3/8" or 1/2" socket set?
Discussion
I'm getting a new Halfords tool chest and might be adding one of their modular ratchet/socket sets, but which size drive would be best for general DIY - 3/8" or 1/2"?
I'm used to having 1/2" drive but my current sockets are multi point sockets whereas I prefer hex, so whilst I have the opportunity to get a new set, which size is preferable, or does it not matter?
For belt and braces I may even add a 1/4" size too, so would you go for a 3/8 as well, or a 1/2? I'm no mechanic so wont be fitting car suspension or anything like that.
I'm used to having 1/2" drive but my current sockets are multi point sockets whereas I prefer hex, so whilst I have the opportunity to get a new set, which size is preferable, or does it not matter?
For belt and braces I may even add a 1/4" size too, so would you go for a 3/8 as well, or a 1/2? I'm no mechanic so wont be fitting car suspension or anything like that.
Edited by LeadFarmer on Thursday 7th April 16:36
Vintagejock said:
Halford Pro would be a good shout, as for the size it's dependent on how heavy the work is. I'm a truck mechanic and a mix of both gets the job done. I sometimes use 3/4 sq drive, I think you'll be fine with 3/8 and 1/2
Thanks, I've just edited my post to say it's a Halfords tool chest Im buying and I like the idea of having their modular tool sets to fit the drawers nicely, so Halfords Pro/Advance makes sense.I see their modular sets include..
1/4" - 4mm to 13mm sockets
3/8" - 8mm to 24mm sockets
1/2" - 10mm - 34mm sockets
Doubt I'll ever need to use a socket as big as 34mm, and if I did I already have a 1/2" drive ratchet so I could always just buy an individual socket for that. Maybe 3/8" would be preferable?
Edited by LeadFarmer on Thursday 7th April 16:51
3/8" is the most frequently used set.
I have got by forever with only a 3/8" set, a 1/2" knuckle bar and a few 1/2" sockets I buy as and when, for wheels, crankshaft pulley bolts, big suspension stuff on the ole 5-series.
Definitely worth spending on a good 3/8" pear head ratchet as it is your main friend.
Have not yet felt the need to have a 1/2" ratchet although if you're buying a torque wrench it is worth going 1/2" as you can't torque wheels up with a 3/8".
I have got by forever with only a 3/8" set, a 1/2" knuckle bar and a few 1/2" sockets I buy as and when, for wheels, crankshaft pulley bolts, big suspension stuff on the ole 5-series.
Definitely worth spending on a good 3/8" pear head ratchet as it is your main friend.
Have not yet felt the need to have a 1/2" ratchet although if you're buying a torque wrench it is worth going 1/2" as you can't torque wheels up with a 3/8".
HustleRussell said:
3/8" is the most frequently used set.
I have got by forever with only a 3/8" set, a 1/2" knuckle bar and a few 1/2" sockets I buy as and when, for wheels, crankshaft pulley bolts, big suspension stuff on the ole 5-series.
Definitely worth spending on a good 3/8" pear head ratchet as it is your main friend.
Have not yet felt the need to have a 1/2" ratchet although if you're buying a torque wrench it is worth going 1/2" as you can't torque wheels up with a 3/8".
I've already got a good digital torque wrench and sockets for my car etc, so that's covered.I have got by forever with only a 3/8" set, a 1/2" knuckle bar and a few 1/2" sockets I buy as and when, for wheels, crankshaft pulley bolts, big suspension stuff on the ole 5-series.
Definitely worth spending on a good 3/8" pear head ratchet as it is your main friend.
Have not yet felt the need to have a 1/2" ratchet although if you're buying a torque wrench it is worth going 1/2" as you can't torque wheels up with a 3/8".
HustleRussell said:
Definitely worth spending on a good 3/8" pear head ratchet as it is your main friend.
Hadn't even realised there were pear and round head ratchets, thinking about it I've probably only ever known of pear head.Edited by LeadFarmer on Thursday 7th April 17:13
As has already been said - the correct question is which one do you buy first, because you should and most likely will buy them all eventually.
Therefore start in the middle with 3/8" - you will then find something in a tight awkward spot that needs 1/4" or something that needs a bit more grunt and need a 1/2" set.
Likewise with the tool chest - start with the bottom box, then add the top, then a middle section, then some side hangers etc.
Therefore start in the middle with 3/8" - you will then find something in a tight awkward spot that needs 1/4" or something that needs a bit more grunt and need a 1/2" set.
