1/4" + 1/2" Socket Set (Skip 3/8) - Doable?

[oldschoolcraft]

I know GJ is all about maximizing the number of tools you have. But I've been thinking about a portable "do alot" toolkit lately and came across the idea that it's not really necessary to have 3/8" sockets to cover all sizes and you can do it with 1/4 and 1/2.

The obvious downside to skipping 3/8 and going up to 1/2 is that the socket wrench size is usually much bigger so you'll run into clearance issues on some tighter confined areas.

So I did some reading of old posts and found an old Snap On wrench, long discontinued, that is 1/2" head in a 3/8" body. So I'm wondering, could the following be a do most things tool set, with the fewest number of sockets and wrenches:

Semi-Deep 1/4 and 1/2 set in metric and standard
Flex Adapter in 1/4 and 1/2
1/4" standard size ratchet
1/4" long flex ratchet
1/2" in 3/8" body ratchet
1/2" breaker bar in 18" length

I'm not saying you'll enjoy using these tools versus the proper 3/8 and also shallow/deep, but I wonder if you could finagle those 4 ratchets (3 plus a breaker bar) to do almost any socket-based job when you're away from your garage and main tool cart?

 

[McFarmer]

I did it that way for 25+ years, until about 10 years ago I happened into a 3/8 set.

It is used 75% of the time now.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I did it that way for 25+ years, until about 10 years ago I happened into a 3/8 set.

It is used 75% of the time now.

So what was your experience? Anything you couldn't do in those 25+ years?

And what mix of ratchets were you using to get around the fact that the 1/2 is a bit on the larger size?

 

[patchap]

I would go with just the 3/8 if anything. If it's an emergency kit what are you realistically gonna be fixing.
Light bulb here and there, maybe a starter that goes bad on a long trip. Simple stuff, and 3/8 has lots of range

 

[gdocktor3]

If I had to decide on a "one set covers all" I'd just get 3/8".

 

[bob15]

What do you plan on working on? A small Briggs, a Deere 4440 or a D11 dozer? It makes a difference...........

 

[gdocktor3]

What do you plan on working on? A small Briggs, a Deere 4440 or a D11 dozer? It makes a difference...........

If I had to guess, using context clues of course, I'd say a D10...

 

[audioworks04]

I use 3/8 much more often than either 1/4 or 1/2, but I suppose you could survive as you speak.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

Depends. I use 1/4" more than anything else, but I work on motorcycles more than anything else. I find that 1/4" + 1/2" kits are poular in euro sets, but 3/8" is needed with some 'specialty' stuff like spark plug sockets etc.

So yes, it can be done

 

[Fedwrench]

It all depends on what you work on and need. This question has been asked many times before. I think many European techs used only 1/4 and 1/2 successfully for a number of years. Try searching for the other threads,

 

[McFarmer]

So what was your experience? Anything you couldn't do in those 25+ years?

And what mix of ratchets were you using to get around the fact that the 1/2 is a bit on the larger size?

The 1/2 set is clumsy less than 3/4 inch sockets. The 1/4 isn't enough over 7/16.

Whatever the metric equivalents are. My machinery isn't new enough to worry much about that.

 

[Bobioz1]

A complete 3/8 set would outwork your 1/4 and 1/2 sets all day long.

 

[kkroger]

I tend to use 3/8 far more since about 1982 than anything else... and 1/4 next... rarely use half BUT when I do I need it and I have one socket in 3/4, for Dana 80 Pinion nut...

 

[wolf_from_wv]

I've been looking for an extra-short 3/8 set, because 1/4" wasn't big enough and there was no room for an adapter and no possible way to fit 1/2" in. I ended up trimming down a 3/8" socket on a lathe so it would fit. That was on a flex-pipe bolt on a 2.2 S10.

 

[Al Borland]

Rarely use 1/4. Mostly use 1/2 at work with some 3/8.
Usually I am working on hundred year old equipment/buildings and everything is BIG and non-metric.
Occasionally run into weirdo bolts that nothing fits correctly and have to use the blue wrench. Or rusty bolts.

 

[shawndp]

One of our techs at work does just that - 1/2 and 1/4 predominantly. I get the impresion that if you learned the trade outside Canada / USA this is how it is done. That said you need a good quality 1/4 ratchet to tackle 12 and 13mm fasteners.

 

[Chief919]

That is how all the Army General Mechanics Tool Sets were made and issued through the early 2000's. You have a 1/4 set and a 1/2 set.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Generally speaking, my 3/8 set gets the most use, while I have 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 sets available if the need presents itself

 

[Alpine4x4]

3/8 is my go to all around size. 1/4 is light work, interiors, etc. 1/2 is only grabbed when needed for heavier work. My in truck kit is just 3/8.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

1/2" in 3/8" body ratchet
1/2" breaker bar in 18" length

I'm not saying you'll enjoy using these tools

Not an enjoyable combination at all for my tastes. First I would go with 24" BB in 1/2" dr. You won't get a lot of torque on an 8" ratchet (3/8" body) with rusty/dirty larger fasteners. Flipping a BB around to get loose enough is a pain in the rear.
I use my 1/2" dr 18 1/2" locking flex 100 times more than I use my 1/2" dr 10" fixed ratchet. I use my 24" BB to break it loose and then ratchet it off if not using an impact. If I don't have the room then the 15" BB and 10" rat gets used or my 18" BB in 3/8" dr with the 12" locking flex. Just depends on the size of the fastener and how much persuasion is needed.

 

[sk farmer]

i could do 3/8 and 3/4 with very little issue. 3/8 is just too damn handy. 1/2 is just too big and 1/4 is just to small for most jobs

 

[RAS61]

3/8 first and foremost, it's what I use most of the time. If you want to minimize from there I'd go 1/2 above 1" only (wouldn't bother duplicating smaller sizes) and a 1/4 ratchet with a 3/8 adapter, then fill in the smaller sizes in 1/4 where needed.

 

[rmsg0040]

Personally I use 3/8 most, 1/2 sometimes, 1/4 rarely

I tried to get into 1/4 but I always reach for 3/8 first. Never had clearance issues whether at home or work.

It's such a shame, I have bought and sold/returned so many 1/4 ratchets cause I rarely reach for it. I own 2 now and they both look brand new. I have a full 1/4 impact socket set sae/metric which also looks brand new.

I am so tempted to buy a long handled 1/4 ratchet right now but I know it will just sit and I will regret it.

 

[Metalio]

It all depends on what you work on and need. This question has been asked many times before. I think many European techs used only 1/4 and 1/2 successfully for a number of years. Try searching for the other threads,

Yeah the norm here in Europe for auto techs is using 1/4" and 1/2" only for some reason. Whenever I try to buy 3/8" sockets or extensions from my local tool store they have to order it from the distributor 95% of the time, since apparently those are rarely sold (according to the store owner). I guess most people do just fine without 3/8", but on the other hand I use it almost exclusively nowadays when it comes to hand tools.

 

[thatguysb]

i have one of those long handled ratchets, never used more than once or twice.
total waste IMO To long to do anything.

i recently started stocking up on 1/4 sockets.

have from 5mm to 14mm. Still use for certain fasteners but i always grab 3/8 first as they cover from 8mm to 22mm in my kit. Does everything from interior teardowns to intake removal ect.

1/2 tools are nice but the weight of the ratchets always kills me, really need to get a composite ratchet about 12" or so.

 

[Jason280]

It really depends on what you are working on, but 75% of my needs are met with a 3/8" set of sockets.

As far as a long handled 1/4" ratchet, I had a Snap On and never used it. Now, a long handled 3/8" drive is a different story....I have several of those, and they get used quite a bit.

 

[Mr_B]

3/8 first and foremost, it's what I use most of the time. If you want to minimize from there I'd go 1/2 above 1" only (wouldn't bother duplicating smaller sizes) and a 1/4 ratchet with a 3/8 adapter, then fill in the smaller sizes in 1/4 where needed.

This sort of idea is best concept, obviously type of work you likely tackle will play role on how you size it out .

 

[honcho]

I posed a very similar question here on GJ several years ago and received similar (and some unnecessarily condescending) replies. My goal then and now was to reduce the total space and weight that my tools occupies in my life. Fast forward to the present and I'm still using 3/8" and have more tools than ever!

3/8" drive tools exist in the sweet spot for for general mechanical repair for most equipment. I believe a combination of 1/4" and 1/2" would work fine without 3/8" in the middle but if you say no 3/8" drive, it may disadvantage you from time to time when a tool or accessory is only available in 3/8" drive.

Good luck and happy wrenching.

 

[RAS61]

3/8" drive tools exist in the sweet spot for for general mechanical repair for most equipment.

For me 3/8 is the sweet spot for function AND comfort - 1/2 often too big plus heavy, 1/4 too small in the hand and not enough torque, 3/8...just right!

 

[Tonyuk]

3/8 drive for me, 1/2" for impact work, 1/4 for smaller fasteners and most things inside the cab.

When you can get a decent 3/8 ratchet and socket set for cheap i don't see why you would bother not having it. If you make your money off car repair invest £50-60 in a ratchet and some sockets and see how you like them, nothing to loose really.
If you just want a basic socket set for the home then a decent 1/4" set like this will cover most things from building furniture to changing batteries in the car etc.. Anything that needs the wheels off is ideally a 1/2" breaker bar with a socket on the end at least.

 

[RAS61]

This sort of idea is best concept, obviously type of work you likely tackle will play role on how you size it out .

This IS actually what I've done. Do to toolbox space and cost savings I only have 1/2 from 3/4" on up - only a slight overlap with 3/8. Never encountered a 5/16" or 1/2" bolt that 3/8 drive couldn't handle.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For me 3/8 is the sweet spot for function AND comfort - 1/2 often too big plus heavy, 1/4 too small in the hand and not enough torque, 3/8...just right!

Concur !

I RARELY get out a 1/2" socket for anything, except maybe lug nuts.

Thinking about that, I might just put all my chrome 1/2" drive sockets and ratchets down in a bottom drawer !

 

[shawndp]

Concur !

I RARELY get out a 1/2" socket for anything, except maybe lug nuts.

Thinking about that, I might just put all my chrome 1/2" drive sockets and ratchets down in a bottom drawer !

I use 3/8 for almost everything short of interiors and have 4 sets on my tool cart covering 6 to 24mm, along with 2 sets of 1/4. The 1/2 stuff is for lugs and I don't even bother pushing a set around the shop. Can not remember the last time I used a chrome 1/2 socket. You might not miss them in the bottom drawer.

That said, one of my techs loves 1/2 - going as low as 10mm. He uses a short 1/2 ratchet for oil changes even! When things get tiny like 6 to 8mm, he will go 1/4 but his scope of work has very little need for the smaller sizes, so it's all 1/2 almost all the time.

 

[Mr_B]

We all vary in how we like work, I use 3/8 for most things besides heavier suspension and brake type jobs, A good long 3/8 ratchets covers lot of 1/2" needs, a short fine tooth and swivel head covers lot of 1/4" needs .
My biggest range of socket coverage is 3/8 inc mid length sockets and swivels .
You certain/y could cut out lot of overlap sizes or do without 3/8 if had to but all down to what you do and what tool size you like .

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I am so tempted to buy a long handled 1/4 ratchet right now but I know it will just sit and I will regret it.

Try one, you may like it. I use My 9" SO breaker and 8" Matco ratchet quite a bit. I also have sockets up to 5/8" and 15mm which helps with it's versatility.

 

[gearhead1]

That is how all the Army General Mechanics Tool Sets were made and issued through the early 2000's. You have a 1/4 set and a 1/2 set.

+1 Chief beat me to it. I started out and had two of the red metal toolboxes with a lift out tray on top and had only a 1/4 set and 1/2 set. I was a track mechanic in a combat engineer battalion. Outside of special application specific tools, it was enough tools.

It depends on what you’re working on. Yeah, that won’t cut it working on D9 bulldozers.

For a travel set, I’d make a long 3/8 set meaning go as low as you can and as high as you can in sizes.

 

[Furious Filipino]

It really comes down to what the goal is with the tool kit.

I've been down this road a few times over in the automotive, motorcycle, and bicycle industry. At different points of my life, I have needed to basically have almost the same capability as a shop, but have it be portable enough to fit in the trunk of a car or even be able to checked in as luggage on a plane.

Lowest overall tool count without duplication? I vote for 1/4" and 1/2" set only. Why? If you based your tool kit on a 3/8" set, you will need a reducer to use some of the smallest 1/4" sizes, and maybe even a smaller/shorter 3/8" ratchet--at which point, you should just have had a 1/4" set anyway. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you'll need an adapter for the larger 1/2" drive only sizes, and a longer ratchet for leverage--at which point you should just have the 1/2" ratchet set anyway.

 

[mr.lemons]

Also managed for over twenty years using a set that came with 1/4 and 1/2. I have 3/8 now but only use it occasionally when space is limited. Guess you just get used to what you have.

 

[MadMark]

I removed the 3/8 sockets and wrenches from my box to save weight, when I had to drag my toolbox, jack and jack-stands out into the street to work on my car.

But back then I was doing mostly suspension work and needed the extra torque the 1/2 drive offered. I took the 1/4 drive along to remove body panels, hoses, etc. and anything else blocking my access.

 

[Parrothead]

A complete 3/8 set would outwork your 1/4 and 1/2 sets all day long.

Yep, I’ve primarily worked off a 3/8 set for years. I’ve probably used my 1/2 stuff 20 times or less.