The short version
- Typical range: £15 – £90
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Tools & DIY
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used socket set is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for socket sets, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £90 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £76 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £58 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £40 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £22 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a socket set
- Complete sets with every socket present
- Chrome vanadium construction
- Recognised brands with lifetime guarantees
- Ratchets with fine tooth counts
What lowers it
- Missing sockets, immediately visible in the case
- Rounded socket edges from misuse
- Slipping or seized ratchets
- Cheap unbranded sets
How to work out what yours is worth
- Lay the set out and check every recess is filled
- Inspect socket edges for rounding
- Test the ratchet in both directions
Once you have those three answers you can place your own socket set on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
What determines a socket set’s value?
Completeness. Buyers count the pieces against the case moulding, and gaps are immediately obvious.
Do rounded sockets matter?
Yes. A rounded socket slips and damages fasteners, so check the edges of the commonly used sizes.
Are branded sets worth more?
Considerably, especially those with lifetime guarantees, since the guarantee often transfers.
More value guides: tools & diy guides · all value guides · browse live tools & diy listings.