which drive set would you invest in? finally getting around and investing in a tool set. over the years all my tools grew legs and disappeared. I've been looking at socket bit sets. would it be better to mainly get 3/8 drive and buy the 1/4 and 1/2 socket bits or just buy the 1/2 drive set and buy the 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket bits that's missing from the 1/2 drive socket but set?
3/8 or 1/2 drive
- Thread starter loconoob
- Start date
Schurkey
Well-known member
WHAT ARE YOU INTENDING TO WORK ON?
For most automotive use, I strongly prefer 3/8" drive, reserving 1/4" drive for interior (dash/instrument cluster, and other delicate work) and reserving 1/2" drive for suspension/chassis/engine head and main bolt work.
But there's always exceptions; and if you're intending to work on tractors or bulldozers, the question becomes 1/2", or 3/4", or maybe 1" drive.
I'd be lost without 1/4" drive tools, and 1/2" drive tools, but most of my time is spent with 3/8" drive.
For most automotive use, I strongly prefer 3/8" drive, reserving 1/4" drive for interior (dash/instrument cluster, and other delicate work) and reserving 1/2" drive for suspension/chassis/engine head and main bolt work.
But there's always exceptions; and if you're intending to work on tractors or bulldozers, the question becomes 1/2", or 3/4", or maybe 1" drive.
I'd be lost without 1/4" drive tools, and 1/2" drive tools, but most of my time is spent with 3/8" drive.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have not touched any of my 1/2" drive tools in YEARS, except for my flip lug nut sockets.
I'm asking about socket bits. torx, hex phillip, slotted socket bits. should I get 3/8 or 1/2 drive?
Stubby1743
Well-known member
It depends on the size of the bits. Generally speaking, the bigger the bit the bigger the drive size needs to be. As examples, in my view, a 3mm hex bit should be in 1/4" drive and and a 10mm should be in 1/2" drive.
I bought the texton 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket set which goes from 5/32 - 1 in and 4m -24mm. i fell in love with the brand. they got 3 different socket bit set. I was wondering if I should buy all 3 sets or just the 3/8 drive set and individual 1/4 and 1/2 drive socket bits or buy the 1/2 drive set and buy individually 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket bits?
mudflap
Well-known member
Tekton is pretty cheap. Just buy all of it.
the main reason I was asking is because of the socket set I got from tekton the 1/4 drive goes to 3/8 and 10mm and the 3/8 drive goes from 3/8 and 10mm. I was wondering if I should do the same with the socket bit set.
vavet
Well-known member
I generally prefer to use smaller drive tools, but as others have said, it depends on the application and tool size. Smaller drive tools are less likely to be overtorqued, are usually less bulky so they fit in tight spaces better, and are generally easier to use because of the reduced bulk and mass.
if I’m working on the suspension of a pickup truck, I’m not getting my 1/4 ratchet though, even if I have the 1/4 drive sockets to do what I need. I’m still going to get the 3/8 or even 1/2 drive tools.
if I’m working on the suspension of a pickup truck, I’m not getting my 1/4 ratchet though, even if I have the 1/4 drive sockets to do what I need. I’m still going to get the 3/8 or even 1/2 drive tools.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
The tekton 1/4 set has smaller sizes and is only $65. Lots of advantages in small spaces for the 1/4.
3)8 has longer bits on the set, which is the primary advantage from my perspective. It does have some later sizes as well, but I didn't usually need those.
1/2, well, only if I need the bigger sizes and nothing long.
So get the 1/4 regardless for ease of use and 3/8 of you want the longer bits or slightly larger sizes.
3)8 has longer bits on the set, which is the primary advantage from my perspective. It does have some later sizes as well, but I didn't usually need those.
1/2, well, only if I need the bigger sizes and nothing long.
