I'm a weekend worrier. Almost all my tools are Gearwrench, Icon and Tekton. They're similar in quality and price plus mostly made in Taiwan (I'm from Taiwan). In my opinion, hard to beat their quality for the price you pay.

Snap-on's motto: "buy once, cry once a month for the next decade"

The Icon tools from Harbor Freight actually are pretty decent. On the plus side, you don't need to wait for a tool truck, you break something, you can just get it replaced at any Harbor Freight. Tekton flat out beats them all for their guarantee. It doesn't matter when you bought it, it doesn't matter if you bought it new, it doesn't matter if you have a receipt. If you break one of their tools, let them know. They might ask for a photo (everyone has a smartphone). They send you a new one immediately. One other nice thing is most of Tekton's sets are no-skip on the sizes so if you are OCD about that, you won't be missing the unicorn sizes with theirs.

Someone mentioned a great advice- Buy the cheapest and as they break, replace those specific with good quality ones. Thus you will not waste too much money on tools that you don't really use.

I’ve been working as a service tech (oil, tires, brakes, alignments) for about a month and I bought a set of Walmart 1/2 inch sockets because I needed my own set to use at work. They’ve been doing pretty well considering they were like $20 and because they’re so inexpensive I haven’t been afraid to beat on them with hammers when dealing with swollen lug nuts. When they break I’ll probably go up to a tekton set.

Solid advice, I’ve got everything from Pittsburgh Pro to Snapon in my tool box. I went from weekend warrior to Diesel Tech about 6 months ago an I’m slowly bringing home some of my… lesser quality tools but I’m in no rush. I’ve got Icon, Tekton, Snapon ratchets. Tekton, Duralast, Mac, Pittsburgh sockets. Craftsman, Icon, Gearwrench wrenches… before I started turning wrenches every day I didn’t see the big deal on Snapon but when you use them everyday…. It’s nice to have nice tools

I own varied brands, however my new go to is KOKEN Japan. Their quality and economy is hard to beat. I will add that I own a TEKTON 3/8 ratchet and it’s my go to favorite. Very impressed with it!

I purchased the 566 piece set from Northern Tool of Klutch tools. And after daily use throughout the 2.5 years of my schooling in Automotive Mechanics and now continuous use at my marine mechanic job as well as my side mobile auto repair/service. They have stood up extremely well. And the best part of it is that I have no skipped or "unicorn" sizes that I have had to contend with

I have two craftsman ratchets and a metric craftsman rail from the 80’s. Been using them for advanced diy for forty years. Love them still.

The tools at walmart are awesome for when you're broke down in a walmart parking lot at 9pm and need tools on the cheap so you can get back on the road and get home. But That's about it.

A mechanic friend tells new mechanics, buy the better stuff at Harbor Freight. Use it till it breaks, then replace that tool, socket, wrench or whatever with the better tools from the tool truck, but only buy what you need. Sounds like sound advice.

Definitely prefer gearwrench stuff to USA craftsman. But personally I think Icon kills any Taiwanese competition. The in person no pain warranty is there and the icon stuff I have is slightly nicer than my gearwrench. I think they’ll dominate in the market as a result.

I find the lower quality sockets like mastercraft will flex/stretch over a bolt and round it. Snap and matco will not flex under lots of stress. My first experience was not fun.

when I first started wrenching I was given a set of that dollar store socket set you were talking about ( again this was my first time ever touching a wrench 10yrs ago) my brother was guiding me over the phone how to take a starter out to replace it. literally the second bolt I tried to take out, the avail split and I busted my knuckles. sometimes finding the cheapest way out hurts. nowadays I have my Milwaukee guns and ratchets, tekton sockets/ratchets, and a couple snap on ratchets

Take a shot every time he says “other than that” lol I love your content man thanks for the videos

Good information, thank you! I've started picking up some of the Tekton stuff. I've been happy so far. My latest is a set of their angle wrenches.

I’ve gone all SK and Wright for my sockets. US made, and they seem to work very well. My son got me a Mac ratchet for Xmas, it is legit.

First time someone actually taught me why the difference in price range. Now…as a normal Joe not even a DIY…Pittsburgh/Icon/Craftman will surely do. Thank you

I Have had Gearwrench and tekton chrome sockets for 4 years now and finally am going to get snap on tomorrow when my dealer comes. The cheaper ones have gotten me to where I am now but they break, A LOT. Just cracked yet another 13mm using a ratchet today doing a bolt on wheel bearing.

