1/2 drive.... how important
- Thread starter bratwurst
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Packard V8
Well-known member
Random comments:
What do you work on? Try telling a Cat mechanic 3/8"drive is all he needs. Try finding a motorcycle/snowmobile tech who ever uses 1/2".
The trend toward using 3/8"drive in impacts and on larger fasteners where 1/2"drive was the last century norm has caused the tool truck guys to have to replace many more 3/8"drive sockets than they did last century 1/2"drive.
The trend for automotive industry to use smaller higher strength metric fasteners has made it possible to use 3/8"dr where 1/2"dr would have been necessary in the past.
jack vines
What do you work on? Try telling a Cat mechanic 3/8"drive is all he needs. Try finding a motorcycle/snowmobile tech who ever uses 1/2".
The trend toward using 3/8"drive in impacts and on larger fasteners where 1/2"drive was the last century norm has caused the tool truck guys to have to replace many more 3/8"drive sockets than they did last century 1/2"drive.
The trend for automotive industry to use smaller higher strength metric fasteners has made it possible to use 3/8"dr where 1/2"dr would have been necessary in the past.
jack vines
manioso
Well-known member
I use 3/8 for lawn equipment and small engine, but for automotive I need 1/2 to get enough grunt.
danb35
Well-known member
For automotive work, I use 3/8 drive most, 1/2 drive occasionally. For home stuff, 3/8 drive will be most versatile, though you could do a lot with 1/4 drive. When I was doing work on an airplane, almost everything was 1/4 drive.
lowside67
Well-known member
As an automotive hobbyist, I could get by without a single chrome 1/2" socket - just retaining my 1/2" impact sockets for use with my electric impact. I use 3/8" most of the time I am using a ratchet.
-Mark
-Mark
General Geoff
Well-known member
I use 1/2" drive on everything from my motorcycles to my truck. Lug nuts, axle nuts, steering/suspension stuff like ball joints, they all require (or at least are best served by) 1/2" drive. And they're not all easily accessible by impact, so I do use 1/2" ratchets and chrome sockets/extensions regularly as well.
You don't strictly need chrome 1/2" sockets or extensions, though. Impact sockets/extensions work just fine with a ratchet and torque wrench as well.
You don't strictly need chrome 1/2" sockets or extensions, though. Impact sockets/extensions work just fine with a ratchet and torque wrench as well.
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
1/2" and 1/4" are all I use unless there is a need they don't meet.
The 1/4" T72 series from Snap-on has a 90 ft/lb proof torque. Tekton is claiming 240 on their 3/8 stuff and 560 on 1/2. That is a huge increase from last generation's tools.
As someone mentioned in another thread it has almost obviated the breaker bar. Being able to size down has also made working in crammed engine bays easier without disassembling everything in your way.
It is more comfortable working with 3/8 all day since everything is lighter. But once the handles start flexing I like to go up a drive size even though I know the tool can handle it.
Like most things you can wait until you need it if you are just starting out and funds are tight.
As someone mentioned in another thread it has almost obviated the breaker bar. Being able to size down has also made working in crammed engine bays easier without disassembling everything in your way.
It is more comfortable working with 3/8 all day since everything is lighter. But once the handles start flexing I like to go up a drive size even though I know the tool can handle it.
Like most things you can wait until you need it if you are just starting out and funds are tight.
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gtsgarage
Well-known member
I just posted a “recommend a ratchet” thread this week. I was originally looking at a 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” combo. I decided to just get 1/4” and 3/8” because with 1/2” the stuff I have works well and things like smoothness and refinement don’t matter as much with a bigger ratchet.
I actually just bought a master set of 3/8” impact sockets that I do think are a bit of a game changer with the 3/8” impact guns now available.
I actually just bought a master set of 3/8” impact sockets that I do think are a bit of a game changer with the 3/8” impact guns now available.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It all depends on what you work on. I use 1/4 & 3/8 drive far more often than 1/2 drive but, when you need 1/2 drive, you need it. I do believe that when you're using 1/2 drive, you can get by with impact sockets but, that's just me.
