Matching socket size to ratchet

[Richie504LA]

I'm filling out missing sockets and what not in my collection and a question popped up. Where do you draw the line? What is the smallest and largest socket you would use for each ratchet size (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4) before going to the next size ratchet.

 

[shoturtle]

For metric

1/4 I would normally use to 12mm sets go form 4-14mm
3/8 I would up to 17mm though the sets normally go form 8-19
1/2 from 17mm-27mm sets go form 9-27mm

 

[Provincial]

It depends on what you are working on.

On aircraft: 1/4" drive - max. 1/2" socket, 3/8" drive - 3/4" socket, 1/2" drive - 1-1/8" socket.

On cars: 1/4" drive - max 7/16" socket, 3/8" drive - max 9/16" socket, max 1/2" drive - max 3/4" socket, 3/4" drive - max 1-1/8" socket.

On heavy equipment: 1/4" drive - max 3/8" socket, 3/8" drive - max 9/16" socket, 1/2" drive - max 3/4" socket, 3/4" drive - max 1-1/8" socket, 1" drive - max 2" socket.

Wheel bearing nuts and other special applications may be different. The above are meant for general nuts and bolts. In general, you can use a long breaker bar on a larger nut/bolt than the above, which applies to ratchets.

Air tools are a whole different matter, and depend on the strength of the gun as much as anything.

 

[CWP1616L]

For something as small as 4mm I'd probably be using a precision nut driver.

 

[Millo777]

1/4 sets from 4mm to 14mm
3/8 sets from 6mm to 22mm
1/2 sets from 8mm to 32mm

 

[Burtonrider10022]

I use my 3/8" for 90% of what I'm doing, unless I don't have a 3/8" drive socket in the size I need. My collection is still in its infancy, so I only really have whatever came in the Craftsman 205pc. set that I bought a few years back.

I use my 1/2" ratchet and/or breaker on anything that requires a lot of force, even relatively small sizes. I just use adapters.

 

[Geurt]

Whatever my Hansen tray dictates me

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Been wrenching on equipment for a living for little while now and I can tell you you will find reasons to have those odd size / drive combos. They will save your *** in the middle of a job.
Yesterday work alone: I put a 7/16 12 point socket on 3/8 drive for 7/16 driveline bolts - and they had to be torqued to 55lb.
Also used a 5/8 socket on my 1/4 drive air ratchet to spin down the long hex head 7/16 bolts I use to separate a pulley and a bushing in a limited access spot.



You can never have too many sockets / drive combo's......The key is matching the tool to the task.....

 

[4x4gearhead]

ummmmm....no....to about half the answers posted so far....


Been wrenching on equipment for a living for little while now and I can tell you you will find reasons to have those odd size / drive combos. They will save your *** in the middle of a job.
Yesterday work alone: I put a 7/16 12 point socket on 3/8 drive for 7/16 driveline bolts - and they had to be torqued to 55lb.
Also used a 5/8 socket on my 1/4 drive air ratchet to spin down the long hex head 7/16 bolts I use to separate a pulley and a bushing in a limited access spot.



You can never have too many sockets / drive combo's......

x2 Like I always say, its good to have options. I find myself using strange drive combos to save tiime.

 

[nato]

I'm floored why noone is chalking up a 15mm in the 1/4" ratchet category lol. I've HAD to use short/medium length 1/4" drive ratchets combined with either deep or shallow 15mm sockets before due to the fact that my stubby 3/8" with a 15mm socket with either a shallow, semi or deep was always to much girth for the application

 

[davesnothere]

I will use 1/4 up to 14mm and 3/8 up to 24mm.
Most of the time I use 3/8 on 14mm and 1/2 on 24mm though.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I'm floored why noone is chalking up a 15mm in the 1/4" ratchet category lol. I've HAD to use short/medium length 1/4" drive ratchets combined with either deep or shallow 15mm sockets before due to the fact that my stubby 3/8" with a 15mm socket with either a shallow, semi or deep was always to much girth for the application

This, same with 3/8" up to 22mm, and at least 1" on the SAE side. I really need to buy a couple Matco 1/4" 15mm sockets, GM in particular loves to use them in horrible tight spots.

