Best individual drive sockets according to redditors
We found 269 Reddit comments discussing the best individual drive sockets. We ranked the 160 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 269 Reddit comments discussing the best individual drive sockets. We ranked the 160 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
> Stanley part number here is 89-961B
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hand-Tools-89-961-Rotator/dp/B00HNMZ3G4
Tekton and harbor freight are your best friend.
Go to harbor freight and get a toolbox, 3 ton jack, and 4 jack stands. A creeper is nice to have.
If you want sockets and ratchet from harbor freight, get the Icon ratchets and Pittsburgh sockets.
I suggest Tekton from Amazon. Start with the 3/8 set, then get the 1/2 and 1/4 set.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6RJXJ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UuaQDbRWPK777
That'll cover your socket needs for the most part.
For wrenches :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXUPFDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CwaQDb63MEAK1
With a toolbox, Jack, Jack stands, socket set, and wrenches, you'll be able to complete most jobs.
Over time, you'll accrue more tools as you need them. I'm a mechanic by trade and, even with a fully matured tool setup, find myself buying tools I need every once and a while.
Join us at /r/tools and www.garagejournal.com
Craftsman is junk; Husky is decent; Snap On is overpriced.
I re-tooled last summer from my old Williams set. Here's what I wound up with:
-Snap On GF80: 3/8" drive ratchet, got it off ebay for $50. I probably wouldn't buy again, but it is very nice.
-Pittsburgh Pro extendable 1/2" drive and flex-head 1/4" ratchets: Less than $20 each, and they are 90% as good as the Snap On. I would probably buy the 3/8" instead of the Snap On, if I had to do it over again.
-Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" drive impact sockets: These boys have taken some abuse at this point, and other than the etching having been stripped off of a couple (see abuse above), they are still in great shape. $25 for shallow, $32 for deep, Metric or SAE.
-GearWrench 3/8" drive impact sockets: $60 for a pretty complete (8mm-19mm + 21mm, 5/16"-3/4") set, and they are very thin-walled so you don't really need chrome.
-Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" chrome (shallow only): $9/set for 12-point sockets, which is the only reason I got them.
-Pittsburgh Pro 1/4" chrome sockets, shallow and deep: Overpriced, really, but I got the color-coordinated ones which are pretty cool. I might go for a cheaper set if I had to do it again. $8-9/set.
-GearWrench Long Pattern Wrench Set: I got the 22-piece Metric set (6mm-32mm with some skips) for $97; I haven't bothered to get the SAE set, I just have a handful of Pittsburgh SAE wrenches on a wrench ring.
And a big rally box to put it all in. I bet you could get all of it for under $500 if you use coupons at Harbor Freight and shop around for the GearWrench stuff.
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I also got a DeWalt cased set to keep in my trunk:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-4-in-x-3-8-in-Drive-Polished-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set-200-Piece-DWMT75000/206510555
But I had to add some wrenches (it has 10mm, 11mm, 13mm and 14mm; wtf?!) to my trunk bag to make it "complete," and even then it has some oddness to it (3/8" drive starts at 14mm, so you'd better not have any really tight 12mm bolts...) so it might not be what you are looking for, but they make a few different sets.
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Other things I considered:
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-50614-2-Inch-Socket-146-Piece/dp/B00HR1Q5F4
$320 for a complete Williams socket set, but the wrenches are about the same...
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This might be the "bang for the buck" winner, simply for the completeness of the socket sets:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYZ2IJ5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDO6L90
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ
$270 ($180 for 1/2", $88 for 1/4" and 3/8") for a staggeringly complete set (10mm-32mm in 1/2" drive, shallow and deep, with no skips!) and then $42/set for the wrenches, 8mm-22mm.
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https://www.amazon.com/KD-Tools-KDT-80942-239-Piece/dp/B00OL2XFLO
GearWrench socket, wrench and allen key set, $210 for a whole bunch of tools, although they aren't the high-tooth-count ratchets.
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https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-tool-sets/301-pc-mechanics-tool-set-63464.html
Then there's this thing. It is actually quite well reviewed, and surprisingly complete on the socket side, if a little short on wrenches. It's usually on sale for $160.
