Which sizes ratchets and sockets for general handy manning household work?

[mikey03]

Honestly I know theres no right answer here. I am doing more house based handymanning type work and I rarely need any sockets or ratchets for it.

I want something real small and not even a blow molded case because that’s too big for how rarely I’d use it. I want something I can store in a handyman back or bucket. I’ll use the ernst tekton socket twist rails.

Im on the fence about 1/4 or 3/8 and shallow or deep or mid even. I only want one set to keep it small. The Johnny bolts would have needed deep or maybe mid might have worked.

I can honestly make a decent argument for any of them working. 1/4 is smaller and lighter and goes to 15mm which is prob big enough for handyman stuff. But 3/8 can go bigger and maybe I don’t need anything too small. But I can imagine taking apart a washing machine and it having real small bolts.

I was even thinking 12 point maybe there’s some household stuff that runs 12 point fasteners and then I can keep these from getting mixed up with my car tools. If it’s in a house it’s prob not so rusty to need 6 point but maybe it’s something in the yard.

Tekton makes 1/4 impacts up to 17mm which should cover every size I need. And I could run with an adapter on my impact driver in my bag.

what I been doing is have a impact nut driver set but it’s kind of big because each one has its own 1/4 shank and i don’t have a ratchet in the handyman bag.

my limits for this are one single drive of socket and one length. One to two ratchets max. Like a short/reg and a XL flex maybe as a second one. This is something I’m honestly going to use a few times per year so it needs to stay small and light.

 

[Dave455]

You’re right, socket spanners are seldom needed for property maintenance type tasks, but occasionally they are.

Nuts and bolts, in all honesty, are pretty rare. Sometimes you might find them, but if you do they will be common sizes. For me that’s 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8”, or more usually the metric equivalents 6, 8, 10mm. Sockets of 10, 13 and 17 are going to cope with those.

I encounter a lot of coach screws (I think you call them lag screws in the U.S.) and in fact I install a lot of these myself, but if they are hex head they’re mostly going to be 10, 13 and 17 again, maybe a few 8mm.


As for accessories, access is rarely a problem, so a conventional ratchet will work just fine. Maybe a long one will make life easier. I regularly install coach screws with 17mm heads, so I’d preferably want 3/8 drive.

If I needed to do something like repair appliances, then I’m getting whatever tools I need from my shop. Wouldn’t consider those handyman tools.

Consider what “grade” of tools are appropriate too. I’ve got some pretty top end sockets, but I’m probably not going to use them bolting in a fence post. No point.

If I was buying tools specifically for the purpose I’d consider something “mid grade” like this Wera set. Sockets in the sizes you need, practical length ratchet, and things like the hex and torx bits are bound to come in useful. I know these are more costly in the U.S. though so maybe a small Tekton set would be comparable.


I honestly wouldn’t bother with deep sockets. If you really need one it’s a trip to base to pick one up, but most of the time you won’t (or at least I don’t).

I would consider whether I want a set with small parts at all though. If you’re working away from home small parts are easily lost. Maybe it’s a time to consider a few individual wrenches, maybe the “flex combination” style, or maybe the French style, just in the sizes you need.

 

[MiteyF]

I don't have a kit in mind, but I'd go 3/8" drive with deep sockets between 5/16" and 3/4". That would do about 80% of fasteners in most US households I'd guess.

 

[Professor Gascan]

Maybe that little Icon bit ratchet kit and some HF 1/4 sockets in metric and sae would work. You get a bit and 1/4 drive ratchet all in one.

 

[lolaetype]

I've ran into lag bolts and the occasional nut and bolt. I'd buy a 3/8" drive set in inch and metric and a fairly short extension. I've ran into metric in appliances and the only example I can think of is wall brackets for LED TVs. They all seem to be metric.

 

[AEAdam]

For hex heads I encounter at home, I use Milwaukee hex sockets for my impact driver. I’d go that route. A bit driver, coupled with those bits works well.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

But I can imagine taking apart a washing machine and it having real small bolts.

I recently stripped my washer down to repair the transmission. Whirlpool neutral-drain issue. I used 5/16, 7/16 and 1/2 sockets along with a 1/4 nutdriver. The sockets could have been deep or shallow. Either would have worked fine. The listed sizes, along with a 9/16, cover just about all the home repairs I do. Mine are 3/8 drive. You do need a 9 inch and a 6 inch extension for the subject repair.

 

[Al Borland]

Makita impact sockets in a little rubber holder at Home depot. rubber band to your favorite ratchet.

Available in Metric or American, 1/4" or 3/8", about $20 a set.
Even comes with an adaptor for a 1/4" impact driver.

