To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

1/2" to 3/8" Reducer Adapter

H

Hesketh

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2011
Messages
217
Location
Scotland
I know we should never use one of these but every time I find my self in that fix that needs me to use a 3/8" socket but cant get enough turn on it so go for the 1/2" breaker bar and ever time I end up twisting the 3/8" male part off.

So can any one suggest a 1/2" to 3/8" Reducer Adapter that will stand up to the job ? and one I can get in the UK would be handy ;)
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
D

dandan111

Well-known member
Joined
May 2, 2012
Messages
1,623
Location
Indiana
I havnt used it but bought a williams black/impact reducer just for my breaker bar.It looks strong.
 
B

bob15

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Messages
6,863
Location
Northeasten, CT
What socket are you using that you cannot break free on a 3/8 drive, but the 1/2 drive equivalent isn't available to use?

bob
 
OP
H

Hesketh

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2011
Messages
217
Location
Scotland
bob15 said:
What socket are you using that you cannot break free on a 3/8 drive, but the 1/2 drive equivalent isn't available to use?

bob
Click to expand...

Not quite a case of "isn't available" just the case that it was not available at my place at 22:00 on a Sunday I broke 2 as I needed a 19mm 12point to take a crank shaft pulley off. As all my 1/2" sockets are 6point
 
F

franzdom

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
3,136
Location
NC
I have a Sunex impact and a Snap-on non-impact, was thinking about selling the SO because the Sunex looks really good but after reading the drama today about impact adapters breaking I am rethinking, and honestly hoping to never need an adapter.
 
J

jetmech09

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 26, 2012
Messages
254
Mac or Snappy with replaceable end. I have a 3/8 - 1/4 with a replaceable end, although I think I only used it a 1 or 2 times in the past few years.
 
S

Super Sport

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 30, 2011
Messages
4,081
Location
West Michigan
I've broken a few of those myself. I'm going to try an impact version next.

You also might want to look into a long 3/8 breaker bar.
 
S

shampoop

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
1,947
Location
SW Washington
$10 craftsman 3/8" breaker bar + cheater pipe

Problem solved. I'm actually amazed at how much abuse they can take. Haven't broke mine once yet.
 
J

JSBriggs

Well-known member
Joined
May 10, 2009
Messages
1,041
Location
Auburn CA
Hesketh said:
Not quite a case of "isn't available" just the case that it was not available at my place at 22:00 on a Sunday I broke 2 as I needed a 19mm 12point to take a crank shaft pulley off. As all my 1/2" sockets are 6point
Click to expand...

Do you have a 12pt 3/4" in 1/2" drive?

-Jeff
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
T

theoldwizard1

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2011
Messages
43,169
Location
SE MI
I can't remember the last time I had to use my 1/2" to 3/8" adapter !

First, I try switching from my standard 3/8" ratchet (admittedly pretty short) to a flex head 3/8" which is almost twice as long.

Second, if I need my 1/2" breaker bar I use 1/2" sockets. Period.
 
A

apprentice

New member
Joined
Nov 14, 2009
Messages
2
Hey, Snap-On used to have the AIMF for this purpose. Supposedly up to 2000 lbs according to the stamping on it. They normally go for $20 on eBay.
 
P

pipsters

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
4,899
Location
USA
I used a Craftsman reducer w/ a 19mm socket and cranked my torque wrench up to 150 ft-lbs and it took it like a champ. Just wanted to see if they would do it. I'm surprised it didn't break.
 
M

Mr Ratchet

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
928
Location
Michigan
TwoInch said:
them up-sizer adapters look useful... where can i find something like that?
Click to expand...

They do work well and are very low profile. I have a set from ???. Matco had them in chrome at one time and I think Grey Pneumatic still makes theirs.

I've snapped off a couple of the SK reducers and they will not replace them, says so right on them. Same deal with the SK 3/4" to 1/2" reducers. I think I still have a broken one laying around somewhere from many years ago.
 
L

lok

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2011
Messages
527
Location
Greece
Last edited:
F

franzdom

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
3,136
Location
NC
C

cmorr

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
59
Pleading ignorance here, can someone explain why an impact extension is acceptable but one of those SO adapters are not suitable for impact use.

Am guessing that a 3/8" socket may not be able to handle the amount of torque a 1/2" gun could deliver (more an issue of the socket vs the adapter) :dunno:
 
F

franzdom

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
3,136
Location
NC
It's about metallurgy, things made for impact are tougher and less brittle, but not as high tensile strength.
 
C

cmorr

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
59
franzdom said:
It's about metallurgy, things made for impact are tougher and less brittle, but not as high tensile strength.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I assumed by the black steel they were of similar material to that used for impact use
 
T

TwoInch

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 29, 2012
Messages
2,828
Location
NW INDIANA
Mr Ratchet said:
They do work well and are very low profile. I have a set from ???. Matco had them in chrome at one time and I think Grey Pneumatic still makes theirs..
Click to expand...

thank you. im gonna look into a set of them. upsizing isnt common, but i definitely dont like the upsizers that resemble the downsizer this thread is about. the low-pro seems much stronger design and obviously, much lower profile.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom