Help me decide on a 3/8 socket set. My two favorites so far are http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=SKT94547-12 and http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=ARM15-299. I want some US made tools and these seem like good deals. Open to other suggestions as well.
SK or Armstrong
- Thread starter Birdman476
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JHZR2
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I'm a fan of sk personally.
Did you try searching on Amazon or eBay for an SK set?
I'd go SK for a couple reasons:
-Apex Tools just announced they're eliminating the Armstrong and Allen brands and cutting more jobs in the U.S.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350027
-The Armstrong sockets are just the same sockets that used to be sold under the Craftsman brand before they outsourced Craftsman. The Armstrong sockets are really nothing special and IMO aren't worth the price unless they're on a super sale. The Armstrong 88 tooth ratchets were very nice, but if you buy one now, you basically can't count on a warranty because they'll just give you a GearWrench ratchet in exchange, most likely.
-Apex Tools just announced they're eliminating the Armstrong and Allen brands and cutting more jobs in the U.S.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=350027
-The Armstrong sockets are just the same sockets that used to be sold under the Craftsman brand before they outsourced Craftsman. The Armstrong sockets are really nothing special and IMO aren't worth the price unless they're on a super sale. The Armstrong 88 tooth ratchets were very nice, but if you buy one now, you basically can't count on a warranty because they'll just give you a GearWrench ratchet in exchange, most likely.
SK, I don't own either ratchet because they don't have quick release, for me this is a must have feature. The quality is top shelf no question.
Sets are usually cheaper so its not a big deal to add a QR ratchet later if you like them, this is a good USA made one.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-quick-release...mp;gclsrc=aw.ds
Sets are usually cheaper so its not a big deal to add a QR ratchet later if you like them, this is a good USA made one.
https://www.zoro.com/proto-quick-release...mp;gclsrc=aw.ds
From my consumer car repair days, I have mostly Snap-On. No complaints. Of these two I'd choose SK.
I had heard apex was going to offshore more production, didnt realize they were getting rid of armstrong. Thats why i was hesitant to buy Menard's masterforce. Ive been looking at proto sets as well, they tend to be a bit higher in price. Is it worth it to save up for the proto stuff? I'm going off to college this year and want stuff that wont break to take along. USA made is most important to me.
Either will serve a pro for decades of daily use. Proto and SK are very good tools, you cant go wrong with either and both are US made. Look at both of them and feel them in your hand.
At this level of tool quality is not an issue, its all about how it feels.
At this level of tool quality is not an issue, its all about how it feels.
Yep another good tool.
SK sockets... good quality, affordable, US made tool. I don't personally care for round-head rats though.
Tool Up has proto Blackhawk for a good price. If it's made in America it's the best bang for the buck I've seen yet. I'll probably bite if you guys give me the go ahead lol.
The were a good US made tool years ago but I wouldn't bet on COO today, investigate it further before dropping any $$.
It is all us made. says specifically on the proto website. Toolup.com is where im ordering from. I thought the prices were good for Blackhawk tools since theyre us made.
Look at the reviews for this..
https://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-Proto-BP-1338QR-Quick-Release-Ratchet/dp/B005YSZTE0/ref=sr_1_3?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1485313384&sr=1-3&refinements=p_4%3ABlackhawk+By+Proto
https://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-Proto-BP-1338QR-Quick-Release-Ratchet/dp/B005YSZTE0/ref=sr_1_3?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1485313384&sr=1-3&refinements=p_4%3ABlackhawk+By+Proto
I own some Blackhawk stuff and I'm happy with it. The ratchets (I own) are all Taiwan manufactured, the sockets are USA.
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