I go to a place called Pat's Tools and buy nearly everything (except my newly purchased torque wrench) second hand. I recently needed to adjust my chain and went and got a high end 30mm Proto socket for $4.50 (which is about 15 bucks cheaper than they are new). Everything I've bought has been high end, and I'm sure by no coincidence, six point, so that's got to say something vs. 12 point sockets. 6 points fit more accurately and have more surface area in contact with the bolt so they're less likely to cause problems.
Some people will only touch Snap-On tools or similar and will recommend you do the same, I think that's bullshit, that leaves most of us in the realm of not being able to afford to work on our bikes ourselves. I think you can find great deals on good tools if you are prepared to look.
If you're on a budget try to find a mom and pop type tool place or an industrial type place where they have used stuff, chances are everything you get from there will be twice as good as something like Craftsman (which is pretty good anyway) at half the price if not less
Good tip man! Does Pat's tools have a website?