Depends what you are working on. I use 1/2 drive very often when working on farm equipment. Sometimes it's because I need the strength the drive tools provide, but usually I have the clearances to use 1/2 drive and if I'm working away from the shop, it's just handier to grab a small hand carry box loaded with wrenches and a 1/2 drive set. The small amount of vehicle work I do, I'm generally happier with 3/8 or 1/4 drive. Still, 1/2 drive is handy at times on a vehicle and I'd want at least a basic set.
I need to stock up on some 1/2 sockets and I might just get some 1/2 HF ones impact and use it for ratchet and air
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The 1/2" drive ratchets are more important than the sockets because to can always step down to 3/8" drive sockets. You need the big ratchets for leverage sometimes.
LX-Markham
Well-known member
If you're getting by using a 3/8" drive for the jobs you're working on, stick with the 3/8".
Most of my ratcheting is on my car, so it's 1/2" drive for me. Just changing tires is probably 90% of 1/2" usage.
Most of my ratcheting is on my car, so it's 1/2" drive for me. Just changing tires is probably 90% of 1/2" usage.
Robby321
Well-known member
You don't need 1/2...until? YOU DO!
mcj115
Well-known member
Am I the only odd ball that for homeowner use has 3/4 sockets and impacts and uses them? I needed to change an axle(CV) on my Accord a couple of weeks ago and need the bigger stuff.
vavet
Well-known member
I have a single 3/4 socket in my toolbox. I bought for ball joints on a 95 Ford F150 4WD. I bought a step down adapter to go with it so I can use that 3/4 drive socket with a 1/2" drive tool.
I wrenched on many cars and light trucks. Never had any other need for a 3/4 drive set. I saw plenty of them when I was in Army motorpools, though.
bustedcrawler
Well-known member
Nope, I have a 3/4" set and it get used plenty. Need to do a wheel bearing or axle joints on my 3/4 Ton dodge... for example, that set has the size I need. Same with some of the ball joint set's I've done in the past, that set has been handy.
I use 1/4 for interior work, 3/8 for the majority, and 3/4 for the heavy. Usually it has been my experience that if my 3/8 won't move it the half wont either. Aircat rates their 3/8 impact gun for a 1/2 bolt, their 1/2 for a 9/16 bolt and their 3/4 for 1" bolt, no point to half inch sockets that I see.
Psychwarfare
Well-known member
As an auto resto enthusiast and hack...I probably use:
1/4" - 10%
3/8" - 60%
1/2" - 30%
The extra oomph is often needed for fasteners that succumbed to the elements or simply haven't been touched in years.
1/2" ratchet, impact socket(s), 6' small diameter steel pipe (black job with orange ends from HD) is about the most I've ever needed for bearing/axle work on a Jeep and smaller vehicles.
Wouldn't mind a 3/4" ratchet...just to have...haha
1/4" - 10%
3/8" - 60%
1/2" - 30%
The extra oomph is often needed for fasteners that succumbed to the elements or simply haven't been touched in years.
1/2" ratchet, impact socket(s), 6' small diameter steel pipe (black job with orange ends from HD) is about the most I've ever needed for bearing/axle work on a Jeep and smaller vehicles.
Wouldn't mind a 3/4" ratchet...just to have...haha
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
My 3/4 collection keeps growing as I defeat difficult fasteners.
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
3/4" impact is overkill for most auto tech's let alone most homeowners. Having said that, I do own a complete set 3/4" chrome. I can break loose fasteners with my 3/8" 18" breaker, my 1/2" 24 breaker or 3/4" 40" breaker. It's far safer to use the big one if space is available but, no room for my impact.
visionguru
Well-known member
1/2" drive is a must for suspension work or bolts larger than 17mm (head).
For people who have 1/2" and 1/4", 3/8" is not essential. But if you have 3/8", you still need 1/2" and 1/4" stuff.
ez-duzit
Well-known member
1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"-drive are all necessary for an all-around mechanics tool kit.
shirk
Well-known member
I just bought all new sockets and ratchets and skipped 3/8.
