Most common socket & wrench sizes for portable box?

[skatep]

I have 8-21mm in 1/2" drive. I'm trying to decide what overlap in 3/8" drive i should add to my mobile toolbox? and how small should I go in 3/8"? Thanks for any opinions.

 

[matthew]

I keep a 3/8 socket set in the car, but don't bother with wrenches other than one adjustable wrench. Keeps the bulk and weight of the kit reasonable.

Apart from the sockets, there's a breaker bar, one hammer, a few pliers, and some screwdrivers in a tool roll, a small bag with the sockets, flashlight, some first aid items, and a 12v compressor in there, and it all fits in a steel case about 12"x8"x6".

The flashlight is really important in a roadside kit - especially with functioning batteries. I'd add to that some electrical tape, spare fuses, and zip ties, and a few hose clamps may all be more important than the tools.

 

[thwaller]

I have 8-21mm in 1/2" drive. I'm trying to decide what overlap in 3/8" drive i should add to my mobile toolbox? and how small should I go in 3/8"? Thanks for any opinions.

I am a DIY type, so what I do may differ from the pros. I tend to use 3/8 for most things. However, my general rule is this.
1/4 drive - up to 12mm
3/8 drive - 10mm up to 18mm
1/2 drive - 14mm up to 24mm+
after 24mm, I may bring out the 3/4 drive when needed, but it is big. However, sizes that large are mainly suspension anyway.

I do not use 1/2 drive for things below 12/13mm as the chance of snapping the bolt is just too great.

EDIT: You could almost say this... use a drive up to approx twice its size. So a 1/4 drive goes to 1/2 inch, a 3/8 drive to 3/4 inch and a 1/2 drive to 1 inch.

 

[skatep]

I am a DIY type, so what I do may differ from the pros. I tend to use 3/8 for most things. However, my general rule is this.
1/4 drive - up to 12mm
3/8 drive - 10mm up to 18mm
1/2 drive - 14mm up to 24mm+
after 24mm, I may bring out the 3/4 drive when needed, but it is big. However, sizes that large are mainly suspension anyway.

I do not use 1/2 drive for things below 12/13mm as the chance of snapping the bolt is just too great.

EDIT: You could almost say this... use a drive up to approx twice its size. So a 1/4 drive goes to 1/2 inch, a 3/8 drive to 3/4 inch and a 1/2 drive to 1 inch.

This sounds good. I mainly have the 8-12mm 1/2" because they came as a set, I too usually use 3/8" for such a size. Thanks

 

[motorcitykid]

I appreciate this old thread, it helped me narrow down what to put in my little kit.