Hey, I love tools as much as the next guy. I don’t have any 3/4 Ratchets or sockets. Question is, what are these primarily used for? I assume big rigs and construction equipment…. I wouldn’t mind a set, but I just haven’t had the need.
3/4 Ratchet Set - Uses?
- Thread starter GarageDan
- Start date
Wheel Hub/bearing nuts on large trucks and construction equipment. Also for stuff that is too tight for 1/2 to handle.
Id say you are better off with only a few 3/4 sockets ,and then for say 1 1/2'' up ,use 1'' drive sockets ,and also 1 '' drive accessories ..my experience is 3/4 drive is undersized ,and always bends ..this includes ratchets and T bars........Koken acessories are much better than the rest .
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I own a Tekton 1/2 in no skip socket set and it is very heavy, especially when compared to say the 3/8 inch set..
I own the Tekton 1/2-in no skip impact socket set. Todd is like insane heavy. Weakling like me doesn't care to carry it around. (45 pounds)
I can't even imagine what a 3/4 set would weigh, not that I would expect anyone to get a 3/4 -in snow skip set... The Tekton metric set is about 40 pounds.
So if you're not in the trades, you'll probably just buy a couple sockets that you really need, but I'm already pushing it saying I need 1/2-in sockets, especially since I'm no longer on the farm
I own the Tekton 1/2-in no skip impact socket set. Todd is like insane heavy. Weakling like me doesn't care to carry it around. (45 pounds)
I can't even imagine what a 3/4 set would weigh, not that I would expect anyone to get a 3/4 -in snow skip set... The Tekton metric set is about 40 pounds.
So if you're not in the trades, you'll probably just buy a couple sockets that you really need, but I'm already pushing it saying I need 1/2-in sockets, especially since I'm no longer on the farm
rsanter
Well-known member
I have a decent sized craftman 3/4 drive set in same and metric. I got the set years ago at a sears clearance center for a bargain price.
There are a few sizes I use for suspension and the rest I seem to use in my press
Personally I would only get the few sizes you need unless you find a bargain
There are a few sizes I use for suspension and the rest I seem to use in my press
Personally I would only get the few sizes you need unless you find a bargain
Of course now you can easily find drives on marketplace ,and maybe a set of 3/4 impact sockets for a coupla bucks..........you dont really want chrome 3/4 ,you want black impact sockets and a 3/4 rattle gun...........I dont recommend 1" rattlle guns, too heavy if you dont need them.
big bab bob
Well-known member
I was a bus/truck mechanic for years, I own a lot of tools but I have less than 6 3/4 drive sockets. Don’t own a 3/4 impact. Every company I worked for supplied anything 3/4 drive and up. Don’t waste your money. I have 1/2 drive and wrenches up to 1 1/2. I forgot, I have a 3/4 breaker bar that someone gave me tucked away in a corner. I don’t think I have used it more than twice.
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I got 1/2 drive up to 1 1/2” and 38 mm
I thought alot about 3/4 and started out thinking it’s silly for me to own it since I honestly don’t do anything that big. Now I think what I might do if i come across some deal is to get a 3/4 t-handle and a few specific sockets maybe 22 24 27 30 32 and maybe a few sae sizes in that range that don’t overlap with the metric ones and are also common idk
i wouldnt get a 3/4 ratchet I’d do it all with the t handle tool. Since I got a bunch of 1/2 ratchets and since I will prob almost never need 3/4 if I just use to break and switch to 1/2 it’s fine. But then honestly why not just brake with a combination wrench? Unless the bolt is recessed and a wrench won’t fit.
But even that seems dumb I don’t think I need it. It’s like @loganb said if you have to ask you don’t need it
unless I come across some real good deal
but even then I could prob pay to overnight ship the one 3/4 socket I need if I wind up needing one and be cheaper than buying a set even on sale that sits around never used.
But I should prob look for a good deal on a t handle or breaker bar to have on hand and then just overnight ship any sockets i need
I thought alot about 3/4 and started out thinking it’s silly for me to own it since I honestly don’t do anything that big. Now I think what I might do if i come across some deal is to get a 3/4 t-handle and a few specific sockets maybe 22 24 27 30 32 and maybe a few sae sizes in that range that don’t overlap with the metric ones and are also common idk
i wouldnt get a 3/4 ratchet I’d do it all with the t handle tool. Since I got a bunch of 1/2 ratchets and since I will prob almost never need 3/4 if I just use to break and switch to 1/2 it’s fine. But then honestly why not just brake with a combination wrench? Unless the bolt is recessed and a wrench won’t fit.
