Which socket drive size?

[red1]

When I first started spannering it was whitworth and then we upgraded to AF.
Wasn't until the late '70's that I started using METRIC and then with 1/2' drive.
The last proper stuff I bought was Snap-on in the '80's in 3/8 drive.

Having had a good sort out I'm missing all sorts of sockets so I'm going to refresh with some decent quality gear.

So is 3/8 still the best way to go, or are 1/4 drive as good?

What do you use? .... and why?

 

[Pukmeister]

Two sets should do you, 3/8" drive for small fasteners and 1/2" drive for medium, maybe some overlap between sizes.

I don't think you'll be needing any 3/4" or 1" square drive sockets on your GS.

 

[red1]

Two sets should do you, 3/8" drive for small fasteners and 1/2" drive for medium, maybe some overlap between sizes.

I don't think you'll be needing any 3/4" or 1" square drive sockets on your GS.

I've never used anything bigger than 3/8 on a bike .... do you really think a 1/2 set is required?

 

[D6]

3/8,s nowt else really needed
1/4 drives can snap

 

[Pukmeister]

Depends how tight the fasteners are that you are trying to undo.

Personally I use a 1/2" drive socket on anything bigger than half-inch/13mm across flats. Why overtorque your small tools (fnarr, fnarr).

 

[cookie]

i use mostly 3/8 drive, but often use 1/4 as well for 8, 10, 13mm sockets and hex keys. never broken one yet (snap~on/britool/craftsman).

the 1/2" is employed only occasionally.

 

[Schtum]

You could do much worse than start with one of these sets which contains both 3/8" and 1/4" ratchets and sockets.....

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_241771_langId_-1_categoryId_165572#dtab

I bought one recently and in spite of having 30 + years of assorted tools in the cabinet, I pull this little set out for most things......well mostly farkling things these days.....

 

[PIGGLET]

As cookie says really. The 1/4 drive stuff is good for small fastners and restrictive access, double depth 1/4 drive sockets seem especially usefull.
Have a looke at THIS stuff. I've got teng and snap-on and the teng stuff has taken just as much abuse

 

[always 100]

Horses for courses with sizes I think I rarely use my 1"drive but when its needed nothing else will do . I like Teng Tools, they do a 111 piece socket set 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. pay a bit more but lifetime guarantee if you have a cabinet they also do a module range that you can build up over time. Snap on are shiny but not sure if they are worth the extra, I do like blue point but difficult to get. I also quite like the Halfords Pro range, but always go to the Teng.

 

[Slowdown]

I've never used anything other than 3/8" drive sockets.

I do use a 1/2" breaker bar with an adaptor to get the wheel nuts off though. I know... I really should get a longer adaptor thingy made to extend the 3/8" bar .....

 

[The Burpster]

Snap-On

red, if you're looking at Snappy quality then 1/4 and 3/8s is plenty. I use predominantly 3/8s on mine with 1/4 on the smaller bits.

I've not yet had top take the 1/2" to it at all, and I've done all the maintainance since its warranty ran out. With a Snappy 3/8" breaker bar and sets of Torx and Allen, and sockets you could do it all with 3/8.

You can regularly pick these up 2ndhand from gleebay for just over £100.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item..._ID=78089&group_ID=20241&store=uk&dir=catalog

 

[Slowdown]

...
You can regularly pick these up 2ndhand from gleebay for just over £100.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item..._ID=78089&group_ID=20241&store=uk&dir=catalog

 

[PIGGLET]

I thought blue point was the budget arm of snap-on and didn't have the no quible lifetime warranty
Whatever you go for make sure the 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets are of the 6 point variety to reduce the risk of rounding off the fastner. Also better for walloping onto corroded fastners

 

[The Burpster]

Blue Point.

Blue point is the 'budget' version. I havent had problems getting the few bits that I have busted replaced by my Snap-On man, but then he does rub his hands together whenever I do see him so maybe thats why.....

 

[(RIP) Miff]

I only use a 1/2" ratchet as a hammer. I think that's why I need a new one.

If anything needs a 1/2" drive, I use a breaker bar, then a 3/8" drive, with an adapter if required.


Unless it's a Kawasaki Front sprocket nut, then it needs a scaffold pole

I always used to buy cheap tools, now it's only quality stuff. Halfords Proffesional tools are nice. Not too expensive. Lifetime guarantee too....