 

[jetmech09]

1/4" 1/8" - 9/16"
3/8" 1/4" - 7/8"
1/2" 7/16 - 1 1/2

It all depends on the torque range of the fastener, and the clearance around said fastener.
Most of my work is done with 1/4" stuff.

 

[Richie504LA]

Thanks for the info. I avoided buying Hansen socket trays b/c my OCD would have MADE ME fill out it out. I'm just trying to build up a nice round about set of sockets for home DYI projects and vehicle maintenance.

 

[amitchell]

I am not sure if it was wise of me to buy the Proto 3/8 6-26mm set. I have a 4-14mm 1/4 set and I am looking for a 1/2 set now. It seems like a ton of overlap.

My 3/8 sae set goes from 1/4" to 1", and I am looking for 1/4 and 1/2 sae sets now.

 

[crewchief888]

i have 2 sets of tools,
1 in my service truck,
1/4" dr 7mm -14 only 4 or 5 select sizes
3/16" - 1/2" deep and shallow
select sizes, chrome swivels, std & metric
3/8" dr 10mm- 19 deep & shallow
1/4-1" deep & shallow
3/8-3/4 impact & chrome swivels
10-19mm impact wobbles
1/2" dr 10mm-32 shallow, few select deep
3/8 -1 1/2 deep and shallow
impact swivels 9/16 - 1 5/16"
3/4" dr 15/16 - 2 1/4" mix of deep, shallow, 6pt, 12pt chrome and impact

select sizes std & mm line sockets
std & mm allen bits in all 4 drive sizes

and another in the garage
1/4 dr 4-15mm deep& shallow
3/16- 9/16 deep & shallow
3/8" dr 10-19mm deep and shallow
3/8 - 3/4 deep shallow, & mid length
select sizes of weatherhead sockets
1/2" dr 3/8- 1 1/4" shallow, & select deep impact
3/4" dr couple select sizes

it could be said i may have too many sockets...

 

[ihateminimumwage]

1/4" 1/8" - 9/16"
3/8" 1/4" - 7/8"
1/2" 7/16 - 1 1/2

It all depends on the torque range of the fastener, and the clearance around said fastener.
Most of my work is done with 1/4" stuff.

Yup, this is a far more logical list. I use 1/4" drive 9/16" all the time (And now that I bought trays, I'll be going up to 5/8" in 1/4" drive )

There will always come a time when a larger socket on a smaller drive will save you from having to slowly get a nut/bolt out with a regular old box end wrench.

 

[atwageman]

It's already been said. You can never have too many socket/drive combinations....you never know what you may run into. Better to have it and not need it.

 

[honcho]

I'm floored why noone is chalking up a 15mm in the 1/4" ratchet category lol. I've HAD to use short/medium length 1/4" drive ratchets combined with either deep or shallow 15mm sockets before due to the fact that my stubby 3/8" with a 15mm socket with either a shallow, semi or deep was always to much girth for the application

I purchased a S-K set just because it had a 15mm 1/4 in drive socket in it (not to mention it was a great deal) .


I use 1/4 inch drive probably like most people--for areas with tight clear / small fasteners and for delicate lower strength materials where I can easily over torque the fastener and damage the material with standard length 3/8 inch ratchets (although I do have stubby 3/8 in ratchets available).

so
1/4 inch drive to 15mm (but occasionally use bigger with adapter)
3/8 inch drive to 24mm (but in practical terms, I don't think I've ever used anything more than 22mm)
1/2 inch to 36mm but that's only because that's the biggest I've had need of.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

x2 Like I always say, its good to have options. I find myself using strange drive combos to save tiime.

^^THIS!!

I've actually adapted 1½" sockets down to ¼" drive, and a 5/16" up to a ½" drive.

 

[FlatBlackBlaze]

Whatever my Hansen tray dictates me

My thoughts exactly.

