What sockets to buy

rimmy · **Joined:** Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:34 pm **Posts:** 57

I'm putting together a toolkit specifically to leave in my Jeep. All I can remember using on it is metric sockets. Do I even need to bother with SAE or are there a few sizes of SAE that I should toss in? I've got a lot of ideas from the trail bag thread of what to toss in, but I don't see this addressed anywhere else.

-jordan

bugnout · **Posted:** Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:16 pm

Recommend you get 6 point sockets 6mm to 18mm 1/2in socket set, a metric hex wrench set, a good 8"cresent wrench, 8" locking pliers, a #2 philips, a medium straight blade screwdriver, A cheap multimeter

I carry a couple of SAE tools. I carry a 3/4 ratchet wrench for rapid removal of the skid plates. (Drilled out for carriage bolts instead of the factory nutzerts)

While I'm doing maintenance or fixing the Liberty, I try to only use the tools from my carry bag. If I find I need a tool that isn't in the bag I tend to add it.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:28 pm

Most common sizes on a KJ............

10mm
12mm
13mm
15mm
18mm
19mm(or 3/4") for lugnuts
21mm
35mm(front axle nuts)
E14(unit bearing bolts)
5/8" spark plug socket

Sockets and wrenches both,3/8" drive or 1/2" drive for sockets.3" and 6" extensions for sockets.

rimmy · **Joined:** Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:34 pm **Posts:** 57

Thanks!

Billwill · **Posted:** Wed Nov 20, 2013 3:45 am

Get a metric Allen key set as well as some male "Torx" bits...the small male "Torx Security" type with the hole down the center is needed for removing ignition switch in case the ignition actuator assembly breaks....quite common! :wink:

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Nov 20, 2013 10:56 am

I carry more than normal, but way less than Troy, :wink:

I have a full set of metric and SAE in 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive , both deep well and shallow, plus whatever " special sockets just for a KJ/KK that are needed
I want to have whatever tools it takes to work on anyone's that I may meet on the road or trail, not just mine.

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Wed Nov 20, 2013 12:44 pm

I do need to add tools to my stock, specifically a torque wrench. Are there any reasonably priced ones out there without compromising in quality. You get what you pay for. The majority of my sockets are 3/8s and I'm going to start building up the 1/2" set.

HoosierJeeper · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 8:23 am **Posts:** 1218

I've been using a $9.99 Harbor Freight 1/2" torque wrench for the past 4-5 years fairly often and it's holding up great. Not the most accurate I bet, but plenty good for general stuff. If I was rebuilding an engine I might get a nicer one.

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

HoosierJeeper wrote:

I've been using a $9.99 Harbor Freight 1/2" torque wrench for the past 4-5 years fairly often and it's holding up great. Not the most accurate I bet, but plenty good for general stuff. If I was rebuilding an engine I might get a nicer one.

Don't forget to use the 20-25% off coupon.

Fwiw my HF takes coupons off my phone. I have one that I save and reuse over and over. Once I even shared it with everyone in the line. Got a few handshakes and offered a beer. Good times at HF

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:36 am

Be sure and get yourself a set of 1/4 inch drive metric flex sockets for those hard to get to spots. Found out that I needed these when doing the timing belt job on the CRD.

Found this set on Amazon for around 30 bucks. Good price compared to most others listed.

1/4-Inch Drive Flex Socket Set, 6 Point - Metric, 12-Piece
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040Y62HC/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
:JEEPIN:

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Nov 21, 2013 11:43 am

WWDiesel wrote:

Be sure and get yourself a set of 1/4 inch drive metric flex sockets for those hard to get to spots. Found out that I needed these when doing the timing belt job on the CRD.

Found this set on Amazon for around 30 bucks. Good price compared to most others listed.

1/4-Inch Drive Flex Socket Set, 6 Point - Metric, 12-Piece
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040Y62HC/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
:JEEPIN:

I can't believe they still make those type of u-jointed flex sockets,the absolute worst thing to try and actually use in a tight spot.Sorry but as a professional I'd never use or let alone buy any type of socket with that style of flex joint.

For flex type sockets the best design out there is the Matco ones,sure not cheap but man do they work and are impact rated.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SAUPM126RB/1-4-DRIVE-12-PIECE-METRIC-6-POINT-UNIVERSAL-IMPACT-SOCKET-SET/

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Nov 21, 2013 12:00 pm

As a long time mechanic, I agree the impact type are the best to use if you got the room to get one in a tight space as they are much fatter due to design.

I personally have all kinds in my tool box, mostly made by SnapOn. But, the little flex 1/4 inch drive sockets will get you in places where NOTHING else will work!

Do use what you like or works best :wink:

What sockets to buy

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