Do I need 3/8" sockets?

[drink]

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?

I have a set of 3/8" drive sockets and I use them frequently. My set ranges in size from 1/4" to 1" in SAE. Are you using metric on all your stuff? I would recommend using 3/8" drive and the others also.

 

[anndel]

Yes, get a set. I have all 3 - 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" and they all get used.

 

[Tepid87]

Yes, you won't regret it. The 3/8" drive is not very common in Europe. Even a lot of pro-mechanic dont have one here. I bought a 1/2" and 1/4" set first. But the 3/8" gets the most use. I work a lot on motorcycles and 3/8" is perfect for that. I would recommend a set of hex and torx sockets as well, they work great with 3/8".

 

[BK13]

That's friggin' awesome!

At the risk of being a buzz kill, and this is definitely from the 'do as I say and not as I do' department, what haven't you been able to accomplish with what you have?

Now, do I have to ban myself for breaking the 'must buy more tools' rule?

 

[FigureItOut]

Can't someone just give the OP an unambiguous, clear solid answer? All these conflicting opinions are likely to just leave him more unsure than before.

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[Dave455]

Broadly speaking, I'd say you need it, and for one reason - access!

A couple of generations ago my grandfather survived with primarily 1/4 and 1/2 inch drive, but... back then vehicles were designed with easy access to components in mind! Now, you just don't have that, and there are a lot of relatively simple jobs on modern vehicles that can become almost impossible if you don't have the appropriate ratchet, Inhex socket, long extension, UJ or whatever, generally in 3/8 drive!

Of course, it does depend on what you work on. I have a neighbour, here in Sussex, England, who has many vehicles (tractor, steam traction engine, horse drawn cart, etc) but none of them are a car, and I doubt he'd use a 3/8 drive set for anything other than 'radio repair'!

 

[PFSard]

3/8" are my most commonly used set. They are cheap enough not to have some. Especially if you buy used tools.

 

[introvertedtraveler]

My view

I use mostly 1/4 and 3/8s.

Bigger car jobs / stuff I use my 1/2 SO Impact with HF Impact sockets.

 

[Jake C]

Do I need 3/8" sockets?

I work in an Independent shop, so I work on everything from Subarus and Hondas to cummins and powerstrokes. I use 3/8 mainly but often have my 1/4 and 1/2 inch drive stuff out of my box as well. I would highly recommend it, especially for the access, like many others have stated.


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[jipps]

Broadly speaking, I'd say you need it, and for one reason - access!

A couple of generations ago my grandfather survived with primarily 1/4 and 1/2 inch drive, but... back then vehicles were designed with easy access to components in mind! Now, you just don't have that, and there are a lot of relatively simple jobs on modern vehicles that can become almost impossible if you don't have the appropriate ratchet, Inhex socket, long extension, UJ or whatever, generally in 3/8 drive!

Of course, it does depend on what you work on. I have a neighbour, here in Sussex, England, who has many vehicles (tractor, steam traction engine, horse drawn cart, etc) but none of them are a car, and I doubt he'd use a 3/8 drive set for anything other than 'radio repair'!

^^ Dave455, you make a couple of particularly interesting points, especially about access. I have been lucky up to now in that most of the things that have commanded my attention have either been old enough (Land Rover Ninety) or big enough (7 series), or both enough (my beloved E39 bimmer) to take my 1/4 set with ease. However, working on my wife's 116i bimmer is uncomfortably tight, and I do think that 3/8 might give me more options....

It's also interesting to note your point about the "old school" reliance on 1/4 plus 1/2 to cover everything off. That has certainly been my approach till now, and I think it probably bespeaks a somewhat regrettable binary outlook of my personality, where I have tended to go all-in. I tighten the bejaysus out of everything (1/4 drive 8mm socket anyone?), but I am finally, slowly, expensively learning that a modern car/bike/whatever has torque guides for a reason

Actually, in typing this I think that's where my question is coming from... I'm finally realising that I'm a thug with the 1/4 set and need to tone it down a bit!


Anyway, extremely useful responses from all - both the advocates for and the dissenters from 3/8! No doubt I'll hear a few more views here, and will read them gratefully and with great interest - I'm still not 100% committed....

 

[ChevyEFI]

A 3/8 Roto ratchet (SK 3870) and an SK 47 piece 3/8 socket set were my first sockets; gift from Dad years ago.

Dad was right.

 

[jimmybread]

Yes. And not just an excuse to buy something. You will use and like them a lot.

 

[crazytrain]

Yes!

I wrench full time, my go to right now is 3\8". I've got 3\8 deep and shallow sockets in both chrome and impact. I work on domestic cars mostly now, working at a Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and GMC dealer. However when I worked for Volvo I used 1\4" 90% of the time.

 

[Sprintman]

Did Jesus play fullback for Jerusalem...

 

[Jarhead0408]

I use 3/8" more than any other drive size. We have 7 vehicles to keep up with. Everything from full sized SUVs to beater econo boxes to a zippy little sports car. My 3/8" sockets get a work out for sure.

 

[beatcad]

you work on motorsicles sometimes?

my question is how have you got along w/o a 3/8 ratchet/socket set?

