Best Socket Sets
Stanley 92-824 Socket Set
Stanley 92824 Set includes 69 pieces almost entirely sockets. This means you get exactly what you need. The set does include two ratchets and an extension bar. Other than that, there are 66 sockets. Theyre also designed to meet ANSI standards for durability and quality.
The pieces are each black chrome and laser etched for a sleek style thats also going to give you the durability that youre expecting from any tool. Its also more corrosion resistant because of the chrome style thats used. The case makes it easy to put all of your tools away and to make sure that everything is ready to go when you need it, even for transport. Theres a max drive design that gives you up to 15% more torque without you having to put in that much extra effort.
Things we love:
- For fewer rust concerns, black chrome
- 66/69 tools are sockets
- Case included for easy transport
- 7-degree arc swing
- Lifetime guarantee
- Standard and metric measurements
Things we don’t like:
- It is difficult to remove sockets from the case
- There are fewer large sockets in this set than in other sets
Dewalt DWMT81534 Mechanics Tool Set
This Dewalt Mechanics Socket Set actually comes with 205 pieces, which means youre going to get a whole lot of variety to help you prepare for anything. The ratchet itself allows for a 5-degree arc, which means you can still use it even in tighter spaces without having to worry about it not actually tightening down the way you need it to. Theres also a lifetime warranty on the tools themselves.
The sturdy case will hold all the pieces. Once you’re done with it, just place the pieces in the bag and put the box somewhere safe. When youre using them youll feel comfortable with the process because the ratchets are anti-slip coated to protect your hands. You will be able to accomplish many tasks with the set, which includes sockets, Allen wrenches and traditional wrenches.
Things we love:
- Lifetime guarantee
- A wide range of tools
- Metric measurements
- 205 total pieces
- 5-degree ratchet arc
- Solid, plastic case for carrying
Things we dont like:
- The case is not high quality
- Other than sockets, includes several other tools
Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanical Tool Set
The Crescent Tool Set comes with a hard-sided case that is easy to open and easy to lock. It comes with 170 different pieces that include a large range of sockets in both standard and metric sizes plus ratchets, wrenches and some general tools so you can get a range of different projects done with just this one set of tools. They are all made to ANSI and ASME standards, meaning they work well and last a long time.
You can also return them if they aren’t what you expected. They are chrome-plated to give them a modern look and prevent rusting. This tool is great for both beginners and more experienced users.
Things we love:
- High quality tools are made of durable materials and are made to last
- To keep everything together, a hard-sided bag is included
- 170 different pieces
- ASME and ANSI certified
- Guaranteed satisfaction
- Chrome finish
Things we don’t like:
- The case is not high quality
- It is easy for sockets to slip from spots
Stanley STMT71652 Socket Set
The Stanley STMT71652 is a 123 piece set that comes with a large number of sockets of different sizes and styles as well as ratchets and a few other tools that you might need. The chrome vanadium body is designed to torque and durability, which means you dont need to put quite as much effort into it.
The quick release switch is also available and there’s an reversible mechanism that makes them even more efficient. Ratchet handles are ergonomically designed so they can be held comfortably for a long time.
The case is sturdy and durable, designed to hold your tools together so that they are always at hand. Youll get both standard and metric sockets and tools here, which is a benefit because youre prepared for several different types of projects. Its also designed to meet ANSI specifications, meaning that its made to last for a long time.
Things we love:
- 123 total pieces
- Specialty sockets included
- Molded carry bag
- Ergonomic ratchet handles
- Chrome plated tools for anti-corrosion
- Smooth ratchet action
Things we don’t like:
- Small socket size markings
- Pieces can come loose in case
Set Of Tekton Sockets
The Tekton Socket Set, which is a 45-piece set, is a good choice if you are looking for a smaller set. It does have a case to make everything easier to store and comes with very few extra pieces aside from the sockets that youre looking for so you dont waste your money on things you dont need. The ratchet also works with a 5-degree arc so you can work in tighter spaces.
The 6-point sockets are designed to be used with flat fasteners. They have a high-torque ability, which means they don’t round off and can continue working for a long time. Theyre made of chrome vanadium steel and have a chrome-plated finish for durability and anti-corrosion. Youll find shallow and deep sockets in this set as well as a universal joint and an extension that gives you even more versatility. The standard and metric designs are great for many uses.
Things we like:
- Standard and metric included
- Very few extra tools
- Small and light weight
- Includes even less common sizes
- High-quality pieces
- High tooth design
Things we don’t like:
- The sockets don’t fit well in the case
- Ratchet selector switch is weak
Take A Look At These Features
You can find socket sets for almost any type of project by looking at the options available. It is important to ensure that you have enough options to complete the task you require. There are hundreds of styles and sizes of sockets available. Most people won’t need the complete set. However, you should have at least one set.
Number Of Sockets
Look at the variety of sockets that youre actually going to need. Are you only going to use a handful of different socket sizes or will you require a wide variety? You don’t need many socket sets, so you won’t have to buy a large set you will only use occasionally.
However, you don’t want to buy too many sets if you need them all. You will end up spending more money on each one you use.
Size
Two aspects of size are important to take into consideration. First, you need to decide whether you prefer metric or imperial sockets. These different formats will have different sizes so you need to ensure you have the correct ones.
Some people find it important to have both, due to the many things they use. For others, only one or the other may be just fine. Make sure you look at what youre going to be working with to find out which form you need. The second aspect of size is the drive size. The drive size affects the type of objects and projects that you can use your sockets on as well.
The larger the drive the bigger around your socket is going to be, which may not work for smaller areas or projects. It is important to consider the types of jobs you are going to do and to decide the drive size that will work best for those projects and the space available.
Impact Vs. Manual Sockets
Are you going to be using impact wrenches or manual wrenches for the job you need to do? If youre going to use impact wrenches then you absolutely need to have impact sockets.
An impact wrench cannot be used with a manual socket. This could cause damage to your tools as well as the tool itself. You may want to have a small set of both impact and manual sockets but if youre only really going to use one or the other its a good way to save some money and stick with one.
Deep Sockets
Sometimes, deep sockets are necessary to complete the task. These sockets are not available in all sets. The ones that do come with them will usually only have a few. You may want to at least have some on hand in case you need them but not everyone really does. If you know you wont need them it may be an area that you can save a little and get more of the sockets that youre actually going to use rather than getting a few of these just to round out your tool collection.
Specialty Sockets
Some people need different types of sockets for the different jobs that they do. These sockets will generally cost more and the sets that youre looking for will be a little more difficult to find. These sockets will also likely be sold in sets, with no other types of sockets.
You will need to choose the correct set if you require adjustable multi-sockets. Dont use the wrong kind in the wrong application.
Wrap Up
It doesn’t matter what you are looking for, you just want the sockets to do the job. You are looking for sockets, so you don’t want to spend too much money on other items. The Stanley 92824 Set is our favorite because of this.
It comes with a couple ratchets and an extender but the rest of the set is all sockets. Theres also a good number of sockets and you get a little bit of both metric and standard measurements. If youre looking for something smaller you can opt for the Tekton Socket Set, which also comes with a good ratio of sockets to everything else.
Youre only going to get a couple extenders and ratchets with this system as well and youre getting a smaller case. If you want something really large you can opt for the Dewalt set, which has over 200 pieces, but youre going to get some other tools as well. If youre interested in the Stanley we think is the best you can look above for links to that and any of our other contenders.
