(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best socket wrenches

I just put together a tool kit for my BRZ, and I ended up getting a set of Tekton metric sockets and a Tekton low-profile 3/8s inch ratchet. I've used Tekton quite a bit and I found them to be pretty great. These metric sockets will cover just about everything on the car that can be loosened or tightened with a socket, and since they're deep sockets you can loosen lug nuts with them.

I'd suggest getting a breaker bar or torque wrench if you want to get an additional accessory. The breaker bar is great for loosening tough nuts, and the torque wrench is terrific for tightening a fastener to the exact amount of force it specifies in the manual.

If you really want to go above and beyond, an open ended wrench set (also metric) can be great for when a socket just won't fit. They even make a version with a built-in ratcheting mechanism

In summary, a metric ratchet set that goes from about 8mm to about 20mm is a great gift idea, and you can easily add on other accessories or wrenches if you want to make your gift a bit bigger. I can personally vouch for the Tekton stuff--sure it's not the most expensive fancy set of tools out there, but they look, feel, and work well.

Hope this helps!

I know tools so here we go. Focusing on the extras, luxuries, and conveniences. If I don't specifically note a manufacturer/model I probably just grabbed the first Amazon link to make it clear what I'm talking about.

• 12v impact gun/electric ratchet. These are an awesome luxury for working on cars, much time spent turning ratchets will be saved. Also useful around the house for driving sheetrock screws. I like the Bosch PS41 for bang for the buck and Milwaukee M12 for the full 12v set (they have a ratchet, Bosch doesn't).
  
• Fucking magnet trays, how do they work?!
  
• Amazeballs stocking stuffers: finger bit adapters.
  
• Timing light
  
• Torque wrench
  
• Dremel. I have the cordless one because every Dremel I've ever broke has failed at the brushes and it has a BLDC but that's actually been a really useful feature for working on cars. Grab and go.
  
• 4.5" grinder. Pick your favorite color but you usually can't go wrong with yellow or red.
  
• Wobble extensions
  
• Hex and/or Torx bit set
  
• TS8000 MAP gas torch and bottle. I should've put this higher cause this is crazy useful and everyone needs one.
  
• Decent wire strippers
  
• Multimeter/DMM. There are various guides out there but I think there's an Extech that's a commonly recommended entry level DMM.
  
• If they're into old shit aka carburetors grab an ultrasonic cleaner.
  
• Flex head ratchet in your favorite size.
  
• Snap ring pliers

You're not going to get out for less than $50-60 if you want a good, USA-made tool. You're just not. Probably the cheapest very good tool you'll get will be a Proto flex-head.

I have a couple sets of ratchets I love and use constantly. One is the Proto set (1/2" precision ratchet link) and my favorite is my Mac set (1/2" swivel-head link).

Honestly, yes, they were quite expensive. However, they'll hold up to a lifetime of use.

Upgrades, eh? If you like that handle style I'd look toward German brands which tend to go with that "bulb" type shape. Wiha for sure, but also Wera and Felo are great options to look into. You can get sets of various sizes and selections to fulfill almost any needs you may have.

About the stubby multi style, this Nebo set is solid and a good upgrade from what you're using now.

> SGD155BR

That seems to be a specific tool designed for you marine guys. That's out of my field, I'm not going to google chase for anything like it.

>PWCS7CF

I now see we're playing your game haha. It's a rather wierd breed of stripper.crimpers. Nonetheless, OTC makes a pair like them for $18 on Amazon. Lifetime warranty. They also make a angled version you might be intrested in. SnapOn doesn't list this on their website anymore, but the PWCS7CF sells for ~$60 online. So, The OTC are $42 cheaper.


>TLL72

Craftsman, but still good enough to make money with. SnapOn MSRP is $111. That Gearwrench is $26. $85 in savings by going Gearwrench.

> 137ACF



Easy enough . SnapOn MSRP is $41. The Klein one is $16 with lifetime warranty. Savings of $25


>29ACF

Easy enough. SnapOn MSRP $62. Klein tool is $30 with lifetime warranty. Savings of $32.

