with V3 STI running gear. 13.0 @ 105mph with CAI & 3" Zorst:mrgreen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKrsF-2JS3M :twisted:
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Post by Bryan1 » Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:33 am

G'day Guy's,
There is a brand of the repco sockets and spanners that use the old snapon dies. I bought a set of metric/imperial spanners and 1/4 & 1/2" sockets including deep sockets and allen sockets. They do cost a tad more than the real cheapies but my set is now 10 years old and still like new. To confirm I do have a few spanon sockets and those repco ones are identical so if any guys are looking for some go check em out.

Cheers Bryan

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Post by 2nd Hand Yank » Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:48 am

d_generate wrote:One of the best tools you can buy is the SuperCrap extendable wheel brace, it's a 1/2 drive with 2 double ended sockets 17-19mm & 21-23mm, covers the majority of what's under the car and doesn't take up that much room, I carry it everywhere along with a 12 & 14mm 1/2 socket, usually about $15, seen them at Coventries too.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=super ... OBw&zoom=1
I'm learning more Australian.
"...what's a wheel brace?..."
and then I see the picture in you link
"...oh, a tire-iron..." :D

Extendable? Is that like telescopic, so you can lengthen it for more torque?

I have a socket attacted to a random metal bar (Subaru part, rusted and bent?) that works for losening my lugs. It came with my L Series.

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Post by discopotato03 » Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:45 am

In proper engineering terms a common method of fixing a wheel to a hub is with studs through the hubs flange and nuts that screw up on the studs threads to clamp the wheel to the hub .
We call the threaded sections studs because thats what they are , I'm not sure where the term lug came from but its not a very exacting one .
The thing is that as long as everyone knows what these terms stand for its no biggie .

A wheel brace is the steel cross with four generally single hex fixed sockets forged into the ends of them . Sort of one tool fits all the common wheel nut sizes . Simple strong and generally enough leverage to undo most nuts except where some rock ape has rattled them up too tight with a pneumatic hammer gun .
I reckon a 1/2" drive socket and a breaker bar is better because a decent socket fits the nuts better and the long bar makes the job easy .

A .

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Post by NachaLuva » Wed Sep 14, 2011 9:44 pm

tony wrote: best set i ever saw was at an auction a mate bought them, they were a funny bronzy colour so I didn't bid on them, thought they were cheap junk, a mate bought them, turned out they were special submarine ones made out of phosphor bronze about 10 times stronger than steel and worth an absolute fortune. the phosphor bronze is used because it doesn't kick off sparks when banged against other steel stuff, a good idea in a submarine.
Crikey...thats pretty flash! Bet now you're absolutely spewin you didnt grab em lol
discopotato03 wrote:A wheel brace is the steel cross with four generally single hex fixed sockets forged into the ends of them . Sort of one tool fits all the common wheel nut sizes . Simple strong and generally enough leverage to undo most nuts except where some rock ape has rattled them up too tight with a pneumatic hammer gun .
I reckon a 1/2" drive socket and a breaker bar is better because a decent socket fits the nuts better and the long bar makes the job easy .

A .
For really stuck nuts try a wheel brace with an axle stand under the non-wheel end for support. Add a bit of pipe as an extension bar. Then you can really lean on it without fear of the socket "slipping" off the nut & burring the edge. Has saved me a few times, incl 1 time in the bush with no help available..."necessity is the mother of all invention" lol

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Post by niterida » Wed Sep 14, 2011 11:08 pm

I recently bought a set of Bahco go-through sockets and a set of supatool impact sockets from Bunnings - $110 total.

Go-through sockets have already come in handy getting a nut off a really long stud - job made super easy.

Impact sokets on the end of my Sidchrome ratchet are the best thing I ever bought.
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