 

[mayhemman]

depends on the job what you need.

but

1/4" 3/16" - 9/16"
3/8" 5/16"-1"
1/2" 7/16"-1 1/4" depending on job and what i have.

equivialants for metric. thats what i keep so far.

 

[braol]

1/4" drive up to 15mm and 9/16
3/8" drive 8mm-24mm and 5/16-1"
1/2" drive 10mm-42mm and 1/2"-1 11/16"
Have a couple 3/4" drive sockets that I use 1/2" adapter on, as i have no 3/4 drive ratchet or impact.

 

[Seanbev24]

Using metric as an example, my sets are as follows...

1/4": 4-15 mm
3/8": 6-24 mm
1/2": 10-36 mm

That's with a combination of deep/shallow/semi-deep, chrome/impact, 6pt/12pt, universal, swivel impact, and a few magnetic. You can never have too many sockets!

 

[Holt]

..Just use a 1/2 ratchet with reducers. In reality for instance if I need a 7/16 bolt I would use 1/4 ratchet. If rusted on on I would use 3/8. Every size has a purpose.

 

[CWP1616L]

Most of my work is done with 1/4" stuff.

How often do you use 1/8 and 5/32 ?

 

[Murphy4570]

Just don't worry about it and buy everything. You'll find a use for it all.

My 1/4" stuff goes from 1/8"-9/16", and 4mm-15mm.
3/8" is 3/8"-1", and 6mm-24mm
1/2" is 3/8"-1 1/4", and 10mm-32mm
3/4" is 3/4"-2", and 27mm-38mm

I also have 5/8" drive sockets. 1"-1 1/4". Ancient 1923 Snap-On. Bought em thinking they were 3/4" drive. They just sit and look pretty.

All of this stuff has multiples, as I have both chrome and impact sockets for 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4. I also have duplicates due to 6 point vs 12 point.

I looked one time just for fun, and I have 6 sockets in 13mm. All 3/8" drive. Deep, semi-deep, shallow, extra-shallow, impact deep, impact shallow.

The word of the day is DIVERSITY!

 

[jetmech09]

How often do you use 1/8 and 5/32 ?

Professionally, about once every two weeks. Used mainly for electrical posts on windscreens and anything else with small gauge wire. Some jap nuts are also that size. Outside of that, almost never. It's really more of a when you need it you REALLY need it. I also use them occasionally to make a haggard version of allen key sockets to install hi-loks.

 

[Hammell]

No set rules, just have a lot of sockets and youll be ok. 27mm is common in 1/2 drive but I have it in 3/4 drive and 1 drive (Hitachi excavator track pad bolts). No way 1/2 drive would work. Track pad bolts are good example of of smaller bolts with very high torque requirerments (for removal anyway). Pad swaps are a good workout.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

1/4 - 4-13
1/2 - 10-32

I use 1/2 for just about everything now. I've broken too many 3/8 ratchets and sockets. I do have 3/8 if I run into space issues, but most of the time my space issues mean I can't even fit 1/4 in there and I have to use wrenches. I also find it easier to just have to wheel out 1 impact, 1 air ratchet, 1 breaker, 1 ratchet, and 1 set of sockets. Less is more for me.

 

[Murphy4570]

Professionally, about once every two weeks. Used mainly for electrical posts on windscreens and anything else with small gauge wire. Some jap nuts are also that size. Outside of that, almost never. It's really more of a when you need it you REALLY need it. I also use them occasionally to make a haggard version of allen key sockets to install hi-loks.

Trust me, that jap stuff is actually metric in size. The good thing is, if you have /32 and /64 sockets, you don't really NEED metric sockets, as most all metric sizes have an equivalent in fractional inches.

7/32" is equivalent to 5.5mm, for example.

 

[jetmech09]

Trust me, that jap stuff is actually metric in size. The good thing is, if you have /32 and /64 sockets, you don't really NEED metric sockets, as most all metric sizes have an equivalent in fractional inches.

7/32" is equivalent to 5.5mm, for example.