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056E11QW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BT0AYG0
...and then there's the dream: If I could get away with having this stripped-down of a set... $600 for a very nice, but fairly bare-bones set. No deep-well, no 3/8" drive at all (hello, super-tight 12mm bolts!), and only great big long extensions... if you never need to get into really tight spaces, maybe. The 3/8" drive set is another $260 on top of this, and still doesn't have short extensions or deep-well sockets.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NPUKJ8/ref=s9_simh_gw_p263_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1MMZWQVK28EAA0MBYEHB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846
$10.83 with Amazon Prime shipping, get it by Tuesday for $3.99 or Wednesday for free shipping.
You will be hard pressed finding a good set that goes past 19mm for 3/8. You better off going with a 1/2 set.
I think Tekton makes incredible impact sockets for the price point. They also have stellar customer service and hassle free lifetime warranty.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009447UOC
I have the Tekton 84 piece 1/2 socket set and so far has not let me down. The fit and finish is certainly better then my cheaper craftsman sockets and I hear the warranty is pretty good. You won't find 1/2 sockets bigger then 32mm without stepping up to 3/4 sockets. Not that you'll need them since you only see that in agricultural machinery and factory/plants.
Holy cow I wish I could try one of these. But I don’t think I’d ever buy them.
Hazet set on Amazon.
> ... the best ratchet set for under $70 ... but just the standard sizes
This $67 Tekton set would be a good choice. It includes the most commonly encountered sizes in both shallow and deep sockets:
90 tooth ratchet and a full lifetime warranty
It doesn't include all of the sockets in their more expensive $125 set
But you won't find a set with that range of sizes in your less than $70 price range; barring a very lucky find at a yard sale/e-bay/Facebook Market place.
From what I've heard, you don't actually need to take your wheels off to dip. If you don't know what tools you'll need to do it, then you probably should go this route.
However if you still want to get some good tools to learn how to work on your car, here's what you'll need:
Floor jack this is the Harbor Freight one. It can be found in stores for as low as $70 depending on coupons. It's actually a pretty decent jack. Its very low and it lifts well. It's pretty good quality too, just very heavy. If you're not in the states/near a HF, do some research on a decent one as you don't want to drop your car on anyone/anything.
Jack stands you'll need four if you want to take all your wheels off at once. I don't have these stands and I don't know anything about them so do your research on some good ones (they don't have to be very expensive) and make sure to get some that will support your vehicles weight. Remember, be safe.
Breaker bar this will help you get the leverage you need to break your lug nuts loose. It's a very smart idea to properly torque your lug nuts back down when you put your wheels back on so they don't fall off or you don't snap a stud. Here's a combo kit with a torque wrench and that same breaker bar I have a few Tekton brand tools and I'm very pleased with them. They are a fantastic budget option that isn't junk. I would definitely buy from them again (and I'm a bit of a tool snob)
Lug nut sockets this is a generic kit that I have no experience with. You'll need a socket to fit on your breaker bar and torque wrench. This is a set with multiple sizes, you only need one size for your car so if you want to save some money, figure out what size your lug nuts are and just get one socket. The ones in this kit and some you'll find elsewhere are coated in a plastic sleeve to prevent scratching on your wheels.
Gloves Gloves aren't necessary but some people like them to keep from getting their hands super dirty. You can get as cheap or as expensive as you like with gloves. These seem to be popular. If you do go to HF to buy a floor jack, I like their heavy duty black nitrile gloves. They're disposable and very strong.
This should be all you need to get started with changing tires and whatnot. I'm on mobile so sorry for the inevitable typo. Good luck with your wheels and don't forget to post pictures on the finished product. I'll link some more tools below this if you'd like to build of a kit to do basic maintenance like changing your oil, etc...
Socket set This is a very good place to start with sockets. I linked a 1/4 drive and 3/8 combo set. The smaller 1/4 inch drive sockets are great for small places and will be fine for a lot of your car. The 3/8 inch drive set is good for larger fasteners or things that are a bit tighter. If you were only going to get one, I'd get the 3/8 drive. Alternatively if you want something a little bit better, GearWrench makes very good sockets and ratchets for a good price as well (more than Tekton but way less than "professional" tool truck brands)
Oil drain pan Doing an oil change is a great way to do maintenance on your car and get started before you do bigger things. You'll need to drain the old oil somewhere so a pan like this is perfect. You don't need anything too fancy. I think I got mine from my local auto parts store for ~$10.
Screwdrivers There's a million different options for these. My personal favorites are the Wera Kraftform screwdrivers they are super comfortable and they have a special non slip tip that is amazing. I don't want to use any other screwdriver ever after this. (They're on sale now too!! They're usually about ~$10 more than this. I almost want to get an other set just because)
Pliers These are great pliers at a good price. Keep them clean and they should last a long time. I'm very happy with mine.
