Socket set, what and where?

d@rk51d3 · 27th January 2009, 01:04 PM

Had an old Sidchrome set for years, and when the sockets split I tried for warranty.

I got the old "lifetime warranty is just the average lifespan of the product. Not lifetime as such." So no warranty.

Went and bought an Eclipse 1/2" set from Spear & Jackson about 8 years ago, covered 8mm - 32mm, plus imperial equivalents, ratchet, bars, extentions. It's been a great set.

For all the small gear I have a Bahco 1/4" set which also inludes flat, phillips, allen and torx bits, flexible shaft, swivels etc. and is also a very handy kit.

I've just ordered a Fuller 3/4" set that covers 26mm - 60mm (I think, might just be 50mm) and imperial equivalents and associated bars, ratchets etc.

Should be a nice farewell gift for myself when I leave work a the end of the week.

I think that covers it.

**p38arover** · 27th January 2009, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by rick130

Redbacks suggestion of Kinchrome or Stanley are good. I like Proto too (Stanleys upmarket brand) They feel and look like Snap On without the price.

Is it still Sidchrome-Proto? Some of my later Sidchrome stuff is so labelled.

See also Sidchrome warranty

**BigJon** · 27th January 2009, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by d@rk51d3

Should be a nice farewell gift for myself when I leave work a the end of the week.

Where do you work? I have mates in Strathalbyn and I get down there every now and then. Might even end up there this weekend.

**D3Jon** · 27th January 2009, 01:43 PM

I wouldn't touch Sidchrome with a bargepole. I treated myself a 1/2" set just over a year ago (cost over $300). The ratchet's mechanism locked up within a week (no abuse), the replacement ratchet's black handle grip slips off just when you least expect it to, the ratchet mechanism is awfully notchy, and sometimes if the selector "button" isn't just in the right place the ratchet mechanism slips... bloody awful

The sockets themselves seem ok (so far) in the above set, but the ratchet is just plain cheap crap IMHO. I use the new sets sockets with an older 1/2" ratchet from another set that has a much better smoother precision ratchet mechanism.

When I bought mine they had an offer on of "buy this and get a long ratchet free by redemption", when it arrived I noticed it was posted from "The Stanley Works" (in Sydney IIRC).

Spend a little bit extra and get the Kingchrome stuff... that's my advice.

Jon

**rick130** · 27th January 2009, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by p38arover

Is it still Sidchrome-Proto? Some of my later Sidchrome stuff is so labelled.

See also Sidchrome warranty

Don't know Ron, all I know is that I have a few ring spanners and they are Proto USA and that Stanley owns Proto.
They have the finish and feel of Snap-On, and IIRC I picked them up at Glenfords down your way.

Another nice brand is Kokon, made in Japan.
I have a 1/2" breaker bar that I bought after killing my Snap-On one.

**p38arover** · 27th January 2009, 02:16 PM

I've been using Sidchrome for nearly 50 years - from when I bought my first car in 1960. I bought my first Sidchrome tools in the mid-Sixties but Dad had them, too. I also have his Hazet socket set from the late Fifites. My preferred 1/2" drive ratchet is my Dowidat or Dad's Hazet. I don't like the Sidchrome rachets with their push button. I have three Sidchrome socket sets, two in 3/8" drive and one 1/2" drive.

My first 1/4" drive set is the Kokan given to me by my late son but I also have a couple of Stanley 1/4" drive sets since acquired from my son's estate.

My recommendation for a first set is to go 3/8" drive. I use them alomost exclusively now and rarely get out the 1/2" drive. I also have a 3/4" drive socket set.

I also have Sidchrome, Dowidat, and Stanley ring spanners but I prefer the Sidchromes I bought in about 1966. I've also got Stahlwille and Snap-On from my son's estate.

Funnily enough, I still have and use an old Japanese ETC 3/8" socket set I bought in 1968 - from the days when Japanese tools were not much to write home about. It has lasted exceptionally well.

So to answer your question, Jan, any of the name brands (even Sidchromne despite earlier comments) will do what you want - in a non-commercial application. I notice a few of my local mechanics like Kinchrome.

The reason some use Snap-On is, I'm sure, that Snap-On have a van that goes around the workshops and induces apprentices to buy their stuff on a plan. My son bought Snap-On from the van when he was an apprentice mechanic.

Do not waste your money buying cheap spanners from SuperCheap. I did (as they were for a one-way trip and I wasn't bringing them home on the plane). I broke one spanner the first time I used it.

**rick130** · 27th January 2009, 02:35 PM

I should just remember one day to get the Snap On reps phone number and try for warranty with the breaker bar as I still have it, even though I broke it about three years ago

**wardy1** · 27th January 2009, 03:27 PM

I bought a great kit from Bahco.... very well made single hex sockets, 1/2" and 1/4" drives plus a set of ring/open enders all in a great case which keeps them organised

. They probably aren't up there with Snap-On but like you, I'm not a pro either. These were plenty good enough for me to remove a tailshaft in the bush so I could get home. The kit is on special at Bunnings atm for $229..... about $25 less that I paid 6 months ago. They are we'll worth a look I reckon.

**waz** · 27th January 2009, 03:28 PM

I've been really happy with Repco branded tools. They are fine for what I do and they often have 20% off sales.

W

**MacMan** · 27th January 2009, 04:57 PM

If it's Repco branded, and it's broken, they should replace bits. Lifetime guarantee.

Simon

I tested this the other day. I bought a Repco 1/2" socket set about 14 years ago and just recently had an issue with the ratchet handle. The direction switch had a small thumb tab that broke off. Also had the 17mm deep socket which had started peeling chrome plating very early on (that stuff is SHARP!!!). I approached the local Repco and asked what the situation was and they told me they'd either replace the ratchet handle or put a kit through it, and the socket was a no brainer replacement. He even left me to take the handle home in case I needed it while they sort out the solution.

I've been wanting a decent spanner set, so after that experience I'll be buying Repco. Sidchrome needs to be sent away I am told. Repco will always swap on the spot if they have the stock, otherwise they'll order it in.

In terms of quality, the sockets have been superb apart from the 17mm deep socket. Absolutely no damage to any of them after some very heavy use of the usual sizes.

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