For me working on a newer vehicle at home it's been brakes and suspension and the 1/2 is needed for the 20mm and 22mm bolts.
The other thing is my new 1/2 ratchet is a Facom and it's a bit shorter and lighter than some of the other brands 1/2 ratchets so it doesn't feel as big in the hands.
For me working on a newer vehicle at home it's been brakes and suspension and the 1/2 is needed for the 20mm and 22mm bolts.
The other thing is my new 1/2 ratchet is a Facom and it's a bit shorter and lighter than some of the other brands 1/2 ratchets so it doesn't feel as big in the hands.
gtsgarage
Well-known member
I have one 3/4” socket and a half to 3/4” adapter. Seemed to work fine but cranked on it. Used it to attach a pitman arm.
GirlnAgarage
Well-known member
Very.
1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" are essential for maintaining a well-rounded household.
My truck's lugnuts alone require it - 15/16" @140ft lbs.
As a HD truck and equipment mechanic I find 1/4 3/8 1/2 3/4 and 1 inch drive all to be necessary, however I will say 3/8 is my most used drive size followed closely by 1/2 inch. The only reason the 1/4s ever get used is because it's so convenient to have a complete boxed socket set no larger than a book especially when working inside of the cab.
It's kinda like asking how important is it to have a set of SAE tools... In my opinion, YOU don't get to decide which tools to own. The fastener decides which tool is required. If 3/8 drive tools are not large enough without putting a cheater bar on the ratchet, then you need a 1/2 drive set. Simple. And really, why WOULDN'T you want a 1/2 set? This is Garage Journal, most guys a LOOKING for an excuse to buy MORE tools, not for a reason to own less. lolol. I have tools in my box that haven't been used in 10 years but I wouldn't consider getting rid of them for ANY reason. Sure as ****, as soon as I got rid of something, I would need it a week later. lol
Good luck.
Good luck.
For the maintenance on my 3 cars I literally only need 1/2 inch for axle hub nuts. Everything else can be done with the two smaller sizes. Hell almost all the bolts including suspension bolts I can do with my Milwaukee 3/8 stubby.
What a time to be alive
What a time to be alive
bob15
Well-known member
What do you work on?
danielbuck
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2014
- Messages
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as everyone else stated... depends on what you're working on.
I work on my jeeps and F250 truck, all 4wd. And occasionally my friend's jeeps/trucks. I use 1/2" for most things, and 1/4" for the rest. I find myself using 3/8" less and less. I don't know where the breaking point for 1/2" going up to 3/4 or 1" is, but for most passenger vehicles & trucks, 1/2" is probably sufficient. I imagine once you get larger than 1-ton vehicles, 1/2" might start to seem small.
Any 4wd vehicle I would say 1/2" is probably a good thing to have, especially for stuff like pinion nuts, suspension, steering. most things are larger on offload vehicles.
I work on my jeeps and F250 truck, all 4wd. And occasionally my friend's jeeps/trucks. I use 1/2" for most things, and 1/4" for the rest. I find myself using 3/8" less and less. I don't know where the breaking point for 1/2" going up to 3/4 or 1" is, but for most passenger vehicles & trucks, 1/2" is probably sufficient. I imagine once you get larger than 1-ton vehicles, 1/2" might start to seem small.
Any 4wd vehicle I would say 1/2" is probably a good thing to have, especially for stuff like pinion nuts, suspension, steering. most things are larger on offload vehicles.
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Professional Tool User
Well-known member
It really depends on what you work on. 3/8 is the primary drive people use to work on cars.
That's when you call me....cause almost all I use is 3/8" drive!
Although having a set of 1/2" drive impacts and a nice impact gun would probably be a good thing to have around the shop.
txvwnut
Well-known member
This is the Garage Journal, while it may not be necessary to have a certain size drive of ratchets and socket your required to own all drive sizes.