Likewise with the tool chest - start with the bottom box, then add the top, then a middle section, then some side hangers etc.
A 3/8 is a good compromise. In an ideal world you would have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 for working on cars.
I am fortunate enough to have all three and generally default to my 3/8, but there have been times where I found something stuck, didn't want to get up and fetch a 1/2 breaker so started whacking the handle. Then I realise that is stupid so get the 1/2 anyway.
Suggest a 3/8 set to start, and a 1/2" breaker bar (with ratcheting head - inexpensive but very useful) with a wheel removal socket set to start. Buy more 1/2 sockets as required.
Alternatively, just buy every Wera Zyklops and Koloss set, and eat baked beans for the rest of the year
I am fortunate enough to have all three and generally default to my 3/8, but there have been times where I found something stuck, didn't want to get up and fetch a 1/2 breaker so started whacking the handle. Then I realise that is stupid so get the 1/2 anyway.
Suggest a 3/8 set to start, and a 1/2" breaker bar (with ratcheting head - inexpensive but very useful) with a wheel removal socket set to start. Buy more 1/2 sockets as required.
Alternatively, just buy every Wera Zyklops and Koloss set, and eat baked beans for the rest of the year
If I'm being honest, my 1/2" drive set has always served me well, if it wasn't for the fact they are multipoint sockets instead of hex, I'd happily keep them. But getting a Halfords tool chest kind of means I would like one of their modular sets that fit nicely in the drawers, so if Im going to buy a new set I need to decide on size. I
In reality, as most nuts I've ever needed to attack have been around the 13mm, 17mm & 19mm size, it probably doesn't matter whether I go for 3/8" or 1/2".
In reality, as most nuts I've ever needed to attack have been around the 13mm, 17mm & 19mm size, it probably doesn't matter whether I go for 3/8" or 1/2".
Edited by LeadFarmer on Thursday 7th April 19:31
Id suggest 1/2". I bought a Halfords Advanced (when they replaced Professional in 2008) 150pc set, which was ther largest available. Most of the sockets that I would commonly use were in the 3/8th range - very disappointing. I quickly bought a 1/2" set of sockets to add to the set which curiously, were in the size range that I needed...
Move forward a decade and the largest set was 200pc. and the same car-size sockets were 1/2" in this new top end set, so Halfords seem to have reconsidered their position. I bought this set too, as a Black Friday deal - not because I needed it, but because it was black
Move forward a decade and the largest set was 200pc. and the same car-size sockets were 1/2" in this new top end set, so Halfords seem to have reconsidered their position. I bought this set too, as a Black Friday deal - not because I needed it, but because it was black
LeadFarmer said:
If I'm being honest, my 1/2" drive set has always served me well, if it wasn't for the fact they are multipoint sockets instead of hex, I'd happily keep them. But getting a Halfords tool chest kind of means I would like one of their modular sets that fit nicely in the drawers, so if Im going to buy a new set I need to decide on size. I
In reality, as most nuts I've ever needed to attack have been around the 13mm, 17mm & 19mm size, it probably doesn't matter whether I go for 3/8" or 1/2".
you know you can just buy the sockets on their own. you don't need to replace the wrench if it still works just because you don't like the sockets.In reality, as most nuts I've ever needed to attack have been around the 13mm, 17mm & 19mm size, it probably doesn't matter whether I go for 3/8" or 1/2".
Edited by LeadFarmer on Thursday 7th April 19:31
Anyway, go for the 1/2in. you will almost certainly need to get a 27mm socket for an oil filter cap one day, or a 21/23mm socket for wheel nuts.
Ransoman said:
you know you can just buy the sockets on their own. you don't need to replace the wrench if it still works just because you don't like the sockets.
I could, you are right, but I'm wanting to buy a set of the Halfords Advanced modular sockets to fit in their tool chest drawer, both the 3/8 & 1/2 would suit, each having a few sized sockets that the other doesn't..
Edited by LeadFarmer on Thursday 7th April 22:30
I have a Halfords Pro set which I've had for ages, probably at least 20 years. It has sockets in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". The 3/8" ones are by far the most used, but I recently bought myself a set of 24 Facom 1/2" impact sockets to use with my impact gun. Way OTT for my occasional usage, but BMW uses a lot of those external Torx fasteners and I'm sure they'll last a lifetime.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/24-piece-12-sd-imp...
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/24-piece-12-sd-imp...
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