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I have a situation where I need to core drill or auger down in some soil 7-10' to verify if I have high ground water. Akin to soils testing, but just looking for water depth. Anyone have an idea on some inexpensive equipment or means to do this... rentals are fine, too. Well drilling equipment...

Will do. I also have to do an Impreza, and I think I recall from reading some time back that working space is worse on it. I guess when they're this tight, you just have to guess about the torque (if not pulling the engine like Firebrick43 mentioned)? we'll see... maybe once the plugs are...

Alright, thanks for that context. Appreciate the tip on the PCV valve, as well. I'm at 140k mi and I don't think it has been changed yet.

I'm sure if you have that process dialed, not as big of a deal. But, doing that first time, could turn into a major event. If I do find some oil in the spark plug wells, practically speaking, what are the risks around not replacing the seals? I hope to have the vehicle only another 2 years.

I don't think so. It's been a while since I reviewed the procedure, but my loose recollection was that the seals were more complex to replace, and that usually they didn't need replacement unless oil was found in the socket well? You might enlighten me differently. Thanks - what are your likes...

Yeah, that is a real situation for sure. I do have the 1/4 old craftsman sockets for one-off use. Though the though of investing in higher quality sockets in 3/8 (versus 3/8+1/4) has some appeal. Understood. In my case, I have to buy a 1/4" body 3/8" ratchet to do a tight Subaru plug job, so I...

Yeah, I'm actually looking to sort out in my head if their 280mm 3726ZB is long enough for my needs, and give 3/8 drive is being used more and more to replace smaller 1/2" drive stuff. I feel like it's a bit short for the long wrench, but seems a lot of folks have it for their long. 13-14" feels...

I got that, but then I have more sockets to replace with higher quality sockets. Does using a 1/4" body ratchet fitted with a 3/8" drive and 3/8" sockets, for the most part, get you to the same position of a smaller/lighter setup? Or, is there some other advantage I'm missing?

Historically I was closer to you. It seems like just lightness and compactness of the 1/4" system is what folks are attracted to, not that it's not possible to do without. Per my above comment, I guess I'm curious - why not just go with a compact 3/8 in 1/4 body ratchet to get the same benefit...

@DAWrench @Jeeper99 @Dave455 all mentioned the reported benefits of the stronger 1/4" ratchets leading to an uptick in using 1/4" in lieu of places that might have been 3/8" previously. Is that mainly due to the size of the ratchet (versus the socket itself)? Would using a quality 3/8" drive...

Thanks, all. Sounds like I can't go wrong with going to 13" in a 3/8 flex, and 24+" in a 1/2" flex. Sounds like for the 3/8", I'd be more versatile with the longer Tekton vs Koken.

I believe GearWrench has one. I thought I saw another, but went looking again and couldn't find it.

@HannibalLecter - thanks, that's great info @Dave455 - thanks for taking the time to share those pics - worth 1000 words! Would prefer a bit larger diameter and longer grip, but I guess it is somewhere between. @richfinn - thanks, yes, those appear to be some real benefits to the z series. I...

Koken Z-series ratchet owners - without having one in-hand, I'm having trouble getting a sense about the Koken Z-series handles - specifically for a 3/8" flex, and possibly a 1/4" flex. - Do I understand it is pretty much a plastic (not rubber) handle grip? - The length of the handle grip seems...

@rsanter , @seber , @MJD1 , @Dakotadadv8 , @AEAdam , @Dr.JohnnyFever I think you all recommended longer flex heads. I'm guessing long means about: 1/4": 8" 3/8": 13" (or longer?) 1/2": 18" (or 24"?) If you all have different thoughts, let me know what length you were recommending. Do you all...

It's nice you kept around the old junker motor so you could get a pic for me :) Seriously though, thanks for doing that.

Yeah, I won't be rushing out and buying them anytime soon, but it's good to know that there are better sockets to match the improved strengths of the ratchets.

I don't think my outback will be as much of an issue as the 2015 impreza, but I guess I'l know soon. I don't have a wobble extension, but sounds like a good one to have.

At some point I had an 85 4wd suburban with a lift and 35" MT tires. That was one where I would sometimes literally climb into the engine compartment and sit on the top of the fender while I worked on the engine. For my Subaru I have to find a specialty ratchet to change the plugs. :unsure:

First off, awesome discussion and great ideas here! Thanks! I think you are right on that. I've only had the 1990's craftsman ratchets, and ultimately they served me well. But they did have the push button, and I can see how getting off sockets without it can be difficult, esp when strength in...