1/2 in sockets

[dink]

Are they a nessicity???

I dont own them.....so I am throwing this question out so I know in the future to get them

 

[number3]

Yes, all tools are a necessity. 1/2" drives are used when big torque is needed. (Think air gun)

 

[kartracer55]

I noticed you didnt have any in your pics, maybe one or two oddballs.

It all depends on how serious your getting with repair work. You are only going to use 1/2 stuff for doing real service type work...Suspension, steering, and drive line stuff. Most everything else can be acomplished with 3/8 stuff.

Most impact guns are 1/2 drive though, and they make 1/2 drive sockets that go as low as 3/8 and smaller, but this is uncommon with chrome sockets.

So basically, It all depends on what you plan on doing. I wouldnt waste the $$$ on 1/2 stuff if your only doing oil changes and basic things like that. Id Order an SK 1/2 flex head (24 inches) from the toolwarehouse... its about $40 (sears doesnt make a long one like that) Id also go to sears and buy a few deep sockets.... 19,20,21,22mm, and 11/16 and 3/4 sockets. This will take care of pretty much any lugs you will come across.


Jim

 

[dink]

Thanks guys....if I do get them it will be probably just the Craftsmen since they wont be used very often....or Allen

 

[kartracer55]

Just remember Craftsman doesnt make any metric deep 6pt sockets. Dont ask my why.

They do have a decent set of about $75 with both metric and sae. I would go for the long SK breaker bar though, because craftsman only makes an 18inch version, and trust me, the extra length is good for those bolts that dont want to turn.

Jim

 

[dink]

Just remember Craftsman doesnt make any metric deep 6pt sockets. Dont ask my why.

They do have a decent set of about $75 with both metric and sae. I would go for the long SK breaker bar though, because craftsman only makes an 18inch version, and trust me, the extra length is good for those bolts that dont want to turn.

Jim

That is already taken care of.....I have a pre-Home Depot 1/2 in Husky breaker bar that my father gave to me....its old and in great condition

 

[kartracer55]

Cool. Ive got a new britain era husky 3/8 breaker bar. Its a litte guy, but it has come in handy.

Jim

 

[dink]

Cool. Ive got a new britain era husky 3/8 breaker bar. Its a litte guy, but it has come in handy.

Jim

I have a 1/2 to 3/8 socket adaptor for this tool.....but it would be nice to have 1/2 sockets to work with this.....plus they would go with my nice shiny socket collection hahahah

 

[Rickster]

I find the 1/2" stuff just too clunky for working on anything except larger suspension or engine bolts. I use the 3/8 just about everywhere else. I have an SK breaker bar with a soft handle that I just love, but I haven't seen it lately, I better look around for it today. When I need a little extra umph I use a piece of pipe I slip over the breaker bar.

 

[dink]

I find the 1/2" stuff just too clunky for working on anything except larger suspension or engine bolts. I use the 3/8 just about everywhere else. I have an SK breaker bar with a soft handle that I just love, but I haven't seen it lately, I better look around for it today. When I need a little extra umph I use a piece of pipe I slip over the breaker bar.

On that soft handle they have on there do you find it slips any??

 

[Runner94]

I agree with the fact that 1/2" tools are large and are best used on the bigger bolts on what ever your working on. I've used them on brakes, suspension, lugs, etc. They're kinda large for valve cover bolts or battery cable bolts, or the like. I do have both 1/2" and 3/8" sets both 6 and 12 points. I also have 1/4" sets which I use quite a bit when I work on my small metric stuff. I have the 6 and 12 sets in 1/4" too. Metric and SAE. I bought a 3/4" set from HF because I needed a 2-1/2" socket and it was cheaper than buying the single socket, believe it or not. I probably will never use the 3/4" set for much though. HF has a pretty good long breaker bar ( I think 20 or 24" long). For heavy controlled use I think it should last a while. (Controlled Use= not trying to loosen a 15/16" bolt that has been in place for 30 years. But it will probably work)

 

[Luke73]

I have that same 3/4 HF set. Used a couple of times on a 72 F150 steering linkage. Worth the money.

