Need input on socket set

[orGhatcH]

Would like to get some suggestion from you guys. As I have no experience on buying any car tools.

I am looking into buying either set:(because they are on sale)

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Torque-Wrenches/1/2-in.-dr-Click-Type-Torque-Wrench/2919389.p
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Impact-Socket-Sets/10-pc-1/2-in.-dr-Metric-Shallow-Impact-Socket-Set/3407798.p

Total: $30
Pro: Heard great reviews about it and it looks like a quality product
Con: does not have 10mm socket which I think I have used for battery connections before

OR this

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444334 3951&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077&bmUID=1369228848974 = $20

Any suggestion is welcome :)

[PearlM3]

Ahh they are two very different thing. Princess auto is not a socket set, its a torque wrench, not a ratchet, and they are 1/2 inch, the Canadian tire set is 3/8 inch.

[r4mi5awi]

At those prices, buy the torque wrench and then head over to home depot and buy a 1/2" DEEP socket set. I generally found home depot socket set prices to be cheaper compared to ct and better quality too: husky vs. Mastercraft. You'll need DEEP sockets if you plan on getting far with car work. :)

[orGhatcH]

my noobiness amaze me sometimes :D
Well just happy im learning.

Thanks for the help!

will check out home depot flyer.

[RobertL]

Lowe's also has some decent sockets/socket sets. They're Kobalt branded and are pretty good, definitely worth it if you can find a sale.

[midnightfxgt]

Buy that $15 Black chrome set, just because.

Little sets like that are awesome to have around the house. Example - I need to take my bed frame apart today. Out to grab the little socket set and get to work. They work good for small jobs around the house, and on the car!

-John

[SomeGuy]

What's your budget and what are you going to be working on? The jobs you want to do will drastically change what sort of set you need.

For general maintenance on a mazda 3 you need approximately the following:
1/2" drive breaker bar
1/2" drive torque wrench
21mm 1/2" drive deep socket
10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm sockets in 3/8's drive with a ratchet
8, 10, 12mm sockets in 1/4" drive with a ratchet
A couple sizes of extensions in 1/4" and 3/8" drive
5mm and 7mm hex socket in 3/8's drive (or allen wrenches)
8, 10, 12, 14, 17mm combination wrenches (sometimes a ratchet doesn't work)
#1 and #2 philips and a couple sizes of flat head screwdrivers (panel clips and such)
Needle nose and a heavier either linesman or slip joint pliers

With this you can change tires, brakes, battery, remove body panels, bumpers, interior trim, etc.

[orGhatcH]

thanks for all of your help!

For now, planning on getting that socket set from CT bec its $15. thought it was $20 at first. :|
then torque wrench + 21mm 1/2" drive deep socket for lug nuts (do i need any other size that needs to be deep socket?)

8, 10, 12mm sockets in 1/4" drive with a ratchet - what is main use for this in our cars?

[Chrisinski]

Canadian tire has their socket sets on sale religiously. I have 2 socket sets both bought from CT and I piad $45 for a 150 piece set and $60 for a 200 piece set. Shop the sales. plus Canadian tire will replace anything if broken ( which it will ) and I never trust anything from princess auto unless I have the thought of it being a disposable tool. ALSO at CT they usually have bins I enjoy digging through for common sockets that you can buy for like .25 cents a piece.

[SomeGuy]

thanks for all of your help!

For now, planning on getting that socket set from CT bec its $15. thought it was $20 at first. :|
then torque wrench + 21mm 1/2" drive deep socket for lug nuts (do i need any other size that needs to be deep socket?)

8, 10, 12mm sockets in 1/4" drive with a ratchet - what is main use for this in our cars?

Remember you can't use the torque wrench to loosen the lugs, only tighten them. Hence the need for a breaker bar.
A 10mm deep wouldn't hurt, but I don't find myself using too many deep sockets on the car.
8mm is used for a variety of smaller interior fasteners and also the front splash shield, 10mm is all over the place on the car and sometimes a 3/8" ratchet is too big for the spots.

My recommendation for a starter is to get a single set with all sorts of sizes, it will be cheaper to get a good base set than a bunch of separate sets. Plus, if you work on other household stuff or other cars the sizes for the mazda 3 might not suffice.

