Do increasing-size socket adapters (1/4" to 3/8", for ex.) get any use?

[hifi_hokie]

Just a quick question. Does anyone have a use for socket adapters that go up in drive size, like 1/4" to 3/8", or 3/8" to 1/2"?

I've seen them on some recommended tool lists before, but it seems like a way to get in trouble by tackling things that really should be handled by a tool in the larger drive size in the first place.

Thanks!

 

[Daz-scotland]

I use 1/4 to 3/8 on my snap on electronic torque wrench for 15mm bolts that need 20nm as I don't have a 1/4 15mm socket. I also quite often use 1/2 to 3/8 on my gun for etorx sockets that need a smaller size but gun power to remove.

 

[NHBandit]

Never

 

[tube_guy]

I use a 1/4" to 3/8" drive somewhat frequently. Just used one a few days ago when servicing our oil burner for the winter. The nozzles are 5/8" and I use a 1/4" drive torque wrench to set them at 90 inch*pounds. I don't have a 1/4" drive 5/8" socket, so I just use the adapter and a 3/8" drive socket.

 

[bcradio]

I use 1/4 to 3/8 on my snap on electronic torque wrench for 15mm bolts that need 20nm as I don't have a 1/4 15mm socket. I also quite often use 1/2 to 3/8 on my gun for etorx sockets that need a smaller size but gun power to remove.

1/2 to 3/8 is reducing though

 

[jjjrmx5]

I use them all the time.

C'man and Snap-On .

Just depends upon what you need them for.

3/8" drive torque wrench often needs 1/2" adaptor for various wheel bolt torquing or engine work. I didn't spec. the damn M14 and 3/4" bolts. LOLOL
1/2" torque wrench can often need 1/2" to 3/8" reducer to geet what I need.
All depends upon ft/lbs.

Just another tool. Used wrong it will shear or derform. Used correctly it is worth every penny.

YMMV.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

Yep, I certainly use mine.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

The only one I ever use with regularity is a 1/2" -> 3/4"
From time to time I will use the 1/4" -> 3/8" one on my ratchet screwdriver. 9 times out of 10 the reason I use them is for stupid things like torquing the plastic lug nut covers on my truck (GM Truck Owners will know what I mean), or plastic plugs...large in size but not in torque requirement.

 

[air]

1/4 to 3/8 gets used frequently at my house for torque wrench purposes...

 

[srmofo]

I use the female 1/2 to male 3/4 occasionally for larger sockets

 

[Buckgnarly]

These work much better...
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-19608-grey-pneumatic-103ra.aspx


I have used them for tight spots and pinion bearing preload....gotta use my 1/4 dial torque with a 1/2 drive socket in that case. You could stack those I posted.

 

[RBailey]

I have a 3/4 female to 1/2 male that I sometimes use on my torque multiplier.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I've used all mine at one time or another.
1/2" to 3/4" for hubs
3/8" to 1/2" for pinion nuts
1/4" to 3/8" for when a lighter roto ratchet works best to just spin stuff on.

And on a lighter duty note, I've broken my 3/8" to 1/4".

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I've seen them on some recommended tool lists before, but it seems like a way to get in trouble by tackling things that really should be handled by a tool in the larger drive size in the first place.

Thanks!

It can also be a way to quickly spin some larger fasteners with a smaller drive, especially in a tight space.

 

[kf4zht]

I have a few large size sockets that are 3/4" but do not have a 3/4 ratchet or impact so I use the 1/2-3/4.

Also I sometime have a case where a large socket is needed but a low torque reading is needed (ex pinion preload) where my 0-100 in/lb torque wrench only has 1/4 but the socket is 1/2

Or if it is a big nut but a small swing area where you use a smaller ratchet to spin off the nut/bolt.

 

[adam728]

Wife's car uses a plastic oil filter housing that requires a 36mm socket and goes back on with 18 ft-lbs of torque. I use the 3/8-drive torque wrench, and an adaptor to the 1/2" drive 36mm socket. While they do make a 3/8 drive 36mm specially for this, I see no reason to bother since I already had the other socket.

 

[marineengineer]

i use them for all sorts of stuff when there is no spin room or your laying under a machine and cant get the combination to use the socket that fits the drive size. Another time i use them is when i am going to have to use universals and a bunch of extensions to get a bolt off. a smaller ratchet allows you to reach in the place with the correct adapter and apply more torque because of the losses through the angle of the universal. Look on ebay the snap on ones are common and fairly cheap. BUY THEM when you need them there is no substitute for the right tool. That being said my 3/4 to 1in i bought when i had to take apart a hydraulic jack apart. To loosen the big nut on the end (2 7/8) because i do not have the 1 in ratchet. Its not the right tool but i have the long handle older snap on 3/4 drive ratchet and have not broken it yet.