 

[dink]

Yea with breaker bars I really dont think it really matters what brand...seeing its used for a short period of time....kinda like exstensions really doesnt matter

 

[kartracer55]

Yea with breaker bars I really dont think it really matters what brand...seeing its used for a short period of time....kinda like exstensions really doesnt matter

no its the other way around. Breaker bars are something you dont want to screw around with. If that pin on top snaps your done. You can seriously get hurt if it breaks, and thats the one and only thing that is gunna go on a breaker bar.

Jim

 

[dink]

no its the other way around. Breaker bars are something you dont want to screw around with. If that pin on top snaps your done. You can seriously get hurt if it breaks, and thats the one and only thing that is gunna go on a breaker bar.

Jim

Well if that is the case I go back to the Chinese reject statement...and most people can tell one from another

 

[kartracer55]

Nope I came across a ratchet branded "workforce" excellent chrome finish all around. BUT when you look into the brands that go around the handle (to replicate a snap on sorta thing) you could see cheap casting marks... wasnt even forged. But had these been surface ground just like the rest of the tool, I would have had no idea it wasnt forged.

Jim

 

[dink]

Eh it doesnt matter....my breaker bar I have works fine and I wont be changing anytime soon

 

[vjquan]

I try to buy US made tools whenever possible, especially hand tools. As stated before, Craftsman does not make 6 pt. 1/2 drive deep metric sockets. The only way to get those in Craftsman is to buy the impact sockets. The 1/2 to 3/8 adapter should be used with care and lightly since this is the weak point. I've sheared a couple of these off.

 

[Rickster]

On that soft handle they have on there do you find it slips any??

No, works great, feels more comfortable because of larger diameter. Its not really soft, more like a hard cushened.

 

[chevy302dz]

1/2 inch drive sockets are a must have if you plan on doing anything besides basic auto work.

 

[dink]

1/2 inch drive sockets are a must have if you plan on doing anything besides basic auto work.

And thats one reason i want to get them for the other stuff that would be around the house...and to fit my 1/2' breaker bar

 

[kartracer55]

Hey gotta put it to good use.

For your sockets, I say just go to sears... get shallow 6pt, metric and standard, and and SAE deep 6pt. and the metric 12 pts(as they dont make any 6 pt metric deeps???)

Like I said, youve gotten this far without them, you dont need the absolute best.

Jim

 

[dink]

Hey gotta put it to good use.

For your sockets, I say just go to sears... get shallow 6pt, metric and standard, and and SAE deep 6pt. and the metric 12 pts(as they dont make any 6 pt metric deeps???)

Like I said, youve gotten this far without them, you dont need the absolute best.

Jim

Actually I will probably go Allen sockets....I had good luck on the Allen 3/8 fractional so for the less used 1/2 I will look into this brand instead...I want to phase out the Craftsmen tools

 

[kartracer55]

Oh thats right. I suppsoe youc an go with allen.... check out northern tool for them(unless you have aloical store that is) as they havea price garauntee and they ship for free.

Jim

 

[dink]

Oh thats right. I suppsoe youc an go with allen.... check out northern tool for them(unless you have aloical store that is) as they havea price garauntee and they ship for free.

Jim

Yea a couple of my customers have Allen in there stores....the Northern Tools here in DFW area...non of them carry Allen....they carry the cheap stuff for some reason....maybe for this area they steer the customers to the website for that

WIth going to one of my customers they will give me a discount on stuff hahahaa

 

[kartracer55]

Oh, it must be nice to be in the buisness. I have never seen a northern tool store in my life. i dont think there are any in the northeast. Theres only 1 harbor freight in NJ (not that I frequent there) and it happens to be by my motor builders house, so Whenever I go to pickuok or drop off a motor, Ill run in to look for any sales on USA made items.

Jim

 

[dink]

Oh, it must be nice to be in the buisness. I have never seen a northern tool store in my life. i dont think there are any in the northeast. Theres only 1 harbor freight in NJ (not that I frequent there) and it happens to be by my motor builders house, so Whenever I go to pickuok or drop off a motor, Ill run in to look for any sales on USA made items.

Jim

Northern tool is out of Minnesota....they are mainly in the middle states and southern states....there is 3 i believe in the DFW area