So get the 1/4 regardless for ease of use and 3/8 of you want the longer bits or slightly larger sizes.
thanks for the all the insights. I hate buying stuff that I don't need or looking to have every tool that has been made. gonna buy the 1/4 drive set, the 3/8 long bits and as far as the 3/8 and 1/2 goes. gonna go individual. with the knowledge I obtained from this thread. gonna get 1/2 drive socket from 24mm -38mm. I will have 1 complete set of sockets going from 4mm to 38mm.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Do you ever work on stuff that uses 24-38? I never have needed anything that large beyond wrenches for a trailer hitch.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The sockets that hold the bits are redundant.
I fully understand the convenience of it though... a set with dedicated sockets can be much less hassle, and I do own them.
At the same time, having multiple sets that include overlapping drive sizes takes up considerable space.
And if you only have one drive size, now you are trying to use adaptors to get what you need.
If space is a consideration or use is just occasional, consider getting a set of bare bits and a few bit holders in all the drive sizes to complement them. I work out of a small kit regularly and this is the setup I went with.
The inconvenience is offset by the versatility.
This applies more to smaller sizes less than the diameter of the bits, i.e. up to 5/16 hex, T45 torx, PH3, etc.
Long bit sockets are also better in sets as quality individual bits can be hard to source and expensive.
I fully understand the convenience of it though... a set with dedicated sockets can be much less hassle, and I do own them.
At the same time, having multiple sets that include overlapping drive sizes takes up considerable space.
And if you only have one drive size, now you are trying to use adaptors to get what you need.
If space is a consideration or use is just occasional, consider getting a set of bare bits and a few bit holders in all the drive sizes to complement them. I work out of a small kit regularly and this is the setup I went with.
The inconvenience is offset by the versatility.
This applies more to smaller sizes less than the diameter of the bits, i.e. up to 5/16 hex, T45 torx, PH3, etc.
Long bit sockets are also better in sets as quality individual bits can be hard to source and expensive.
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
What sizes do you need?
Are you going to have a suprise project coming up requiring a huge socket that you can't run out to get? I doubt it
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
My OLD (Made in U.S.A.) 1/4" dribble set goes from 5/32" - 9/16" and 4mm - 14mm. The 3/8" drive set goes from 1/4" - 1" and 9mm - 19mm.
Yes, I probably added 1 or 2 two sockets at the top of bottom of each range.
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i hate surprises. Just to have the proper tools for any repairs that deals with sockets on pickups, suv, cars and minivans. can't find a list of socket sizes that's needed anywhere online. where I work at the boss told me I needed to work on vehicles. hence the thread.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have been looking for a 1/4" drive, 6 point, 15mm for awhile.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I dunno, buy everything then. It's just money.
mreisner
Well-known member
So by socket bit set do you mean regular sockets or do you mean things like Torx bit sockets? If you're talking sockets 3/8 is going to get you 95% of what you'll probably see. I work on everything from my wife's Honda to tractors and combines and my dump trucks and semi tractors. 3/8 is usually what I grab. I do have everything from quarter to three quarter but the vast majority of the time it's the 3/8 drive I'm using. If you're talking bit sockets like torx bits and Allen bits 3/8 is almost exclusive.
I haven't worked on vehicles for years. I was told many, many years ago. that's someone else's job. so after my tools started to grow legs, didn't feel like replacing them. what's sad I gave up even working on my personal vehicle. now the boss says I need to work on the vehicles. I can't remember the tool sizes I need to do the repairs and gotten tired of asking for tools.
mudflap
Well-known member
If i were starting over.. i wouldnt even buy chrome 1/2in sockets. I would just buy 1/2in impacts. Applications i have encountered for 1/2in have room for the xtra wall thickness. Then you are all set up for your air/battery impact gun.
rooster59
Well-known member
6 is more better than 12
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mine are all 6
mreisner
Well-known member
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Sounds like Yes.
mreisner
Well-known member
Yes that's kind of what I figured too!
Did the OP answer this question?
The arguments will start soon. OP, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.
What vehicles? User name @loconoob so either Spanish for crazy or a train person?
OPs, you need to be more specific. The value of the answers you seek depends on the specificity of the question you ask. Remember, when you answer the question we need to help you, there are no wrong answers. If you are working on heavy equipment or golf carts, someone here has direct specific experience. If you just want tools to have tools, we have those folks here too.