But even that seems dumb I don’t think I need it. It’s like @loganb said if you have to ask you don’t need it
unless I come across some real good deal
but even then I could prob pay to overnight ship the one 3/4 socket I need if I wind up needing one and be cheaper than buying a set even on sale that sits around never used.But I should prob look for a good deal on a t handle or breaker bar to have on hand and then just overnight ship any sockets i need
Beerhippie
Well-known member
A 3/4" set in your portable box makes it much less susceptible to ******-and-grab theft.
Last job I had was a few crazy big nuts and bolts .........like the ends on the bitumen stills and various big pipe flanges and such, and the rest was normal sized machinery and truck work...............anyhhoo,before me ,they used to borrow tools from other contractors ,and it was always ....Where s the five cartons of beer you owe us ,no beer no more tools ...............and the boss would be ranting about why things wernt done.
That's simple - you are a GJ member - you need one "just in case"
... (yep, got a partial PLVMB and Bonney Con sets, never used, but I do not need it for work or DIY...)
If you really need one - keep looking, I sometimes see the sets/partial sets used for a good price - start with good used set and add what you need
... (yep, got a partial PLVMB and Bonney Con sets, never used, but I do not need it for work or DIY...)
If you really need one - keep looking, I sometimes see the sets/partial sets used for a good price - start with good used set and add what you need
GX460DIYguy
Well-known member
I saw a Williams set today for $190 and wanted it, but I just wouldn’t use it enough. I know that go for way more than that but I figured I’d leave it for someone who needs it.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
RTM
Well-known member
$50 - $850 here for the various sets on local CL. Pittsburgh n Cobra anchoring the low end, SK USA made, and Snap-on the top two slots. About six total sets, plus loose stuff.
Only thing I’ve done that played in that arena was a front driveshaft nut on a 1972 Fiat 128, used a forklift tool instead.
I grab any pieces I see cheap, for the what if case, but no intention of dropping real money on it.
Only thing I’ve done that played in that arena was a front driveshaft nut on a 1972 Fiat 128, used a forklift tool instead.
I grab any pieces I see cheap, for the what if case, but no intention of dropping real money on it.
Bicycle and Lawn mower repair and Tuneups. Everything else gets the 1" set.
what? More power Tim Allen style.....
Actually I have used mine for stubborn lug nuts or such.
You usually don't carry a 3/4 or 1" drive set around at random the way you might a 1/2 or smaller.
You grab your impact and the one socket you need.
I always had the 3/4 set on the service truck ........the 1'' sockets and the rattle guns stayed in the shop..........i remember one time one of the tippers lost a whole dual wheel,brake drum etc (housing broke at the brake spider) ,the wheels went through the fence on a gated community ........anyhoo,I arrived on the scene just as the caretaker arrived ........he went off to call the cops ...I got out the 3/4 sockets and knocked the wheels apart into liftable bits .....chained up the broken truck axle ,and he drove off (with a full load!) ........and we were gone before the caretaker came back .
bcradio
Well-known member
If you have to ask, you don't need them... oh wait, I didn't know either and I still bought some 
. This is GJ, you need it all!
. This is GJ, you need it all!finn
Well-known member
I bought a 3/4 set of mostly Blackhawk sockets, breaker bar, and ratchet maybe twenty years ago at a scrap meet for $20, and later both SAE and metric combination large size wrenches.
They are all rarely used, but are lifesavers when you need them. Primarily used on the old F600, skid steer, etc.
Well worth the $20 I paid.
Same for the large pattern wrenches. One set is from HF, the other set is India imports from the parts store. Both get the job done and the complete sets cost less than one pro wrench in that size range.
I keep them all in a Craftsman carpenter’s box my grandfather probably bought in the fifties. I can’t lift it loaded, but it keeps everything in one place.
They are all rarely used, but are lifesavers when you need them. Primarily used on the old F600, skid steer, etc.
Well worth the $20 I paid.
Same for the large pattern wrenches. One set is from HF, the other set is India imports from the parts store. Both get the job done and the complete sets cost less than one pro wrench in that size range.
I keep them all in a Craftsman carpenter’s box my grandfather probably bought in the fifties. I can’t lift it loaded, but it keeps everything in one place.
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When I bought my JD scut, I thought I "needed" a set. I bought a cheap set at the local farm store for less than $100. I used it once for something, I forget.
I have it and might as well keep it, just in case.
I have it and might as well keep it, just in case.
emeraldcoupe
Well-known member
i bought a 3/4" armstrong set from a guy for $25, couldn't pass it up for that price
KnurledNut
Well-known member
For those saying you don't need it, you don't need it until you do. And then you really need it.
jblnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I use the 3/4" stuff way less than my 1" stuff. I know I can put a 6' pipe on the end of the 1" breaker bar and not worry about things flying apart with my 275lb self bounding on the end of it.
