New socket set.....

[smifffymoto]

I have a Draper 1/4 drive that needs replacing but what shall I replace it with.
1/2 inch,3/8 or 1/4 inch drive,also why are 6 point sockets twice the price of standard sockets?
I am doing a lot more of my own maintainance and finding nuts and bolts are tightened by apes at the factory.

[Ynox]

What are you undoing? Generally speaking 1/4" isn't a replacement for 1/2".

If working on a car, 3/8" is a reasonable compromise. That said, it's probably worth having all 3:

• 1/4" up to 13mm or so, interior trim etc.
• 3/8" up to 22/24mm or so. Engine components.
• 1/2" up to 32mm or so. Most other stuff on cars. Suspension, wheels etc.
• 3/4" up to, hmm, 60mm? Maybe hub nuts on some stuff or commercials.

I've got 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 here. I tend to use 1/4 and 3/8 most of the time. My 1/2" stuff doesn't get that much use.

As for sets. Halfords 'Advanced' are a good way to go. I've got a load of Halfords tools and they've stood up to abuse well. Bahco sets are also very good for the money as are Draper Expert.

Edit - 6 point sockets are better personally with a decent 72 tooth ratchet. 12 point ones gave more options for engagement with st ratchets, but with modern ones there's no real need for them.

Edited by Ynox on Friday 16th April 22:51

[smifffymoto]

When you quote sizes,is that head or thread size.Most of my tinkering is farm machinery or mowers.

[Magicmushroom666]

That will be head sizes
I find that I get along just fine with a 1/2 and 1/4 set. 6 point can be nice for really tight or tricky nuts but probably not worth paying extra for just as a DIY set.

[donkmeister]

Magicmushroom666 said:

That will be head sizes
I find that I get along just fine with a 1/2 and 1/4 set. 6 point can be nice for really tight or tricky nuts but probably not worth paying extra for just as a DIY set.

For most jobs I'd agree but there will eventually be a task where 6 point would have saved chewing off the corners of a fastener.
I say this as someone who rounded off some fasteners with 12point sockets before I remembered I had a 6point set my bro had insisted I take off his hands. This got them off but I still had to replace some expensive nuts.

[smifffymoto]

Thanks.
I have ordered a Beta 1/2 inch set for the wallet friendly sum of 78€.