It's been said a million times, don't work for your tools, let them work for you. As always excellent video.

I appreciate the tape price labels and the names so my add brain can remember which ones you're talking about

Nice content! Can’t wait to get my Tekton socket sets!

I have some of each of those except mac and silver eagle. If money was no object I’d have all snap on but gearwrench has done great for about 9 years and I really like the knurling for getting a socket off with greasy gloves on. Just got a 90 tooth today and it might be my favorite ratchet

Another great video. I agree with the craftsman. I have the old ones, and I am afraid of having to replace them with the cheap stuff that unfortunately I has to do. I mainly use my SK now which I was able to get a great deal on when tooltopia still sold SK. I actually used cheap sockets and dropped a tiny magnet in them and super glued them in and made my own diy magnetic sockets. They actually don't work that bad

I have alot of tekton tools. Because of quality and warranty.

I have Pittsburg, Tekton, Capri, Sk, Genius, Sunex, Gearwrench sockets...All work great. Pittsburg, Sk, Genius have had 10 plus years.

I’m a big tekton fan. I have their 3/8 deep and shallow sockets and they are great. The company seems like they really care about the customer as well. Will also be buying some capri tools in the future. Snap on is great, but their prices on a lot of stuff is just absurd and I can’t justify spending money like that at this point. Maybe one day.

I have some sets of the mid range ones noted here. I would simply recommend getting the best set you can afford at the time you purchase. I have 6 different brands of sockets, chrome and impact and most of them were just the best deal for quality sockets I could find at the time.

Great video honestly I have 1/4 long Pittsburgh pro sockets they done great for me no problems no complaints out of me out of those sockets are use them every single day as I am a auto tech

Good review Tony! Tekton is hard to beat for the money.

Hello again Tony Thank you for another Great Video. That's very good advice for everyone. Thank you again

Coming back to this. It occurs to me that someone starting out, Yeah buy really good stuff for the stuff you use all the time. Basically shallow and deep metric sockets and a set of good combo wrenches. Then everything else can be more economical and can be upgraded as necessary. Makes no sense to spend a ton of money on a tool you use one time.

I like SnapOn ,Mac or Williams sockets for the smaller under 1/2 sizes. Cheaper sockets for the large and impact sockets work well.

I have the icon 3/8 shallow impact sockets the 3/8 chrome deep Quinn sockets and the 1/2 deep Pittsburg sockets I have been using them all for about a year and some change it was the cheapest way to go to start my cart at my shop but I haven’t broken any yet and haven’t had any fitment issues or rounded anything I’ve ran into issues with swollen lug nut caps but the snap on or Mac sockets wouldn’t fit either I have 19.5 sockets for those issues now

Good content Tony. Honestly they all work, however long term finish, wear/ flaking of chrome etcetera all happens from use. Cheaper sets faster. Not a great surprise. Typically the reason for myself going with higher end is non size skipping. The one you don't have is always the one you need. LOL

My 1/4 6 point and 3/8 12pt shallows are Craftsman USA as are all my deep socket chrome. I have Tekton 3/8 shallow 6 point chrome and impact. My 1/2 deep socket and 3/4 shallow impact are Neiko. I do have Wera 1/4 sets for use around the house. Still a mystery to me, but I ended up with a 7mm Snap On 1/4 shallow socket in my Craftsman set (I bought the set new decades ago).

I worked for the Craftman Tools back in the 1970s, they were good then. I use Mac tools for impact sockets and Snap-on 1/4 inch for electrical work and rebuilding carbs. If I see Mac or Snap-on trucks in gas stations I will always buy something.

I use the Quinn sockets for my ¼" drive set. I do like the color band that is on each socket noting whether it metric or SAE. Plus for around $20 for both metric & SAE sets, darn dirt cheap. With fastners that you can use a ¼" socket on, they usually aren't really "cranked" on there requiring a lot of torque that could break either your socket or fastner. Just saying...