 

[Jim C.]

In most frequently used to least used order, I usually go with 3/8", 1/4" and 1/2", so I'd say "YES" get a 3/8" set.

Jim C.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I absolutely use 3/8 more than 1/4 by far. I use 1/2 a lot also. But for me working on tractors I use every drive size.

I don't like to use my 1/4 set for example for a 9/16 socket. More than likely a large rusted bolt. I don't want to put that stress on my 1/4 socket or ratchet.

Then there's clearance. My 3/8 sockets are obviously shorter than my 1/2 sockets. Making it easier to get in places. Same with the ratchets. I personally couldn't go with out a 3/8 set.

 

[JoeyMitch]

3/8 is almost all I ever use. Very rarely do I use 1/2" working on my Jeep. Mainly 3/8" and 1/4". Yes I use 1/2" quite often but not nearly as often as the other two!

 

[Jacobson]

If you really want to avoid the 3/8", why not just buy a 3/8" ratchet,
and a $4 adapter kit to use your existing sockets

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-high-visibility-socket-adapter-set-67925.html

 

[popparoach]

yes.

 

[countryroad82]

I rarely use 1/2" drive. 1/4" and 3/8" are my go to sizes.

 

[Hondarancher4435]

Yes 3/8 is my go to size working on heavy equipment for a living. If it's not a minor repair then the 3/4 drive stuff comes out

 

[bcradio]

I would say it is worth owning a 3/8 set. I use mine the most by far.

 

[MrMechanic383]

3/8 is the most common and widely used family of sockets. I recommend you get rid of the other stuff and acquire a large set of solely 3/8" sockets, wrenches, and extensions.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Yes id get some. 3/8'' is most commonly used for most people especially auto work. Depends what you are doing. I use 1/2'' the most and 3/4'' or bigger often. I rarely use 1/4'' or 3/8''.

 

[Dave455]

Don't be in a rush to ditch your 1/4 drive though! I'm finding I'm using mine more and more - often for just clearing all the **** out of the way so I can get to what I need!

Haven't played with a 1 series yet but bet there's little spare space!

Also remain to be convinced that the newer BM s are going to get by with less fiddling than the older ones! Those E39's pretty much set the standard and are a tough act to follow!

 

[BD1]

Yes, get 6 point and 12 point , NEVER ask about buying a tool and expect to get a '' NO'' . It just doesn't compute.

 

[jipps]

Also remain to be convinced that the newer BM s are going to get by with less fiddling than the older ones! Those E39's pretty much set the standard and are a tough act to follow!

^^They certainly are! I bought mine, a touring, as a neglected sorn'd car with six figures on the odometer - didn't drive it, didn't see it in daylight - wanted it for the boot and the towbar for a month tops while we moved and bought a load of building and DIY materials. Well, that was 3 years ago. It has 167k now, the 3 litre d purrs like a kitten and I just cannot bring myself to get rid of the thing. It is comfier than my E65 7bner was, holds more and does more work than my Land Rover Ninety did, and is the perfect barge for the kids and dog too. It is quite possibly the best car I've ever owned (and I've had a few nice uns in my time!)

Sorry to get sidetracked!!

 

[jipps]

Yes, get 6 point and 12 point , NEVER ask about buying a tool and expect to get a '' NO'' . It just doesn't compute.

I'm rapidly learning that

 

[crewchief888]

ive been wrenching on const eq for 30+ years,
i use 3/8" dr most of the time.

 

[BioNerd]

3\8 is the must have size.

 

[kblee27]

I use 3/8" drive 90% of the time.

 

[dirtydogintex]

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

^ this!!

 

[DanielC99]

Yep, 3/8's is my most used size. As others have noted, 1/2 for suspension and other tougher jobs. 1/4 is used quite often as well.

 

[stg454]

3/8 is my go to size. I do use 1/4 a lot too.

 

[jipps]

So, thanks to absolutely everyone for their input here. I bit the bullet and got the Bahco S380 set, which is a nice comprehensive set and I'm very happy with it. Didn't realise quite how big my 1/2" drive set was until I started using this

 

[LB-1911]

^ Nice set should serve you well.

17x 3/8 Hex Sockets 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm

12x 3/8 Hex Sockets 1/4", 5/16”, 11/32”, 3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16”, 5/8”, 11/16”, ¾”, 13/16”, 7/8”

3x 3/8 Extension Bars 75mm, 150mm, 250mm
1x 3/8 Reversible Ratchet
1x 3/8 Sliding T-bar
2x 3/8 Spark Plug Sockets 16mm, 21mm
1x 3/8 Breaker Bar 250mm

 

[1/2 Cup]

All of the above 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 nothing like having the correct tool for the job.

 

[iScream]

Do you need a set? No, you can do pretty much anything with what you have now. If you didn't have anything right now I would suggest getting 3/8" before anything else.

My 3/8" ratchets are what I grab 80 percent of the time though. But I installed some aftermarket clip-ons on my bike this weekend and used all three sizes. I had a 36mm socket on the big 1/2" ratchet for the steering head nut, a long 5mm hex bit socket on a 3/8" ratchet and an 8mm socket on a 1/4" ratchet.