1/2" Socket Sets

[Jeeper]

Is it just me or does it seem that 1/2" socket sets start with too small of a range, 3/8", and end too small, like 1" or 1 1/4". It makes for so much overlap with 3/8" drives. Wish they'd start at 5/8 or 3/4 and go up higher, like 1 1/2".

I'm looking for a 1/2" impact sets and i'd rather the money be spent on the larger sizes since my 3/8 impacts already have those smaller sizes.

 

[dxdexter]

I think the sets are arranged for the most common sizes of bolt/nut sizes that will be encountered. Some people (DIY'ers) may only buy a 1/2" drive set and they may think just the opposite of yourself and be glad the smaller sizes are included.
There have been many times I have used 1/2" drive sockets from 3/8" to 9/16" when the extra leverage given by the heavier gear is necessary. I personally think any think any nut sizes over 1 1/16" is 3/4" drive territory.

 

[Junkman]

The larger the fastener, the larger the drive to operate the socket, and the larger drive will provide you with the proper leverage to move that socket. Can you imagine trying to take off a 3/4" bolt with a 1/4" drive? How about removing a 5/16" nut with a 1/2" drive wrench? Every size has its optimized drive system. You just have to learn how to properly gauge the situation. That is why there is overlap in sizes... not all situations are the same.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have no problem with 1/2" drive starting at 3/8 or 7/16 and going to 1 & 1/2". I purchased the four fractional sizes between 1 &1/4 and 1 & 1/2" a few years back. It really did not cost that much, I bought Proto brand from the local industrial supplier. I am sure many others offer sizes north of 1 & 1/2" other than Snap-On. I know sears jumps their 1/2" standard size from something like 1 &1/4 to 1 & 1/2 in one step with nothing between, or at least that is the way they did it last time I checked.

 

[Junkman]

I have a gap at 1 9/16" in my large set, and to date, I have yet to find one of that size. I also have never run into a 1 9/16" bolt, so it is purely academic if I ever find one..

 

[Jbullfrog]

there are not 1-9/16 fasteners available, so no need for a socket that size.

 

[kartracer55]

My 1/2 drive impact set starts at 8mm. Never been used, probably never will be... Id rather they get rid of the 8-12mm and give me an extra size or two on the other end, because they are more useful. That is one advantage of Tool trucks... no discounts when you buy a set so you can get credit for the sizes you dont need.

Jim

 

[ColdDuckTime]

If a person were really a nut (not a bolt), they could do something like put together a Dynacorn-bodied '69 Camaro, keep track of every tool they used in assembly, and probably fit the whole shebang in a little portable toolbox.

You could then sell it as a 'Special Camaro SS Performance Package Toolset' with all 37 items in it.

 

[Uncle Buck]

If a person were really a nut (not a bolt), they could do something like put together a Dynacorn-bodied '69 Camaro, keep track of every tool they used in assembly, and probably fit the whole shebang in a little portable toolbox.

You could then sell it as a 'Special Camaro SS Performance Package Toolset' with all 37 items in it.

Man, you lost me, that just kinda blew in outa nowhere!

 

[kartracer55]

If a person were really a nut (not a bolt), they could do something like put together a Dynacorn-bodied '69 Camaro, keep track of every tool they used in assembly, and probably fit the whole shebang in a little portable toolbox.

You could then sell it as a 'Special Camaro SS Performance Package Toolset' with all 37 items in it.

Yes an no. I think the biggest problem you would have is overcoming the need for "convenience tools". For example I had to tune up a subaru 2.5 boxer engine today, and it kind of sucked. I used 2 different ratchets, 2 different extensions and 2 different spark plug sockets. While I COULD have done it with one ratchet and one socket, having the two different ones made the job go much quicker. For once I will say I appreciated a flex head because of knuckle clearance when loosening the plugs, but a regular ratchet made removing them easier. Ya know?