Chrome Socket Set

Chrome Socket Set

Tips for Selecting Hand Tools

Hand tools can be easily judged for quality, long life and usefulness if you just learn a few simple rules. Here are some tips and tricks of the trade for making great selections without breaking the bank.

Look for add-ons and gadgets

The reason that all the great tools never change is they were already perfect.  Improvements to grip, contact surface toughness and ergonomics can be very useful and add to the life of the tool. Big changes like changeable bits, reversible shafts, and ratchets contained in small handles are not true improvements. These kinds of changes only make the tool have weak points that are bound to fail in anything other than light and occasional use.

For instance a hand screwdriver that has ¼ inch hex recess and magnet in the end of the shaft and multiple bits with a ratchet in the handle has inherent problems. The shaft is weakened because the hollow to accept the bit is very thin walled and has a tendency to warp and enlarge allowing the bits to wobble.  This can also make alignment difficult. The ratchet in the handle doesn’t last because the parts are so small and inexpensively made even the torque an average person can apply with one hand is enough to cause failure. 

Look for tolerances in manufacturing

Hand tools with moving parts are especially subject to failure. Just because a tool has a nice chrome or matte finish does not mean it is a quality tool. Two-part hand tools such as hand pliers and water pump pliers can be judged by how smoothly they operate without being loose. If one handle can be twisted in comparison to the other than you can bet the tool is of low quality.  Unfortunately tool manufacturers are all too familiar with the average consumer’s weaknesses.  If the packaging is attractive enough and the appearance of the tool is expensive, they know they can skimp on the actual quality of the tool itself.   

Look for comparisons between two tools

Many times you can quickly tell the difference in the true quality of a tool by comparing it side by side with another brand.  A ratchet wrench, for instance, should have very little turn in the driving shaft before it clicks into the next locking tooth.  Turn two ratchets upside down and turn the drive observing how far it turns before it clicks.  Pick another and perform the same test.  If one is higher quality than the other, the difference will be obvious.  Take some time to play with the tools in the store before you decide which one to buy.

About the Author

Robert Rockefeller is a freelance writer for Bicwharehouse.com. Bic Warehouse offers broad range of carpentry hand tools, laser measuring tools, automotive tools, tool sets, and tool boxes for construction.

http://www.bicwarehouse.com/tools-hand-tools.html

Standard T-Handle Socket Set $68.99 Motion Pro Standard T-Handle Socket Set Standard sockets sold as a set of eight that includes 5/16 in, 3/8 in., 7/16 in., 1/2 in., 9/16 in., 5/8 in., 11/16 in., and 3/4 in. sizes T-handle socket finished in nickel-pewter for a new look and feel Chrome vanadium tool steel, deep six-point socket with carbon steel T-style handles Deep socket allows nuts to be driven over long threaded bolts Thin outside diameter allows socket to fit into small spaces

Spark Plug Socket Set by Performance Tool $14.99 Set of 5;Vanadium steel;Chrome;3/8 in. drive Spark Plug Socket Set by Performance Tool

Metric Socket Set $13.99 BikeMaster Metric Socket Set Quality metric sockets at an affordable price, this 13-piece socket set will bolster your toolbox inventory and make it that much easier to work on you own stuff. Made from high-quality steel these sockets have a lifetime warranty from the manufacture. 6-point sockets Manufactured from chrome vanadium steel Chrome-plated and full polished from easy cleaning and durability Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer Contents: 4mm 4.5mm 5mm 5.5mm 6mm 7mm 8mm 9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm

