Frequently Asked Questions
Which socket set should I buy first?
A 1/2 inch drive metric set from 10 to 32mm. It covers cars, utes, trailers and farm gear. Add a 1/4 inch set for interior trim and small fasteners, and a 3/8 inch set if you do a lot of engine bay work. Combination sets here cover all three drives in one case.
What is the difference between a socket set and an impact socket set?
Hand sockets are chrome vanadium with a polished finish. Impact sockets are chrome molybdenum with a black finish and thicker walls, so they flex under a rattle gun instead of cracking. Never put a chrome socket on an impact wrench. See the
impact socket sets.
Metric or imperial socket set?
Metric for anything Japanese, European, Korean or built in the last 30 years. Imperial, also called AF or SAE, for older Fords and Holdens, American vehicles, Harleys and a lot of farm and industrial machinery. If you work on both, buy a combined set.
6 point or 12 point sockets?
6 point grips the flats of the nut and will not round off a tight or rusty fastener, so it is the workhorse choice. 12 point engages at twice as many angles, which helps in tight spots on bolts that are not seized.
What is a good budget socket set?
The Trades Pro sets. They are chrome vanadium, come in a blow moulded case, and the 3/4 inch drive 21 piece metric set is a lot of socket for the money if you work on trucks or machinery. Powerbuilt sets cost more and carry a lifetime warranty, which is the better buy if the tools earn your living.
How much does a good socket set cost in NZ?
The range here runs from $27 for a small 1/4 inch set to $2,030 for a full mechanics kit. A solid 1/2 inch drive metric set that lasts a lifetime is $100 to $300.