A set like this might be a better option, even though it's far more expensive:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589250P/Mastercraft+Maximum+250-piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

[SomeGuy]

Canadian tire has their socket sets on sale religiously. I have 2 socket sets both bought from CT and I piad $45 for a 150 piece set and $60 for a 200 piece set. Shop the sales. plus Canadian tire will replace anything if broken ( which it will ) and I never trust anything from princess auto unless I have the thought of it being a disposable tool. ALSO at CT they usually have bins I enjoy digging through for common sockets that you can buy for like .25 cents a piece.

Interestingly enough, I've never had a tool from princess auto break on me but I've had several mastercraft ones break. They're both chinese and mass produced, I don't think the quality leans in either direction.

[Chrisinski]

ALSO to add in. check pawn shops man! CHEAP CHEAP!

[r4mi5awi]

thanks for all of your help!

For now, planning on getting that socket set from CT bec its $15. thought it was $20 at first. :|
then torque wrench + 21mm 1/2" drive deep socket for lug nuts (do i need any other size that needs to be deep socket?)

8, 10, 12mm sockets in 1/4" drive with a ratchet - what is main use for this in our cars?

Get a deep socket set, different sizes will come handy from switching wheels, end link nuts, bolts under the hood, etc. You'll be using 14mm sockets a lot from my personal experience. Most bolts and nuts will be in hard to reach places, far exceeding the length of a standard socket.

[Chrisinski]

Interestingly enough, I've never had a tool from princess auto break on me but I've had several mastercraft ones break. They're both chinese and mass produced, I don't think the quality leans in either direction.

That's why I said it will break. I find the exchange process at CT much easier and its lifetime. I do from time to time find American made ct tools tho at garage sales ;)

[SomeGuy]

Get a deep socket set, different sizes will come handy from switching wheels, end link nuts, bolts under the hood, etc. You'll be using 14mm sockets a lot from my personal experience. Most bolts and nuts will be in hard to reach places, far exceeding the length of a standard socket.

14mm for endlinks sure...but you need a combo wrench, not a socket for that. I find I use more shallow sockets than deep sockets, the only time you need the deep socket is when the bolt extends past the nut too far, otherwise just use an extension for extra reach.


That's why I said it will break. I find the exchange process at CT much easier and its lifetime. I do from time to time find American made ct tools tho at garage sales ;)

Powerfist stuff is lifetime as well and princess keeps your purchase history on file (hence why they always ask for your phone number) so you don't even need a receipt. I buy from both though, just depends on who has the right deal. Also, princess tends to carry more specialized tools that you can't find in the big box stores.


Also it's sometimes worth while spending more on the "big" names for certain items...hand tools not as much, but power tools for sure (I personally buy dewalt but milwaukee, makita, etc are all worth the money over mastercraft). I've also got a few ingersoll rand, gearwrench, etc items that granted aren't the truck brands (matco, snapon, mac, etc) but a definite step up from the box store stuff.

[Chrisinski]

Its basicly pick your.brand. regardless the quality is nothing to how it use to be. Thank god for lofetime warranty!

[orGhatcH]

Remember you can't use the torque wrench to loosen the lugs, only tighten them. Hence the need for a breaker bar.
A 10mm deep wouldn't hurt, but I don't find myself using too many deep sockets on the car.
8mm is used for a variety of smaller interior fasteners and also the front splash shield, 10mm is all over the place on the car and sometimes a 3/8" ratchet is too big for the spots.

My recommendation for a starter is to get a single set with all sorts of sizes, it will be cheaper to get a good base set than a bunch of separate sets. Plus, if you work on other household stuff or other cars the sizes for the mazda 3 might not suffice.

A set like this might be a better option, even though it's far more expensive:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589250P/Mastercraft+Maximum+250-piece+Socket+Set.jsp?locale=en

Will the tool that is included in the spare tire tool kit be enough to loosen the lugs? I understand from what I read it does not clear the alloy wheels very well. I have yet to try.



ALSO to add in. check pawn shops man! CHEAP CHEAP!

Will do.

[SomeGuy]

Will the tool that is included in the spare tire tool kit be enough to loosen the lugs? I understand from what I read it does not clear the alloy wheels very well. I have yet to try.



