Got my 75 vert a couple of months ago and it's about time I bought a decent socket set (my cheap set is ok, but still... cheap).

I'd like to pick something up today if possible, not too concerned about price but I'd like the set to come with recommendations hence my post here.

I can spin a spanner, and understand engineering principles, but I'm not a mechanic or an engineer so I don't know what I don't know ie: what I might need for this Vette that I wouldn't guess I would need (make sense?).

I have torque wrenches already, but everything else is fair game.

My local options are Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, Harbor Freight Tools, and True Value.

Thanks!

Beast

 

Sears, make sure it says Craftsman and not the other sears brand. They are very good tools for the money and the warranty is excellent if you have a problem with them.

 

Given the places you listed, I'd go with a Craftsman set from Sears. I don't think you'd be happy with a set from Harbor Freight.

 

Something like this is good to start with http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-2...4&blockType=G4

 

Well, that's a consensus, thanks everyone! Off to Sears then

ps: If this seemed a stupid question, it's because I'm an Aussie living in the US, so I don't know your brands as well as you all do. Cheers.

 

As a past auto tech I have a mix of Craftsman, Mac and Snap-On tools in the box. My personal recommendation is stick with Craftsman 6-point sockets, durable-affordable and rarely crack. My personal favorite ratchets are my flex head models from Snap-On, not cheap but worth it.

 

Thanks Your handle couldn't be more appropriate!

 

harbor freight gets the job done, leaves more cash for your projects

 

I have all Craftsman. Have had the for years. I also like snap-on however unless you depend on them to make a living way too costly.

As a comparable I do think Colbalt would also be a nice choice. They have the smooth finish like snap on.

 

Forget about Harbor Freight or anything from India or China. Get a good set of 3/8" drive 6 point sockets from SK, Mac, Snap On, Husky, Craftsman and Colbalt. Sears sells Craftsman and a Sears brand. Stick with Craftsman. Since you will be using these almost all the time on your car, get the best you can afford. You can even look in pawn shops for used sets. The better brands mentioned have lifetime exchange warranties. I am still using some of my dad's tools that are 60 years old. Save Harbor Freight for inexpensive tools you use only a few times. I would also look at purchasing a good quality 1/4" drive socket set as well. For heavy duty work, get a 1/2" drive impact socket set and a good breaker bar and ratchet. Jerry

 

5th vote for craftsmen, sold at sears, real good tools for the money and come with a life time gaurentee.

 

Seems to me Craftsman tools aren't what they used to be. The last few sockets I got as free replacements showed chrome chipping or cracking after one use.

 

A couple things to add:
Don't bother with it unless it says "lifetime warranty" on it. You need a certain level of quality.
Craftsman and Husky seem to be a good balance between price and quality. I have Gearwrenches and Kobalt too.
The Kobalt tools are well built but I find they are a bit chunky (hard to fit in tight Corvette spaces sometimes).
This is why I paid $15 for one Snap-on 5/16" wrench--as much as the whole set of my go-to Husky Stubbies cost.
The Snap-On fits around the headers.
Would I like a whole set of Snap-On? Who wouldn't? What you're paying for is the slender dimensions of these tough tools.
But then if I bought a whole set of Snap-On I wouldn't have money for parts.
The trick is to make the the best choice for your needs.
That's why I have about ten different brands in my cabinet!


Have Fun!

 

Good points...

 

Having spent a good deal of time across the "pond", if you will be heading back eventually, I recommend that you go on eBay and find yourself a good set of Snap-On tools.

Buy what you need, not necessarily a complete set. Pay no more than 50% of retail for whatever you buy and you will have money in the bank. Not only are they the best tools money can buy, you'll find that back home they sell for 3 times the price they sell for here.

Unfortunately Sears is circling the drain. I hate to admit it and realize that someone may well buy the Craftsman name in the future. But anyone with Craftsman tools more than 25 years old can tell the difference between what Sears is currently selling and what they have at home. I know I can.

Good luck... GUSTO

 

I have had good luck with the Craftsman brand and yes I have some of my fathers tools that were that much better than what I bought 30 Years ago and what is sold today is that much worse than what I bought. You may notice that Craftsman no longer sez American Made. However I believe most of them still are. What I don't like is how the stores are stocking less and less so as to make more room for there cheap brands. For what ever reason they decided to stop selling a 5/16" 3/8" drive socket they are available in the on line catalog only. I'm under the impression that Husky and Cobalt are made in the same factory as Craftsman. Maybe not.
I have a mix of many brands of American made tools. Yes I like Snap On, but I have some grips with them to. My local Truck won't come to my residential address, and there on line store will only ship to the address of your credit card, I happen to work in another state so that doesn't work for me. Snap On is in the process of buying out some of the good old American made tool brands and then switching there manufacturing to China. Williams is a prime example, the last couple I have bought came across the pond. Blue Point might be the same.
Proto has always been my favorite Wrench brand, along with Williams. Snap On Sockets and Ratchets and there Orange Handle Screwdrivers which don't seem to be around anymore.
I buy a lot of used tools at Auctions and here and there. My rule to buying is to buy them when they are available, not when You need them. My girl gave me a Shirt that sez the "Man who dies with the Most Tools Wins " I haven't won yet but I'm not exactly Loosing either. There has been family talk about an intervention.

 

Most of what I own is Craftsman.

 

I have had a set of Craftsman for 40+ years

 

while I have mostly Craftsman from many years ago I think if I was looking today I would look at Lowes, I think Sears is just trading on the Craftsman name.

 

Sadly I have to agree. I have moved on to other brands. Kobalt seems pretty decent at a lower cost.