Stanley Stanley Black Chrome Socket Set 92-824 $65.59 Black chrome socket set Floating pawl ratchets are high-torque ratchets Laser etched sockets provide hi-visibility markings making it easier to read compared to standard marked sockets Better corrosion resistance when compared to regular chrome sockets 2-piece cases allow for lid removal and enable the back case to be used as a drawer tray; an easy reassemble of the lid to the case provides for convenient tool storage travel Black chrome sockets provide a sharper appearance Includes: (30) 1/4? MaxDrive sockets: 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 3/16?, 7/32? 1/4?, 9/32?, 5/16?, 11/32?, 3/8?, 7/16?, 1/2? and deep sockets 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 1/4?, 9/32?, 5/16?, 11/32?, 3/8?, 7/16?, 1/2? (33) 3/8? MaxDrive sockets: 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 3/8?, 7/16?, 1/2?, 9/16?, 5/8?, 11/16?, 3/4?, 13/16?, and deep sockets 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 3/8? 7/16?, 1/2?, 9/16?, 5/8?, 11/16?, and 3/4? 3/8? pear head ratchet arm 1/4? pear head ratchet arm 3/8? spark plug socket, 5/8? and 3/8? spark plug socket, 13/16? 1/4? extension bar, 3? and 3/8? extension bar, 6? Blow molded case Brand #: Stanley 92-824 UPC: 076174928242 Keywords: mechanics tool socket set sockets 69pc black chrome

K Tool International KTI27101 13 Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6 Point Metric Chrome Socket Set $40.11 Chrome vanadium steel heat treated. On socket rail. Sizes include: 7mm to 19mm. 13 Pieces 3/8 Drive 6 Point Metric Chrome Socket Set.

K Tool International KTI27201 9 Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6 Point Metric Deep Chrome Socket Set $43.93 Chrome vanadium heat treated. Packaged on socket rail. Sizes include: 10mm to 18mm. 9 Pieces 3/8 Drive 6 Point Metric Deep Chrome Socket Set.

K Tool International KTI26100 8 Piece 1/4 Inch Drive 6 Point Metric Chrome Socket Set $29.71 Chrome vanadium steel heat treated. Packaged on socket rail. Includes sizes: 6mm to 13mm. 8 Pieces 1/4 Drive 6 Point Metric Chrome Socket Set.

S K Hand Tools 5 Piece 1/2" Drive Chrome Socket Extension Set. 1 Set $72.93 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. 1 Set. Features Benefits: Packaged in a plastic tray Includes: 2", 3", 5", 10" 15" Extensions Customers also search for: Discount 5 Piece 1/2" Drive Chrome Socket Extension Set, Buy 5 Piece 1/2" Drive Chrome Socket Extens

Proto® - 7 Pc. Hex Bit Socket Sets $76.4 Sturdy hex bit socket set. Proto® - 7pc. Hex Bit Socket Sets Forged alloy steel hand tool sets with nickel chrome finish Set includes socket bar and socket clips

T-Handle Socket Wrench Set $42.99 Built from chrome vanadium tool steel for corrosoin resistance and durability Includes 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 17mm socket sizes, as well as #3 philips Comes with Heavy Duty vinyl carrying case

Power Drill Socket Adapter Set by Performance Tool $3.99 3-piece set;Transforms your power drill into a power nut driver;2 in. Long hex shank;1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in. drive;Chrome vanadium steel construction;Ball bearing socket retainer Power Drill Socket Adapter Set by Performance Tool

K Tool International 8 Piece 1/4" Drive Metric Chrome Socket Set. Each $15.32 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: 6 point sockets from 6mm to 13mm Chrome vanadium steel, heat treated Packaged on socket rail Customers also search for: Discount 8 Piece 1/4" Drive Metric Chrome Socket Set, Buy 8 Piece 1/4"

K Tool International 13 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Chrome Socket Set. Each $24.47 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: 6 point sockets from 7mm to 19mm Chrome vanadium steel, heat treated On socket rail Customers also search for: Discount 13 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Chrome Socket Set, Buy 13 Piece 3/8" Drive

K Tool International 9 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Deep Chrome Socket Set. Each $27.83 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: 6 point sockets from 10mm to 18mm Chrome vanadium, heat treated Packaged on socket rail Customers also search for: Discount 9 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Deep Chrome Socket Set, Buy 9 Piece 3/8"

