1/4" ratchet: something that I really need?

[skernv99]

I have a couple of 3/8" ratchets and a couple of 1/2" ratchets and associated sockets for each size, so of course I'm thinking, "do I need a 1/4" ratchet?". What says the folks on garagejournal? I wold mainly use it for working on my truck (Toyota tacoma and in the near future, hopefully a new 4 runner) and DIY projects around the house. I know reading on the Toyota forums, I think the 1/4" ratchet comes into play for interior work mostly. 3/8" size can handle almost everything in the engine bay.

 

[KnurledNut]

With the minimal cost, why not?

 

[rijndael]

I use mine pretty often, but if you haven't had a need for it, then don't spend the money on it.

 

[killer cougar]

I've got one from HF and it serves the purpose when it's needed.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Rabid Badger]

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-12-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt05302

$55 for a quality, comprehensive set that is guaranteed to save you far more than $55 worth of headache.

 

[KnurledNut]

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-12-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt05302

$55 for a quality, comprehensive set that is guaranteed to save you far more than $55 worth of headache.

I know the topic has been beat to death, but for these smaller sizes i would go with 6 point sockets, not 12.

 

[toolaholic]

I know the topic has been beat to death, but for these smaller sizes i would go with 6 point sockets, not 12.

I actually kinda want 1/4 drive 12 points. Have 12s in 3/8 and 1/2. I use my sk 12 points a lot but our vehicles are newer with out corrosion .

 

[BajaScout]

Good to have for the smaller projects. Especially electronics and appliances.

 

[TOTO]

Absolutely. I use mine quite often when working on vehicles. Interior trim and even under the hood mostly. As mentioned already the cost is minimal. You can start out with a cheap set and if you find them useful then upgrade and expand.

 

[mikehaugen]

I prefer to use 1/4" drive whenever possible. I just like the light weight and small size for speed.

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[NUTTSGT]

Without a doubt, I would want 1/4" drive stuff.

Something like this from Menard's would be a decent start. You can buy deep well sets as you need them.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...157527059.htm?tid=3325495093586063530&ipos=23

 

[Rabid Badger]

I know the topic has been beat to death, but for these smaller sizes i would go with 6 point sockets, not 12.

Feel free to post a link to the 6 point set.

 

[jmhinkle]

I use my 1/4" a lot. Personally, I think people use too large a driver for certain sizes. 10mm and under I always use 1/4" and sometimes 11 and 12 if space is an issue. 11-17mm is usually 3/8" with 17-19 crossing over with 1/2" for certain applications. Above 17 is usually 1/2". Prevents over torqued or mangled bolts. 1/2" is probably my least used stuff. Most car work stays between 1/4" and 3/8". Wheels, brakes and suspension usually brings out 1/2".

I also like quality ratchets and have quite a few. If money is a concern, I highly recommend the new Tekton stuff. I have been reaching for it more than my Nepros lately. Extremely impressed with it.

 

[AS556]

I have SAE and metric 1/4 sets and two ratchets but have practically never used either. I vastly prefer 3/8 for everything.

On big bolts I like to break it loose with a 24" 1/2 breaker then do the rest with a 3/8 ratchet or better yet an impact.

 

[jumbojak]

I have a long 1/4 ratchet that has basically replaced my 3/8 drive stuff. Well, the standard length anyway. Smaller, lighter, faster up to 15mm.

 

[Legion Prime]

I use 1/4" a TON! If you don't see much need then a cheap set from HF should do you just fine. If it doesn't see much use you still have them for the rare occasions when you need them. However if you find yourself reaching for them more and more often then yeah, a step up in quality such as the Tekton above may be the next step and having two sets is never a bad idea especially with the smaller sizes if one gets lost/broken you have the second set to pull from until you find/replace the other. If nothing else a 1/4 square adapter in an impact/drill can speed some things up where a ratchet might be a bit unwieldy.

 

[Davefr]

If you've ever had the miserable experience working under a dash, you'll absolutely need a 1/4" ratchet and maybe even a thumb ratchet.

I'd do without a 1/2" ratchet before a 1/4".

However everyone's needs are different depending on the task.

 

[bonneyman]

At work I use 1/4" drive almost exclusively. Around the house and in the shop it's 3/8" mostly. Having both drive sizes with complete coverage is not out of the question.

 

[P7M8]

I can’t imagine not having a 1/4 inch set. I recently watched a YouTube video that featured top drawer only tool box tours. Two of the mechanics worked on tractor trailers and they said their most used ratchet is 1/4.

 

[paulsomlo]

I'd do without a 1/2" ratchet before a 1/4".