I'm the lead engine tech at a western states cat and I want to get some nice proto or Wright sockets but my Pittsburgh have lasted me 8 years. Don't lose them and regular use on a m18 high torque won't break them

For a small town, I got an ACE and a NAPA. Most of my kit is Evercraft with some Craftsman or Duralast because NAPA has banker's hours. Ive been looking at Carlyle, but honestly some Proto or Williams is in the same price range.

I love the saying how a toolbox doesn’t make you money. Hate it when I see new guys who think that they need a snap on box for there first time.

I'm looking at the Dewalt 192 piece mechanic set. It's all mainly sockets,ratchets and extensions. Any thoughts on this set or Dewalt hand tools overall?

The very cheap throw away sockets,I keep to modify.Grind them down for certain applications.Certain sockets,I buy Grey Pneumatic and Sunex if I don't use them a lot for impact sockets.

I have the Tekton 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" socket sets and really like them. You can buy them as a package on the website for $350. Plus youll get 10% back on your account to use toward future purchases.

Nice setup and content! No proto in your lineup? Where would you place them

Love the video's. Just bought the complete set of 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive 6 points. I'm a DIY'er guy and own my own dump truck. Now shopping for a bigger tool box. First generation Masterforce tool box is a good box but only 16" deep 😭😭

I'm curious where you would place Capri sockets in the lineup regarding quality. I have and love their impact sockets but I'm mainly deciding between Capri and tekton for chrome sockets if you have any recommendations?

so as a guy that has used tools as a DIY and in industrial settings i pretty much agree with you. i think for home the pitts stuff is fine. it has to do with the warranty more than anything. craftsman were the king but they are trash now. i have given up on turning in craftsman tools. harbor freight truly doesnt ask questions, it go in get and walk out. as you said yes we would love to use snap on but if you do not have a truck coming to you, its really off the list, same with mac and matco. i have bought a few tekton and they seems fairly good, do not have much use yet with them. i have a set of gearwrench ratchet wrenches and broke out the ratchet part. could not get anyplace to trade it in. napa wanted me to prove i bought it there. so i have ruled GW off my list. really all the sockets coming out for the DIYer are really pretty good and its gonna come down to who services your area. 30 years ago i was all craftsman, they use to take tape measures back, i traded in a bent punch, a chipped cold chisel, it did not matter if it said craftsman you were good but we all know that aint the case any more. like the video

I have a mix of all brands and styles. My daily use is 1/4" drive. For shorts SO is it, old Craftsman deep wells are the best there. For home use on my motorcycles again, SO is it in 3/8" drive metric but the rest are an eclectic mix of brands. I have extensive selection of tools at home and work.

I needed some replacement sockets and our parts clerk got me a rail of Williams USA sockets and they seem really nice

Good post and topic Tony. I have a mixed bag of sockets, some of the older are craftsman, husky USA made and i do like snap-on it just bugged me that a 1/4 deep metric set was, at the time, 272. Bucks so i found a gearwrench set on sale and saved 250. Lol but thats a lot of money. I have never said "im glad i bought that cheep set of sockets"

Hey Tony. Any thoughts on Sunex? I’ve heard they are good. I’m a technician working at a shop and I’m looking into buying socket sets but my wallet doesn’t allow me to purchase snap on. I need something in the professional area but somewhat affordable.

i love tekton so much

Hey that gator grip got all the stripped bolts off my old motorcycle so it’s not a total waste. I would honestly say u need 1 in I’m your box there may b an occasion once or twice a year where it really helps u

Tekton has a super easy warranty, send a picture and they'll get you the item out that day.

T-BONE!....LET'S GO!!!!!!!🏁 I have never broken a socket ever.... and I have everything from Pittsburgh and Tekton...To DeWalt sockets & some SnapOn sockets... I've never snapped one....I really feel going with Tekton and DeWalt for sockets is the best value and quality

If you don’t actually care about being USA made necessarily, and are ONLY concerned about the warranty, last year I did some testing with a few different old broken pieces I had around and the results were satisfying. I tried to bring some stuff to Lowe’s and they swapped out everything I asked for that I could just grab an individual of (no breaking up sets unless you bring the whole set). If you don’t have a Lowe’s nearby, I took some of the pieces Lowe’s only had sets of to Ace Hardware and the same rules apply, as long as they have it in stock you can swap no questions. I still had some things to swap and not everyone has those stores, so Craftsman also as a phone number you can simply text and send pictures to and you can just have them sent to your house the same as Tekton.