Between the 4 tools I compared, the other options saved a total of $184. Same quality as SnapOn? Maybe not on all, but probably yes to some. All of them come with life-time warranty, and not not shit tools and are considered /r/buyitforlife items!

How about weras 1/4 ratchet? 50 dollars, vs snap on, 60 dollars.

https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05004004001-Zyklop-Ratchet-Switch/dp/B00IMF1DNI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1543338727&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=wera+1%2F4+ratchet&dpPl=1&dpID=31kdIbxuxSL&ref=plSrch


https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Snap-On-TL72-1-4-Dr-Standard-Handle-Sealed-Head-Ratchet/302941075390?epid=1923011126&hash=item4688b1f7be:g:N9MAAOSw~T9b7G3u


Or how about ratcheting jokers? 280 8 piece vs snap ons 270 7 piece

https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05020093001-Ratcheting-Combination-Wrenches/dp/B01LW2OF43/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1543339136&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=wera+ratcheting+wrench&dpPl=1&dpID=41s17Ba7IPL&ref=plSrch

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Snap-On-SOXRR707-3-8-3-4-7-Pc-SAE-Flank-Drive-Plus-Reversible-Set-USA/153276307873?epid=2127160702&hash=item23affad9a1:g:3dUAAOSwkXFb-gXD

You can find snap on needle nose new for less than 40 dollars, knipex needle nose all over the place for about 30.

The prices are cheaper, but marginally so as I stated, and it all depends on where you buy them, again as I stated. With Snap on you get someone warrantying your tools in a van should you want or need, I dont think wera has tool trucks. That said I've never advocated for buying snap on tools, I own about 5 of them and I wrenched daily for 4 years. A lot of them are overpriced, but a fair amount of them are simply the best in the industry. That said as OP stated people will shove wera down their throats and the tools are certainly not nearly as tried and tested.

The ratchet is made in Taiwan and mechanically excellent, but the ergonomics was specified by Germans, and it shows. I like it but its my least favorite bit ratchet to use. I don't have the Wera ratchet but it looks like the same applies.

The Chapman is more suited as a prop for Fonzie in the Happy Days sitcom. Proprietary bits and an outdated design.

I suggest one of the VIM ratchets like: https://www.amazon.com/Vim-Tools-HBR3-Bit-Ratchet/dp/B002Y05COI

Bits can be anything: wiha, wera, etc.

Food grade silicone sealant. Any leaky bottles or cups, pipes in your house, shower or sink fixtures, ceiling during the rain, whatever. It glues, seals, and waterproofs cracks and you can remove it by scraping it off.

Isopropyl alcohol, over 90%. It's not the 'best' cleaner but it evaporates completely clean and it's very cheap, you can buy it in the pharmacy section for like 2$. Unplug my keyboard, use a isopropyl-soaked paper towel and just go to town. Evaporates in 5min.

Flexible clear tape (the kind for first aid, make sure it's flexible and not matte white). Big bandages, compresses, and other shit are too expensive for me to just have extras of in my first aid. Flexible clear tape and paper towels can do like 90% of what these other expensive things do. Ghetto-wrap a gnarly injury then go and get a real ace bandage when you actually need it.

Adjustable ratcheting socket wrench. Sorry for the Amazon link but I wanna make sure you get the right one [here]. I've unfucked so many bad bolts, screws, whatever with it. Paid for itself many times over.

Edit: I realize now that this was meant to be advice for people with lots of disposable income. The only thing I can think of is an EpiPen (200$) and a defibrillator (1000$+) in your car in case you're out in public and someone has an attack, you might save a life. Car-saving stuff like a portable battery jump and jack maybe.

Not bad at all, I regretted not getting this set when I got my Gearwrench set the first time. Not even really that much more money over the Gearwrench.

Is this the socket set you're talking about?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CCMW3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZafBCbSJA48EE

I looked at it previously, but hate that style ratchet with a passion. I need a switch on my ratchet.

