How much do you use 1/2" drive sockets?

[Hyster Gareth]

I also work on heavy equipment so 1/2 gets lots of use.

At work (lots of agricultural and construction equipment), 1/2 is used all the time. To be fair, I'm not so sure how often deep metrics are used.)

 

[egfdevos]

In europe 3/8" is not a common size you find in stores.
Therefore most will only have 1/4" and 1/2" sockets and ratchets over here.

Have zero 1/2" sockets.
I only use 3/8" 13,17,19mm sockets.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I mostly work on motorcycles, but I do find myself using the Standard Depth 24,27,30,32mm 1/2 drives on my Jap bikes frequently.

 

[James_B]

For a long time, my deep 1/2" drive sockets were limited to the sizes that would fit spark plugs or the nuts on my alloy wheels. If I needed another size deep socket, I'd just grab one from my 1/2" impact socket collection.

I never really liked 3/8" drive tools. It was always 1/4" drive for the small stuff and 1/2" drive for the bigger stuff. I guess it was because I had good 1/2" drive stuff, and I had never seen a quality 3/8" set. Every 3/8" drive set I'd ever been forced to use was absolute ****, so I tended to consider 3/8" drive as being the worst of the cheap socket tools. A cheap 1/4" set seemed less failure prone than a cheap 3/8" set, probably because the maximum size sockets found in a 1/4" drive set tended to be the limiting factor when it came to the task you'd use them on.

I was quite shocked to discover 3/8" impact sockets. What madness is this?

Though I'd often ***** about clearance issues using a 1/2" drive set, but I refused to compromise and stoop to a 3/8" set.

Then I bought a 1/4" + 3/8" Stanley set when it went on sale (forgot my glasses, and misread the outer packaging, so while I could easily read the big print sale price, I thought it was a 1/4" + 1/2" set). It was a bargain price, so I decided to keep it just for the 1/4" stuff that was far better than the mismatched 1/4" drive stuff I'd accumulated over the years. The 3/8" tools in the set were actually nicely made and fine to use, and it's now the set that currently lives permanently in the car. It does almost everything I want on non-car stuff when I'm working outside (getting access to my regular tools is often a chore when the dogs are in their pen as their pen surrounds the workshop).

Even so, I still have this deep seated distrust of 3/8" drive stuff that I can't seem to shake, so I'll probably replace the set carried in the car with a hand picked metric only 1/2" drive set. I'm waiting for a particular 1/2" drive Mastercraft set to go on sale again, and I'll split the sockets between the all metric Land Rover and the all SAE camper.

 

[2mJps]

I use 1/2 alot but i work on big trucks and older stuff. The only 1/2 metric sockets i had for years was a set of standered length inpact sockets. I would like to get a set of metric 1/2 deep sockets even thow i wouldnt use them alot.

 

[jmm]

If I'm using 1/2" or 3/4" a lot, I'm in trouble. That means I'm dealing with a breakdown or overhaul.

I don't have any 1/2" deeps at work (don't work on automobiles). Never needed them. However, if you deal with cars (lug nuts!), they're pretty important. Among many other applications, of course.

 

[balane]

I think the real question isn't "Do you use 1/2" drive sockets?" but why have chrome ones in addition to your impact set? Other than extremely rare clearance issues, which most always can be handled by thin-wall lugnut sockets or 3/8" drive chrome, I can see absolutely no reason to.

 

[billybudge]

All the time, when I was a vehicle mechanic I used 1/2 inch as the main size daily,and still do, nowadays I work on anything, as a rule I use. 1/4 for bikes and small machinery, 3/8 and 1/2 on cars, standard size machines, 1/2 and 3/4 on vans and commercials, and 1 inch on heavy plant machinery,full set of each drive and size chromed vanadium, fully polished, metric, AF, and whitworth also special sizes,
But as for 1/2 drive. I be lost without them,
I also have 1/4 3/8. 1/2 and 3/4 impact socket sets for the windy / air gun,
You can never have too many,

 

[Applesauce]

Since I got a complete metric 3/8" set, I've quit using my 1/2" almost entirely. I have a few 1/2" sockets that aren't made in 3/8" (28, 32, 34, and 36 mm), though I really wish they were: if I'm working on anything that big, it's a shallow, low-torque (<30 Nm) aluminum fitting for which 3/8" would be more than sufficient. Otherwise, I use 1/4" bit sockets for most of every day. I still keep some 1/2" stuff (primarily 24 mm and 1" deeps) around that gets used with a breaker bar on proprietary bike tools that don't already have 3/8" or 1/2" fittings on them.

I've had the chamfers turned off my Westward 1/2" set so that I can use them for pressing in radial cartridge bearings. Now that's just about all I use them for!

 

[Monte]

i use mostly 1/2" and 1/4"

 

[928'er]

In europe 3/8" is not a common size you find in stores.
Therefore most will only have 1/4" and 1/2" sockets and ratchets over here.

Interesting...

I use 3/8" drive on European cars all the time.

