Does anybody buy 3/4" Socket sets anymore?

[The Rusty Gear]

I picked up a Gray Tools Canada 3/4" socket set at a garage sale, and was debating on whether I should keep it for that "I may need it someday" or try to sell it and use the profits to buy somethng I'm more likely to use.

I know these set are probably over a thousand dollars new, but am I even likely to sell the set even if it is only a couple of hundred dollars? It's really only *worth* what someone is willing to pay and if nobody these days buys 3/4" sockets, well then I'll proudly use it on trailer hitches, axle nuts and if I ever get that tractor to mow my tiny suburban lawn, I'll be set!

 

[35mastr]

I have a set in the classifieds for some time now. I cant beleive that a Diesel Tech has not snatched them up yet.

 

[Thedroid]

I think it's an essential part of any mechanics arsenal. You might not need it on a daily basis, but when you need it you need it. No different from most of the other tools you acquire after you core set is built.

 

[Bolster]

I've wondered the same thing. As steel gets better, smaller bolts get stronger, and sockets & ratchets benefit from better steel, design, and treatment, I suspect that 3/4 ratchets are moving more and more into a "niche" status for particular mechanics who work with large fasteners.

Was talking to a friend the other day who has a 3/4 just to "fill out his collection" and he admits he has to go out of his way to find justifications to use it, since his daily work doesn't include extra large fasteners.

Sure, some work requires it. But I'd bet less and less, over time. I've never needed or wished for a 3/4 in my life.

 

[cweagle]

I have a small collection of 3/4" sockets (in the 3/4" - 1 1/2" range) and a hefty ratchet. These get used almost whenever I'm doing suspension work on vehicles that have spent any time here in Massachusetts - Land of Rust. I was swapping leaf springs on my Bronco and had some 1/2" grade 8 bolts that required about four feet of combined ratchet and pipe to -turn- (not break free: that took more pipe!). We also use it all the time on Honda & Acura spindle nuts, after we got tired of replacing 24" long 1/2" drive breaker bars.

Maybe if I had one of those fancy 600ft-lb impact guns I wouldn't need the 3/4" stuff. Maybe.

 

[nate379]

I think 3/4" drive is kind of a ******* child. Sure it's tougher than 1/2", but it's not quite there yet for the big stuff really.

I have a little bit of 3/4" drive, but I normally just go right to 1" drive for the big stuff. I have had to bring "big bertha" home from work a time or two. (1" drive impact... NEED 2 hands on it or it'll darn near kill you!)

 

[Packard V8]

Sadly, since HF is selling decent quality Pittsburg brand 3/4" at dirt-cheap prices, the value of any 3/4" other than Snap-on is just not there. You can always hope there is another Gray monomaniac somewhere, but depending on "the greater fool" being around in large numbers is not a sound long-term business model, as home builders, real estate and mortgage companies discovered.

thnx, jack vines

 

[64merc]

I don't think most people need a full 3/4 drive set (unless it is dirt cheap), but I have a couple of 3/4 breaker bars. I'm looking for some cheap sockets in the "smaller" sizes.

 

[The Rusty Gear]

Sadly, since HF is selling decent quality Pittsburg brand 3/4" at dirt-cheap prices, the value of any 3/4" other than Snap-on is just not there. You can always hope there is another Gray monomaniac somewhere, but depending on "the greater fool" being around in large numbers is not a sound long-term business model, as home builders, real estate and mortgage companies discovered.

thnx, jack vines

Well I bought this set for about what it would have cost me for a "dirt cheap" set at princess auto on sale, so there is no loss in me keeping it. Too bad not everyone is as foolish as I am!

 

[The Rusty Gear]

I have a small collection of 3/4" sockets (in the 3/4" - 1 1/2" range) and a hefty ratchet. These get used almost whenever I'm doing suspension work on vehicles that have spent any time here in Massachusetts - Land of Rust. I was swapping leaf springs on my Bronco and had some 1/2" grade 8 bolts that required about four feet of combined ratchet and pipe to -turn- (not break free: that took more pipe!). We also use it all the time on Honda & Acura spindle nuts, after we got tired of replacing 24" long 1/2" drive breaker bars.