It should work but it's a pain in the ass. Breaker bars go on sale for $10 at both canadian tire and princess auto all the time.

You probably also want a proper jack and jack stands, the scissor jack is not safe for going under a vehicle.

[peterm15]

Whatever you get make sure there is a lifetime in house warranty.

I've snapped a dozen or so of my stanly black chrome. All I need to do is bring it into CT and they replace it. No receipt needed.

[orGhatcH]

It should work but it's a pain in the ass. Breaker bars go on sale for $10 at both canadian tire and princess auto all the time.

You probably also want a proper jack and jack stands, the scissor jack is not safe for going under a vehicle.

Thanks, yes I could borrow jack stands from a friend if ever I do any work under the car. But would like basic tools so that I do not have to bother him every time.

I guess I will be waiting for the sale for the breaker bars. it is regular price right now for HD, CT and princess auto.


Whatever you get make sure there is a lifetime in house warranty.

I've snapped a dozen or so of my stanly black chrome. All I need to do is bring it into CT and they replace it. No receipt needed.
Will take a note of this. Thanks!

[Hyperion]

Jacks and stands are basic equipment. I never lend out my tools or they won't come back. If your friend does, he's a better man than I.

[SomeGuy]

Jacks and stands are basic equipment. I never lend out my tools or they won't come back. If your friend does, he's a better man than I.

At some point you're better to know someone with the tools/knowledge to do the job than it is to just try to do it all yourself. There are certain things I wouldn't even bother trying myself like swapping an engine or rebuilding a transmission.

[orGhatcH]

In case anyone need a socket set as well, wanna share what I ended up buying.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRDOVR~0589236P/Stanley+Socket+Set%2C+73-Pc.jsp?locale=en for $45 - still on sale up until may 30 ( what flyer says)
I bought it cause it has all socket size that SomeGuy indicated below. except 1/2" drive.


What's your budget and what are you going to be working on? The jobs you want to do will drastically change what sort of set you need.

For general maintenance on a mazda 3 you need approximately the following:
1/2" drive breaker bar - not on sale as of the moment
1/2" drive torque wrench - princess auto link above
21mm 1/2" drive deep socket - around $3-$4 @ princess auto
10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm sockets in 3/8's drive with a ratchet Check
8, 10, 12mm sockets in 1/4" drive with a ratchet Check
A couple sizes of extensions in 1/4" and 3/8" drive there is only one of each
5mm and 7mm hex socket in 3/8's drive (or allen wrenches)
8, 10, 12, 14, 17mm combination wrenches (sometimes a ratchet doesn't work)
#1 and #2 philips and a couple sizes of flat head screwdrivers (panel clips and such)
Needle nose and a heavier either linesman or slip joint pliers

With this you can change tires, brakes, battery, remove body panels, bumpers, interior trim, etc.

[SomeGuy]

In case anyone need a socket set as well, wanna share what I ended up buying.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRDOVR~0589236P/Stanley+Socket+Set%2C+73-Pc.jsp?locale=en for $45 - still on sale up until may 30 ( what flyer says)
I bought it cause it has all socket size that SomeGuy indicated below. except 1/2" drive.

Good choice to start with, better than just that little kit. Also didn't mention it in my list, but looks like you got the right size spark plug socket in there too (5/8's). Hope you enjoy :)

[orGhatcH]

Thanks for your detailed suggestions someguy! Appreciate it.
Made it easier for me to get the right socket set.

[PCLoadLetter]

That's a great socket set for the price. Nice snag.

[peterm15]

I really think someguys post should be stickied.

[orGhatcH]

I really think someguys post should be stickied.

+1. His post is a big help for people like me who are just starting to service their own cars.

[SomeGuy]

I could write something up that's a little more complete....not sure what section it would belong in though.

Mods?

[JonsMazda]

Since we are on socket type question...which socket type would I use to take out spark plugs? Links would be GREAT! Thanks!

[SomeGuy]

Since we are on socket type question...which socket type would I use to take out spark plugs? Links would be GREAT! Thanks!

5/8" spark plug socket, 3/8's drive usually.

[brucewayne]

I really think someguys post should be stickied.

yup