Look into Williams, it's SnapOn's Asian company

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HR1Q4HS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fdfBCbPV6XPJ5

Honestly, the best route to go would probably just buy a really nice 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchet (from say, [Williams] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNRPH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hnfBCb1KV4TJE) and then just buy every socket Tekton has to offer

Ok, great! So the 3/8" drive will do him well for general everyday work at home?

I see a 4 piece adapter set on Amazon, is this what you meant?
https://www.amazon.com/Impact-Adapter-Reducer-Socket-Coupler/dp/B006YHKR88

I looked at 360 swivel fittings, but it seems they're geared towards 1/4" and 1/2".... I really don't know what I'm looking at. If I got a 3/8 ratchet, are these not going to fit it? These numbers and measurements are really going over my head.

If I post a link to an air ratchet, do you think you could help me work through some links for a swivel fitting?

Also, so what I gather, if I buy this air ratchet, his socket set should already fit it? I don't need to buy a new set of air ratchet sockets?

I will second the GearWrench suggestion. I have a set of flex head 120xp ratchets. They are very nice. Even their standard ratchets are 84 tooth which is fine by most standards. Amazon has the GearWrench 81206F 3-Piece Full Polish Ratchet Set for $63 w/ Prime shipping right now.

Harbor Freight has their Pittsburgh Professional line of ratchets that are 72 tooth. They are a lot better than they should be for the price. Make sure you use a 20% off coupon on the 1/2" drive one. It might be worth it for you to print out three coupons and go through the checkout line three times.

• 1/2" 62330
  
• 3/8" 62328
  
• 1/4" 62329
  
  They also have flex head versions

Might be overkill for a weekend mechanic but if you're getting serious about working on cars, this socket set is awesome. 8mm to 36mm, every single size, doesn't skip any. It pays for itself quick because when you need a random 28mm that you don't have, you don't order a cheap on online, you go to the store and buy one for $20. It's saved me money and time countless times because I can just keep working instead of driving around looking for the right size socket.

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-84935N-Metric-Impact-Socket/dp/B00UM68OVY

Ok, maybe this is a stupid question, but what is the sliding bar part (example) in a socket wrench set for? How does one use it? It says you can slide it to one end to apply more torque - but isn't that exactly what the socket wrench is for, which has a handle for better grip, too?

Thanks.

Do you think something like this 1/2 inch breaker bar would work as well? Like, as long as it's 1/2 inch it'll fit properly as an extension handle on a 1 ton arbor press?

I agree with others.

Get a cheapish tool set from Harbour Freight or wherever. Then just get tools when you need.

One other thing I would recommend is an extendable flex head ratchet. 3/8 or 1/2 drive depending on what socket set you have / use the most. I use it more than any other tool. Something like this.

And don't skimp on safety stuff. Axle stands, chocks (I just made my own out of wood), safety goggles, nitrile gloves (your skin soaks up stuff much more than you might think. Things like brake fluid are no joke) etc.

3/8" long handled flex is great. So great I got my high performance mechanic bud to get one too! The other ratchet I cant live without now is the Tekton 1/4" stubby. TEKTON 14901 1/4-Inch Drive x 3-3/4-Inch Stubby Low Profile Ratchet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLY193M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1wk3BbN0TKN9X

That same bud borrowed it from me for a tight squeeze and everytime I visit him it is the only 1/4" ratchet out of 4 in his work tray.

Ok, so here's a rough parts list. Some items I'm not sure of, if you have any questions just ask:

• 4 pc Combination Mini-Tip Soft Grip Red Screwdriver Set
  
• Mastercraft 29-pc Screwdriver Set
  
• 8 pc Ratcheting Soft Grip Red Starter Screwdriver Set
  
• Ratcheting Soft Grip Stubby Red Screwdriver
  
• Snap-On Screwdriver Reversible (PN: SDDD42) - DISCONTINUED
  
• 7" Knipex Pliers Wrench PN: 86 03 180
  
• Custom Stripmaster® Wire Stripper, #16 to #26 AWG w/Grit Pad
  
• Pliers, Electronic, Needle Nose, Wire Looper Jaws, 4 5/8"
  
• Cutters, Electronic, Tapered Head, 5-3/16" (AWG #12 max.)
  