 

[mikey03]

I recently stripped my washer down to repair the transmission. Whirlpool neutral-drain issue. I used 5/16, 7/16 and 1/2 sockets along with a 1/4 nutdriver. The sockets could have been deep or shallow. Either would have worked fine. The listed sizes, along with a 9/16, cover just about all the home repairs I do. Mine are 3/8 drive. You do need a 9 inch and a 6 inch extension for the subject repair.

im glad you mentioned the extensions because honestly I wasn’t thinking about that for handmanning though i did use a 12 inch socket extension recently with a balled up paper towel like a dowel to clean out a dirty sink that I pulled the trap out. Was able to clear the sludge off the sides of the drain pipe by pushing the paper towel down with the extension. I could have used anything else but I happened to have the extension nearby

so maybe the longer extension can have multiple use in handymanning

 

[mikey03]

Maybe that little Icon bit ratchet kit and some HF 1/4 sockets in metric and sae would work. You get a bit and 1/4 drive ratchet all in one.

Yea that’s in my handyman kit already and got all the torx and hex bits I need. It got the adapter for using 1/4 drive sockets so if I go with 1/4 maybe I pair this with a bigger 9” 1/4 flex ratchet to have two sizes

 

[cody1325]

For most household stuff, I really like this kit:

I can put the sockets in my drill, bit driver/ratcheting screwdriver, impact, or even use the ratchet/handle provided (plus a little Klein ratcheting stubby screwdriver that can take the sockets without an adapter--makes an awesome nut driver).

However, I rarely use the flip sockets (and the non-ratcheting "spinner" handle, as I usually just use the adapters with my own handles), and the ones without it (and 3-4 more sockets in its place) are a sizeable upcharge.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-Klein-KNECT-Starter-Set/5015186589

 

[Ohio Andy]

What is the smallest and largest you anticipate needing

The Tekton 1/4 set is a nice are from 5/32-8/16 and 4-15mm.

56-Piece 1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 5/32-9/16 inch (SAE), 4-14 mm (Metric) 6-point standard and deep sockets, ratchet, extensions, magnetic hex bit holder, u-joint, spinner handle, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT05303.

www.tekton.com

For 3/8 they have multiple sets. If I had only 3/8 I would probably add a wright tool 3/8 small head flex that fits almost anyplace. Part 3440.

3/8" Drive Wright Miniature Flex Ratchet 5-1/2" Contour Handle (3440WR

3/8" Drive Wright Miniature Flex Ratchet 5-1/2" Contour Handle///brand_for_product_detail=Wright Tool,close_out=No,companydescription=Wright Tool - Made in the USA,condition=New,condition_google=new,cost=49.840000,countrymade=Made in the...

www.harryepstein.com

The Tekton sets are:

1/4-1 and 6mm-24mm

73-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 1/4-1 inch (SAE), 6-24 mm (Metric) 6-point chrome socket with large stamped markings, 90-tooth ratchet, extension, universal joint, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT15311.

www.tekton.com

And

5/16-3/4 and 8mm-19mm

46-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set | TEKTON

Includes: 5/16-3/4 inch (SAE), 8-19 mm (Metric) 6-point chrome socket with large stamped markings, 90-tooth ratchet, extension, universal joint, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT15301.

www.tekton.com

They also sell "common sets"

I really like a specific SK set that has 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets no skips regular and deep
1/4 - 7/8 and 4mm-22mm, screw driver bits and hex keys

https://a.co/d/fKBcW6Q

My main complaint is that this set is heavy.

I have many other sets I like such as subs Craftsman overdrive stuff, wright tools socket sets, proto socket sets...

 

[Etchase]

This probably doesn’t duplicate tools you already have. A more traditional pass-thru is also available for the same price with extensions and a 3/8 square drive adapter. Gearwrench, SATA, or Crescent whichever is cheaper. Small footprint.

https://a.co/d/iVxJCSI

 

[mikey03]

What is the smallest and largest you anticipate needing

The Tekton 1/4 set is a nice are from 5/32-8/16 and 4-15mm.

idk honestly I’ve only ever used sockets for handyman work very few times. Lag bolts to hang TVs and Johnny bolts on toilets which I used a pliers wrench since it was available.

i have taken apart a washing machine once but wasn’t able to see anything obviously wrong to fix it.

I feel like for plumbing there might be some stuff like hose clamps but i keep a 6 in 1 driver which has 1/4 and 5/16 (8mm) ends In my handyman bag

maybe a garage door or garage opening might have bolts but the doors are under spring tension and honestly i never worked on them and don’t want a spring to shoot through my chest

if anything i feel like smaller is more needed maybe I got to take apart a coffee maker or ice maker or something in the fridge. On one hand idk what I’m doing alot of times but on the other hand if it’s broke to that level and I’m willing to poke around for free at a family member house they are happy to let me try.

 

[mikedodge]

Cheap 3/8 shallow set, done. If you need smaller stuff get one of those sets of 1/4 on a metal strip and an adapter.
For general household work our kitchen junk drawer has a hammer a flathead screwdriver, another with multiple bits and a pair of pliers. Rarely are sockets needed.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Cheap 3/8 shallow set, done. If you need smaller stuff get one of those sets of 1/4 on a metal strip and an adapter.
For general household work our kitchen junk drawer has a hammer a flathead screwdriver, another with multiple bits and a pair of pliers. Rarely are sockets needed.