Sounds logical to me.
I have a torx set and the smaller ones are 1/4" drive and the bigger ones are 3/8" drive.
mreisner
Well-known member
I think most of them are that way. Small bit with too large of a drive is just asking for trouble
kbeefy
Well-known member
What sort of repair are we talking here? Like a car lot swapping license plates?
Salvage yard dismantling vehicles?
Golf course fixing drink holders?
I do a pretty broad field of repairs, and could use a t15 torx bit and a 39mm 12pt socket on the same vehicle.
And I don't even work on big stuff...
I have 10's of thousands of dollars worth of tools and I still find situations where I don't have the right one.
Trying to buy every tool needed for every job possible is... not possible.
If you just need to cover a broad spectrum of diy repairs and are starting from scratch, 1/4 (up to 14mm/9/16) and 3/8 (up to 19mm and 3/4) drive will get most things done until you take the wheels off. Suspension and drivetrain I use alot of 1/2 drive. And if your working on vehicles 1990 + up or nothing American, you don't even need SAE, metric covers everything.
Salvage yard dismantling vehicles?
Golf course fixing drink holders?
I do a pretty broad field of repairs, and could use a t15 torx bit and a 39mm 12pt socket on the same vehicle.
And I don't even work on big stuff...
I have 10's of thousands of dollars worth of tools and I still find situations where I don't have the right one.
Trying to buy every tool needed for every job possible is... not possible.
If you just need to cover a broad spectrum of diy repairs and are starting from scratch, 1/4 (up to 14mm/9/16) and 3/8 (up to 19mm and 3/4) drive will get most things done until you take the wheels off. Suspension and drivetrain I use alot of 1/2 drive. And if your working on vehicles 1990 + up or nothing American, you don't even need SAE, metric covers everything.
my go tos in regular sockets are
1/4 shallow chrome
3/8 shallow, mid, deep all chrome
1/2 shallow chrome and deep impacts in 6 point
People keep saying I need 1/4 deep but I haven’t yet but it depends what you work on. I just don’t know why I couldnt use 3/8 deep if I need deep there’s space for a bigger socket
1/4 shallow chrome
3/8 shallow, mid, deep all chrome
1/2 shallow chrome and deep impacts in 6 point
People keep saying I need 1/4 deep but I haven’t yet but it depends what you work on. I just don’t know why I couldnt use 3/8 deep if I need deep there’s space for a bigger socket
KnurledNut
Well-known member
He already said what he is asking about.
Bit sockets.
Yeah Tekton for 1/4 & 3/8. A $25, 1/2 set from a garage sale will do fine to supplement these for most home gamers.
While I love my Tekton 1/4 & 3/8 sets, cheap, deep impact sockets with an old ratchet & breaker bar is sufficient. I'm sure pittsburgh would even be fine.
For bit sockets, ebay is your friend.
rust in the eye
Well-known member
There is your answer. All you need to do is fill in the fastener sizes you will be seeing.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I can't imagine 1/4" drive not being enough for Phillips, slotted, and Torx up to at least T30. My Torx bits are 3/8 drive but I can only think of one time I used it and then it was one of the larger sockets. A decent 3/8 hex bit set should cover everything Joe Homeowner will run into but I have some hex bits in 1/4 drive and a couple of big boys in 1/2" drive that I needed to open the drain and fill holes for the manual transmission and transfer case on my truck.
richfinn
Well-known member
1/2" drive impact sizes for stuff you would use an impact wrench with, wheels, suspension, hub nuts, brake caliper brackets etc.
3/8" is good for starter motors/alternators/spark plugs and removing bodywork/seats etc.
1/4" is great for 8mm and 10mm head bolts that screw into plastic and aluminium (low torque stuff) and places where you need small tools for access.
You will find that any bits like Torx/Hex/double squares usually come with the appropriate drive size socket attached
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I don't have ANY 12 point sockets !
I know, someday I will regret it, but I have not for the past 55 years !