Looking to round out my sockets

[ssdave]

I'm also a user of 1/2" chrome sockets. I bought full sets of 1/2" chrome after having impacts, and before I got flex 3/8" ratchets. I use 12 point chrome in preference to 6 point chrome which I use in preference to impact sockets. Using impact sockets for everything is like driving a 1 ton flatbed everywhere as your daily driver. It will get the transportation accomplished, but owning a 1/2 ton pickup for light stuff and a sedan for road trips is a lot more comfortable.

I also had 1/2" flex ratchets before I had 3/8" flex ratchets. The 3/8" are in the nice to have category, the 1/2" are in the must have. The 1/2" will work for most anything, but the 3/8" are too light for some tasks.

I use 1/2" a lot on non-vehicle stuff. I use 1/4" a lot on vehicles. That leaves the 3/8" as odd man out for me, instead of primary. I do use it for a lot of mid-range sizes because it's lighter than the 1/2". But, I'm getting old, so I prefer to use the even lighter 1/4" when I can.

 

[Ralf11]

I use 1/2" chrome sockets. I don't need impact sockets either.

Retired DIY - you loosen every fastener on all your cars; torque them and you're set

back in ye olden days we didn't have air impact, much less battery impact

 

[jhl1963]

Any comments on Wright sockets? Just got a 3/8 ratchet (3425) and am very impressed.


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[designer485]

Any comments on Wright sockets? Just got a 3/8 ratchet (3425) and am very impressed.


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Wright would be a great choice, however it looks like they only do 1/2" 6pt sockets in impact. The chromes are all 12pt.

 

[BFHtime]

When I read the title of this thread my first thought was that rounding out is the last thing I want my sockets to do.

I was thinking the same thing. Haha

 

[BrandoJames]

I buy tools because I want not because I need. I am not a pro, just a guy that likes to work on cars and enjoys nice tools. Isn't what this board is all about?

FWIW, I didn't care for the post where someone dismissed you as a "collector" based on zero evidence. For some guys here, 3/8" is their go-to ratchet size, and will look at you sideways if you have different preferences. There are some guys here who own a zillion different ratchets, but the "collector" is...that newbie over there!

It's all a bit silly, but welcome to the board.

 

[lardy1]

Too much good stuff goes on to let it be a distraction. Some very knowledgable people post in here.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Agree with lardy1 completely. I wouldn’t worry about it either.


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[jgromada]

I agree with several of the points in here. I do have 1/2 (& 3/8) impacts but i still prefer chrome (CrV) sockets and there is always stuff that an impact is not appropriate. ssdave's analogy is spot on.

I have a few Snap On, but find them overpriced. I can see why mechanics like them with the weekly tool trucks to provide immediate availability and warranty. But as a DIY mechanic no real benefit to me.

Proto & SK are my faves. But i have gotten some good deals on Blue Point & Williams partial sets (mostly New stuff!) so i am not picky about having pristine sets of only one brand. These are to use, not to fondle or admire. I spent a fraction of what brand new sets would have cost and it just allows me to buy more tools.

 

[c5greg]

Thank you all for your welcome and great suggestions.

After going through the comments posted, I went ahead and ordered the Proto set. I took SSDAVE's advice and registered on Zoro, put the set in my cart and waited. Sure enough the next day there was a 15% off coupon in my email!

The set was $160 shipped with tax, not bad for a 23 piece set made in the USA.

Here is the link if anyone is interested: https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-s...nsactional_None_All_None_1&smtrctid=138297711

This will be my first experience with Proto tools, I am looking forward to trying them out.

 

[visionguru]

Curious as to why you feel that 1/2" Chrome sockets are rarely useful. I tend to use them all the time, especially for brakes and suspension work. In fact I just used them last weekend to replace the brakes & end links on my SUV. It is is what got me looking at a set to augment my tools. I find myself reaching for my 1/2" 6pt impacts all the time over my 12pt chrome sockets, so why not add some?
...

