Do I need 3/8" sockets?

[jipps]

So, my main tool use is homeowner and working on my cars, motorcycle, mower etc. I have a comprehensive set of 1/4" ratchets and sockets, and a comprehensive set of 1/2" ratchets and sockets. These already overlap on sizes etc, so I have no "blind spot." I have some (a fairly ragtag and incomplete mix) of 3/8"... flexhead ratchet, torque wrench, and a get-you-through selection of shallow sockets and impact sockets.

So, should I invest in a decent 3/8" set?

50% of me says absolutely, it will become my go-to set. The other 50% of me says, it won't do anything that my 1/4" and 1/2" set can do, except let me use my 3/8" torque wrench without steppers.

Do I go 3/8 or not?

 

[hautpot]

yes.

 

[kctyphoon]

you dont "need" two lungs.. but i bet nobody is willing to give one of those up either..

 

[General Geoff]

I've found I use 1/4" and 1/2" far more often than 3/8". The only thing I end up using 3/8" for is spark plugs (because the plug sockets only come in 3/8"-drive), and junk yard runs where I want to just take one drive size. And I do have two complete 3/8" socket sets (metric and SAE) and multiple ratchets.

 

[Beenman]

So, my main tool use is homeowner and working on my cars, motorcycle, mower etc. I have a comprehensive set of 1/4" ratchets and sockets, and a comprehensive set of 1/2" ratchets and sockets. These already overlap on sizes etc, so I have no "blind spot." I have some (a fairly ragtag and incomplete mix) of 3/8"... flexhead ratchet, torque wrench, and a get-you-through selection of shallow sockets and impact sockets.

So, should I invest in a decent 3/8" set?

50% of me says absolutely, it will become my go-to set. The other 50% of me says, it won't do anything that my 1/4" and 1/2" set can do, except let me use my 3/8" torque wrench without steppers.

Do I go 3/8 or not?

Yes.

For years I used only 1/4" or 1/2" as that was all that was available in SA (we follow European trends). Then I purchased a Koken 3/8" set this year after some threads on this Board convinced me. Best thing I ever did socket wise.

Can't recall when last I used my 1/2" while working on an engine in a car. The 3/8" is strong enough for almost all bolts, yet compact enough to fit where my 1/2" could never dream of. I keep the 1/2" though for suspension or sub-frame type bolts.

 

[marcone]

Get'em, of course

 

[shoggoth80]

I use 1/4" and 3/8" more than 1/2". Aside from impact use, or really needing to ream on something... it's 1/4", 3/8", or I jump to 3/4" drive.

Edit: The answer is yes, from my point of view.

 

[softailgarage]

You'll use that 3/8 set alot more than the 1/2" set, I guarantee it.Unless your working on a big engine or piece of equipment, 1/2" is just too big. Besides, this gives you another excuse to buy more tools.

 

[oldldh]

In a word...

YEP!!!

 

[four.cycle]

"...this gives you another excuse to buy more tools.

^ this is the important part.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Yes.

 

[Danglerb]

I use 1/4" and 3/8" more than 1/2". Aside from impact use, or really needing to ream on something... it's 1/4", 3/8", or I jump to 3/4" drive.

Edit: The answer is yes, from my point of view.

This ^^^^^

I use 1/4 for most stuff, bump up as needed for more torque.

Most of the time, I have some ratchet I prefer and use what fits that.

When you aren't sure you need it, easiest way to find up is to buy a cheap set and see if you use it, then upgrade as needed.

 

[willhollin]

Is the Pope Catholic?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I'm a Mechanic by trade, 3/8" is my go-to set,....

1/4" rarely gets used, 'n 1/2" is only for big bolts on big iron,...

 

[cowboy73]

I use 3/8" on almost everything. I typically use the 1/2" on larger stuff like suspension components. 1/4" is used mainly on small engines and on the interior of vehicles.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Yes!!! I use 3/8 90% of the time and couldn't imagine what it'd be like not to have them.


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[Qualitytools]

Yes buy a 3/8 set it will become your go too set. It will fit in a lot more places than the 1/2 and is a lot more robust than the 1/4. You won't regret it

 

[finn]

3/8 for the win.