Stanley 69 Piece Socket Set $75.99 69 Piece Socket Set 92-824HB 69 Piece Socket Set 30 x 1/4" MaxDrive Sockets 33 x 3/8" MaxDrive Sockets 1 x 3/8" Pear Head Ratchet Arm 1 x 1/4" Pear Head Ratchet Arm 1 x 3/8" Spark Plug Socket, 5/8" 1, 3/8" Spark Plug Socket, 13/16" 1, 1/4" Extension bar, 3" 1, 3/8" Extension bar, 6" Blow Molded Case Color Graphics Sleeve Chrome sockets provide a sharper appearance Floating pawl ratchets are high torque ratchets Laser etched sockets provide hi-visibility markings making it easier to read compared to standard marked sockets Better corrosion resistance when compared to regular chrome sockets 2-piece cases allow for lid removal and enable the back case to be used as a drawer tray; an easy reassemble of the lid to the case provides for convenient tool storage travel Black Repair Kit Stanley The Stanley Work www.stanleyworks.com

52 Piece Combo Ratchet & Socket Set $18.95 The tools in the 52 Piece Combo Ratchet & Socket Set are triple chrome plated and rust proof. ?'', 3/8'', & ?'' drive sockets and accessories in SAE and Metric sizes. Ratchets are drop forged. With a molded plastic carrying case.

Sunex 11 Piece 3/4" Drive Deep SAE Truck Impact Socket Set Socket Set. 1 Set $208.22 Manufacturer: Sunex. 1 Set. Features Benefits: Forged from the finest chrome molybdenum alloy steel the best choice for strength and durability Radius corner design - to extend the life of fasteners 11 Piece deep drive SAE truck impact socket set Incl

Proto® - 10 Pc. Metric Hex Bit Socket Sets $183.2 Multi-purpose hex bit socket set. Forged alloy steel hand tool set with nickel chrome finish With 10 hex bits in varying tip sizes Set includes socket bar and socket clips

RoadPro RPS15 Screwdriver and Socket 15Piece Set $23.04 Screwdriver with 1/4 Drive Socket Adapter. Phillips Head #1 and #2 Slotted Head 3/16 and 1/4 Screwdriver Bits. #1 and #2 PZ Bits T15 and T20 Torx Bits. Socket Sizes: 1/4 9/32 5/16 11/32 3/8. Chrome Vanadium Bits. Comfort Grip Handle. Plastic Holder with Belt Loop.

Sunex 1/4" Drive TPMS Sensor Socket Set. 1 Set $11.76 Manufacturer: Sunex. 1 Set. Features Benefits TPMS sensor socket kit is used in the installation and removal of TPMS sensors Kit includes a 11mm x 12mm flip socket and 2" extension Packaged in a blister card Made of chrome vanadium A must have tool for

K Tool International 9 Piece Torx Socket Set. Each $19.61 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: Chrome moly steel heat treated Includes: T-10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 40, 45, and 50 Carded on socket rail. Customers also search for: Discount 9 Piece Torx Socket Set, Buy 9 Piece Torx Socket

Sunex SUN2841 8Pc .5 Inch Dr Pipe Plug Socket Set $83.52 Features and Benefits. Set contains both internal and external pipe plug sockets from 7/16 to 5/8 . Forged from high quality impact grade chrome molybdenum alloy steel. Backed by Sunex Tools lifetime guarantee. Comes with a blow molded caseSet includes: 7/16 female pipe plug socket 7/16 male pipe plug socket 1/2 female pipe plug socket 1/2 male pipe plug socket 9/16 female pipe plug socket 9/16 male pipe plug socket 5/8 female pipe plug socket and 5/8 male pipe plug socket.