Maybe if I had one of those fancy 600ft-lb impact guns I wouldn't need the 3/4" stuff. Maybe.

At the very least I won't need an adapter for my 2 1/8" (?) socket anymore! (Toyota front axle)

 

[caper]

I think it's an essential part of any mechanics arsenal. You might not need it on a daily basis, but when you need it you need it. No different from most of the other tools you acquire after you core set is built.

I don't think its essential.I am a heavy truck tech and in all but one shop I've worked in it was considered a shop supplied tool.Mechanics were responsible for up to 1/2"dr and the shop supplied the bigger stuff.I have up to 1" myself but that's just cause I don't like digging around looking for the shops beat up gear.

 

[Vulturej]

I don't buy them any more, because I have SAE and metric sets already. I use mine all the time, but in the industry I work in a 1 1/2" head bolt is a common size.

 

[fatfillup]

I sold a Snap on set to a school bus contractor who was happy to get them. He definitely wanted SO and paid about 25% of retail price for them. The set was older but in nice shape. It was sockets and 2 extensions, no ratchet. Got $500. and the individual list on the sockets was about $2000. Went from 3/4 to 2 5/8 I think.

Point being, people who work on trucks and equipment will be interested, but you have to get to them to sell. I call on these people all the time, so I have an edge.

I'd say post them here and on CL and see what happens.

 

[Packard V8]

Know you didn't take it the wrong way. Just meant the cheap stuff has taken everyone but the cognoscenti out of the 3/4" market. FWIW, as part of a large package deal, I had picked up a brand new HF Earthquake 3/4" impact and Pittsburg sockets. Amazing quality for the price. However, I ended up trading them away for the equivalent of $100 and keeping a bunch of used but USA sockets. Don't see much Gray here, but if I did find a complete set as you did, I'd sell the mixed Mac, Craftsman and Snap-on I'm using now.

thnx, jack vines

 

[Art From De Leon]

When I was a JD ag mechanic, I can think of only one or two applications where I needed my 3/4" set.
I have a set of Snap On 3/4" impact sockets from 1 1/4"-2 3/8", but most have never been used (I just like complete sets), a quick release Snap On ratchet head, breaker head, and the 44" handle. I have had 2 IM75 3/4" impact over the years, traded one off, and a few months later, bought a replacement, to big and bulky for most places where it would have been used, and I have a new, unused Snap On 0-600 lb-ft torque wrench, which I will probably never use.
If I had been setting up implements, or repairing implements, I might have used the 3/4" inch drive stuff more.
The only times I used the 3/4" tools were on the frame plate on MFWD tractors, axle mounting bolts on 4WD tractors (used with a torque multiplier), and frame rail bolts.

 

[The Rusty Gear]

Know you didn't take it the wrong way. Just meant the cheap stuff has taken everyone but the cognoscenti out of the 3/4" market.

Gotcha! I wouldn't have bought the set myself if
1) It were a penny more than an "import" set
2) I didn't already have in the back of my mind to get a set "just in case"

Don't see much Gray here, but if I did find a complete set as you did, I'd sell the mixed Mac, Craftsman and Snap-on I'm using now.

Are YOU "fool enough" to buy my set?

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

I have a full SAE Set from 3/4" to 3" and I find they come in very handy. Some are Gray others snap on. I also work on Heavy equipment though, I don't know if you would need them much in the automotive field or a full set as a hobbyist, Unless you are working on tractors or something.

If you could get a set for the right price i would slide on a shelf and keep them, they wont go bad and if they save your **** once they have payed for them selves.

 

[The Rusty Gear]

I use 3/4 drive all the time, 2 or 3 times today in fact.I would love to have that set but shipping to the maritimes would be expensive i'm sure, got any pics?

If I get my camera back soon, I'll post pics this weekend. Yeah, shipping is likely to be a killer. This set is pretty heavy.

