Most Useful 1/4" Impact Nut Setters Sizes? Small Kit

[oldschoolcraft]

I got my first impact driver a few weeks ago, an M12 Fuel and I love her. I saw some advise on another post to get Sunex nut setters for it. Didn't really see the super need because I have sockets and I'm not a pro so they duplicate what I can do with other tools.

But the reason I bought them is first I am a tool addict. And second they don't take up too much space.

And most importantly, I want to put together a small kit for the impact driver. The kit will duplicate other tools, but maybe I only have my impact driver with me and this small kit. The two duplicative bits will be a small set of drill bits to do things like pilot holes or quick mcguyver fabrications out of scrap materials whever I'm doing a job.

And also these nut setters, but I cant fit them all in my small bit case. I want to pare down to maybe like 8 of them. But as a rookie I don't know what sizes are the most useful.

6mm to 14mm with no skips
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
7/16

I can skip 5/16 because it's close enough to 8mm
I can skip 7/16 because it's close enough to 11mm

I think I want all of the rest of the SAE
1/4
3/8
1/2

Because I do mostly around the house stuff, and run into SAE a lot, since usually not doing auto work.

As far as 6mm to 14mm, which are the most common ones of those to need? Or at least what are the ones I'll never use and work backwards from there.

I definitely want 8mm and 11m because they overlap with SAE

Mostly would be used for things like plumbing fixtures, household repairs, maybe basic auto stuff like changing a car battery so the nuts holding the battery clamp in place

A big use is bolts that go into the wall to hang heavy stuff into studs. I think those are usually 5/16" or 1/2" heads. Those are MISERABLE to turn by hand.

 

[DFB]

I have purchased and used a lot of different nutsetters over the 6 years or so I have had impact drivers. I use them both for construction and mechanics with various tools.

So as what could be considered a complete set the black phosphate finish 12pc Neiko with the blue case. It is is ok. I did crack a few of the magnets under impact doing mechanical work, but other than that they held up good and the storage case is really handy. They are mainly for my toolbox

For my tool belt I also have Neiko but the 5 pc sets both Metric and SAE. I pretty much only needed the standard for most screw type fasteners but added the metrics for those odd crossover jobs I come across at work. They do have a nice holder and are decent length.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017JX780/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have the Tekton set. It's a little plastic holder with both metric and standard very short and there are several that don't work right in different drivers I have and it looks that the shank area is just to short and they won't lock in place, so really I can not recommend that set. Plus they rust wicked

Titan brand looks like they offer a couple really decent sets and run up into larger sizes than most but never could swallow the price trying to source some...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVBCFY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Big question is how long do you want them...my local hardware store/lumber yard sells Lutz branded bits in bulk containers. You can individually purchase several sizes and lengths of nutsetters but SAE only

I do use long 6" and 12" 1/4' hex shank socket adapters in all the sizes ARES Brand is what I bought. Were very nice and balanced

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013XGM7J4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bwringer]

Very, very often I end up exchanging my 10mm or 8mm nut setter for a 1/4" adapter with a deep socket. These are the most common sizes used by far in mechanical work, so I'd add these sockets to your set.

Or... does anyone make deep nut setters? Never thought about that.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm covers a lot of ground for me. From appliance repair to light automotive work. Since 7/16 and 8mm are close enough you can delete one of those. I recently replaced the neutral-drain mechanism in my washer transmission. 1/4, 5/16, 7/16 and 1/2 covered that job. 10mm and 13mm will swap the battery in my car or remove the under engine shield and drain plug during oil changes. So I could get by with 7 sizes in a "go kit".

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

And, yes, deep 10mm and 13mm are more versatile for automotive.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Interesting hadn't thought about carrying a 1/4" square adapter end and then some impact sockets. I just assumed to use an impact wrench for that, but it makes sense when you say it. And probably strong enough for 1/4" impact wrench work in sporadic use.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I personally have never found a use for nut setters working as a mechanic. I have a few laying around I’ve used them maybe once or so no real need in my opinion I can just put the bolt or nut down in a socket and put it on. I’ve used a magnet to help too.


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