 

[camarotoolman]

1/2 to 3/8 are hot sellers, so people must use them or they wouldn't buy em.

 

[transittech]

I use mine almost daily. Mostly so I can use anything bigger than 1" on my 3/8 gun. When you've got 300ft./lbs of torque, not much need for 1/2 guns some days. 'Course, then you get the 7/16 bolts torqued to 1,000 ft/lbs.

They're also handy for running a bolt off after break the fastener loose in a tight spot, especially with nylock fasteners.

 

[fatfillup]

I use a 1/2 to 3/8 on my 1/2 battery impact as i don't have a 3/8 battery impact.

I also sell a lot of those adapters in all sizes and the big Snappy's tend to sell quickly, 3/4 to 1 and 1 to 3/4 as well as 1/2 to 3/4 and 3/4 to 1/2

 

[ironmutt]

my 1/4 -3/8 gets used alot on my 1/4 e-impact then my 1/2-3/4-1 cause my 3/4 rachet is is to long to get in some places reducers i use as a last resort when the 1/2 inch impact sockets are to thick or i have to use my three foot ext. for trany work

 

[obsessive]

I use 1/4 - 3/8 with spinner handles a lot, especially for torx, for unassembling and reassembling - everything except final tightening when more torque is needed.

 

[t4runner]

In the past I used a 1/2 to 3/4 adapter but I eventually bought a 3/4 drive ratchet from Snap-On [no I dont want to talk about how much it cost it still hurts] I never used any other size adapter

 

[Beaubeau]

Every day, torque up some spark a plugs with a 1/4 torque wrench need 1/4 to 3/8, use 3/8 to 1/2 for oil filter sizes 24,27,32,36 etc

 

[Zeke]

I don't use mine very often, but I'm glad they are there. Since that's the case, I have HF ones. Works for me.

 

[nanofrog]

I use them often enough, particularly the 1/4F to 3/8M for spinning things on/off in sizes that I don't have in 1/4"DR sockets (instead of dedicated nut drivers).

 

[kazlx]

It can also be a way to quickly spin some larger fasteners with a smaller drive, especially in a tight space.

That's what I use them for. Either a tight space or something that doesn't need much torque to remove. I much prefer to use a smaller ratchet when possible.

 

[McKay]

I use 1/2" up to 3/4" quite often.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

For adjusting the injectors on an N14 Cummins, I use a 1/4" drive inch pound dial type torque wrench along with a 1/2" drive socket.. It takes two adapters; a 1/4" to 3/8", and a 3/8" to 1/2".... I have adapters going both ways from 1/4" to 1" drive.... They are used when needed; but not on a reguar basis..

 

[toddacimer]

I use my 3/8 to 1/2 adapter all the time with my Snap-on MG325 because I have more 1/2 drive impact sockets than 3/8 and the lighter/smaller impact is more convenient

 

[greasemonkey44]

i use 1/4 to 3/8 and a 3/8 to 1/2 for measuring drag on pinion bearings
i used a 1/4 to 3/8 today for knock sensors
and i used a 3/8 to 1/2 to roll over the ls engine i installed; the harmonic balancer bolt is 24mm

i use the 3/8 to 1/2 for alot of oversize but low torque fasteners, like the 36mm iirc for an ecotec timing chain tensioner

 

[thightower]

I always keep them in my box. I mainly use the 3/8 to 1/2 adapter.

 

[Mastermind]

yes. i use mine once and a while, for many of the same reasons, no 3/4" ratchet, using torx bits that are 3/8" on a 1/4" ratchet.

 

[Ben Buck]

I have them all, which ever direction one should need them, just because

 

[Jawn]

I use an adapter to use 3/8" bit sockets with a 1/4" stubby air ratchet.

 

[Acosi151]

I carry a 1/4M to 3/8F adapter in my bike tool roll so I can go all the way up to 19mm using nothing more than a 1/4 T handle and a 6" extension.

 

[DodgeMech]

1/2 to 3/4 to do axle nuts since no one in our shop has a 3/4 impact gun

 

[351-C]

I use mine daily to remove/run in bolts on heavy rotating equip. Useful when you have hundreds of sockets, and only one 3/8 air ratchet.

 

[Harwinton]

I've got an adapter that I made so I can use 1/4" drive sockets on my 7/16" drive ratchet.

 

[marcone]

Torque wrench use only.