 

[back2class]

I keep a SAE Proto set. I use them from time to time around the farm. Paid around $65 and thats about what they are worth to me.

 

[48548]

I have a plomb set sae(paid 110 for it counting shipping and a plomb 5649 ratchet and 5668 breaker bar), and I would like a metric set, hint hint, brand doesn't matter, but I am not willing to pay an arm and a leg for. I would use once every couple of years, so an HF set would work for me, but I would be willing to pay for a better set.

 

[Uncle Buck]

If you never have a 3/4" set to use, you will never know that you actually would find some uses for one. I bought my well used mixed USA brand set below some years back for $100 and I have never regretted the purchase. I have actually used it as you normally would a socket set only a dozed times or so since I bought it, however I have used the sockets countless times to press bushings and bearing races and many other press, or receiver type applications. It is one of those tool sets you might be surprised how much you use for oddball applications once you have the set.

As for brands, any of the old quality brand names provide satisfactory quality in the large sizes, it is really no different than smaller drive sizes. Snap-on is not the only game in town, my set has Blackhawk, Proto, Williams, Thorsen, Armstrong, CP, Mac, Indestro, and yes some Snap-on sockets and they all are of good quality. My set is below, complete with a universal joint! (Proto) and a Snap-on ratchet adapter for use with the breakover even though I have both an old Armstrong ratchet, and a Snap-on.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

I have actually used it as you normally would a socket set only a dozed times or so since I bought it, however I have used the sockets countless times to press bushings and bearing races and many other press, or receiver type applications. It is one of those tool sets you might be surprised how much you use for oddball applications once you have the set.

That was my thoughts exactly. I have a Proto set that I have had since 1997 got it as a kick a$$ gift. I use the sockets on rare occasion but after buying an MG725 I do not have too many uses for them. BUT using the sockets to press in the press fit ball joints has saved me a lot of time and frustration. I know it may not be the exact tool for the job, but sometimes having something to improvise with makes the difference between getting the job done and leaving work at the end of the day frustrated.

 

[Rico.]

I just recently purchased a Britool set. Britool were having a promotion on
them and picked them up for less than half price... couldn't really say no.

It's a full metric set from 19mm to 50mm and they have a lovely shiny satin
finish and quality feel to them. They are manufactured by Rotar, the same
guys who make Toptul.

Cheers,
Rico.

 

[rhandwor]

I would keep it even on car work occasionally you need 3/4 drive sockets. I also use them for some mower nuts. They also work for seal drivers and occasional use on my hydraulic press.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have a 36" long 3/4" ratchet. In the two years i've had it i'd say on average i used it about one a week at the least. Great for seized hub nuts, overly tight or seized wheel nuts/bolts, variousbig chassis bolts.

It also came in very handy when i did my back in, it was too painful to pull hard on a 24" bar, but i could undo the same bolts with minimal force using the 36" bar.

Doing old dually dropsiders and small commercials at work, it was the only thing that would do the job, the airlines were too restrictive to give the impact guns enough power and a 24" bar didn't have enough leverage.

I've got a sole 65mm 3/4" drive socket, but i'm going to complete the set from 19mm-60mm and 3/4" to 2-3/8".

 

[chrislehr]

This just posted in austin CL, too

http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/1215537454.html

 

[bentt]

"Does anybody buy 3/4" Socket sets anymore?"

I recently purchased this set (SAE & metric) on sale for $119 CDN. This along with my 36" (3/4"dr) breaker bar easily removed a hub nut my 1/2"dr couldn't budge.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I don't really have the need for a 3/4" set but if I was to find one at a good price consider it sitting with my other sockets.

 

[Elroy]

Elroy just aquired some 3/4" drive sockets and he is glad they came his way:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34964

 

[rocco]

"Does anybody buy 3/4" Socket sets anymore?"

I recently purchased this set (SAE & metric) on sale for $119 CDN. This along with my 36" (3/4"dr) breaker bar easily removed a hub nut my 1/2"dr couldn't budge.

i just bought this set today, great deal. nice shots btw, what kind of camera equipment do you use?

