Best Socket Set
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Socket sets are designed to make your life much easier and come with a lot of benefits if you are a DIYer.
They contain a number of sockets and sockets bits of different sizes to use for different projects and applications. Socket sets are usually advertised per the number of pieces they contain and this could range from 13 pieces to as high as 573 pieces.
What you should note though is that not all these pieces are sockets. You may find an assortment of socket accessories, turning tools, screwdriver bits and non-related tools such as spanners included in the pieces.
Such tools as spanners are useful as they can complement the other socket pieces in ensuring you carry out your DIY project more efficiently like using a spanner to hold a nut in place while the socket turns the other nut.
Take a look at some of our best and highly versatile socket sets that you can you use for your projects.
The 6 Best Socket Sets
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#1 Our Pick
- SAE and metric tools with ¼, 3/8 and ½ inch drive tools which makes this a versatile socket set for a number of applications and tasks.
- 170 assorted pieces of tools and bits that come in handy for any project.
- All tools are made with ANSI and ASME specifications making very reliable, durable and of good quality
- Set includes improved Crescent screwdrivers.
- A sturdy, foldable plastic case for easy organization storage and transportation of your tools to the job site.
- This socket set contains an assortment of up to 170 pieces of hand tools that you can use for most home, mechanical and industrial applications.
- These tools meet the stringent specifications set by ANSI and ASME and are therefore of high quality and will not only add to your tool collection but are also going to last for a long time.
- The sturdy carrying case also makes it easy to organize, store and transport your tools efficiently.
This 170-piece socket set is an admirable collection for any DIY enthusiast. The collection of tools and spits is so varied that it makes this socket set a versatile choice when dealing with all manner of tasks including mechanical, industrial and home applications.
The tools are also housed in a sturdy case which makes them easy to organize, store and transport making your work even much easier.
#Budget Pick
- The body of the sockets is made with forged chrome vanadium for increased torque, strength and durability.
- 123 pieces of tools that allow for a wide range of use for most DIY tasks.
- They feature a quick release switch and a reversible mechanism which makes them easy and convenient to operate.
- A polished chrome finish on all the tools which makes them corrosion resistant.
- Meets ANSI specifications.
- All tools have been designed to withstand high impact use and feature a chrome vanadium body which enhances their strength and durability giving them a lifetime guarantee.
- This socket set has 123 tools which form an excellent addition to your tools giving you a wide variety of choices when doing your DIY projects.
- The polished finish on all tools makes them rust resistant ensuring a reliable performance all through.
- The tools feature a quick release switch which makes then easy to use and allows for faster jobs.
This socket set not only offers a comprehensive list of the most popular SAE and metric tools but also a good combination of accessible tools for most jobs.
The ratchets are ergonomically designed for comfortable handling and feature an easy release switch mechanism. Moreover, these tools feature a rust-resistant chrome finish and are also sturdy and extremely durable.
#DIY Pick
- Hex socket designed with 6 points to prevent round-off deterioration even when used under high torque and stress.
- All tools are made with heavy duty drop-forged chrome vanadium steel making them durable and resistant to corrosion.
- Laser markings that easily identify the drive socket specifications and measurements for much easier and convenient identification.
- A blow molded case that makes the organization, storage and transportation of your tools is much easier.
- An assortment of 44 commonly used tools for most DIY tasks.
- Heavy duty vanadium chrome body with a polished finish makes these tools extremely long lasting and corrosion resistant and they come with a lifetime guarantee.
- 6-Point hex socket designed to withstand heavy torque and stress without round-off deterioration makes it a reliable choice for any project that requires the hex bit.
- The laser markings help you identify the tools and sizes much easily allowing you to choose the right tool for each project much faster.
- This socket set has an assortment of 44 tools which can help increase your tool collection making you do your projects much faster and easier with the right tools.
- The blow molded case provides an ideal storage location and makes it easy to carry.
This socket set contains an assortment of SAE and metric tools that are made with heavy duty materials to withstand rigorous use.
They are durable, corrosion resistant with the hex sockets designed with 6 points to prevent wearing off even when high torque and stress is applied to them. They also come in a blow molded case which allows for convenient storage and transportation.
#Heavy duty
- Designed with heavy duty CR-MO steel, these sockets are strong and have the flexibility of handling high impact and high-stress torque tools.
- The sockets feature a chamfered opening which aligns the fastener to the socket much quickly.
- The feature laser etched size marking on dual sides for easy socket identification.
- They are an assortment of 80 sockets providing a near complete 3/8 –inch drive set.
- A complement of extensions which provide access to almost all fasteners.
- A universal joint which adapts any socket to be used for swivel applications easily.
- A radius corner design reduces wear on the sockets allowing them to be used reliably even for high impact applications.
- A heavy duty storage case for organizing, storage and transports and transportation of the sockets.
- The radius corner design on the sockets makes them wear resistant even for high impact torque making them not only reliable for any application but also long-lasting.
- Dual size markings make it easier to identify and use these sockets.
- The chamfered opening allows for quick alignment of the fastener to the socket making them easy to use.
- The assortment of 80 pieces makes a great addition to your tool collection.
- A heavy duty storage case also makes it easy to organize and transport the sockets to the job site.
With a collection of SAE and metric sockets, this socket sets offers one of the most comprehensive collections of sockets that you can use for a wide range of applications.
These sockets are of high quality and feature a radius corner that makes them wear resistant. They also feature chamfered openings for quicker alignment to the fastener.