Same here - but if you're looking for reasons not to buy another ratchet, GJ is probably not the place.

 

[visionguru]

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-12-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt05302

$55 for a quality, comprehensive set that is guaranteed to save you far more than $55 worth of headache.

Since when Tekton is a "quality" brand?

 

[JRas]

I don't use mine often, nicer for small stuff obviously. 3/8" is my go to

I haven't invested in any nice 1/4" sockets/rachets. Craftsman USA does it

smaller than 10mm I'd say it has a place.

 

[KnurledNut]

Feel free to post a link to the 6 point set.

Not sure who this reply was intended for, but here ya go:

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-5-32-9-16-in-4-14-mm?quantity=1&set-range=combined

 

[dar24601]

Biggest reason you'd need 1/4" ratchet is for when space is and issue. Have you looked into a 3/8" ratchet in a 1/4" form factor. I have both the Sk and Wright love them as now i can just grab one set of sockets and 2 ratchets.
Wright 3/8 compact

SK slim drive

if you want dedicated 1/4 and don't want break the bank, Tekton 55 pc set is a solid set. Now i don't like the way tekton ratchets feel in hand you could go with just buying the sockets but you'll wind up $25 more than just getting the set.

 

[MJK]

I bought the SK 91848 set and love it. If you already have the sockets, get a nice ratchet and use them. Removing underbody panels for oil changes and interior work is a snap.

If you are looking to save space/ $ and don't already have 1/4" sockets, then a nice stubby 3/8 flex ratchet and your existing 3/8" sockets will accomplish pretty much the same thing IMO.

 

[bczygan]

It's surprising how much they are needed under the hood.

We've been doing numerous jobs under the hood, in automotive class, from alternators and water pumps, to complete engine and trans R&R.

1/4" is handy for lots of small fasteners holding components that you need to unhook or remove for access.

Bill

 

[CJM8515]

Since when Tekton is a "quality" brand?

Well, would you consider craftsman I mean crapsman a quality brand?

Tekton is fine.


I use 1/4" drive all the time. Works well

 

[theoldwizard1]

The first set of tools I ever owned was a 1/4" and 3/8" set. 3/8" ratchet and a 3/8-1/4 adapter. That was 50 years ago.

Although I use my 1/4" sockets a lot, I still do not own a 1/4" ratchet !

 

[The Fall]

When I started working at a garage (pre-75 domestics -- although applicable to all years), I found the long-handled 1/4" drive ratchet to be incredibly valuable. It provides reach and leverage when clearance is an issue. I didn't expect that ratchet to really shine. Mine is a Matco 88-tooth ratchet.

 

[jshailor1871]

I use 1/4 almost as much as my 3/8 ratchet and sockets. It's nice when you can use a smaller tool for those tighter spots.

John

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

 

[BarryWells]

I use 1/4" daily.I repair a lit of small machinery. Welders, drill presses, bandsaws, chain saws, meat grinders.....all kinds of stuff seldom over 1/2" or 9/16 fasteners and lots and lots of bits. Torx, Allens and that sort.Even have a 1/4 IR air ratchet and torque wrench.

 

[yrly]

I use 1/4 and 1/2 nearly all the time. 3/8 sever seems to have the required torque.

 

[JoeMcGov]

I've has 1/4" in my set since 1983. Darn glad I have.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Since when Tekton is a "quality" brand?

 

[sberry]

1/4 is part of most good/complete tool sets.

 

[Estebanchee]

I avoided using 1/4 drive for many years and struggled because of that. Tried it late last year and couldn't believe how useful it was. Alot of what I do mainly involves 8-10 and 12mm nuts. 1/4 drive is so cheap, you can easily afford both shallow and deeps for the times you need to get in tight spaces. You won't regret it, do it

 

[mbshop]

As a professional mech, I used my 1/4 ratchets as much as my 3/8 ratchets.above all of them I used my 1/4 air ratchet. Retired before all the battery stuff came out.

 

[Indexmill]

We all use 1/4" all the time. If the job can be done with 1/4", then we use it. Being without a 1/4" drive set is like being without a wrench set.

 

[joseywales]

If you caught the Lowe’s KD tools (Gearwrench) deals today you wouldn’t even be asking this question. At those prices, two sets make sense

 

[dwasifar]

Emphatically yes. I use my 1/4" drive stuff all the time. Easy to get into small spaces with. If you don't need the torque of a larger tool, the smaller one is more convenient.

As a bonus, an ordinary 1/4" extension chucks easily into a drill. I assembled three garage doors with a 1/4" drive socket on a cordless drill that way.