<- Canon user

 

[lauver]

I don't have a 3/4" drive socket set, but I do have a breaker bar and a small assortment of sockets. And I'm always on the lookout for selected sizes of additional sockets.

I don't use the 3/4" drive tools often enough to justify a complete set. I do have occasional need for certain sockets in this drive size though. So, I'm approaching it from a piecemeal standpoint...just what I actually need.

Hope this helps with your question/dilema; 3/4" drive tools do come in handy and are sometimes absolutely essential for big-assed fasteners.

 

[ephotrod]

I just recently bought a proto set used a t a pawn shop at a bit of a high price. But i bought it due to the fact i needed it. I have a couple forklifts that need work, and many times the 1/2 drive doesn't cut it. Actually i bought the set because my guys broke all their breaker bars and ext. on there 1/2 set and requested a 3/4 drive set.

In one day two guys broke 28 tools working on one forklift. 3/4 drive tools have there place.
Josh

 

[snapmom]

I have a 3/4 set, and part of a 1" set. If anyone has some 3/4 or 1" SO sockets from the 30s , I need a few. Hubby does not like them, cause he has to lift them, but that helps him with his weight problem. So instead of me wanting to change the furniture, I ask him to change to location of the tool boxes,.

 

[Skyline]

I just got a nice set of Snap-on 3/4" impact sockets, and an IR 3/4" gun; excellent condition, as part of a big collection. Since I can't see myself using them, they will go to eBay.

 

[bentt]

i just bought this set today, great deal. nice shots btw, what kind of camera equipment do you use?

<- Canon user

It's just an older Pentax *ist as there is a lot I need to learn. Hopefully someday I'll be in position to upgrade to Canon. Thanks.

 

[chrislehr]

Since this is a HIGHLY focused thread - I have and DO NOT need a cornwell AP53 3/4 female to 1/2 male impact adapter. If interested or want, PM

 

[HankMurphy]

I picked up a Wright 3/4" set with a couple of extra pieces for $100 (US) a few months ago. Complete set with a few extra pieces. Prior owner painted it blue, the only real drawback.

Right now it's shed ballast but I have some definite uses for it. Tow balls often have a 1" shaft, with a 1-5/8" nut. I just bought a new Master 2-5/16" ball and it specifies 250 foot-pounds of torque to tighten! So, while I may never use anything but the 1-5/8" socket, I think it's worth having it.

YMMV. 1/2" is a fine all-around size, but sometimes you go outside "all-around".

Cheers,

 

[sberry]

There is actually some pretty good advise in this thread. Some about value, some about need. This is a place it wouldn't scare me to go a couple ways one being buying up a good old set at the right or fair price. I bought an impact set at sale for 50 with one socket missing, it was such a good set I buy a new 1 1/8 SK from the parts store to fill it out. I have a set of Pitts in the same size I use on the truck, the deal was right and the insurance is being able to replace or use if needed, a second set.
This is also a tool that the avg guy might need on occasion, as someone said, file it on the shelf, pretty cheap insurance on the time or 2 you need it, pay for itself on a single job if you bought right, a set that even China junk may make sense (my auto mechanic bud has China he pay about 40$ for) home owner ain't gonna wear it out.

 

[sberry]

This is a place an old mix and match set would be fine by me, I do have them in both chrome and impact. Once in a while we use hand drive but usually on big stuff its gun power.

 

[lilredex]

Found some MASTERCRAFT 3/4" Dr. sockets at a local Canadian Tire store for $2 ea, so bought 10 sizes from 1 1/4" to 2". Then put them together with a Proto breaker bar (that I had) and a ratchet and box from Princess Auto to put my economical "just in case" set together. That was about twenty-five years back.......and yes, I have used them a few times. At the time those sockets were for sale, that store had about 25-30 of each size, and I did contemplate making a deal on the works as the store so wanted to dump them. But only bought one set precicely because of the title of this thread.