Love for 1/4" drive tools

[FlushingDIYer]

I'm about 20% into a timing chain job on a 12v, VR6 Eurovan right now. It is a hell unlike any other...

Anyhow, I'm surprised at just how much I've been able to do with only 1/4" drive tools. Especially my

SK 1/4" flex head ratchet (best GJSS gift ever!!);
SK 1/4" regular short ratchet;
and my Toptul 1/4" long ratchet.

I picked up the Williams Metric Hex 1/4" set someone on here recommended and I don't think I would have been able to get off some bolts without those sockets. Thanks for the suggestion! Also picked up some Craftsman round hex 1/4" sockets too (man those are really helpful...). Don't know if I trust them that much. But hella useful.

How many Eurovan wrenchers are on here?

 

[sweet victory]

While I work on my Porsche, I'd say 80% of the time I'm using 1/4" drive. Have you seen the double end locking flex head wrenches that have a 1/4" drive ratchet on one end and a 1/4" hex bit ratchet on the other?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSR50BQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wamsutta]

It seems like I'm always using my 1/4" drive 11 inch long extension with a swivel socket on the end for everything. A must have for sure.

 

[M6erfan]

I use 1/4" drive probably 75% of the time. My favorite drive size

 

[Richard Cranium]

I only use mine on small stuff.
The right tool for the right job.

 

[rtz]

When I was working automotive; I always used 3/8" and 1/2" everything. Never messing with or trying 1/4" for anything.

Then when I was working on aircraft; was always using 1/4" drive for everything for some reason. Now I have grown fond of the 1/4" stuff and that is what I have built up my tool kit with that I haul around in the van. Light and takes up less space. Toss in a 3/8" ratchet with an adapter just in case. Plus adapters to run the bigger stuff with the 1/4" stuff.

This seems like a good deal? I don't have it but if I needed it I sure would have it:

Williams 50661 1/4-Inch Drive Socket and Drive Tool Set, 27-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O18PLO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M6erfan]

I only use mine on small stuff.
The right tool for the right job.

Well, yeah. It's not like there's 19mm 1/4" dive sockets...

My sets go to 13-14mm

I know some sets go to 15mm and I think someone makes a 16mm 14" drive socket, but my cutoff in 1/4" is 14mm...

 

[Tallpilot]

It's nice. Stonger ratchets have made the use of breaker bars less necessary. Stronger 1/4" tools allow for better access in cramped engine bays. The welded Snap-on swivel sockets are awesome as are the VIM half cut Torx and Hex.

I default to 3/8” for engine bay work and generally use the biggest I can get away with but it's nice to know I can push 1/4" pretty far if nothing else fits.

 

[M6erfan]

Yeah, I look at like like this... The recommended torque range for a 10mm thread size (not fastener head size) is 40-55 ft lbs. Well within the capabilities of modern 1/4" drive tools.

 

[oldwino]

Use 1/4” William’s most of the time. Light weight and you can get into some tight spots that bigger stuff leaves you cold. VERY rare for me to get out 1/2” ratchet anymore unless it’s a chassis component I can’t get a rattle gun on

 

[Elsinore13]

1/4 inch Blue Point mini air ratchet, Blue Point 1/4 air impact and a Matco 72 tooth polished mini ratchet with Matco locking 4 inch extension and Snap On semi deep flank drive metric sockets for the win. Can handle so much of the work in the body shop....good stuff!

 

[ken w.]

1/4" drive in usually my go to set. I've been slowly adding to my set. Now it's time to add a set of universals.

 

[bob from indiana]

I use 1/4" a lot. I bought the H.F. low profile ratchet and use it way more than I ever expected. A set of the long Tekton extensions have been a life saver lately.

 

[davethorik]

I don't use 1/4 often, but I like variety and options. I have an Armstrong 60t locking flex 1/4 And it is my go-to. Smooth action, decent length (6.5" IIRC), and solid locking flex joint.