I purchased a set of Craftsman sockets/wrenches over 30 years ago; they came in a cardboard box, if that tells you anything, lol. After years of use, I had one break, the deep-well 1/2 inch socket. Because my father-in-law was a Snap-On dealer, I was able to supplement my Craftsman's with a set of Snap-On ratchets, screw drivers, and pliers at cost, and have never had an issue; you can "feel" the quality as compared to the Craftsman ratchets. I don't make my living with my tools, but I've been wrenching all my life, my stuff, family stuff, friends, stuff, etc. "Oh, you know about engines", etc., etc. When my FIL passed away, I inherited a lot of his tools and his Snap-On toolbox. Anyhow, if I was starting out, and going to make my living with tools, I would look for a good quality set of sockets/wrenches, and supplement with Snap-On's; if I decided this is how I want to make a living, I'd invest in Snap-On's as my budget allowed. Time is money, and that includes going to Harbor Freight to exchange a tool, or getting one replaced on-line. With Sears gone, it is hard to warranty Craftsman; if you don't have a receipt showing you purchased it here, we won't warranty it; not sure that works for Snap-On tool trucks. Any who, that's my two-cents from a professional certified shade-tree mechanic, lol. Good luck!!

Are you saging that gear wrench impact sockets are great? Cause im really confused what impact socket to but and tekton is not available on canada fuck

Just curious where would you put Milwaukee chrome sockets on this ranking?

Where does Carlyle (Napa) fit in? Is it like Tekton?

Awesome video loved it

I would add Capri and Carlyle in there as real alternatives to the Tool Truck brands.

I'm wondering if Japanese brand Koken is sold in the US. It's popular here in New Zealand with guys in the auto trade, and is excellent quality, quite expensive but not as pricey as Snap On.

Anyone know of store that has more individual pieces rather than the whole sets ? And has a wider variety to choose from ? Also anyone knows of where I can find a bit shorter length deep sockets ?

I've been buying a lot of Tekton stuff lately. I have a lot of Sunnex impact sockets. I have craftsman usa, some Icon stuff. I have gear wrench also. I have been spending for the snap on flex ratchets because they are just so nice. It's funny when I open my socket drawer how you can see just how few of my sockets get regular use. Don't over spend for sockets. I can't remember the last time I broke a socket that was being used correctly. Pay up for quality ratchets. Just my opinion

I’m a Generator tech and I personally used the HART brand from Walmart, they work very well

Recently managed to break a 30 yr. old Craftsman 17mm deep socket. Walked into the local Sears (depressing sight) and got a Chinese replacement. No hassle, just gave them my phone # and walked out.

The ones I use are wera, Matco, sk, gearwrench, icon and sunex. Wera is favorite gearwrench is my favorite budget brand

Craftsman used to THE toolset to buy when you got your first car. Unfortunately, with so many house brands (Husky, Kobalt, Hart) being warrantied for life, one can get more tools for the $$ as Craftsman.

It definitely sucks when you lose one 1/4 socket and it cost you $25 for replacement because it’s a snap on they happen to one of my guys at work personally if you’re starting definitely go With the icon or Pittsburgh pro sockets if you lose one it’s not that expensive to get the replacement

Teckton actually does have a master set comes with the 1/4 55pcs 3/8 74pcs 1/2 84pcs for a total of 213pcs for $375 that's a heck of a deal.

I Just sold most of my snap on stuff and went with Tekton master set. Got a lot more sizes and some extra ratchets and still money in the bank. No snappy truck around here . the Snap on and MATCO are so overpriced .

Matco still does make USA chrome sockets. People shouldn’t be getting Taiwan sockets on warranty replacements. If they are, it’s a mistake.

I got all Tekton sockets. So far there great. I had a issue with one of the sockets and it was a internal socket finishing issue. I took a picture and I got a replacement in 2 days. You just can't beat that warranty. Also I had the pittsburgh impact sockets and hated them. I would get them stuck on lug nuts on my father-in-law f250. I got the tekton impacts and they work amazing for the money. I use them all the time at salvage yard. Keep up the good work on the channel.

Good review. I like texton Kobalt and gearwrench. Agreecwirh you about crapsman. Mac and snap on are food for speciality for speciality sockets. texton has the best warranty policy

DeWalt for chrome vanadium sockets have been fantastic , the 192 piece set. $150. MARCH. 2023. AMZ.