Replace the flathead with a 6-in-1, 4-in-1, or a ratcheting screwdriver with bits in the handle. Around the house I need a Phillips at least as often as I need a flat... And that screwdriver is grabbed for getting batteries out of things (usually pH1) so not just the usual pH2.

I still have flash backs of my first cheap 3/8 ratchet that broke on first use and I smashed my knuckles. Thankfully the cheap sets are better quality than that these days... Probably

 

[seber]

1/4" flex head ratchet, 3" and 6" extensions, 1/4" shallow socket set and a six in one screwdriver will take care of anything in the house.

 

[tez929rr]

Maybe this Toolant set? Metric and standard sockets.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

maybe I got to take apart a coffee maker or ice maker or something in the fridge.

A lot of small appliances use torx screws. Plan on having bits for T15, T20. Actual torx screwdrivers are often better because the fasteners are recessed.

 

[roofdweller49]

This probably doesn’t duplicate tools you already have. A more traditional pass-thru is also available for the same price with extensions and a 3/8 square drive adapter. Gearwrench, SATA, or Crescent whichever is cheaper. Small footprint.

https://a.co/d/iVxJCSI

How are these sockets both metric and sae? Slop in the fit allows it?

 

[Etchase]

How are these sockets both metric and sae? Slop in the fit allows it?

They are spline sockets, so they do etorx too. They are basically sloppy, but around the house is a pretty good application for splines. Apex doesn’t advertise this capability when they are selling their SAE and metric sets separately, and they are the same sockets as this set.

 

[mikey03]

They are spline sockets, so they do etorx too. They are basically sloppy, but around the house is a pretty good application for splines. Apex doesn’t advertise this capability when they are selling their SAE and metric sets separately, and they are the same sockets as this set.

I didn’t realize spline can do etorx

how do you line up the etorx size to a socket size?

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

https://www.tien-i.com/upload/image/Tannis/20230527/Spline_Socket_Size_Convert_Sheet_Tieni.jpg

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Cruzan80]

This also works well. https://www.lowes.com/pd/GearWrench-35-PC-Microdriver-Set/1002504398

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Op you will need more than ratchets and sockets for home projects, power saws, impact drivers, drills, etc. I was in Home Depot every weekend when I had my first home.

 

[KnurledNut]

A standard length 3/8 drive ratchet, a set of standard and metric sockets in deep and shallow, a universal, some extensions, and power adaptors would have you pretty well covered. Eliminate the close enough sizes.
FWIW, I have used more deep sockets than shallow, primarily for bolt clearance.
Uses that come to mind:
Garage doors
Appliances
Foundation bolts
Concrete anchors
Lag bolts and screws
Eye bolts
Machine bolts
Stove bolts
Carriage bolts
All thread
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Furniture
Outdoor equipment like basketball goals, which might have U-bolts etc
Playground fixtures
Pool hardware
Deck hardware
Doors and Windows
Exterior/Interior fixtures and hardware
Stair railings
Tool fasteners like fixing a wheelbarrow
Lawn and garden OPE
A million other uses I am forgetting...

There is always oddball random stuff. I keep an 11/32 deep spring loaded magnetic socket for #8 studs on ventilation applications.
If you plan on repairing water heaters, you will probably know in advance to bring a element socket or anode socket and an appropriate 1/2 drive tool. Then there is stuff that will make you cuss like a square head setbolt on a motor shaft buried in a cage.

In a nutshell, bring what you need.

 

[Etchase]

I didn’t realize spline can do etorx

how do you line up the etorx size to a socket size?

Sorry for taking so long

 

[mikey03]

Sorry for taking so long

Thanks for sharing it but I’m honestly skeptical of it since those metric and sae sizes dont line up that good.

you can use a 7/16 on a 11 but can’t use a 11 on a 7/16

13mm is kinda big for 1/2

 

[Gmonkee]

Since I quit full time wrenching to home handyman stuff my kit was reduced a lot. Of the things that stayed on the most versatile were chosen.

DOE wrenches, a small 3/8" socket set and tube wrenches.
I came from a mechanic shop so this is paring down, not building up. Every household task has been covered with only small storage needs.

Thanks for sharing it but I’m honestly skeptical of it since those metric and sae sizes dont line up that good.

you can use a 7/16 on a 11 but can’t use a 11 on a 7/16

13mm is kinda big for 1/2

If you use 6pt sockets the size difference in 13mm to 1/2" is not noted. 14mm to 9/16" to 15mm its good to have them all. Differences in fasteners are wildly off to where damages can occur. (experience)

The bigger the size gets from there size differences sae-mm matters less.