Different ratchet drive sizes

[rick carpenter]

How do y'all determine what to buy (sizes; not mfr) when you want a user set of sockets/drives? I've got probably 75+ mixed mfr/size/pt sockets. I finally got tired of spending more time finding a socket than working on the project so I decided to store them (coffee can, bottom shelf, behind other ****) and buy two Craftsman USA 3/8" dr 6pt sets, one metric and one SAE. I'm looking for some larger sizes, so I'll probably overlap one or two sizes and continue up with some 1/2" dr. Don't need new 1/4" dr or 3/4" dr sizes... yet.

The tray is 1/2" mdf over hardboard. Need to seal it.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Do you mean specific sizes, or the range of sizes for a given drive size?

 

[nyrapscalion]

I do a list. The Mcmaster Carr catalog comes in handy. Basically I want one of every size. Start with the 1/4" drive sae 12 pt shallow sockets. Move to metric 12 pt shallow. Continue through all the iterations until every socket is acquired. Now...I still do not have every one, but I will say I have a majority. Move to 3/8" drive then to 1/2".
Look on the SO website, sell a car or something to get some sockets, move to SK, then Wright...see who has what. Plan and buy accordingly.
I keep a rolling list of what I need to complete a particular run of sockets.

 

[Provincial]

I use this rule of thumb: 1/4" drive for hex sizes 1/2" and less. 3/8" drive for hex sizes 3/8" to 3/4". 1/2" drive for hex sizes 7/16" to 1-1/8". The top sizes are for occasional use on fasteners that don't require lots of torque. Move up a drive size if the fastener is higher torque and in the upper end of the size range for that drive size.

You can convert the inch sizes to metric if you wish. I don't keep track of that.

 

[kc-steve]

I started off by looking at/on what I intended to use them. For me, I work on electronics, bicycles, cars, household products nd appliances, and pretty much anything. So a full set of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive in both metric and SAE was my choice. Also throw in metric and SAE sets of impacts sockets as well. Overlapping occurs, but hey! duplicates and redundancy doesn't hurt when you are working on something after business hours.

When the occasional odd sizes are needed, then I add it to my inventory later.

You can see a typical socket list here;
http://junkyardtools.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_4_83_86

Steve

 

[ChevyEFI]

I went with SK sets for 1/4" and 3/8" and then I've bought some other socket (sets) as needed such as when I needed larger or unique stuff, I bought it at that time.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I don't really use 3/8" anymore. I use 1/2" for 10mm up, and 1/4" for anything below. I've broken a lot of 3/8" ratchets, and I don't like to keep changing tools during a job.

 

[ken w.]

My rule for auto work is anything under the hood is 3/8 & 1/4 .Inside the car is usually 1/4. Under the car is 1/2. After that it's use common sense.

 

[shockwave]

I would get some broad range of 1/4 and 3/8 as you will use them the most 1/2 for a lot of heavier duty fasteners but anything from 10mm (3/8) or below I use 1/4 and up to 19mm (3/4) 3/8 drive can usually handle where 1/2 is more for suspension or motor mounts that require a lot of torque but even my 3/8 ratchet can handle these fasteners

 

[96snma]

My rule for auto work is anything under the hood is 3/8 & 1/4 .Inside the car is usually 1/4. Under the car is 1/2. After that it's use common sense.

I never really had a rule for it but that is almost exactly what I do and it seems to work quite well. There are exceptions however and you will need overlap with all drive sizes.

I mainly use metric so I have 1/4: 4-14 mm, 3/8: 7-19mm and 1/2: 10-27 with other ones like 30,36.

The reason is sometimes working under the dash you need a 12mm but only have room for 1/4 in drive rather than 3/8

 

[Outlawmws]

I started off by looking at/on what I intended to use them. For me, I work on electronics, bicycles, cars, household products nd appliances, and pretty much anything. So a full set of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive in both metric and SAE was my choice. Also throw in metric and SAE sets of impacts sockets as well. Overlapping occurs, but hey! duplicates and redundancy doesn't hurt when you are working on something after business hours.