Moreover, the size marking makes them easy to identify. These sockets also come with a heavy-duty storage case too.
#Most pieces
- An assortment of 192 pieces which makes this socket set versatile for a wide range of applications.
- A slim head design with a 5-degree arc swing makes them easy to use.
- 72-tooth gear system allows for high torque ratcheting and prevents wear on the sockets making them long-lasting.
- Laser etched markings that make it easier to identify the sockets.
- A low-profile directional lever which also allows for easy usage of the sockets.
- These sockets are also designed for an easy one-hand use.
- With 192 pieces, this socket set provides a number of tool collections that you can use for a number of projects both at home, commercial and industrial.
- Their design with an arc makes them easy to use and handle even high torque applications.
- The laser size markings allow for easy identification of the tools thereby making them easier and faster to use.
This socket set serves as the ideal choice if you are looking to build up a tool collection for a wide number of present and future applications.
They have an arc design for easy use and feature laser markings that allow you to identify each tool with its size much faster. Moreover, these tools come with carrying for easy organization and storage.
#best electro-plate
- Heavy duty construction with drop-forged, heat-treated chrome vanadium steel that makes the sockets strong and durable.
- A black electro-plate finish which makes the sockets rust resistant.
- 6-point nose sockets that reduce wear even when high impact torque is applied making them reliable and extremely durable.
- These sockets feature a hole that locks into the drive tang easily and quickly allowing for stress-free use.
- Laser etched markings that allow for easy size identification.
- These sockets meet ANSI specifications.
- An assortment of 38 pieces of different sizes you can use for a wide range of applications.
- A convenient storage and carrying case.
- Heavy duty and rust-free construction makes the sockets durable and with a lifetime guarantee.
- The laser size markings make it easier to identify and use these sockets.
- The sockets will add to your tool collection increasing the versatility for use in a wide range of tasks.
- The convenient carry box makes it easier to organize and store your sockets.
These sockets make the list of our top choices because of their excellent performance even for high impact torques and most stubborn fasteners.
They are made of heavy-duty materials with a polish finish that makes them corrosion resistant. Moreover, the 6-point nose design of these sockets makes them highly resistant to wear and reliable for use even for heavy duty applications.
Best Socket Sets - Buying Guide + Tips
Many pieces in a socket easily set easily translate to the socket set being more versatile and therefore ideal to use for multiple projects.
However, for large socket sets which contain more than 500 pieces, you may need a tool chest or trolley in order to effectively organize and store the tools in your workshop. This makes them less portable and much difficult to travel with them for an outside job.
Smaller socket sets, on the other hand, are easy to handle and transport. Their limitation is that they may not as many socket accessories of different sizes that you may require for a job.
Features to look for when selecting a socket set
When buying a socket set, the most important consideration is the project you want to use it for and the number and type of pieces it should have.
Furthermore, you should look for a socket set that expands your tool collection as much as possible so that you are to have a variety of different pieces and sizes to work with even for future projects. Some of the features that you need to look for include;
- Imperial or metric
If you are certain you will be working on projects that have either imperial or metric fasteners, then buying a socket set of those exact sizes will be an economical choice to make.
However, if you have to work on projects that occasionally need both imperial and metric sockets, then you should go for a socket set that contains both imperial and metric sockets. These may be a more costly option for you. However, if you have a limited budget begin with the socket set you will mostly use and then add the other sets later on a need be basis.
- Drive size
Depending on the type of work and the equipment you will be working with, you should select a drive size that fits the job appropriately. 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket is the most versatile and can be used for a wide number of applications.
However, this should not stop you from a socket set of with a suitable drive size if your work will be mostly on small or very large items. The reason the 3/8-inch drive ratchet is versatile is that you can use it with 1/4- inch and ½ inch socket sets with an adaptor.
Larger socket sets are more likely to come with a number of ratchet sizes and sockets which can allow you to work with on a number of tasks efficiently.
- Impact socket sets
Manual sockets are never used with impact wrenches. Therefore, if you will be only working with equipment that requires manual sockets, you don’t have to incur additional expenses buying an impact socket set.
However, if you will need to occasionally use an impact wrench on a socket, buy an impact socket set or the individual impacts sockets that you require.
- Deep sockets
Do you need deep sockets as part of your socket set? The answer to this question solely depends on the sort of equipment you intend to work on. Deep sockets always come in handy and you should have some as part of your socket set unless you are certain you will not need them with the kind of equipment you intend to work on.
Most socket sets even the smaller ones usually have some few deep sockets. Therefore, if you are going to but a socket set with fewer deep sockets, ensure they are in the sizes you are most likely to use often.
- Screwdriver bits and socket bits
Sometimes you may need screwdriver bits and socket bits with your socket set although this depends entirely on the equipment you intend to work on. While most screwdriver bits and sockets bits are less likely to be used for general DIY tasks, you may need them when working on certain projects.
It is therefore important to look for a socket set with these bits if you know you will be working on a project that requires them. Some screwdriver bits and socket bits such as those from Philips, Allen key (slot and hex) and pozidriv are always handy when it comes to most jobs around the house and can be therefore a good addition in your socket sets.
However, it is possible to buy screwdriver bit sets as well as socket bits separately if you ever have a need for them and they aren't part of your socket set.
- Warranties
You will find that most socket sets are sold with a lifetime warranty or guarantee. This is usually a sign that the manufacturer has faith in the quality and performance of the socket set.
However, you should check the terms and conditions the warranty or guarantee comes with in case you need to return the socket set and for the warranty or guarantee to be effective.