Great Neck 75 Piece Socket Tool Set $23.95 Triple chrome plated Drop forged Metric and SAE socket set Rust resistant   Content: 1 - Blow case 2 - Reversible ratchet handlers:3/8? & 1/2? 8 - Hex Keys 1 - 3/8? Spin disc 11 - Bits & Holder 1 - Coupler 1 - Spinner Handle 1 - 3/8? Dr. 3? Extension 1 - 3/8? Dr. Spark Plug Socket 5/8? SAE: 14 - 1/4? Dr. Reg. Socket:5/32?, 3/16?, 7/32?, 1/4? , 9/32?, 5/16?,11/32?, 3/8?, 13/32?, 7/16?, 15/32?, 1/2?,17/32?, 9/16? 2 - 1/4? Dr. Reg. Socket 8 PT:1/4?, 5/16?, 3/8? 3 - 1/2? Dr. Reg. Socket:11/16?, 3/4?, 25/32?, 7/8? 6 - 3/8? Dr. Reg. Socket:7/16?, 15/32?, 1/2?, 9/16?, 5/8?, 11/16? Metric: 14 - 1/4? Dr. Reg. Socket:4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mm 6 - 3/8? Dr. Reg. Socket:11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 mm

Astro 7835 5 Piece Impact Socket Set for Chrome Wheels $54.61 These Astro Pneumatic Tool Company impact lug nut socket sets feature plastic sleeves and internal plastic inserts to prevent wheel and lug nut scratches. Their hollow design creates room for removing longer bolts by pushing out the plastic inserts. Each set comes in a blow molded case for easy storage and transport. Don t trust your expensive rims to just any lug nut sockets The 5piece set includes 17mm 19mm 21mm 13/16 in. and 7/8 in. sockets.

Sunex SUN1819C 1/4 Inch Drive TPMS Sensor Socket Set $24.82 Features and Benefits TPMS sensor socket kit is used in the installation and removal of TPMS sensors Kit includes a 11mm x 12mm flip socket and 2 extension Packaged in a blister card Made of chrome vanadium A must have tool for TPMS sensor removal and installationSunex s new 1819C TPMS Sensor Flip Socket and Extension Set contains an 11mm x 12mm flip socket with a 2 extension perfect for handling the ever growing need to change a TPMS Sensor. The unique flip socket design is the key to the easy installation and removal of TPMS sensors. The socket and extension are made of chrome vanadium and backed with a full guarantee.

Sunex SUN9144 44 Piece .25 in. Drive 6 Point Chrome Socket Set $75.92 Features and Benefits: . Chrome Vanadium material. 72 teeth ratchet. Color sleeves. Lifetime warranty. Low profile blow molded case Set includes: 41/2 Round Ratchet (72 Teeth); 3 and 6 Chrome Extensions; standard sockets sizes: 3/16 7/32 1/4 9/32 5/16 11/32 3/8 7/16 1/2 9/16 ; deep socket sizes: 1/4 9/32 5/16 11/32 3/8 7/16 1/2 9/16 ; standard metric socket sizes: 4mm 5mm 5.5mm 6mm 7mm 8mm 9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm; deep metric socket sizes: 6mm 7mm 8mm 9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm.

1/2'' Dr., 14-Hole, Shallow Socket Holder - Red $23.95 ? Holds a 14-piece socket set up to 1 1/4? or 30mm (SAE and Metric) ? Accomodates Impact and Chrome sockets By Mechanic's Time Savers.

Impact Socket set $99.99 Impact Socket Set METRIC 1/2 in. Drive Deep

Proto® - 10 Pc. Hex Bit Socket Sets $140 Long-lasting hex bit socket set. Proto® - 10pc. 3/8-1/2?dr Hex Bit Socket Set. Hand tool set made with forged alloy steel and with nickel chrome finish. Set comes with 7-3/8in. and 3-1/2in. hex bits. In a handy blow-molded case.

K Tool International 12 Piece Torx Socket Set. Each $23.67 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: Chrome vanadium steel heat treated Includes: T10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 40, 45, 47, 50, 55, and 60 Carded on socket rail. Customers also search for: Discount 12 Piece Torx Socket Set, Buy 12 P

Sunex SUN1819C TPMS Sensor Flip Socket and Extension Set $24.82 Perfect for handling the ever growing need to change a TPMS Sensor. The unique flip socket design is the key to the easy installation and removal of TPMS sensors. The socket and extension are made of chrome vanadium and backed with a full guarantee. 11mm X 12mm flip socket with 2 extension