My next favorite is the SK 40970, but I'd like to get the long 40971 eventually. The SK 1/4 round head is a gem, although head large.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's for someone to make 1/4 drive spark plug sockets

 

[Tallpilot]

I use 1/4" a lot. I bought the H.F. low profile ratchet and use it way more than I ever expected. A set of the long Tekton extensions have been a life saver lately.

How are they holding up? I have them but haven’t really torqued on them yet. I considered some Snap-on wobble plus but decided I would wait until I break my Taiwan ones.

It's for someone to make 1/4 drive spark plug sockets

That would be nice especially in 16mm for the Asian engines and maybe the 14mm 12pt too.

 

[Rickster]

Go check out the Milwaukee 1/4 Dr lit-ion battery ratchet.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It really depends on what you work on. The only time I use 1/4 drive is if I'm dealing with very small fasteners and electronics.

 

[Packard V8]

Times change. Sixty years ago, when I first turned bolts, the 1/2"-drives were the standard. That's what everyone used. Big bolts in iron.

About 30 years ago, the bolts got smaller and 3/8"-drive became more common.

Today, with all-aluminum 2-liter engines with tiny fasteners, 1/4"-drive can handle most of it.

As mentioned, don't abuse a too-small tool when a larger one is available.

jack vines

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Yep, I like 1/4" drive and use it quite a bit. My go to drive handles are a SO 9" breaker bar and Matco 8" ratchet. Sockets max out at 5/8" and 15mm and I use them often enough. The longer stuff makes turning the bigger sockets easier. A little common sense will tell you not to break larger rusted fasteners loose with this drive size.

 

[rmsg0040]

Use 1/4” William’s most of the time. Light weight and you can get into some tight spots that bigger stuff leaves you cold. VERY rare for me to get out 1/2” ratchet anymore unless it’s a chassis component I can’t get a rattle gun on

 

[intillzah]

On my motorcycle and small engines that I have, I use 1/4". I am discovering that when I do interior work on either of my 2 vehicles, that I am reaching for the 1/4" ratchets/sockets more and more...

 

[HondaCBMan]

3/8" is my most used. On my motorcycles I use a 3/8" in a 1/4" body. My most used 1/4" drive tool is one of those microdrivers that has a socket adapter.

 

[Billythekid1]

1/4" drive in usually my go to set. I've been slowly adding to my set. Now it's time to add a set of universals.

The Snapon 1/4 universal sockets r the way to go

 

[ken w.]

I have a few single universal sockets 10mm , 3/8 , and I got an impact swivel. The impact swivel is one handy item. I like it better than the standard u joint.

 

[bwringer]

I use my 1/4" drive stuff a lot on motorcycles. Handles feel "right' and extensions and sockets are slim do they slide into areas that are congested. Mostly 6pt. to avoid marring bolt heads and retain chrome or black finish.
Motoretro

Same here; most of what I work on is Japanese motorcycles and 1/4" drive is what I have in my hands the highest percentage of the time.

I have at least three 1/4" HF swivel ratchets (the object with the highest usefulness/cost ratio EVER seen), and I just leave a 10mm deep on one all the time, and the others get 8mm, 10mm shallow, and/or 12mm as needed.

 

[unknownroad]

I'd probably use it more if I came across find a 1/4" ratchet with a nice thick handle- the skinny handles on the 1/4" rats I own just don't feel right in my hands. My go-to is my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby unless I'm working on the old cars, so the torque isn't a limiting factor a lot of the time... any suggestions?

 

[M6erfan]

any suggestions?

Any of the dozens of 'comfort' handle ratchets available...

S-O, Carlyle, Mac, Facom, GW, Tekton, HF, etc.

 

[PDub88]

I used to use my 1/4 drive almost exclusively when I was tearing down aircraft. 3/8 Drive as well, but not as much as 1/4. I was able to score an older Williams M52 1/4" ratchet a while ago and love using that thing! I don't do a whole hell of a lot of wrenching anymore, mainly hobbyist now.

