3/4 drive sockets and automotive stuff

[l_bilyk]

I have this strange urge to buy a set of 3/4 sockets for the sake of having just about any size socket available. Have you guys found them to be useful? Other than wheen nuts, I dont think I have any other bolts on the car in that size range

 

[vjquan]

I think for automotive work, 1/2" is plenty. The 3/4" are way expensive.

 

[filthy_shovel]

3/4 is not really used on automotive work. I was a auto tech for 1997 - 2005 and did not use them once. Yet on my Harley davidson, i have used them a couple of times.

Unless you really want them, they will not be usefull to you..

Cheaper to just go buy the ones you need like 32 mm, 36 mm or something like that.

 

[ChucksCrib]

I am not an auto tech and have had a need for one. I needed a 1 11/16 socket to remove an axel nut from my 2500 Ram. I could only find a 3/4 drive socket in the size. I also bought a 3/4 drive breaker bar for the project. I could have Mickey Mouse my way through it and used a 1/2" breaker bar with and adapter but opted aginats that option.

 

[dink]

3/4 inch is really only good on commercial vehicles and tractors not useful at all for the average mechanic guy that is working on his project car

 

[...dave]

i've got a 3/4" breaker bar and one socket for it (whatever the rear wheel nut is on a '62 Caddy), that's it.. might could use another for the torsion bars on my Chrysler, but aside from that i can't think of any time i've felt the need for it.

They are shiny and very impressive to look at.

If you've got the money and the toolbox space just gnawing at you, go for it, we'll understand

...dave

 

[kartracer55]

Ive never had a need for one... the only large bolts you will find are axle nuts, and those can usually be taken care of with a 1/2 impact... thats why they sell axle nut impact socket sets. Dont bother with it spend the money on more useful tools that you dont have.

Jim

 

[krooser]

I got a set of 3/4" sockets FREE when I bought the new engine for my hot rod project!

 

[dink]

I got a set of 3/4" sockets FREE when I bought the new engine for my hot rod project!

What is that a 454545454 short block???

 

[krooser]

1.8......

 

[byrdman]

I use 3/8" and 1/4" for most of my stuff(old Chevy restoration). 1/2" on "heavier" stuff - control arm bushing nuts, rear end U-bolts, trailing arm mounts, bumper bracket bolts, spindle nuts etc. I can't imagine the need for 3/4".

 

[AdamMopar]

Never used them in the automotive field but have used them a lot in the ag field. It's pretty much necessary for that area. Adam

 

[l_bilyk]

They are shiny and very impressive to look at.

Exactly! They're shiny! And I want them!

I'm sure everyone here has at least once bought a tool they wanted but didn't REALLY need.

 

[eschoendorff]

Exactly! They're shiny! And I want them!

I'm sure everyone here has at least once bought a tool they wanted but didn't REALLY need.

OMG... you just described.... ME!

 

[Thumper]

I have a set and have used them on occasion for pittman arm nuts, pinion nuts on rearends, stuff such as that. The reason I got them was I was working on semi trucks at the time . 2 inch is the biggest I got.

 

[rhandwor]

I have a set and have used them occasionally. I do use them for seal drivers more frequently. Not much use on a car but sometimes needed. I had a small English car come into the garage with a large diameter crankshaft nut and a VW with a 1 11/16 inch axle shaft nut. Anyway this was the US size although it was metric.

 

[speed bump]

I had to use on the other day on a Pitman arm nut on a Dodge van steering box. I also need it from time to time on my 3/4 ton Ford 4x4.

If I were you I would just pick a cheap set from Harbor Freight for $50.

 

[Stanger]

Guys, these threads are oooold. Just ignore rhandwor's posts for now. He got lost somewhere deep in the archives.

