I have an M12 stubby in 1/2" since my impact sockets are 1/2". Recently did a clutch job in my '07 BMW 328i and used the stubby basically for the entire job. I definitely am a fan.
Its massive overkill for hose clamps and air filter housing fasteners. If thats your real intended use look into the 1/4" version. It still does something like 90 foot pounds on paper but will be far more controllable for what you're talking about. On the downside its slightly longer than the bigger models but not by much.
I appreciate everyones thoughts so far. I do have all 1/2” impact sockets. However this is going to be used more for clamps, intake boxes, and all the smaller stuff. I have the 3/8” M12 Fuel ratchet but I am just not a fan and can’t get used to using it. To me buying a set of 3/8” impact sockets isn’t a big deal, I mean I can pick up a cheap set at harbor freight for what I need them for but I also don’t think it would hurt especially with the smaller bolts to run chrome sockets, IMO. I thought about the 1/2” one, but in my head I was thinking an adapter down to 3/8” sockets would just make it too big. But I guess if I just used the 1/2” sockets it would be okay. 1/2” impact sockets are just so thick.
Its massive overkill for hose clamps and air filter housing fasteners. If thats your real intended use look into the 1/4" version. It still does something like 90 foot pounds on paper but will be far more controllable for what you're talking about. On the downside its slightly longer than the bigger models but not by much.
Poor wording on my part. I meant that I am not buying it for lug nuts, more all around. I have the mid torque for lug nuts.
Indeed.
This is the sole reason I do not like my 3/8" stubby. I know EVERYONE loves them, but mine just doesn't get used much. Everything topside an engine is small, I use my impact driver or ratchet. Everything underneath suspension wise is pretty large, I go for my mid torque. Lug bolts? Won't do them regularly (or much at all here in the Midwest) - I do a lot of interior work, no need for a full blown impact wrench. Brake caliper bracket bolts? Maybe, but probably wont get them. Brake caliper bolts? Could, but still not enough room, need my ratchet or a swivel and possibly an extension on the wrench. Splash shields? Impact driver.
It all depends on what your use case is OP. They're handy and I do use it on occasion, but if somebody took it away I wouldn't care and I wouldn't lose efficiency over a week much if at all. For someone who doesn't have all the tools I have access too, I'd say its probably a good pair with the mid torque I suppose
I'll still stick with recommending the 1/4" if we're talking engine compartment, interior fasteners, sensors, line hold downs, oil pans etc... The stubby 3/8 is essentially a mid-torque by 2015 standards. Its overkill for anything under 13mm unless we're talking torque loss through extensions and swivels. It will easily remove lug nuts and bolts on the vast majority of passenger cars and small SUVs.
I own both and the torque range of the 1/4" is more general use. It replaced my Snap-on CT761.
If you go ahead and buy a 3/8 regardless I think you'll like it just due to the form factor but you will notice some overlap with your current mid-torque.
I appreciate everyones thoughts so far. I do have all 1/2” impact sockets. However this is going to be used more for clamps, intake boxes, and all the smaller stuff. I have the 3/8” M12 Fuel ratchet but I am just not a fan and can’t get used to using it. To me buying a set of 3/8” impact sockets isn’t a big deal, I mean I can pick up a cheap set at harbor freight for what I need them for but I also don’t think it would hurt especially with the smaller bolts to run chrome sockets, IMO. I thought about the 1/2” one, but in my head I was thinking an adapter down to 3/8” sockets would just make it too big. But I guess if I just used the 1/2” sockets it would be okay. 1/2” impact sockets are just so thick.