I can't think of much more right now. You'll know when you need something else. This also depends on what kind of car you have. Jeeps for example, use a lot of torx fasteners so you'd need torx sockets for a lot of stuff. Just make sure you watch a lot of videos on how to do things and make sure you're comfortable doing whatever it is you're doing. The last thing you want to do is damage you or your car.
Why not buy this cheap set of them, try them out, and let us now how good they are?
https://www.amazon.com/Hazet-6-Point-Socket-Set-HZ854-1/dp/B00D8VL3RM
I lucked out and got this metric set by tekton for about $25 last year. 10-24mm no skips. If you wait for the sales you can get them for pretty cheap.
Sunex makes great tools but the price of their socket sets is just too high for someone who isn't earning money with them, this Tekton set covers what a kid getting their first car should keep in the trunk for less than a third of the Sunex version.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4-Inch-8-Inch-6-Point-16-Inch/dp/B00RCYX58G
Depends on purpose and budget. Sounds like you want to start with a socket set though. These Tekton sets are easy to get on Amazon and people here in the tools forum seem to like them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX58G/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Em2yCbFVQBNN0
Here's a list of the parts you'll need /u/RebornSpartan . I did pretty much the same thing last year.
Also, if you replace one wheel bearing I'd suggest knocking out the other one while you're at it. That also gives you the chance to check the axle shaft u-joints while you're at it.
2x Timken HA597449 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly - $150
You will also need a 36mm socket specific for the nut on the axle shaft. I bought this one from Amazon when I ordered the wheel bearings: TEKTON 4936 1/2-Inch Drive by 36 mm Deep Impact Socket, 6-Point - $14.
Something to be aware of (paranoia at its finest) is the possibility that your hub bolts may be rusted all to hell and need replaced. Or in case you want to replace them "just because". You can get them from Quadratec @ $4/ea and you will need a total of 3 for each side. Crown Automotive 34201535 Front Knuckle To Hub Bolt
Here are the Moog part #s for the ZJ tie rod upgrade:
1x Moog DS1312 ZJ Tie Rod End - $54
1x Moog ES3096L XJ/ZJ Tie Rod End - $26
You can generally re-use the adjusting sleeve that's already on the components you're going to replace, but in case you want/need a new adjusting sleeve it's only an additional $15.
1x Moog ES2079S XJ/ZJ Tie Rod End Adjusting Sleeve - $15
While you're down there mucking about with the steering, you should check the drag link and the track bar as well.
If you need/want to replace the drag link assembly, here are the part #s you'll need. Again, you can generally get away with re-using the adjusting sleeve so that will save you $15 if you do.
1x Moog DS1238 Tie Rod End aka Drag Link - $60
1x Moog ES3096L XJ/ZJ Tie Rod End - $26
1x Moog ES2079S XJ/ZJ Tie Rod End Adjusting Sleeve - $15
For the track bar:
1x Moog DS1235 XJ Track Bar - $59
Now, on to the sway bar links. If the links themselves are still good, all you need to do is replace the bushings.
2x Moog K3150 Sway Bar Link Repair Kit - $17
If your links are crap (usually the top bolt is rusted all to hell, or people don't want to screw with pressing out the old bushings) you can get two of these kits to just do a straight replacement.
2x Moog K3174 Stabilizer Bar Link Kit - $38
And don't forget to replace the mounting bushings for the sway bar while you're at it, also.
1x Moog K3171 Sway Bar Bushing Kit - $10
This kit will handle most household and car jobs, and it's pretty cheap
https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-858-170MM-2-Inch-Standard/dp/B005G0QBJI
I know tools so here we go. Focusing on the extras, luxuries, and conveniences. If I don't specifically note a manufacturer/model I probably just grabbed the first Amazon link to make it clear what I'm talking about.
He need a set of these
Female Torx socket set. www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFJD53J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WTNEDb7CJTHYE
Like this little wonder?
I own one and I love it. But I have never tried to take lug nuts off with it.
