How often do you use 1/2" sockets/ratchets?

[KnurledNut]

If you’re not using the fancy cup wrench to engage the wings, what are you using?

The PBT rebrand of this:
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Oil-Filter-Wrenches/Oil-Filter-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/OFTOY468

 

[AJHD]

The PBT rebrand of this:
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Oil-Filter-Wrenches/Oil-Filter-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/OFTOY468

These were the Toyota filter housing adapters I used when I was still working in a shop. Two of the first tools I bought when I started wrenching.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[DGersic]

The PBT rebrand of this:
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Oil-Filter-Wrenches/Oil-Filter-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/OFTOY468

That looks too shallow to engage the anti-turn spring clips. I‘ll have to see if I can get a better look at one in person, though.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

For the v6 models Lisle makes a great removal tool. Good fit, tight engagement on the fingers of the housing.

 

[joel63]

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.


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.

Torque specs are printed and readily available for a reason.

On aluminum materiel I would say (IMHO) the use of a good torque wrench is of paramount importance.

There was a day when lug nuts, for example, were simply tighten with an impact.

Things and times have changed.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Torque specs are printed and readily available for a reason.

On aluminum materiel I would say (IMHO) the use of a good torque wrench is of paramount importance.

There was a day when lug nuts, for example, were simply tighten with an impact.

Things and times have changed.

Readily available? Depends.

Sometimes I swear the OEMs hide specs and torque ranges on purpose.

 

[thool]

For general homeowner stuff, maybe 2% of the time. My 1/2" set gets used for air wrench (mower spindle nuts, lug nuts) and anything suspension related.

I've found myself using my 1/4" set more simply because low torque and smaller size fit the jobs better than my 3/8".

 

[CGarage]

Readily available? Depends.

Sometimes I swear the OEMs hide specs and torque ranges on purpose.

This is so true.
It’s beyond annoying.
Doesn’t Ford have an RFID which you scan that tells you relevant info for every service point?

Additionally, what is more annoying is the factory specs that are entered in error on Alldata and similar platforms.

It’s horrible.

 

[zmotorsports]

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

I would agree, properly torquing fasteners to specified torque it not a difficult task nor does it add any additional time.

I was fortunate enough to have my mentor teach me to properly torque fasteners early on in my career and now it comes as second nature.

I have a wide range of torque wrenches and they all get regularly exercised and I'm glad to see others do the same.

 

[48windsor]

I use mine quite a bit actually. I work on a wide range of things, but automotive wise, I would say I use my 1/4" and 3/8" much more than 1/2" drive however, I am a firm believer in using the correct tool (and size of tool) for the job at hand. When I get to suspension work, while much of it can be done with 3/8" tools, the larger 12-14mm bolts and up, axle nuts, tie rods, etc. I use my 1/2" tools. When it comes to working on our coach's chassis or suspension 1/2" is the norm and occasionally even 3/4" drive tools.

makes good sense!
When I get to bigger bolts I break out the 1/2 in. set.
True I don't use often but still keep around

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

All the time, but I only have trucks and a Jeep. A nice 1/2" long handle ratchet makes brake jobs and drivetrain work much easier. I get why some people don't use it much, but as Mike said, I'd rather use a 1/2" drive than risk breaking a 3/8" drive tool.

 

[Kaervak]

All the time at work. Lug nuts mostly (obviously), but 1/2 drive sees a lot of use with brakes/suspension/steering work as well on our squads. Also, when doing engine swaps 1/2 gets used to break exhaust components apart/remove exhaust manifolds. The majority of time though I use 1/4 drive.

 

[mrjaw14]

Plumbing! Not for torque, but for size. Sometimes it’s too boogered up for channel locks or a wrench and I want to grab it on all 6 sides. Other than that it’s lug nuts, sometimes suspension stuff if it hasn’t been off in a while.