Less Expensive Tools Input Please

[Dockmaster]

I usually only buy high quality tools like Mac, Matco, Snap-On, Older USA Craftsman, etc. Occasionally I have a need for tools that get seldom use and so I consider some less expensive options. I've recently come across a few situations where I have 12 point bolt heads and having a set of 3/8 drive swivel impact sockets in 12 point would be useful. The good stuff is about $400 compared to $100 for some others. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/384116807082?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1iaOAaCx8RPCMvjcDkqNVKg85&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=384116807082&targetid=1585159291611&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9061078&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1585159291611&abcId=9300697&merchantid=8536834&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8_D82ejR-wIVY-iGCh1hjAAJEAQYASABEgKF0vD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-3690-Universal-12-Point-12-Piece/dp/B002GT2F8S/ref=sr_1_6?crid=13700GE00PIPL&keywords=sunex+3%2F8+inch+drive+universal+impact+socket+set&qid=1669671772&sprefix=sunex+3%2F8+inch+drive+universal+impact+socket+set%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-6

Anyone use these brands with any input or recommend something else? I have a set of Sunex 1/2" drive allen head sockets that have been fine but those are pretty basic chunks of steel compared to swivel sockets. What say you all?

 

[Kraut_n_Rice]

Both of those brands would be considered Pro grade.

The ICON line at Harbor Freight is nice stuff too, but they don't have a 12pt swivel.

 

[Bobalos]

I bought one of these for the desert.  has just about everything I could need & if I lose something I dont cry.  they have held up pretty well over the last couple of years.

 

[Meter Tech]

I'm like you, usually only buy the top shelf when it comes to tools....but I have found some alternatives on Amazon for some items that don't really need to be that expensive. 

Try Neiko, I have found their sockets and other tools to be good quality. 

 

[J Alper]

You will never beat a Snapon Socket, but due to the price, i dont even use them

Matco is about the same price on Sockets as Husky on the ADV set, 

But the kicker is the ADV-Matco is make by Williams from Tiawan Great Sockets looks the same as the Matco hard to tell the difference, 

 3/8" Drive 12point Impact Deep Socket Set 12pcs Supertorque Black Finish With 662459343178 | eBay from Ebay or go to there website at Sun Coast

Williams make alot of high end tools for bit names at a fraction of the cost 

Olsa tools make some cool stuff you will not see anywhere else 

Olsa Tools | Professional Hand Tools & Tool Organizers for Mechanics

 

[Fireballsocal]

Try Neiko, I have found their sockets and other tools to be good quality. 

I've had great experience with neiko and tekton. Tekton is an American brand with lots but not all of their tools made here. Their reputation is growing fast so amazon is out of stock for lots of their tools. 

 

[Meter Tech]

I've had great experience with neiko and tekton. Tekton is an American brand with lots but not all of their tools made here. Their reputation is growing fast so amazon is out of stock for lots of their tools. 

Forgot about Tekton, good stuff as well. 

 

[Dockmaster]

I was under the impression that Neiko and Sunex are the same, just branded under different names. No?

 

[Sausage450r]

I’ll take husky over snap on all day long. 
 

the race shop across from me is all outfitted with icon tools in northern tools boxes. I really only ever use allen wrenches when im over there installing headers, but the stuff is lasting for them

 

[Realbadlarry]

Anyone see the new Craftsman ratchets at lowes...the handles are about the thickness of a sharpie....you pull hard and you'll bruise your hand... Crazy the "profit" is running those brands into the ground....

 

[Jersey_Jeff73]

proto and sunex have been around a long time and do make quality stuff all my 3/4 and 1 inch drive stuff is proto. they were still expensive sets

edit to say that proto set you were looking at is 12 pieces not 12 point it is a 6 point socket set

 

[EastMT]

Harbor freight for basic roadside repairs. If they get stolen then its not a big financial loss.

 

[Rockwood]

Harbor Freight. Rarely break or round bolts with the mid-grade stuff and they stand by their product with in store no questions asked exchange. No tears if they disappear. 

 

[L.R.S.]

My son broke a tie-rod on his YXZ Thanksgiving during a night ride. My buddy had a tool roll from BOXO and we used them to remove the wheel and shock so it was towable. He said he was getting one and I showed him the cost vs. putting the same tools together from HF. He's not a wrench like I am. Regardless he said the HF stuff will work fine.

My shop tool box is a mix of 30 yr old Craftsman, Snap-On and newer HF tools.  Admittedly the HF stuff breaks on occasion.

 

[1newbie]

My son broke a tie-rod on his YXZ Thanksgiving during a night ride. My buddy had a tool roll from BOXO and we used them to remove the wheel and shock so it was towable. He said he was getting one and I showed him the cost vs. putting the same tools together from HF. He's not a wrench like I am. Regardless he said the HF stuff will work fine.

My shop tool box is a mix of 30 yr old Craftsman, Snap-On and newer HF tools.  Admittedly the HF stuff breaks on occasion.

That BOXO stuff is really $$$ IMO.  Great thread.  I stick with husky, older snap-on and HF when it's something i'll only used every now and then.

 

[Kraut_n_Rice]

A guy would be hard pressed to tell the difference between an ICON wrench and a Snap-on.

 

[Kevin]

i havent bought hand tools in some time, however 90%of my box is all mac tools with old craftsman filling the rest. im not a tool snob really, but i also dont want junk.  these days im not opposed to buying icon or tekton stuff when i need to. for task specific i look to brands like klein, wiha,  knipex, etc. i am looking at adding a couple boxes for storage and making a bench on top and im planning on using the horrible fright us general boxes for that. i am also changing up my cordless tools which is down to only 3 tools left from makita to milEffee. the milEffees just have more types of tools available is main reason.

 

[Rockwood]

i havent bought hand tools in some time, however 90%of my box is all mac tools with old craftsman filling the rest. im not a tool snob really, but i also dont want junk.  these days im not opposed to buying icon or tekton stuff when i need to. for task specific i look to brands like klein, wiha,  knipex, etc. i am looking at adding a couple boxes for storage and making a bench on top and im planning on using the horrible fright us general boxes for that. i am also changing up my cordless tools which is down to only 3 tools left from makita to milEffee. the milEffees just have more types of tools available is main reason.

Yeah.  I regret (only a little though) going Makita when I started with 18V stuff.  

Oh well, if I start up a 12V collection, it'll be Milf*ckees.

 

[Stugots]

Got a Milwaukee and icon set up, we have a Snap on truck come through on ena week and after I bought a set of screw driver's I now stay far away from him. My entire set of Milwaukee sockets were around 550 and never had a issue with them. Also company Icon wrench to my neighbors snap ones and the icons seemed better made.