1/2" drive also gets a lot of use. Lug nuts are 19mm and I'm constantly swapping wheels and tires for autocross. Just installed a new set of Bilsteins on one of my cars - which, basically, requires diss-assembly and re-assembly of both front and rear suspensions. Lots of 15, 17, and 19mm fasteners.

 

[mech-tech]

All day, every day...and twice on sundays

Usually anything over 1-1/4" or so gets the 3/4" drive set, or hammer wrenches and the 20 pound sledge with the torch.

 

[Loscaldazar]

All the time. I often replace the OEM bolts with a higher grade, lighter weight Stainless steel bolts. Often times these bolts come with much larger head sizes than the OEM ones do only making the clearance issue more prominent.

Race cars aren't easy....

 

[Kev442]

I never knew I was so far in the minority. I tend to grab 1/2" first. Goes down to 10mm-3/8ths, so that set covers the entire job 80% of the time.

 

[srmofo]

everyday

 

[General Geoff]

I use chrome 1/2" shallow and deep sockets all the time on brake and suspension components.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I think the real question isn't "Do you use 1/2" drive sockets?" but why have chrome ones in addition to your impact set? Other than extremely rare clearance issues, which most always can be handled by thin-wall lugnut sockets or 3/8" drive chrome, I can see absolutely no reason to.

I was told one time that impact sockets are typically softer and shouldn't be used for non-impact tasks and should never be used on a torque wrench. In reality, they are probably just fine, but that has always stuck with me. We are all here because we enjoy tools, so the more the merrier!

 

[tez929rr]

All the time. I often replace the OEM bolts with a higher grade, lighter weight Stainless steel bolts. Often times these bolts come with much larger head sizes than the OEM ones do only making the clearance issue more prominent.

Race cars aren't easy....

Interesting - I do that a lot for motorcycle fasteners and usually the SS heads are smaller than those on the OEM bolts.

 

[Jswain]

I use 1/2" and 3/4" almost exclusively at work on a drilling rig. It's actually next to impossible to find a 3/8" drive ratchet when you need it, or you can find the ratchet but the right socket will be in Narnia.

At home I use 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 all fairly regularly depending which part of the truck breaks down. Whatever fits the situation best usually the 1/4" up to 10mm, 3/8" 10-17 depending how seized it is, and 1/2" anything above usually with the aid of a torch, some spray, and lots of cursing and swearing haha.

 

[AcftMx5]

I only have one 1/2" drive socket in my box, a 7/8" deep and that is only used to break the spark plugs loose off of aircraft engines and torque the plugs when installing.

 

[Lasu]

" How much do you use 1/2" drive sockets? "

a little less than 3/8" .i have full 3/8 set up to 22mm , + few deeps.
3/8 size is important for me today.

I need also 3/4 sockets

 

[fxgmech]

So confused. I use 3/8 up to 19 or 20 ... never a problem.

19 or 20 mm bolt heads are on 10 mm bolts, as determined by bolt shank size. 10mm is just slightly larger than 3/8" and it turns out for me that 3/8" drive will handle them no problem without breaking or stripping much.
I use bolt shank size (I should have said thread diameter), not head size, to select drive size.
The head could be any size or shape, not just hex, and power needed to turn the bolt is determined by the threads. To explain:
On any given day I'll use sockets on hex (6 & 12 point), torx, allen, phillips, etc and I almost always buzz anything out with an impact wrench first.
Limting drive size to thread diameter keeps me from breaking stuff that does not turn at first. Then it makes me stop and think about plan B before I plug in a larger impact and break off a hard bolt in a blind hole.
But, as the OP asked, I still use a lot of 1/2" drive and larger daily because the bolt shanks are that big.

 

[scaron]

my policy is to use the largest drive size that i can get away with, so i end up using my 1/2" drive all the time... probably for the majority of work i do on my cars and even for a lot of tasks on my mopeds and lawn equipment. it's only if i can't make the half inch drive fit (or i need a metric deep socket, which i don't yet have in 1/2" drive) do i work my way down, first to 3/8" which is probably my best equipped drive size, then down to 1/4" for only the smallest of fasteners in the tightest spots. if you only buy one size, or to start off a toolkit, 3/8" is probably best because there's a really good bulk/size/strength to cost ratio there. but 1/2" drive definitely has an irreplaceable spot in my tool box.

 

[LeGarage]

What?????? Most of my ratchets, extensions, sockets are 3/8.... I feel like I just stepped into the Bazzaro GJ tool section...

I own all (metric) socket sizes from 4 - 36 mm in 1/4, 1/2" and 3/4". Including Hex and (e)torx in 1/2". Spark plug sockets? 1/2"

So why would I need 3/8"? I really see no use for them. And as other people said, Europeans generally don't use 3/8" tools.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

FWIW, I just bought a USA made 1/2" Drive Deep 15pc Craftsman set for $69.95 shipped on Ebay. 10-22mm, 24mm, 27mm.

I didn't steal them, but I couldn't find a better deal anywhere else on a similar made in USA set.

 

[Adam.C]

my policy is to use the largest drive size that i can get away with,

Interesting. I do the exact opposite. I figure if Snap On makes a 1/4 drive 15mm socket, that tool is strong enough to handle the typical torque on a bolt with a 15mm head.

