Sort of a poll on socket set

[Tilzbow]

Gearwrench are really nice and I’ve got a full set of 3/8” and 1/2” I’ve been using the last several years. I’ve bought some single Teekton and Craftsman sockets to supplement the set and those seem pretty good.

I tried HF once but after breaking two combo wrenches the first time I used them I haven't bought another hand tool from HF. I did buy a trailer dolly to move my boat but after a few uses it went in the trash and was replaced by a higher quality piece.

I also have 30+ year old Crafstman that have served me well but I moved those socket sets to the motorhome.

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[KABQ]

I'm an aircraft mechanic so I'm very particular about tools, but if you're just looking for sockets I wouldn't overthink it. I got this Chinesium set from Amazon for cheap (mostly for the box since it's shadowed nicely) and they've held up to my impact with no issue even though they're standard duty.

Also, instead of passthroughs I like ratcheting boxends. Just make sure you get a quality set like Gearwrench with many teeth since you usually use them in tight places.

 

[Brian_B]

tried HF once but after breaking two combo wrenches the first time I used them I haven't bought another hand tool from HF. I did buy a trailer dolly to move my boat but after a few uses it went in the trash and was replaced by a higher quality piece.

This describes my typical experience with most HF purchases. I get one, maybe two uses out of it before it falls apart. Every now and then I get lucky though

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I’ve been moving from Craftsman to Milwaukee. Milwaukee doesn’t make a TP set yet though.

Same here, mainly because I can get (for lack of a better term) " points or vouchers" thru work that can be used at some of our vendors (who carry Milwaukee).

I've bought their 18V stuff for around the house and their socket sets , to replace my old Craftsman stuff for the exact reason OP is replacing theirs.
I'm happy with the Milwaukee sets so far. (1/4 and 3/8 drives, still need to get the 1/2 set)

OP, I've found you can get decent socket sets from a LOT of different places, but I have learned to really shop for the ratchets independently, THAT is where quality really pays off.
Home Depot, Lowes, HF, Northern ...etc etc etc for the sockets, but if the set doesn't include quality fine tooth ratchets, just buy those separately.

 

[swamp2]

Harbor Freight is interesting. I've had my personal and anecdotal experience with use once or twice tools and having failures or way too much wear. Definitely "throw away" durability.

However, some recent notable exceptions are:

My 3 ton "Badlands" floor jack.

I think nanh here also have this modrl. Impeccable fit, finish and materials: nicely machined parts, anodized aluminum, stainless hardware, very ergonomic, wheel cartridge bearings, etc. I fully expect if to last and continue looking good as well. It is Chinesium for sure, but I think HF is pushing suppliers to up their game and provide more of what US customers want.

Tool storage:

I've been looking to upgrade/expand my toolboxes. The HF "US General" brand gets rave reviews from discerning folks at garagejournal.com and I liked them in person, hands on. They are very comparable to Snap-On in terms of material gages, weight, slide capacity, etc. No they aren't the same or identical, but the bang for the buck seems much higher. The only thing holding me back is that the drawer locks seem a bit fussy and take too much force to disengage. A magnet mod is maybe in my future...

I'm wondering if the business philosophy behind such products is migrating to other product categories at HF.

Good changes for us consumers!

 

[Murraydog11]

99 bucks at Harbor Freight (with a coupon). Lifetime warranty. I mean it will most likely be used in some sort of dirt or mud situation, so if something breaks or gets lost, it's not so bad... I carry a few extra pieces, but this has pretty good stuff. In my opinion.

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