I have a rattle gun for that. You will need some of these
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010GJF8N8?psc=1
I went with the 18v because I had several other 18v tools. If you aren't invested in 18's I would suggest a 20. Has better battery and a bit more oomph.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCF883B-20-Volt-Lithium-8-Inch/dp/B007NVSQEQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1456971607&sr=8-3&keywords=20v+dewalt+impact
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Socket-Extension-SHA11106/dp/B07R8JQKGK
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24330-8-Inch-ft-lb-13-6-108-5/dp/B00FMPKAD0
https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-Tools-22887-Magnetic-Socket/dp/B00AXTKZ26
TEKTON 4929 3/8-Inch Drive by 7/8-Inch Oxygen Sensor Socket
http://amzn.com/B000NPUKIE
I ordered a the 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 inch set from Tekton
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYZ2IJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gAFizbJAH7B8Q
Think these should be fine?
Get the following stuff to prepare:
Soak all the header bolts and overpipe bolts to be removed with the penetrating oil for an hour or so. Watch some YouTube vids on how it's done. Then torque everything down to spec (Google is your friend!) If you can do an oil change, you can do this with the right tools and instructions. Just be prepared to take your time and do it right. Use anti seize on all the bolt threads and o2 sensor threads when reinstalling. It'll make life easier for you in the future. Also be prepared to not drive the car for a few days of shit goes wrong... When I did mine on a car with only 5k miles, the primary o2 sensor was found installed crossthreaded into the OEM header from factory... Had to order a new o2 sensor to go into my new header. Shit like this could happen. Good luck!
They’re called External Torx (sometimes abbreviated E-Torx).
https://www.amazon.com/CASOMAN-Female-TORX-Socket-External/dp/B07JFJD53J
Maybe one of these?
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Self-Adjusting-Universal-Self-Adjusts-Application/dp/B00008K2TF
Gator Grip Socket, easy as pie: http://www.amazon.com/Gator-Grip-ETC-125MO-King-Socket/dp/B00008K2TF
This could be the subject of a subreddit all on it's own. I do have to mention though that these have changed my life:
http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Extension-Ratchet-Mechanic-Tools/dp/B00129IG7W
Highly highly highly recommended!
No, that's a socket set. While the ratchet/driver itself will be helpful, you need to buy a set of torx bits.
Something like:
http://www.amazon.com/Neiko%C2%AE-10071A-Torx-Bit-Socket/dp/B000J0TF6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465236822&sr=8-1&keywords=Torx
These are triple square fasteners, tool link below
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-10056A-Triple-Square-10-Piece/dp/B004WK9I3O
TRIPLE SQUARES! Almost forgot about those freaks. You can't do your brake pads, along with other stuff, without it. I think it is literally a VW and Audi thing only?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WK9I3O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/Anytime-Tools-203032-Flexible-Extension/dp/B00129IG7W
Not sure I'd attempt a final torque with one, but getting all the way on then busting knuckles for the final chooch is worth it.
I recently had to rebuy my basic tool set as I moved a few thousand km and didn't bring everything. What mattered to me was a comprehensive set with no 'skips' (has every size, not skipping uncommon sizes), decent quality (sized accurately), good durability, and ratchets that aren't terrible. I ended up choosing the Tekton 3/8" and 1/4" sets from Amazon. No regrets. I augmented the set with the Gearwrench 120XP ratchets, which are nice but I'm glad I have the Tekton ones as well when I don't want the floppy flex head. I think Metric and SAE is pretty much mandatory. Even if you only work on Metric stuff, the odd SAE will appear.
I don't think much of modern Stanley socket sets at all. I'd go Harbor Freight first.
Edit: Here's what I've bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDO6L90/
Here is a good way to search for things like that and here is a good tutorial for the PCV update. It's crank case ventilation... it's nothing complicated, but you want to make sure you have the most current version (#6) to avoid sludge.
I do a good amount of things myself and I don't have a garage either. I live in Seattle in an apartment complex, I just park in a nearby lot and do it there, keep what tools I have in the trunk. You can do a lot with a ratchet set and some torx bits, essential things to have if you own a saab. (or just to have in general). O2 sensors are easy. It's literally just a plug that screws into the exhaust pipe, the pipes have threaded holes for the O2 sensor to plug into. The hardest part of this is sometimes it's on there pretty good and you might have to use some PB blaster beforehand to loosen it up, and use some muscle. You need an O2 sensor socket for your ratchet. Worst thing that happens driving with a bad O2 sensor is slightly worse gas mileage and a check engine light, so no rush. Depending on which O2 sensor is bad you might need to jack up the car to get to it, make sure you are safe about this if you do. The O2 sensor literally then just plugs into a spot in the engine bay and you're good to go.