When the occasional odd sizes are needed, then I add it to my inventory later.

You can see a typical socket list here;
http://junkyardtools.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_4_83_86

Steve

I've been filling in holes for years, mostly from Yard sales and Flea Markets. This is a stripped down version I use in my inventory, showing just the basic sizes (No dupes). I used to carry the equivalent of this on a 3 x 5 card in my wallet long before computers and Excel. These days I just use Excel. The different letters represent different brands. (Apologies in advance to the OCD types...)

 

[rick carpenter]

Thanks, all good thoughts. I just want to start off with a set with as few duplicates of the business end sizes of sockets as is possible/practical.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

I've been filling in holes for years, mostly from Yard sales and Flea Markets. This is a stripped down version I use in my inventory, showing just the basic sizes (No dupes). I used to carry the equivalent of this on a 3 x 5 card in my wallet long before computers and Excel. These days I just use Excel. The different letters represent different brands. (Apologies in advance to the OCD types...)

C'mon now, don't be stingy. Share the ACTUAL Excel file so the rest of us can make our own

Easiest way would be a Google Spreadsheet I'd imagine.

 

[ajchien]

I've been filling in holes for years, mostly from Yard sales and Flea Markets. This is a stripped down version I use in my inventory, showing just the basic sizes (No dupes). I used to carry the equivalent of this on a 3 x 5 card in my wallet long before computers and Excel. These days I just use Excel. The different letters represent different brands. (Apologies in advance to the OCD types...)

Wow. That's more organized that I will ever be.

 

[Outlawmws]

C'mon now, don't be stingy. Share the ACTUAL Excel file so the rest of us can make our own

Easiest way would be a Google Spreadsheet I'd imagine.

Yeah, except I don't have a Google account I'm willing to broadcast to the world. One person has asked for (and received) a copy of that Excel worksheet; PM me your email and I can forward it to you.

 

[humber2]

My rule for auto work is anything under the hood is 3/8 & 1/4 .Inside the car is usually 1/4. Under the car is 1/2. After that it's use common sense.

Along these lines the only heavy tool I carry in the car is a 1/2" power bar with a 13/16" lug nut socket for a wheel change,

My portable tool box is a one top tray deal with much smaller tools and is easily carried about.

Now if larger tools are needed usually the car needs a hoist or axle stands too and is back at my garage where most everything is in or near the roll cab.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Yeah, except I don't have a Google account I'm willing to broadcast to the world. One person has asked for (and received) a copy of that Excel worksheet; PM me your email and I can forward it to you.

PM Sent

 

[Joe B.]

I have a similar list to Outlaw's in Excel. This reminds me that I need to make some updates! If I were to do it again, I would probably make it in the Google version of Excel. I like the use of letters to denote the brands so I will probably update my list in that way.

The one additional I have on mine is that I made the borders of the cells red if the socket size is on the Hansen trays. Even though the Hansen trays have some odd sizes, they still provide a reasonably good range of normal sockets sizes for each drive size.

My list also has several styles of wrenches and specialty sockets (swivels, crow, etc.) It is all good to have.

 

[Danglerb]

1/4 I have lots of chrome and various options.
1/2 I have basic impacts, some specific sizes.
3/8 cross between the larger and smaller, with a full set of swivel impacts only in this size.

 

[creativecars]

After some tools were stolen I needed a set that provides good size, selection, and depths. For the money this is a good buy. I have worked mine very hard and have not broken any yet. On sale or with a coupon this can be picke up for $150 or about .50 per piece. The wrenches arnt much though. http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.htm

 

[crewchief888]

i work on constuction eq,
most of my work is done with 3/8" dr, some with 1/4" dr.

usually once i get past the torque range of 3/8" drive, i have to step up to 3/4" dr.

 

[rlitman]

What about 5.5mm?

 

[ChevyEFI]

What about 5.5mm?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102476&page=1
A few uses mentioned there. I just have it in SK short 1/4 socket.

 

[rlitman]

No, I just meant I didn't see it on the chart. I've got it in Craftsman 6 point 1/4" drive short. I've used it on my cam position sensor bolts on my Jeep most recently.