Introduction
Do you think sockets are not an important tool part to own? No they’re not part of all tool sets. But can you imagine trying to change your car’s tire with only a spanner? You won’t be successful. That’s why socket sets are worthwhile investments. And they have more uses than you think.
When you have a set you’ll be surprised by how helpful they are in different situations. You can repair your bicycle, fix your car engine and of course tighten loose bolts & nuts. Do you realize how necessary they are?
Read further to pick a Craftsman Socket set best suited for you.
Contents
Top 4 Craftsman Socket Sets
|
Image |
Product |
Price |
Rating |
| Craftsman 25 Piece 1/2″ Drive 12 Point Socket Set |
$ |
 (4.7 / 5) |
|
| Craftsman Easy Read 25 PC 1/2″ Drive 12 Point Socket Set – Standard SAE & Metric MM |
$ |
 (4.5 / 5) |
|
| Craftsman Laser Etched Easy Read 29 Piece SAE Standard & Metric MM 1/2″ Drive 6 Point Shallow Socket Set |
$$ |
 (4.9 / 5) |
|
| Craftsman 52 Pc. Easy Read Socket Set, 6 Pt. Std. And Deep, 3/8 In. Dr. |
$$$ |
 (4.2 / 5) |
Craftsman 25 Piece 1/2″ Drive 12 Point Socket Set
Consumer Ratings (4.7 / 5)
These 25 sockets are sure to help you with all your construction needs. The strong construction material of the sockets ensures they can be used for the toughest of jobs.
The sockets have a 1/2’’ drive and a 12 point. The measurements are shown in standard and metric sizes.
The standard measurements include:
- 3/8’’
- 7/16’’
- 1/2’’
- 9/16’’
- 5/8’’
- 11/16’’
- 3/4’’
- 13/16’’
- 7/8’’
- 15/16’’
- 1’’
There are 14 sockets measured in metric units from 9 to 22mm.
Pros
- The different sizes help you find a perfect socket for your construction needs
- They turn easily which helps you to complete a project faster
- The sockets are easy to place in the wrench
Cons
- The parts scratch easily
- Some don’t fit in wrenches
- There is no case to safely store the sockets
What Consumers Say about the Craftsman 25pc 1/2″ Drive Set
- Bought this and two other items from this seller. Prices were good. Product is great. Shipping was fast- ordered February 26th, received March 1st. No complaints as of this writing. Would buy again if I needed more. Items come in plastic bag.
- Price and quality very very good.. But, it is not SnapOn. SnapOn is the excellent top brand and made in US.
I own a lot of Craftsman and SnapOn tools. Will buy them both. -
Received everything as described. Exactly what I was looking for. Great quality!
Craftsman Easy Read 25 Piece 1/2″ Drive 12 Point Socket Set
Consumer Ratings (4.5 / 5)
These chrome sockets are useful for a variety of home and vehicle construction or repair projects. They’re laser etched for you to easily read the measurement accurately.
The sockets have a 1/2’’ drive and a 12 point tip. There are 11 standard measurement sockets and 14 metric sockets.
The standard measurements include:
- 3/8’’
- 7/16’’
- 1/2’’
- 9/16’’
- 5/8’’
- 11/16’’
- 3/4’’
- 13/16’’
- 7/8’’
- 15/16’’
- 1’’
The metric measurements range from 9mm to 22mm.
Pros
- The measurements are easy to read
- The chrome finish makes them endure harsh use
- They can be turned smoothly
Cons
- Some don’t fit well in different branded wrenches
- You would need to purchase your own carry case to prevent them from getting lost
What Consumers Say about the Craftsman Easy Read 25pc 1/2″ Drive
- In 15 years, I’ve only ever broken 2 Craftsman tools and they’re super easy to exchange at Sears.
- A good product that I’ve used for years and they’re perfect for weekend warriors.
Craftsman Laser Etched Easy Read 29 Piece 1/2″ Drive 6 Point Shallow Socket Set
Consumer Ratings (4.9 / 5)
Whether you’re a professional mechanic, handyman, DIYer or a hobbyist these sockets are useful for all your needs. The 29 pieces guarantee you’ll find a socket to complete your tasks efficiently and with precision.
All the sockets have laser etched measurements for you to read them correctly. The measurements are in standard and metric units.
