Tool Review: Great Neck PSO40H 40-piece ratchet and socket set

Key Features:
 +   Good variety of sockets
 +   Two drive sizes
 -    Spin disc is not very functional


If you walk into a Home Depot, AutoZone, or other hardware store or auto parts store, you can often find a ratchet and socket set for under $10.  If you walk into a Big Lots, the set you'll probably see is the Great Neck PSO40H 40-piece ratchet and socket set, listed for $5.

This set includes one ratchet with 3/8" drive, an adapter for 1/4" drive, a 3" extension bar, and a whole bunch of sockets, for both 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive.  One kind of neat tool that it also comes with is a plastic spin disc -- a small plastic circle with a 3/8" square cut out so you can use it to turn bolts and screws in tight places.  The spin disc is cool in theory, but is very cheaply-made, doesn't fit the sockets well, doesn't give much grip, and won't hold up to high-torque use.  This spin disc is a very cheap alternative to a thumbwheel ratchet.

The ratchet itself is usable but not especially well-made.  It's good to have as an extra ratchet.  There is some grip on the handle, more than you might expect.  It functions as it should, is reversible, and works for both loosening and tightening.  It holds up under a decent amount of force.  It does not look like it was machined very carefully -- the bottom is uneven and something inside wobbles.

The sockets are about what you would expect, nothing spectacular but not too bad either.  There is a good variety, with both SAE and metric sockets included in the set.  Most of the sockets are 1/4" drive sockets.

The set comes in a plastic carrying case that is more useful than cases some other socket sets come in.  Everything fits well in its place, and the case has a handle for easy carrying.

The PSO40H ratchet and socket set is not a high-quality tool set, but for $5 it's not a bad buy.  You get the 3/8" to 1/4" drive adapter, which is always nice to have, and the 3" extension bar, which could come in handy a lot.  Those two pieces alone, purchased separately, would probably cost close to $5 by themselves.

As a bargain, this set is worth around $5.  But if you're shopping for a primary ratchet and socket set, or one that you'll use often, I would spend a little more money and get a nicer set.

This set is currently listed at $9.97 on Amazon.com-- slightly over-priced compared to other sets you could get at that price.  I would not recommend spending more than $5 or $6 on this socket set.  But if you do decide to buy it on Amazon, it is eligible for free shipping.