I believe you misunderstood what I meant by "jap nut." I don't know if I know the real name, but it's a VERY small shouldered self locking nut, with the locking mechanism being an eccentric hole.

They aren't metric sizes.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/MS21042.php
Those are the closest thing I could find.
Mcdonnel-douglas came up with the specs for them. I've also heard them called "jet-nuts" or "missile nuts"

 

[gjc]

Jap nuts, the socket sizes ran in 32nds, the smallest being 3/32. The nuts and holes were elongated for a self locking feature, which made it a little bit hard to get the sockets on. The MS part of the number indicating Mil Spec. They are a one time use part, once they've been torqued, if they're removed, they have to replaced with new ones.

 

[metaleltr]

I believe you misunderstood what I meant by "jap nut." I don't know if I know the real name, but it's a VERY small shouldered self locking nut, with the locking mechanism being an eccentric hole.

They aren't metric sizes.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/MS21042.php
Those are the closest thing I could find.
Mcdonnel-douglas came up with the specs for them. I've also heard them called "jet-nuts" or "missile nuts"

I know GM uses something similar on some bumper bolts. Oval locking nut with a shoulder.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Whatever my Hansen tray dictates me

Me too, but it depends on the project at hand. For just around the house it could be a 5/8" on the long handle Matco 1/4" ratchet. Working on higher torque fastners will see a larger drive size and depends on clearance issues, etc. It's good to have options.

My 3/4" set goes from 3/4" to 2 3/8".

 

[Matt018]

Mainly
1/4 up to 10-12 (maybe 3/8 for twelve depending on application.
3/8 10-19, Maybe 1/2 for some 19mm and large 3/8
and then 1/2 for the rest. I use 1/2 for really rusted fasteners where i have room.

 

[CWP1616L]

Professionally, about once every two weeks. Used mainly for electrical posts on windscreens and anything else with small gauge wire. Some jap nuts are also that size. Outside of that, almost never. It's really more of a when you need it you REALLY need it. I also use them occasionally to make a haggard version of allen key sockets to install hi-loks.

That's interesting. Thanks for the info.

 

[jetmech09]

Jap nuts, the socket sizes ran in 32nds, the smallest being 3/32. The nuts and holes were elongated for a self locking feature, which made it a little bit hard to get the sockets on. The MS part of the number indicating Mil Spec. They are a one time use part, once they've been torqued, if they're removed, they have to replaced with new ones.

I think that if I ever ran into the 3/32" I would probably cry. A lot of our spark chasers at work have sizes that small, always in 1/8" drive sets, I'm sure this being the reason.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I just use common sense. I use my 1/2 up to 1-1/2 and sometimes I use my 3/4 on 15/16 if I feel lik it.

 

[the_other_foss]

1/4" 1/8" - 9/16"
3/8" 1/4" - 7/8"
1/2" 7/16 - 1 1/2

It all depends on the torque range of the fastener, and the clearance around said fastener.
Most of my work is done with 1/4" stuff.

this is a great thread and i'm hoping it's not too late to get an opinion without starting a new thread, as i'm going through a "similar" problem....

i JUST started a pipefitter apprenticeship so i have been (and shall be) working in a lot of mills, around big industrial equipment and pipe systems, so for the sake of my question try to visualize that environment for this application.....

we have to pack in tools to every job. which means the lighter the better, cus most of us just use a 5 gal bucket. i'm trying to figure out the "best" size drive for what i do. i've found that the fasteners i'm coming across range (generally) from 1/2 inch to 1 - 1/2.... so i'm thinking about going with a 1/2 drive with a 15 inch or so handle.

here's some concerns:

1. i need a longer handle for torque, but don't want to get too crazy cus i need access too.
2. quality of the tool and number of teeth it has.... thoughts on this?

one of the guys i work with love's his old napa 1/2 inch:

another guy likes his williams spud ratchet:

what to do what to do??? just looking for opinions to help me decide. anyone out there do any millwrighting or pipefitting? many thanks in advance