The standard socket measurements include:
- 3/8’’
- 7/16’’
- 1/2’’
- 9/16’’
- 5/8’’
- 11/16’’
- 3/4’’
- 13/16’’
- 7/8’’
- 15/16’’
- 1’’
- 1 1/16’’
- 1 1/8’’
- 1 13/16’’
- 1 1/4’’
There are 14 metric measurements that start at 9mm and end at 22mm.
Pros
- The sockets help you work with stability on any DIY project
- They’re useful in home and car repairs
- The measurements can be read easily even from a distance
Cons
- Some of the sets are made in China rather than the USA and those sets have less durable finishes
- The set doesn’t have a big variety of larger sizes
- The sockets aren’t deep enough to remove some cars’ lug nuts
What Consumers Say about the Craftsman Laser Etched 29pc 1/2″ Drive Set
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Great solid tool set for a low price.
-
Craftsman is a good tool it all depends on how you use your head to use the proper tool for the job they were sent in a plastic bag that doesn’t bother me because it’s affordable stuck them on my tool sorter and they look really nice in my toolbox.
-
Can’t really say much, they are sockets and came as advertised. The price was much less than in store and a better kit than what I found.
-
Great tools and price, and I love the tools fast shipping with no issues.
- I’ve had this 29pc set for 2-3 years now with no complaints.
Craftsman 52 Piece Easy Read Socket Set
Consumer Ratings (4.2 / 5)
Complete your tool collection with this 52 piece set. The size variety means you no longer have to make compromises and pick a socket that’s too big for the bolt or nut.
If you own this set you empower yourself to work on more challenging projects.
All 52 sockets have easy to read measurements. This is beneficial to you if you’re aging or working in a dimly lit area. You can pick the sockets you need easily.
Each socket is made from high tensile steel and is machined to fit fasteners tight without slippage. This allows you to create powerful torque. Spin the wrench quickly to complete the work in a short amount of time.
All the sockets have standard measurements:
- 1/4’’
- 5/16’’
- 3/8’’
- 7/16’’
- 1/2’’
- 9/16’’
- 5/8’’
- 11/16’’
- 3/4’’
- 13/16’’
- 7/8’’
- 15/16’’
- 1’’
This means you have 6 to 22mm standard sockets
The deep sockets’ measurements include:
- 3/8’’
- 7/16’’
- 1/2’’
- 9/16’’
- 5/8’’
- 11/16’’
- 3/4’’
- 13/16’’
- 7/8’’
- 15/16’’
- 1’’
In metric terms these measure from 9mm to 19mm.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- All socket sizes are useful
- Can be used by beginners
Cons
- Larger sizes require a specific wrench to hold them
- Some sockets don’t allow you to move the wrench smoothly
What Consumers Say about the Craftsman 52pc Easy Read 3/8 Drive
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Probably can only give a good review after years of use but sure is nice to have the laser engraving.
-
Exactly what I was looking for.Great range of sizes in metric and standard,short and deep,with all 6 point to boot.Much easier to read sizes on sides of sockets.
-
Product arrived promptly and complete. Overall purchase experience excellent, Thank you.
FAQ
What to First Look for in a Socket Set
There are basic specifications you must examine before making a final purchase. These specifications give you an idea of what the sockets can be used for.
The Size of The Socket
There are three common socket set sizes.
- Standard size: Also known as SAE. The measurement is displayed in inches.
- Metric size: The measurement is displayed in millimeters.
- Whitworth: These sockets have measurements that are displayed in inches. The inches reflect the bolt’s shaft or the inner diameter of the nut.
The Drive Size
Metric and standard sockets have the same drive size. There are three drive sizes namely:
- 1/4’’
- 3/8’’
- 1/2’’
The sockets fit into the drive. There are different uses for all three drive sizes.
The smaller size—1/4’’—is more suited for smaller bolts or nuts in tight places. The larger drive size—1/2’’—is practical for handling more torque and ideal when you need a larger fastener that needs a longer ratchet.
The Tip Points
The tip points slide onto a bolt or nut head to secure the socket in place. The number of points needs to match the points on the bolt of the screw.
The common point numbers are six and 12. You must know the difference between the two:
- Six points: A six point tip is generally stronger than the 12 point. The inner walls fit well with the bolts and screws and don’t allow it to slip while in use.
- 12 points: This tip is more appropriate for easy tasks. 12 point drives also offer greater convenience because they line up to the bolt or nut better.