Without a garage yeah it's pretty hard to do major things but stuff like O2 sensors you save hundreds doing it yourself and it's very straightforward. I'm no mechanic but nobody taught me anything about cars either, I have learned a lot over the years by using the internet, doing research, etc. The people on saabcentral.com forums are very helpful, and lots of old posts for common problems to help you out with.
Yep, but actually a good deal according to camel camel camel.
Here's the direct, non-affiliate link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-84916N-Metric-Impact-Socket/dp/B00UM688Z6
And CCC: https://camelcamelcamel.com/GEARWRENCH-84916N-Metric-Impact-Socket/product/B00UM688Z6
Edit: It's no longer available but it was about $56.
ARES 70000 | 3" Impact Grade Socket Adapter/Extension Set | Turns Power Drill Into High Speed Nut Driver | 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" Drive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010GJF8N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RcI1Cb3ESZE1A
Thanks to everyone for your help! I bought all the tools you mentioned (https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Socket-Extension-SHA11106/dp/B07R8JQKGK
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-24330-8-Inch-ft-lb-13-6-108-5/dp/B00FMPKAD0
https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-Tools-22887-Magnetic-Socket/dp/B00AXTKZ26)
and just replaced the spark plugs. Here is a photo of the old one. It seems it is not that worn, but I have replaced the four anyway.
Its common for this gen civic to eat o2 sensors once in a while. if it ever pops up, usually replacing it works fine as long as its the only DTC you have. Bosch o2 sensor and the deep well o2 socket (prefer amazon one here and not this one from autozone as its weak and could strip your sensor)
I've always wondered if one of the gator sockets could take them off.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket & Ratchet Set, 74-Piece (1/4-1 inch, 6-24 mm) | SKT15311 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TBH736Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Hr4vDbRFEDNAG
This is the one I was looking at. The other options are there as well. The 3/8 in drive 74 piece set has a breaker bar, so it looks like a great set with the torque I might need, while also having good range (down to 6mm, up to 24mm) while the 1/2 inch drive would start at 10mm. I would not need many options after 24mm.
At the same time, I hear people talking trash about Tekton, saying it rusts. DEWALT is maybe to general for most. I’m not sure what to go with.
Get a socket and wrench set What I got
Get torx bits What I got
I got the Haynes Audi A4 book but everyone suggests the Bentley manual, I don't know which is better, I just know that the Haynes helps a bit and is ~100USD less expensive
Jack and Jack stands
35mm or 36mm socket for the oil filter. WIG
That ought to get you through a good chunk of work. Cost me ~200USD for that. Although I did get other things for the car like;
Triple square bits What I got
1/2in breaker bar
Sockets for the 1/2in breaker bar
Security bit set What I got ,Used it to replace a few sensors
Yeah, that's it. The extras ran me ~90usd more
Might I recommend The Gator Grip. It's a socket that can work on many different sized bolts and it comes with the ratchet wrench. It's much smaller than carrying around an adjustable pliers like in the picture or an adjustable wrench or worse an entire small tool kit.
A ratchet and one small Gator Grip socket will easily fit into a back pocket and has way more torque and functionality than other adjustable bolt removal solutions.
Also it will be faster so there's less of a chance of being caught.
For a bit more $$ you can buy a lot with a case that will cover anything you might encounter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000J0TF6G/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I found two different socket sets by Neiko. One for XZN sockets and one for Torx sockets. Would you consider these good quality? They aren't terribly pricey and have gotten very good reviews it seems.
> swivel socket adapters
Yes. These would work too; https://www.amazon.com/Anytime-Tools-203032-Flexible-Extension/dp/B00129IG7W
call the manufacturers customer service.. they will send you out New screws. if who ever installs them uses a NEW Driver tool.. that is not damaged.. there are anti cam out phillips drivers with little ridges on the sides of the flutes to prevent backing out..
a ratcheting tool instead of a screw gun also..
something like this... http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Midget-Ratchet-ratchet-CM-13/dp/B00FVYLJ8W
ask for a few extra screws... just in case...
did the / A locksmith install the locks .. ???
I bought the first link (1/4th and 3/8th set) and 3rd link (wrenches and knife) so far you talked me into it lol. (all i have money for right now), i'll be getting impacts in the future but my impact gun is a 3/8th drive so i was thinking these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UM688Z6/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
I mean i'll take any advice
I almost got lost on the costal tool site, so many good things on there
Twice the cost for a full Tekton set 10-24mm and works for impact wrenches too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009447UOC/
I've got this set:
GearWrench 84916N SAE/Metric 3/8" Drive Impact Socket Set (44 Piece) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UM688Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SkjWBbK2X5DXG
IMO, "complete set" is overrated. Assuming you're not making a living with these tools and a jaunt down to Home Depot or Autozone or wherever to buy a loose 16mm socket if and when you ever need it isn't going to break you then I'd get whatever set you want/believe in the most and then supplement with loosies when you need them. They skip sizes in many sets because some sizes are vastly more rare than others in the wild.