1/2" sockets tend to be on the bulky side and need more clearance, comparing with 1/4" or 3/8". For fasteners with easy access, I just use impact, especially bolts bigger than 19mm. Some fasteners on a car won't even allow any kind of ratchet/socket combo, such as brake caliper bracket bolts on a Honda. I found that I use long box wrench more, like these:

Break loose and back out with ratcheting wrenches.

I have 1/2" impact sockets from 10mm to 36mm (deep & shallow), and 1/2" chrome sockets (up to 24mm, Gearwrench SAE/metric set, cost about $100). I don't remember if I ever used them. Rarely use 1/2" drive, except for impact.

For 3/8" flex ratchet, Snap On FHL80A is a no brainer, favorite ratchet for working on cars.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

FWIW, I didn't care for the post where someone dismissed you as a "collector" based on zero evidence. For some guys here, 3/8" is their go-to ratchet size, and will look at you sideways if you have different preferences. There are some guys here who own a zillion different ratchets, but the "collector" is...that newbie over there!

It's all a bit silly, but welcome to the board.

What's wrong with being a collector though? I mean at the end of the day, I don't think anyone needs to justify their purchases to anyone except their spouses. Collecting, professional use, hobbyist that just likes to have nice things, fashion, whatever. Or does the term have a meaning in this context I'm not getting?

For me at least the comments regarding 1/2" not being as useful were revelatory because they absolutely resonated with me. I just don't bother with anything 1/2" with hand tools. Just like how I don't touch 1/4" with an impact wrench. I'm going to free up some space in my tool cart which is always at a premium.

 

[BrandoJames]

What's wrong with being a collector though?...Or does the term have a meaning in this context I'm not getting?

People can collect anything they want, but I wouldn’t want that title hanging around my neck on this forum. For me, a “collector” means that you’re buying tools primarily for show, not work. The implication: you’re not a reliable source regarding the quality and durability of tools, since you don’t use them or rarely use them for their intended purpose. Admittedly, that’s my subjective interpretation of the term.

For me at least the comments regarding 1/2" not being as useful were revelatory because they absolutely resonated with me. I just don't bother with anything 1/2" with hand tools. Just like how I don't touch 1/4" with an impact wrench. I'm going to free up some space in my tool cart which is always at a premium.

And that’s fine, but your opinion on 1/2” hand tools is just as subjective as my interpretation of the term “collector”. If a fastener is larger than 14mm, then I typically go to a 1/2” ratchet. But I don’t assume everyone is like me.

 

[lardy1]

I like my chrome 1/2" drive sockets. I use them more all the time. I'm 67 years old and less exertion on a tougher tool is welcome in my world. It's not always necessary to get out the impact driver and the thick heavy sockets. I'm not on a clock or racing against book time. I'm only working for myself and I love it after all the years of being told what to do and how to do it. 1/2" drive chrome sockets are a fit.

 

[c5greg]

The Proto sockets arrived today. They are really nice, better than i expected. I haven't gotten to use them yet, I will this weekend!

I decided on a ratchet as well. Picked up a new Snap on FLF80 from a forum member at a pretty reasonable price. I should get it next week.

Thank you all for your help in helping make my decisions!

 

[PelicanPines]

Astros Pneumatic nano impact sockets... seriously... since I got them... it's all I use. Unless I specifically need deep...

 

[designer485]

The Proto sockets arrived today. They are really nice, better than i expected. I haven't gotten to use them yet, I will this weekend!

I decided on a ratchet as well. Picked up a new Snap on FLF80 from a forum member at a pretty reasonable price. I should get it next week.

Thank you all for your help in helping make my decisions!

Great choices and it is always enjoyable to break out new tools!

 

[measuredtwice]

The Proto sockets arrived today. They are really nice, better than i expected. I haven't gotten to use them yet, I will this weekend!

I decided on a ratchet as well. Picked up a new Snap on FLF80 from a forum member at a pretty reasonable price. I should get it next week.

Thank you all for your help in helping make my decisions!

Can't go wrong with those!