 

[fatfillup]

I don't think questions like this should be allowed on this forum

More tools is always the answer

You should probably have a 3/4 set too but 1 inch may be overkill

 

[Rileysan]

I think we have a consensus. Yes, yes, yes.

 

[R0805]

Don't buy them.....Until you realize you need them.

 

[bonneyman]

Since I was a teenager a 3/8" socket set was all I had. Since I don't do HD truck repairs a 1/2" set wasn't needed, and I didn't move into a huge set of 1/4" stuff until I got into appliance repair.

Get a quality 3/8" set (like S-k) - you won't regret it.

 

[PJNJ]

Back in the '70s when I started buying tools, the local hardware store was the main "go to" for tools. My local hardware stocked a lot of SK and most of it was in 3/8's with some in 1/4 and a lesser amount in 1/2. So I started with 3/8 and that has been my main go to for decades. Smaller, lighter work - 1/4. Heavier such as suspension - 1/2. But the majority of the time I can get all of my work done with a 3/8 set since a good set has large spread of most used sizes. I'd look at SK or Gearwrench for a good set.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you were just starting your collection, I would have said, skip the 1/2". Mine RARELY get used. I have more 3/8" "accessories" (universals, spark plug sockets, extensions) than I have for my 1/4" or 1/2". The only thing I don't have is a breaker bar, because my flex-head ratchet is actually longer !

 

[jonjon1]

I think I only use 3/8" lol, Its definitely my go to set, for impact also, and when my 3/8" gun won't do the job I just grab my 1/2" gun with the 3/8" adapter....

3/8 is a no brainer, I even use the 3/8" head ratchet with the 1/4 handle more than an 1/4" ratchet I own..

 

[junk]

Yes. Buy 3/8

I use all pretty equally depending on what I'm doing. I'm surprised you've gotten by without a 3/8 set.

 

[shockwave]

yes i use 3/8 drive the most is the most versitile drive size imo

 

[Squddle]

I would definately get the 3/8 drive set. I use my 3/8 set for most things, my 1/2 drive set for heavier things where a larger tool can fit, and my 1/4 drive set for smaller stuff and where there's not alot of room.

 

[toolaholic]

I've found I use 1/4" and 1/2" far more often than 3/8". The only thing I end up using 3/8" for is spark plugs (because the plug sockets only come in 3/8"-drive), and junk yard runs where I want to just take one drive size. And I do have two complete 3/8" socket sets (metric and SAE) and multiple ratchets.

I actually have a craftsman 1/2 drive spark plug socket. Bought on clearance at Sears hardware for about $3.

 

[Rubiman14]

I couldn't imagine life without having 3/8 sockets! With my new 3/8" SO impact, I find myself using 3/8" 99% of the time now

 

[Jure]

you dont need it,but soon it will become your "go to" drive size.. buy cheap toptul 3/8 set...

 

[greyjasper51]

i use 3/8 for everything, lug nuts the lot, the only time i reach for my 1/2 is subframes or drive shaft hub nuts, 1/4 i only use the 6+7 for jubiliee clips, swinging a 1/2 all day can get tiring, 3/8 is my go to set for everything, if that dont budge it then yes i have to go up but 99% of the time car stuff is 3/8 and works perfect

plus space can be an issue sometimes where you cant get torque on a 1/4 and 1/2 doesnt fit well

 

[wagon]

Agree with everyone. I never use 1/4" unless it's something really small, or, as previously stated, on interior stuff.

Half inch is for removing my lugs or suspension stuff.

3/8" is the perfect medium between the compactness of 1/4" and the robustness of 1/2". Almost everything can be done with 3/8"

 

[8man]

I use 3/8" more than anything else. The 1/4" is too light for most stuff and the 1/2" is too large unless I'm breaking large stuff. The 3/8" allows me the right feel for most stuff.

Get the 3/8" and you will never look back or regret it.

 

[PelicanPines]

I'm 1/2 sure you will need them 1/4 of the time.

 

[The Cobbler]

If you have to ask here if you should buy tools, you're on the wrong forum!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

1/2 drive, for me, is impact only. It rarely gets used. 3/8 for basically everything in my world.

 

[Rico.]

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Tell us about Your 3/8 flex-head ratchet.. If You have ANY 3/8 ratchet that You really enjoy using; those sockets WILL get used.

 

[SantaAna12]

If you haven't needed them by now.......no.