dD/dt

After a fight with a couple of corroded access panel bolts while trying to change an oil filter on my Land Cruiser, the cheapie Craftsman 12mm socket and adaptor have died in a pile of metal shards.

I really need to get a decent, basic socket set. Sears is out; they've gone too far downmarket, and don't stand behind their tools anymore. I'm also wary of the Chinese made stuff at Home Depot and Lowe's. I don't need anything fancy, just basic US and metric. Just what I need to change oil, remove mower blades, etc. Tired of breaking tools halfway through a project, then having to spend an hour or two going out to replace them.

Any recommendations?

ltc

You can get very good deals on Beta tools on eBay....I've used them on my son's karts for years and never had an issue.

There is also Blue Point (made by Snap On) which is pretty good there too.

MarkM

Doesn't Sears guarantee their craftsman stuff anymore?

Tonydec

If you don't want to go big, i.e Snap On, Mac, etc, Kobalt are actually not bad. They are supposed to be a Snap On subsidiary (probably about the Blue Point level).

stubenhocker

Look for FACOM (france), HAZET (Germany) what Porcshe uses in their recommended tools kit, and as was mentioned BETA (ITALY)

dD/dt

Not really. Anyway, it's not like the old days when you could take in a 20 year old tool and they would replace it, no questions asked. The last few I took in they wouldn't replace for some reason or another. Besides, have you been to Sears lately? I'd be surprised if the company lasts for more than a year or two.

Thanks for the other input. I will definitely take a look at ebay for beta, snapon, etc.