 

[Tallpilot]

I'd probably use it more if I came across find a 1/4" ratchet with a nice thick handle- the skinny handles on the 1/4" rats I own just don't feel right in my hands. My go-to is my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby unless I'm working on the old cars, so the torque isn't a limiting factor a lot of the time... any suggestions?

Why don't you give this a shot if you like thicker handles. Obviously all things being equal a 1/4" drive is going to be smaller in every dimension than a 3/8".

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-x-5-inch-composite-ratchet-1456

 

[CR888]

1/4" is the drive size that rewards one most if he invests in the highest quality he can manage. IME don't skimp or try to save money here, buy the best socketry you can. I have Stahlwille deeps sae/metric, Belzer shorts & universal metrics, about 10 ratchets from GW, Bahco, Kincrome, SEK (Japan), Koken extension set, and some backup 1/4" socket sets from Stanley, GW and the cheapest Chinese set I could find on eBay for my nephew to play with. One 1/4" tool I find clever is the screwdriver plastic handle 1/4" driver that has a female end on the handle that you can put a sliding T on for extra torque or an extension or ratchet. Very versatile.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I'd probably use it more if I came across find a 1/4" ratchet with a nice thick handle- the skinny handles on the 1/4" rats I own just don't feel right in my hands. My go-to is my Craftsman 3/8" flex head stubby unless I'm working on the old cars, so the torque isn't a limiting factor a lot of the time... any suggestions?

I do have a Cornwell fine tooth with a fat handle I'm selling. Someone needs to take it off my hands before I convince myself to keep it. Let me know if it fits the bill.

 

[FlushingDIYer]

I never would have given 1/4" drive tools a chance had I not come on here. And, of course, would not have built out such a nice SK, Williams, Toptul, CM collection without GJ.

So my question, what other 1/4" ratchet do you all think I "need"?? Is there a super long 1/4" ratchet out there?

 

[finn]

When I was a kid, for the most part, all I used on my 55 Chevy and later Mustangs, was 1/2” drive.

Twenty five years later, it evolved to 3/8” drive, and now more 1/4” drive.

Components have evolved to smaller and lighter, and so have fasteners.

Even simple things like battery clamps are 8mm now ( and have been for twenty years) , compared to 7/16” or 1/2” heads on those fifties and sixties cars.

 

[M6erfan]

Is there a super long 1/4" ratchet out there?

Snap On THLLF72 is about 12" long
Snap On TLL72 is about 9" long
Carlyle CHTR14LFQR is about 8.25" long

 

[plinker]

Martco 12" locking flex, AFR128LF.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/AFR128LF/1-4-DR-12-LF-RATCHET-CHROME/


Quite handy at times, not cheap either. I got mine on promo with a socket set.

 

[Lassen Forge]

My only complaint about 1/4" is it's just not strong enough to apply break-free torque (or tightening torque) on most anything... if it were, it'd be my go-to.

 

[MN_Runner]

Snap on TL72 is about 9" long
Snap On TLL72 is about 10.5" long
Carlyle CHTR14LFQR is about 8.25" long

Snap On TL72 is 6.5 inches long.
TLL72 is 9 inches long.

 

[M6erfan]

My only complaint about 1/4" is it's just not strong enough to apply break-free torque (or tightening torque) on most anything... if it were, it'd be my go-to.

I don't know what you're working on but tightening torque range for M10 thread (14-17mm wrench size) is 40-55 ft lbs max. Easily achieved by any decent 1/4" ratchet. Similar for U.S. 3/8" thread size (9/16" wrench size). Anything over 14mm/9/16" size fastener head I'm breaking out my 3/8" drive anyway.

Break away torque is another matter for rusted frozen fasteners, but usually I'm using some sort of impact tool for those...

 

[Tallpilot]

Snap On TL72 is 6.5 inches long.
TLL72 is 9 inches long.

https://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-17...Handle-Locking-Flex-Head-Ratchet-P650548.aspx

8.25"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSU4GU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

12"