• Midget Pliers PN: 5ACP
  
• Diagonal Cutter, Vinyl Grips, 4-1/4"
  
• Small Standard Needlenose Pliers PN: UNKNOWN
  
• Pliers, Connector (Blue-Point)
  
• XCELITE PS120, NUTDRIVER SET
  
• Panduit GS2B tie wrap Tension Tool
  
• Mirror, Inspection, Telescoping, 3-1/4" Mirror (Blue-Point®)
  
• Husky SAE/Metric Ball End Hex Key Set - Only using the SAE set
  
• Snap-On Duck Bill Pliers
  
• Wire Twister/Cutter, Reversible, Cushion Throat, .041" cap, 8-3/4" long (Blue-Point®)
  
• 4pc Red Soft Grip Miniature Pick Set
  
• 7 Pc. Stubby Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set SAE
  
• 5/16" Combination Ratcheting Wrench
  
• 12-Point 1/4" 15° Offset Box Standard Ratcheting Box/Open End Wrench (Blue-Point®)
  
• Standard 1/4" drive Ratchet, has since been replaced with Wera Zyklop
  
• CRAFTSMAN 9 PC. STANDARD EASY TO READ SOCKET ACCESSORY SET, 12 PT. DEEP, 1/4 IN. DRIVE
  
• CRAFTSMAN 10 PC. STANDARD EASY TO READ SOCKET ACCESSORY SET, 12 PT. STANDARD, 1/4 IN. DR.
  
• Pelican 1550 Medium Case Again, I have just upgraded to a 1560.

Amazon also has the Wera Zyklop 3/8 ratchet on sale for $36.80. Not THE lowest this year, but pretty close. Not a prime day deal, just happens to be on sale.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMF1B8K

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-97673-Impactx-Socket-Adapter/dp/B072J5RNMK/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Impact+Socket+adapter&qid=1563754102&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Something like that. The big box stores all sell them. Get whatever size fits your socket. 100% get ones that are impact rated, as ones that aren't will likely just snap off.

You can use your current sockets with an adapter like that, I certainly do, just understand they are not intended for those kinds of forces. They will wear out faster and are more likely to crack or shatter. Impact sockets are recommended, but if you're not doing enough work to justify an impact wrench, it's hard to justify the cost of another set of sockets.

Is an 'impact' set like these necessary?

Something like this work for you? https://www.amazon.com/Zalman-ZM-CS5B-Socket-Adapter-Kit/dp/B004GWZVTI

It looks like if you have an older CNPS cooler, you'll need this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Zalman-ZM-CS5B-Socket-Adapter-Kit/dp/B004GWZVTI

However, it's $20, and for that price you can just get a Hyper T4.

OH, yeah. I'm not looking at the "push-through" ratchets as the OP referenced the traditional Zyklop reversibles that most people use:

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7ZNPBC/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMF1B8K/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMF1B5I/

​

I've never used or even seen the push-through ratchets in real life.

I think this would do the trick:

https://www.amazon.com/Zalman-ZM-CS5B-Socket-Adapter-Kit/dp/B004GWZVTI


Newegg carries it as well, but currently out of stock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118053

I can't say as to longevity seeing as I just purchased this one but it was at O'rielieys for $9.99. I bought it to use as an EDC so I wanted small.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-11204-Offset-Ratchet/dp/B004WIWKZE/ is the one I have.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-14901-4-Inch-Profile-Ratchet/dp/B00KLY193M/ is another one that has a finer ratchet mechanism. (72 tooth vs 60 on the titan I have.)

Or, for a blast from the past, there's this USA-made set:

https://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-Standard-Metric-Socket-Point/dp/B001CCMW3S

$220 for USA-made sockets and ratchets; I'm not sure you need more than your fingers and toes to count the number of teeth in the ratchets, but... :D