Example: A 14mm socket may be needed for some M10 (JIS) bolts. A high grade M10 could have a 60ft lb (80Nm) torque reqt. I think 1/4" drive can handle this.

I guess my thinking is, I would only use my larger drives when I have to, I don't default to the bigger drives. I think it's the shear weight of the ratchets, and extensions. Given the choice between a 3/8" 12mm and a 1/4" 12mm, I'll typically reach for the 1/4" if it is handy.

 

[Bill Ramsey]

When breaking torque, I like to use the largest drive size practical, so I use 1/2" drive on a 15" breaker bar often. Tightening things back down (where overtightening would be a problem), I tend to go with a ratchet and smaller drive size. So for taking things apart, I like the 1/2" if I think the fastener can handle the torque without snapping (it's easier to break a fastener with the larger drive size because I have less "feel" for the fastener breaking).

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

When breaking torque, I like to use the largest drive size practical, so I use 1/2" drive on a 15" breaker bar often. Tightening things back down (where overtightening would be a problem), I tend to go with a ratchet and smaller drive size. So for taking things apart, I like the 1/2" if I think the fastener can handle the torque without snapping (it's easier to break a fastener with the larger drive size because I have less "feel" for the fastener breaking).

I agree 100%. When in doubt, I go up a drive size so I don't have to worry about making a warranty call on a tool. I'm **** about torque specs, so I even have a torque wrench in 1/4", 3/8", & 1/2".........and a Utica torque drive for inch lbs.

 

[Jarhead0408]

If I'm working on my cars I usually reach for 3/8" first.

If it's on my trucks I tend to go for the 1/2" stuff as there is more room to use them.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I use them all the time. I drive an older fullsize pickup truck and we have tractors...

 

[air]

At home, hardly at all. I have 1/2 USA Husky set I bought at a used tool store a number of years ago, I have used it ONCE to remove a rusty lawnmower blade bolt.

 

[bagsanthony]

I use them a lot, because I like a bigger drive when space is available.... correct me if I'm wrong but wren't most older "mechanic sets" 1/2" drive and 1/4" drive.... It seems like 1/2" drive was used much more for cars back in the day, when space wasn't much of an issue and 3/8 ratchets were short

 

[92integra]

A lot but as with everyone else a lot on suspension work and alignments with eccentrics in the rear using a 25 inch 1/2 drive ratchet saves me from dragging out the torch.

 

[psychob0b1977]

I pretty much only use 1/2... but I'm mostly working on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.

 

[Jim C.]

90% of the time I find myself using 1/4" and 3/8" drive tools. I have a pretty good collection of 1/2" drive tools but I don't use them too often. Still, I wouldn't be without them, because there's always the other 10%.

Jim C.

 

[BK13]

90% of the time I find myself using 1/4" and 3/8" drive tools. I have a pretty good collection of 1/2" drive tools but I don't use them too often. Still, I wouldn't be without them, because there's always the other 10%.

Jim C.

Exactly...

 

[spacedoutbob]

I mainly use 3/8" drive. However, in the past, Snap On used to refer to their 1/2" drive as Master Drive Sets. I have a very complete set on 1/2" Drive in both Standard and Metric.

Bob

 

[Chris_L]

I use the right tool for the job, so all the time

1/2- for mostly suspension stuff
3/8- most commonly used, use them everywhere
1/4 for small under hood stuff.

If somethings giving me trouble I reach for the next size up.

 

[ZRX61]

Can't remember the last time I used a 1/2in drive socket.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I have a hole in my collection for a set of chrome 1/2" drive deep metric sockets. As I have been looking for a set I have come across a lot of people who seem to only use 1/2" drive sockets on impact guns. I find this odd as I even have purchased a 3/4" drive set as I run into some larger stuff on occasion. I was on a Snap On truck the other day and the dealer said he doesnt even carry chrome 1/2" deep metric sockets as nobody uses them?

I'm not a professional, but I work on a lot of offroad stuff and my daily driver is an F350. These trucks are half SAE and half MM, so they require a full box of tools. I never have broken one of my sockets or ratchets (I did break my friends HF 3/8" breaker bar once) as I always reach for a bigger drive size if I start pulling hard. I would rather grab something bigger than bust my knuckles when a tool brakes. So how much do you use your 1/2" drive sockets?

For breaking and torquing where there's room. So...a lot of the time. Usually only impact grade stuff though. Don't see a point in 1/2" cr-v sockets though I do own a crappy set (and I mean crappy). I use 3/8 a decent amount of the time especially if it's tight. 1/4 only if space is really an issue or it's something not car related. I have a bunch of cheap 1/4 ratchets and a socket set I use off the cuff to use to put stuff together (sometimes furniture or specialty tools or storage).

No big deal. My bolt judgment is pretty good. You should use 1/2" with 99.9% of drivetrain bolts though...that's a non-starter with me. You break out the 3/8 for an axle nut I wouldn't ask you where you got a 3/8 socket in that size (if they exist) I'd just open a beer, get a nice lounge chair, and enjoy the comedy that ensues.