 

[rsanter]

I have used the 3/4 drive for the ford strut rod bushing nuts that are rusty, and for the upper control arm nuts.
other than that they are used more for driving in seals than anything else on cars

bob

 

[krusty the clown]

kind like the gopher on caddyshack

 

[wrenchr]

All I can say is................................Look down

 

[Uncle Buck]

Mainly for driving seals as pointed out by rsanter, and actually using a socket every 2-3 years or so. Also I occasionally find them very helpful pressing something under the arbor press or in the vise. When the time comes that I get a conventional press they will also be very helpful there as well.

(Old threads are occasionally fun too!)

 

[dime]

I've got a snappy ratchet with ellcheapo sockets and I use them pretty regularly on suspension stuff but I do slot of 4wd work so I don't know how Usefull they would be for other general automotive stuff also another bit people with snappy 3/4 ratchet might want to know is the old 24 tooth ratchet when u get a rebuild kit for them u get the new gear that's like 32 or 34 teeth from the new sealed head ones so it's kinda like a free upgrade

 

[Jay H 237]

I bought a Craftsman set this summer and haven't had any use for it yet. Seal drivers is problably what it will be used for mostly as others have mentioned and I may use it on some suspension components for extra leverage when I don't feel like dragging out my compressor.


It was one of those instant purchases even a weekend mechanic like me makes at times when walking down the Sears tool isle and finds something he doesn't own yet..........

 

[bushhawg73]

I use them from time to time. This set is a good deal, I know it is not USA made but it works and they have a lifetime warranty. I can not find the shallow set but it was even cheaper.

http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/xq/asp/N.3-4-Drive-Deep-8-Piece-SAE-Impact-Socket-Set/PID.SUU-4681/prodid.54401/TID.%7B238E43E0-AF79-424C-B65C-E46B75D53D3E%7D/qx/product.htm

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

I found that they come in wonderful use when you set the pinion crush depth on a rear end like an 8.8. I used a 1-1/16" last night with my Snap On 3/4" impact to set the crush sleeve to the right pre-load on the pinion.

Works like a champ.

Nice and slow. Blaap - Blaap - Blaap -Blaap and we're there.

Adam

 

[dwilliams35]

Use mine probably once every two months or so: of course, I've never used them on a car or pickup with the possible exception of trailer ball nuts. Tractors and farm implements, however, they're a must.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I rarely need them, but I think it's a good idea to have a set...esp. if you can get a decent set used at a good price.

I have two 3/4" drive sets...don't ask!

 

[pl_silverado]

I always wanted a set too, but got by just fine using 1/2" sockets and ratchets until one came along. It'll be nice to have working on trucks and farm equipment.
I personally wouldn't go out and buy a brand new set. Instead, scour craigslist and wait until one pops up locally. I waited for a couple years and picked up a Snap-on 3/4" Set for $ 150. No way in hell would i go out and pay list price for it.

414AHD in the catalog.
heres a pic.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Huge U **** There !!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[billymade]

Oh, NO! Don't show that $150 Snap-On 3/4" set again! I am getting nauseated just looking at it! LOL! That is a beautiful thing to behold! You should get the Snapon metal box to put the set into!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Oh, NO! Don't show that $150 Snap-On 3/4" set again! I am getting nauseated just looking at it! LOL! That is a beautiful thing to behold! You should get the Snapon metal box to put the set into!

He's still gloating on that one!

 

[autoace]

3/4 sets are good for heavy suspension work. The large sockets also come in handy for some press jobs.

 

[pl_silverado]

Oh, NO! Don't show that $150 Snap-On 3/4" set again! I am getting nauseated just looking at it! LOL! That is a beautiful thing to behold! You should get the Snapon metal box to put the set into!

I couldn't resist
They make a metal box for it
... i need to find a part number.... lol

 

[krusty the clown]

I couldn't resist
They make a metal box for it
... i need to find a part number.... lol

you'll have those numbers committed to memory soon! it's kra226a btw.

 

[pl_silverado]

you'll have those numbers committed to memory soon! it's kra226a btw.

Yes i will
I start driving the truck sometime in Jan.