Want some real fun stuff ? I have a 1-1/2" drive breaker bar and a few sockets for it. They fit various things on our tillage equipment that doesn't like to come loose. I use my mini-ex to pull up on the breaker bar with a chain to loosen things when they don't want to give way with me on the end of a long bar.
It's always nice to have the big stuff around for "who knows when" sort of stuff. When I acquired the 1-1/2" set I didn't know what I'd do with it but we use it quite a bit.
BUY IT !!!
Want some real fun stuff ? I have a 1-1/2" drive breaker bar and a few sockets for it. They fit various things on our tillage equipment that doesn't like to come loose. I use my mini-ex to pull up on the breaker bar with a chain to loosen things when they don't want to give way with me on the end of a long bar.
It's always nice to have the big stuff around for "who knows when" sort of stuff. When I acquired the 1-1/2" set I didn't know what I'd do with it but we use it quite a bit.
BUY IT !!!
Exactly why I am keeping mine.
Could just torch the dash and melt the plastic panels
These days, high torque impacts are so powerful they can chew up 1/2" sockets, even if the size you're working on is 1/2" socket-sized. So one use for a 3/4" (impact) socket set might be for use with an impact wrench.
Another reason to have them is for pushing out bearings and seals. Not their intended purpose obviously, but it's handy to have a set of large cylindrical objects in several different diameters.
Another reason to have them is for pushing out bearings and seals. Not their intended purpose obviously, but it's handy to have a set of large cylindrical objects in several different diameters.
redwrench60
Well-known member
So…..you guys left the scene after causing a bunch of property damage and left it on the caretaker? Please tell me I’m misunderstanding…
The GP 3/4 drive standard impact set to 2 1/2" says team lift on the blow molded case, it's heavy. I Threw the case away and put my sockets on rails, the rails don't leave the box.
I work on processing equipment at a mine. I typically don't drag out the 3/4 drive stuff till I need a 1 5/8" or 41mm or bigger, the 1/2" drive works fine for me for everything else. Before I got into mining I think I had 2 3/4" drive sockets and an adapter for pinion nuts.
finn
Well-known member
I bought a cheap Chinese 3/4 set about 25 years ago. 6-point SAE. Then a couple years ago I inherited a set of 3/4 12-point USA sockets.
I live in Ohio, so I use my 3/4 set a lot for rusted bolts. Suspension bolts, hitch balls, whatever. I don't use the actual ratchet very often anymore, since I have impact guns these days. But when I need it, I'm glad it's there.
Some day I'd like to add a decent metric 3/4 set to my arsenal, just for the hell of it. I've never needed it yet, but why not?
I live in Ohio, so I use my 3/4 set a lot for rusted bolts. Suspension bolts, hitch balls, whatever. I don't use the actual ratchet very often anymore, since I have impact guns these days. But when I need it, I'm glad it's there.
Some day I'd like to add a decent metric 3/4 set to my arsenal, just for the hell of it. I've never needed it yet, but why not?
I think I've used my 3/4 drive sockets more as seal drivers than as sockets.
Same, and I even work on ag equipment quite often.
If I only worked on automotive I would see no use for anything 3/4"
four.cycle
Well-known member
as I recall, the Wright set pictured below weighed about 70 pounds.
I will be listing a one-inch drive set on ebay within the next few days. (MUCH heavier.)
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gatewaysysop
Well-known member
For most brands and most people's income, I don't think a week's wages would cut it anymore.
On a more serious note, I don't have any 3/4" sockets at all. The most I work on is a 1/2 ton truck and some other hobbies that aren't automotive. It would be nice to have, but I can't justify the expense for something that rarely used or that takes up that kind of space in my comparatively small garage. Other's may be in a different situation, but that's mine for what it's worth.
Aside from using them as seal drivers, I'd say I use 3/4" drive sockets mostly when the fastener is larger than 1/2" drive sockets exist in.
Modern 1/2" drive impacts are so powerful and Sunex and Grey Pneumatic make 1/2" drive sockets up through 2-1/4" now.
I think 3/4" drive is overlapped on both sides by 1/2" and 1" drives so much that I can see not even owning any 3/4" drive stuff being feasible even when you're working up in that range.
Modern 1/2" drive impacts are so powerful and Sunex and Grey Pneumatic make 1/2" drive sockets up through 2-1/4" now.
I think 3/4" drive is overlapped on both sides by 1/2" and 1" drives so much that I can see not even owning any 3/4" drive stuff being feasible even when you're working up in that range.