Absolutely this.....long handled slim head 1/4 ratchets are the most used ratchets in my box.
How often do you use 1/2" sockets/ratchets?
- Thread starter AJHD
- Start date
Absolutely this.....long handled slim head 1/4 ratchets are the most used ratchets in my box.
Most likely < 1% on 1/2" stuff, I got rid of a lot of 1/2" except for an older breaker bar, long handled ratchet, 3 extensions and a rail of 12 SAE sockets and another rail with 12 MM sockets, all older Craftsman USA tools. I'll probably never use them again but they take up minimal room in a lower drawer, and if ever needed they are here.
85% 1/4
14% 3/8
1% 1/2
85% 1/4
14% 3/8
1% 1/2
All my impact sockets are 1/2” drive. But with hand tools I usually switch to 1/2” drive when the socket size goes over 19mm. Of course they’re exceptions.
I’ve found a really comprehensive set of 1/2” drive sockets say from 10mm thru 32mm and 3/8” thru 1-1/4” can pretty much replace 3/8” drive completely. You can take a basic 1/4” drive set and a good comprehensive 1/2” drive set and handle about any job
I’ve found a really comprehensive set of 1/2” drive sockets say from 10mm thru 32mm and 3/8” thru 1-1/4” can pretty much replace 3/8” drive completely. You can take a basic 1/4” drive set and a good comprehensive 1/2” drive set and handle about any job
It really depends on the job and the vehicle. My 1/2” gets used a lot on suspension and brakes, sometimes 3/8” simply isn’t strong enough:
I probably use about 50% 3/8, 20% 1/4, 30% 1/2. I do like having a high torque 1/2” impact because there’s no question, it’s coming undone, or snapping.
I probably use about 50% 3/8, 20% 1/4, 30% 1/2. I do like having a high torque 1/2” impact because there’s no question, it’s coming undone, or snapping.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I used a 36" long 3/4 drive ratchet today to remove a Toyota cartridge filter.
CGarage
Well-known member
finn
Well-known member
Most of the populace could get by with a crescent wrench, vice grips, a claw hammer, and a couple of screwdriver.
Actually, probably less.
Wrench97
Well-known member
At least once a week I wonder what in the heck the last guy thought he was installing when trying to remove a filter...................
Had a 4.3l GMC 4x4 towed in yesterday the guy couldn't get the filter off at home in his driveway and crushed/tore the shell, at least all the oil had already run out of it when I got under there.
It has been my experience that people who Toyotas do so, not because they love driving, but because they (mistakenly) believe Toyota never need maintenance.
The diehards who let the dealers service them, often get suckered because the dealers know the Toyota drivers know NOTHING about cars. Their customers literally chose Toyota because they hate cars. So they end up with $500 tune up charges.
Consequenly, every time I’ve had the opportunity to work on a Toyota, it’s been a **** show. And the drivers seem continuously pleased with their cars. “Well it smokes, but what do you expect, it’s a car!”
Their slogan should be: Toyota: THE car if you HATE to drive.
RalphInCA
Well-known member
I am glad that I have a complete set of half inch sockets and ratchets. But do I ever use them?
Very rarely.
They do look nice in the drawer though.
Very rarely.
They do look nice in the drawer though.
Begs the question: were you working on a Toyota or was it the ship that brought it over?
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Issue is tooling IMO. Most of the filter cap tools have a 24 or 27mm on them, with a 3/8 square inner drive. That usually fails, so people use 1/2 drive with the big sockets, and "snug 'em up" instead of the 25nm/18.5ftlb spec.
Pretty sure the guy who reinstalled didn't use a torque wrench either. IDK, I got my laugh with the 3/4 and went back to working.
I have encountered a few filters that are spec'd to be torqued on, but I have yet to encounter one that didn't seal properly with bare hands. I usually go from first seating plus 1/2 to 3/4 turn based on how it feels. I am absolutely disgusted when I have to work on something someone else assembled (filters, wheels, oil drain plug, etc.)
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Normally I just crank on filters with my hand. Spin on filters. These toyotas use a cartridge filter with a replaceable element. Literally has the torque spec printed on the housing, 25nm. I torque all drain plugs and filter housings for CYA. Nobody ever asks if I torque the timing chain rails or control arm bolts for some reason.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I'm the hand tight filter guy also. Clean the mating surface, lube the gasket, snug it up. Gotta use a tool on the cartridges due to drag torque, my hands aren't strong enough to seat the o-rings.
I have had a few of those... The toyota cartridge housing seems like a good Idea but people can screw up anything!
I've ruined a couple tools trying to break those loose. Finally found a good socket that engages multiple teeth on those things.
I have had a few of those... The toyota cartridge housing seems like a good Idea but people can screw up anything!