I've got the icon impact sockets, used for a year so for so good

Pittsburg pro is alright, icon actually surprised me decent stuff gets the job done. Craftsman USA made (old stuff) is great for the weekend warrior I would say it’s the best route. Matco is my favorite good tools can’t go wrong. Mac has some nice wrenches that are in my list. And snap on is king out of my pocket range but the best money can buy

I've got a couple sets of Capri sockets. They look nice. What's everyone else's experience with them?

Snapon has a *flute* in the semi-deep and deep sockets not sure why others don't (biggest issue) with others. Like the fastener falls down in the 'semi/deep' sockets and makes a fiasco using them. But it does seem like Gearwrench deep metric chrome sockets have a flute in them. Got SK (all mine metric) as work at Yam/Kawi shop they got a flute in them.

Surprised no SK. I wish I knew about tekton along time ago. Luckily I got craftsman back when it was USA made wish I knew and got more as I just have a small set. Although I realized I hate sets now that eventually you use them enough you'll find your missing a socket thats skipped in the set and it annoying have to either make it work, use a gator socket in a pinch and risk damaging the fastener, or running out to find what you need. I like the fact that tekton has no skip sets so if I had to do it over again I'd probably go that route. I know someone mentioned before but I got the craftsman gunmetal set on sale at lowes around the holidays and it's a nice set even got one for my brother in law who is a mechanic and he carries it in his work truck for on the road use and he was surprised and said he likes it.

For the most part, I use Pittsburgh. They work well for me as a weekend warrior. I think if I was a professional, I would still use them. I know a handful of people that use HF stuff in the shop and have had very few issues. But I’m cheap. If I’m working for a paycheck, I’m not looking to blow it on the tool truck. Nor do I need to have the best set money can buy. As long as you use a tool in the way it’s meant to be used, you shouldn’t have any problems. Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you.

Does Quinn skip sizes like Pittsburgh?

Iv been replacing my kobalt stuff with usa made williams and they are great.

This guy really loves ice tea!!🤣😅🤣 Love your content!! 👍🇺🇲👍 And tools.

I'm looking to get some metric ko-ken shallow nut grip socket shallow set.

Good stuff man, are you in EP?

My 30 year old Taiwan Mastercraft set Is still holding it's own with abuse but recently upgraded to Tekton and Icon 😊

Tony love the videos and been watching for a while. I think one of the important things that I maybe missed here is the tolerances of better sockets. You mention the chrome can cause fitment issues, but on a lot of sockets I have noticed that the better ones just fit tighter which means less rounded bolts. This is especially true when working with things like torx bolts on foreign cars. Also I'd love to see you throw Capri tools in there. They've become my go to sockets over Tekton.

I’ve heard that the icon tools are very close to tool truck, if not almost the same. And have had very good experience with modern craftsmen in regards to warranty’s. Also heard something about them being made in USA again

I use Craftman sockets that ive had for 9 years and honestly I still have not broken a socket im about to upgrade all my tools to Tekton.

I am a hobbyist but I am also only 23 and want to do this for decades to come. I think what I want to do is buy tekton chrome sockets, sunex impacts and then a 8-19mm snap-on socket rail for £200. All in just over £400 but that should be a complete set that I can use for decades. I cannot afford nor justify many snap on tools but the most basic rail should be a worthwhile purchase and £200 I can justify, just not the £7000 for their master sets and the likes of their £10,000 tool boxes and all.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Sonic

I still have a lot of old craftsman tools that I bought at sears. When any of my old craftsman tools break, I throw them out, the new craftsman tools are junk. I will replace any broken craftsman tools with icon or tekton tools.

Have you had any experience with Milwaukee? If so, where would you place them?

If you are able to get your hands on them try the King Tony impact sockets, every single place me, any on my mates or old workmates have worked at least one person has had at least 1 king Tony impact socket. I think they German? Only reason I say that is cause that's where I think it's made because I'm in nz

all the vehicles I work I need short shallow, short, mid , and deep nothing like fighting a tight space where just the length of a socket will determine adding 6 hours of extra work.

Fellow whiskey drinker 🥃. I recently picked up some older SK USA sockets for cheap.

SK sockets are my go-to!