Socket driver size ?
Discussion
Simple really - 1/2 inch is for big tough jobs .. the bigger size means it's less likely to break.
1/4 inch is small - and can easily get into small tight spaces (that 1/2 inch cannot).
3/8 is a nice compramise between then all.
You can buy a nice 1/4 or 3/8 inch set from Halford for < £30 that comtains just about everything and
is in a handy container... I have one just like it in my car for those little jobs around the car..
1/4 inch is small - and can easily get into small tight spaces (that 1/2 inch cannot).
3/8 is a nice compramise between then all.
You can buy a nice 1/4 or 3/8 inch set from Halford for < £30 that comtains just about everything and
is in a handy container... I have one just like it in my car for those little jobs around the car..
I bought a decentish one from halfords that had all 3 with a few bells and whistles added. Screwdriver bits as well. Also metric and imperial. Find that all 3 get used on various parts. Then add to as needed. At the moment I have found the ratchet spanners quite handy as well.
Suppose the difference in socket size, 1/2, 3/4 etc is down to size and torque of the fixing required?
I went for a decent set but not top of the range. el cheapo set I had let go whilst wrestling with a toughie and I invented a few new curses that day. I coudn't drag my knuckles for days after
Suppose the difference in socket size, 1/2, 3/4 etc is down to size and torque of the fixing required?
I went for a decent set but not top of the range. el cheapo set I had let go whilst wrestling with a toughie and I invented a few new curses that day. I coudn't drag my knuckles for days after
Cheap 3/8" drive sets are a waste of money... Kamasa et al. First time you get hefty with them, they break.
Halfords Pro stuff is actually not bad; we even use some of their gear at work.
For most car work I use 1/2" drive, I only resort to 3/8" in confined spaces. 1/2" can take the sort of torque necessary for Wedge rear hub nuts (250 lbf.ft).
Ian
Halfords Pro stuff is actually not bad; we even use some of their gear at work.
For most car work I use 1/2" drive, I only resort to 3/8" in confined spaces. 1/2" can take the sort of torque necessary for Wedge rear hub nuts (250 lbf.ft).
Ian
There's no sustitute for good tools, I always buy 'Snap-On' whenever possible, yes expensive I know, 3/8" drive, 6 point deep sockets so there is less chance of slipping, a decent 'T' bar & you are home & dry...just use the ratchet for taking up the slack! I do however have a cheap 1/2" drive socket set which I use & abuse for the heavy stuff!
I agree with the "good tools" suggestion. Also, I've always misted my metric sockets with blue paint so I can separate them easily.
I find I mostly use my 1/4" drive when working on in situ items. It fits in tighter places and the handle-end doesn't wack into the surrounding bits of paint, plastic and wires as hard.
I use the 3/8" set for things out of the car (working at the bench) and for breaking loose mid-sized bolts in the car.
I use a 1/2" - with a breaker bar, no ratchet - for suspension bits.
Finally, I have a cheater bar - 1/2" copper pipe about 15" long - that is my equalizer for rusty nuts, fits over both the 1/4" and 3/8" handles.
Edited to add: "IMHO, of course!"
>> Edited by grady on Tuesday 2nd March 05:49
I find I mostly use my 1/4" drive when working on in situ items. It fits in tighter places and the handle-end doesn't wack into the surrounding bits of paint, plastic and wires as hard.
I use the 3/8" set for things out of the car (working at the bench) and for breaking loose mid-sized bolts in the car.
I use a 1/2" - with a breaker bar, no ratchet - for suspension bits.
Finally, I have a cheater bar - 1/2" copper pipe about 15" long - that is my equalizer for rusty nuts, fits over both the 1/4" and 3/8" handles.
Edited to add: "IMHO, of course!"
>> Edited by grady on Tuesday 2nd March 05:49
Thanks for all the advice looks like a small set and something bigger
For a 1/4 drive set honest opinions of this
www.paintain.co.uk/Automo/Sockets/sockets04.htm
For a 1/4 drive set honest opinions of this
www.paintain.co.uk/Automo/Sockets/sockets04.htm
cuneus said:
Thanks for all the advice looks like a small set and something bigger
For a 1/4 drive set honest opinions of this
www.paintain.co.uk/Automo/Sockets/sockets04.htm
Its made by Draper so dont bother!
cuneus said:
I'm going to admit going in to Halfords!
Saw the Professional 160 piece (all 3 drives)set was down to £99.99 with a lifetime guarantee
Thats what I got when my Snap-On stuff got knicked 12months ago, it seems pretty good stuff, if i ever need to expand/replace any bits then i'll drip feed myself back onto Snap-On.
Watch the ratchet spanners though, dont get carried away if taking a nut/bolt off in a confined space, there isnt always room to remove the spanner, with causes all sorts of
trying to figure a way to get the bolt out of the way!!! Oh and you may want a beast of of a 3/4" drive for back axle nuts, coupled with a length of scaffold pipe.
>> Edited by iainjones on Monday 15th November 16:02
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