I've ruined a couple tools trying to break those loose. Finally found a good socket that engages multiple teeth on those things.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I still use my 1/2 stuff quite a bit. I do have an 18" 3/8 ratchet that replaces my 1/2 in many cases.
My 3/8 impact can remove a lug nut, but my 1/2 makes it look so much easier.
I towed 2000# with my subaru outback once, and 4000# with my Tacoma once.
They did it, and everything was fine. But when I do the same thing with my F350 it makes me wonder why I ever bothered.
My 3/8 impact can remove a lug nut, but my 1/2 makes it look so much easier.
I towed 2000# with my subaru outback once, and 4000# with my Tacoma once.
They did it, and everything was fine. But when I do the same thing with my F350 it makes me wonder why I ever bothered.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
If the F350 has a 6.0 in it you'll be using your 1/2" tools a lot. Just finished rebuilding one of these dogs even though it has the $10,000 bulletproof kit on it. They don't run very well with a hole in one of the pistons.
kbeefy
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
The F350 should have a 7.3L in it. But I'm not sure if Ford offered different size engines.
I just looking at the filter and oil capacity specs for that yesterday (it needs 8quarts).
1/2" and SAE? Good luck.
DGersic
Well-known member
How didn’t you destroy the housing on that?
DGersic
Well-known member
The cartridge housing on my Camry was stuck to the point that the housing tool sheared off the drive ridges on the housing. That was fun…
finn
Well-known member
Subaru’s aren’t far behind.
kbeefy
Well-known member
Thats the lowly gasoline engine (a good engine as far as I know) that the peasants drive.
My 7.3 takes 15 qts of oil. I have a 55g drum I've been working thru.
Hohn
Well-known member
I have yet to see an oil filter for which "as tight as possible by hand" isn't sufficient.
MovingAlong
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Often enough...
DGersic
Well-known member
Do a Toyota cartridge filter, then…
I'm more or less the same way. I'm not a true minimalist by definition, but I own very little (on purpose) and generally don't have emotional attachments to material objects. In fact, too much stuff gives me anxiety and makes me feel "trapped".
Anyway... I've decided to keep the 1/2" stuff for now. I'll revisit the topic in the future and see how/if their use has changed.
Hohn
Well-known member
I do, all the time on my IS250. Hand *tight* is enough to prevent leakage. But you will not *remove* it by hand alone.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
V6, aluminum housing.
Doesn't work on cartridge filters. I've seen enough leaks from lube techs and DIY. 18.5ftlb/25nm. Just torque it.
New guys always wonder why I use torque wrenches, nobody else does, grandpappy never used a torque wrench. IMO it's so little time and effort involved even to torque an entire timing cover I need to ask why wouldn't I use a torque wrench? I certainly can tighten things by feel, and have no issue doing so when needed.
CGarage
Well-known member
Thank you for being professional.
More in the auto service field need to behave like you.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
IMO it's literally easier to just use a torque wrench.
I will "snug it up" when required, but more often than not mission critical bolts can easily be torqued. And there's a time and a place you certainly don't need a wrench, like putting up an under tray.
Once you've helicoiled as many bolts as I have, you learn a few things! I once bought a $500 quad as a toy. Im.pretty sure I helicoiled every hole in that case! LOL
Wrench97
Well-known member
Toyoda is a cartridge type filter not a spin on, the cap has to be tighter then hand tight.
Another person who deals with ag equipment on a regular basis, so 1/2 drive is used often enough. I can't say I use 1/2 much on automobiles beyond lug nuts, but if it is anything all that involved, I usually have an actual mechanic fix it. That said when I do work on a vehicle, I'm suddenly much more appreciative of the long 3/8 and 1/4 flex head ratchets people praise on here. On farm equipment the long 1/2 ratchets get a lot of use while in 3/8 and 1/4 a standard handle ratchet is usually good enough.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I do 10/20/30 lbf. on those Toyotas...plug/filter housing/drain bolt. Easy to remember.
Factory filters only. I also grease the O-ring and where the housing seats. And new OEM blue drain washers every time.
I learned a long time ago not to use those removal tools with tabs that engage the wings. They can destroy the housing.
Factory filters only. I also grease the O-ring and where the housing seats. And new OEM blue drain washers every time.
I learned a long time ago not to use those removal tools with tabs that engage the wings. They can destroy the housing.
DGersic
Well-known member
Ah. Envious. The plastic housing on the Camry isn’t as sturdy.
DGersic
Well-known member
Hand tight isn’t enough to engage the anti-turn clips, from what I recall.
DGersic
Well-known member
I swapped to a Fumoto valve on the drain, so that’s no longer an issue. Open, close, done.
If you’re not using the fancy cup wrench to engage the wings, what are you using?