I'm not OCD about having different brands sitting next to each other, though.
This Tekton set doesn't skip sizes, but only goes to 24mm. But honestly it's those super large ones where you'd almost never need any particular size, so you're better off buying loose sizes if/when you need them.
If you are looking for a socket set replacement for an emergency, I'd recommend a Gator Grip socket. They are surprisingly robust and actually work quite well. There are some limitations which you could find in a video review on youtube with minimal searching. If you need larger sizes, add the Gator Grip King Gator.
http://www.amazon.com/Endeavor-Company-ETC-120-Universal-Socket/dp/B000N8NJIE/
http://www.amazon.com/Gator-Grip-ETC-125MO-King-Socket/dp/B00008K2TF
Another two tools that could come in handy if you are trying to replace wrenches are Knipex Plier Wrenches and Knipex Cobra adjustable wrenches...
If you need translations, just search and replace "wrenches" with "spanners"... ;)
Judging by the name and numbers on the handle, it’s this.
So a specialized universal socket
Gator Grip King Socket The Original Professional Grade Self-Adjusting Universal Socket with over 450FT Pounds of Power. Self-Adjusts for shape and size as well as Standard and Metric Application https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008K2TF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hfkVDbHJH8YYN
Im sure there's cheaper versions but I don't feel like looking
Had this set for 4 years with no issues until I upgraded to the stubby snapon ones https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-10056A-Triple-Square-10-Piece/dp/B004WK9I3O/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=triple+square+socket+set&qid=1568772882&sr=8-4
Edit: Yes, I use them with impact tools :)
Well, I hope I got the right ones.
Online retail calls them "Triple Square Spline Drive."
Actually, I did get the right ones. They are also listed as "AZN" which is the other name for triple square.
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-10056A-Triple-Square-10-Piece/dp/B004WK9I3O
> https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Tool-858-170MM-2-Inch-Standard/dp/B005G0QBJI
WOW!
The socket itself already costs 2 grand
Yes! Harbor Freight is awesome. Cheap stuff, but who really needs a Hazet socket set when a Pittsburgh will do just fine?
Here is a set I use from Amazon. Napa didn't even have a large enough socket for a Passat axle bolt.
http://www.amazon.com/Neiko®-10056A-Triple-Square-10-Piece/dp/B004WK9I3O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1453909947&sr=8-4&keywords=triple+square
It's probably a 2-3 hour job for a shop to do it. So you're looking at 200-300 in labour, or $100 for the torque wrench and $14 for the impact socket and $92 for the u-joint/ball joint tool.
Having the high torque spec torque wrench might be niche but you can/will use the u-joint tool if you ever do your steering stabilizer, and any other ball joint...
A flexible snake like a hose? A hose that could possibly full of some fluid to transmit power from somewhere to the wrench?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_torque_wrench
http://www.hytorc.com/images/stories/hydraulictools/xlct/applications/XLCT-low-clearance-hydraulic-torque-wrench-application.jpg
These generally use a reaction arm to resist the torque. Just a chunk of metal that presses against something fixed to resist the movement generated by the tremendous torques that they can develop.
Other tools that don't generate quite as much torque don't need such a device and just use a long flexible solid shaft.
http://www.amazon.com/Anytime-Tools-203032-Flexible-Extension/dp/B00129IG7W
https://jet.com/product/detail/34400e65b1354c9c8db5a7108fbed65c?jcmp=pla:ggl:All_Products_Catch_All:All_Products:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=b697a11b-98a0-40c2-ae4f-6bef65a50225&abkId=403-15&gclid=CL2zgaOCycsCFVQ2gQod9iQKdQ
I've never seen a heptagon bolt head. I'd try one of these...
https://smile.amazon.com/Professional-Self-Adjusting-Universal-Self-Adjusts-Application/dp/B00008K2TF/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1524930779&sr=8-8&keywords=gator+grip
and replace that bolt with a standard hex headed bolt during reassembly.
cheapest I have seen this in 2 months or so: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UM688Z6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1