The Socket Length
You can’t use only one socket length for all the sockets. There are two socket lengths. These descriptions will help you understand which one is needed and when:
- Shallow Sockets: Shallow sockets are generally suited for tight spaces. There are shorter models that allow you to tighten bolts at awkward angles.
- Deep Sockets: Deep sockets are useful when the bolts are in hard to reach areas. These sockets are generally used for vehicle repairs.
What Properties Should Sockets Have?
You must purchase your socket set based on these three properties.
Strength
Your sockets must not break when you apply force to them.
Hardness
Your sockets must be scratch resistant and their shape must not change when they’re continuously used.
Ductility
This is the ability of a material to change its shape or stretch without breaking.
Impact sockets are generally made with ductile steel compared to standard sockets. This prevents the impact sockets from shattering when under the force of an impact wrench.
What are the Different Types of Sockets?
There are six common types of sockets. When purchasing your socket set you must make sure it has most of these types to offer exceptional usefulness.
Hex Sockets
A hex socket fits around hexagon shaped nuts or bolts. There are two sorts of hex sockets:
- A six point
- A 12 point
The 12 point socket is technically named “Double hex” or “Bi hex”. The double hex fits over the hexagon bolt in several positions than the regular hex socket. The double hex socket is useful to use in tight spaces.
Impact Sockets
Impact sockets are made for powered impact wrenches. Impact sockets must have denser walls and noncorrosive finishes to endure heavy duty usage. They have industrial finishes which colors them black instead of the silver color found in other sockets.
Spark Plug Sockets
As its name stipulates these sockets are made to remove or fit a spark plug into an engine. Spark plug sockets are generally longer and they have rubber inserts to prevent damages caused by the wrench.
Socket Bits
A socket bit is a hex socket. Usually there are screwdriver bits inside it. Socket bits have square ratchet ends where the ratchets get attached. They’re made to work with impact drivers and manual tools.
Pass Through Sockets
If your bolt or but has a long shaft then you would need a pass through the socket to constrict or loosen them. This type of socket has a hole through it which makes it a hollow tube. This design allows you to use it on any bolt. Length won’t be an issue. Pass through sockets need a ratchet that clamps around them
Sockets Construction Materials
Alloy
Alloy is made by combining two or more metals. This gives the alloy stronger qualities than the original products.
Alloy steel is found in most sockets pieces. More than 50% of the unit comprizes of steel.
Chrome Vanadium
This material contains 0.8% chromium and 0.1-0.2% vanadium. These two elements improve the strength of the sockets.
What makes this metal ideal for sockets is its wear and fatigue resistant properties.
Chrome Molybdenum
Also known as chrome ally or chromoly. This is a steel alloy that contains chromium and molybdenum. This material is expensive to construct and is usually found in higher end socket sets.
Chrome Vanadium Molybdenum
Chrome vanadium molybdenum is meant to have properties similar to chrome vanadium. The molybdenum however reduces brittleness. This material is usually found in sockets that are paired with a powered tool.
Which Material Is Best for Sockets?
Sockets that are used in combination of powered tools must be made with chrome molybdenum. They resist the impact and force of power tools. Chrome molybdenum increases the ductility and prevents shattering.
Chrome vanadium is suitable for sockets that are operated by a hand tool. This material is generally cheaper than chrome molybdenum.
How to Maintain Your Socket Set
To extend the life of your sockets you should follow these simple maintenance rules.
Cleaning
- Clean your sockets before you pack them away.
- Any dirt inside or around the socket must be brushed off.
- Any dirt can scratch the protective coating which can trap moisture. This leads to corrosion.
- Small sockets can be cleaned with floss or you can use a toothbrush on larger sockets.
- Any water on the socket must be dried off to prevent rust.
Storing the Sockets
- Sockets must be stored in a toolbox or chest designed specifically for them.
- When you place them in such a storage system you can easily keep track of them and determine if one is missing.
- Find a storage space that has moldings according to the different socket This also makes your work go faster because you can easily take out the one you need.
When to Replace Sockets
- Damaged, cracked or broken sockets must be replaced. The original dimensions can be altered which can cause damage to the bolts, nuts or fasteners.
- Worn out sockets must also be replaced because they won’t provide a smooth turning motion as they did when new.
What would your world be without sockets? They’re clearly useful for home and vehicle projects or repairs. We hope this knowledge prepares you to purchase the ideal socket set for your requirements. You’ll love how easy projects become. Get your Craftsman set today!
