3/8" vs 1/2" sockets

[plung]

I'm in a the market for quality 8mm-19mm sockets and a good ratchet. Should I go for 3/8" or 1/2"? Any reason to buy one over the other? Should those size adapters be avoided?

It would be mainly used on Honda Accords doing the lighter stuff as I am not skilled enough to do more.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

3/8 with a long handle flex head Matco or snappy ratchet

 

[kartracer55]

Go for a 3/8 set. 1/2 drive gets VERY clunky on smaller sizes and you will use 3/8 way more

 

[ajchien]

It doesn't really matter. Because you're part of GJ, you'll eventually have a set of every type of socket you can think of in 1-2 years.

But I would start with 3/8 first.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

The older I get, the more I use my 1/4" sockets and the less I use my 3/8". The 1/2" set doesn't get much love. If I can get a 1/2" on it, then normally I'm going to use an impact with an impact socket.

Phil

 

[plinker]

3/8 drive is fine for your average car repair job, wheel nuts and other similer jobs requiring around 100 ft. lbs. of torque, I prefer 1/2 drive due to the fact that, IMO, 3/8 is not rated for it.
Plus it's easier to break/wear sockets and ratchets reefing on them with that kind of torque.

In the perfect world, both drive sizes. And really depending on what you buy for brands, it's not alway cost prohibitive.

For ratchets; it's hard to beat the S-K pro series, the Williams 36 tooth Snap-on clones or the various Danaher 60 tooth ratchets (Labeled as Gearwrench, Armstrong, Matco, Napa, Craftsman, ete..)
For socket's; I'd go with the any of these brands.

 

[Outlawmws]

on 3/8

 

[plung]

3/8" it is. Thanks gang!

 

[kblazer87]

3/8" it is. Thanks gang!

Good choice

 

[cderalow]

funny, i've got tons of 1/2" and 1/4", and a cheap 3/8" set that until recently i never used.

finally started using the 3/8" stuff with my cordless impact driver, until i sheared one.

now i'll start getting some quality 3/8" stuff...

sigh... tool whoring is fun

 

[racer1735]

As stated, 3/8" will handle 90 percent of the jobs you do on your car. Where you will need 1/2" will be if you have to work on axles and heavy suspension items.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

It doesn't really matter. Because you're part of GJ, you'll eventually have a set of every type of socket you can think of in 1-2 years.

ain't that the truth!

 

[NY Old Guy]

As a member of the G.J. realistically you'll need 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive in std and deep full sae and metric and whitworth as well. USA made. Not to mention crow's feet, picks and awls, and a full complement of every type of wrenches imaginable. You will need a half dozen vintage tool boxes to store this stuff. And that's just for a starter set. Good luck. And don't forget screwdrivers too.

 

[bcradio]

I'd also go with 3/8 drive, but it might be worth getting a cheaper HF 1/2" set as well for the times you might need bigger. Then you can save up and later get a nicer 1/2" set.

 

[cotjocky]

3/8 if you can only afford one set. If you have to skimp, skimp on the sockets and get a good longer flex head ratchet. Your hands and knuckles will thank you!

 

[Macneil]

It doesn't really matter. Because you're part of GJ, you'll eventually have a set of every type of socket you can think of in 1-2 years.

But I would start with 3/8 first.

LOL I like that. My toolbox and its contents have grown tenfold because of this site. Oh and my boss keeps giving me different jobs at the shop to do..

3/8 on a car. 1/2 will be too bulky!

 

[expfcwintergreen]

I only use 1/2 inch drive when I absolutely can't break it loose or comfortably turn it with 3/8, and that isn't often. I'm klutzy; when I use 1/2, things start getting broken and stripped.

 

[JayL]

3/8" drive impact socket set and a good 3/8" impact wrench will work great with Honda

 

[RRmech]

When I wrenched on trains for a living, I used 1/2" drive 90% of the time.
But for cars, a 3/8" drive will get the job done MOST of the time.
A nice-n'-long 17"+, 1/2" drive breaker bar is a God-send, even if you have to put a 1/2" drive-to-3/8" drive adapter on it
MOST of my older USA-made tools were bought used at yard sales. flea markets, pawn shops, and occasionally....flea-bay.
My last flea-bay purchase, was a very good-but-used industrial finish Cornwell 1/2" drive ratchet for under $17.

Steve