Socket Set Buying Tips
Tom Vondrasek | 26th July 2025 | 4 minutes to read
If you are considering your first socket set, it's important to think about several factors. First, consider the type of vehicle you will be working on, whether it's a regular car, a collector car, or a 4WD. Next, evaluate the kind of work you intend to do, ranging from light tinkering and parts changeover to full engine rebuilds.
The quality and size of the socket set, along with the warranty and your budget, are also key aspects to keep in mind. Finally, consider any add-ons or accessories you might want or need for your specific projects.
Lets break out these points to help you make a decision:
Starter Kit/First Kit
The first thing you need to work out is the vehicle or vehicles you will be working on. This way you know whether you need a metric, imperial or combination of the 2 sets as depending on the vehicle this can vary. Metric will be the most popular by far as it is used on most vehicles these days and older European models. Imperial is used on early American, British and Australian vehicles.
Whats Metric and Imperial?
Metric Sockets increments in Millimetres - 7mm, 8mm, 9mm 10mm etc
Imperial Sockets increment in fractions of an Inch - 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch 1/2 inch
Type of Vehicle
Next is the physical size of your vehicle. As a rough guide if working on:
- Small, Medium or large cars
3/8 inch drive socket sets will do most things you need - SUVs, 4wd’s or Vans
1/2 inch drive socket sets will do most things you need and is stronger than a 3/8inch drive as the parts are physically bigger and use bigger bolts and can have higher torque settings. - Trucks
3/4 inch drive
Type of Work
If you only intend doing basic mechanics on your vehicle when required, like a service, then a basic, no frills set is all you need. If you intend to carry out major repairs or vehicle restorations then a more comprehensive set is required. If you work on a car most weekends or some weeknights then the more comprehensive set is what you need.
Quality, Set Size, Warranty and Budget
My preference:
Quality
Buy as good a quality set as you can because you can have a socket set for life. Given some components on vehicles have high torque settings, cheap sockets can break or crack. Cheap sets are good for around the house, not for working on vehicles. I look for kits made from chrome vanadium steel as this is a quality metal that works well.
A general test is pick up a cheap socket and then a quality socket of the same size. The quality socket will be heavier as the material is denser.
Warranty
Some sets offer a lifetime warranty. If you intend to use the set a lot, then this is a good investment. If you are an occasional tinkerer, it is not so important. The cost will be higher for these sets.
Set Size
Try and get the best bang for your buck and get a set with a good range of sockets. Look for what accessories are available with the set. Things like breaker bars, extension of different lengths, universal joints and even adapters to let a 1/2 inch drive use 3/8 inch sockets or vice versa.
Budget
This really dictates what set you can purchase. Even if you start with a smaller set, just about everything is available as an individual part, so you can add to your set as the need arises. Accessories are also an easy add on.
The one thing about a large set that is convenient is all the sockets and pieces have their unique place. This way, when the job is done and you are packing up, a quick glance can tell you if something is missing. Nothing worse than leaving a loose socket under the bonnet.
Next Steps
Once you have a socket set then depending on your requirements, there some good options available.
1/4 Inch drive Socket Set
This complements either 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive sets and gives you a range of small sockets that can overlap your range of larger sizes. Worth buying as a set as they are cheap compared to bigger sets and being small, easy to lose or misplace. Very handy for under dash, trim and electrical work.
Accessories and Add Ons
Adding a 3/8 inch drive set to a 1/2 inch drive set or vice versa. If you have a 3/8 inch drive set then the 1/2 inch drive gives access to larger sockets and lets you tighten to higher torque specs. Adding 3/8 inch drive set to a to 1/2 inch drive doesn’t increase the socket range, though it does help with socket access to confined spaces as the pieces are physically smaller.
Different size extension or breaker bars come in extremely handy for reaching and cracking bolts and nuts.
Adding a deep reach socket set for access to harder to reach nuts or bolts.
Impact socket sets are only worth buying if you have an air or battery powered tool to use them. You should not use a standard socket on a powered tool.
