need some advice on 1/4 sockets!

[anthonyfilice]

hello, i'm starting my apprenticeship next year and have the majority of basic tools at the moment. i have been told that i need deep 1/4 drive socket sets, but i dont understand why, as i have a deep 3/8 socket set that goes as low as 8 mm and 1/4. i have a full set of shallow 1/4 sockets as well. So is it really neccecary to get a set of deep 1/4 sockets. I'm asking because im pushing pennies right now and trying to save for a box. Thanks in advance.

 

[Deafautotech]

1/4 drive set are make big difference for access and most common is 1/4 and 5.5mm on ford and Chrysler... I use 1/4 drive set much more than other...

 

[toolstools]

Less likely to break a small fastener with a small ratchet. Plus over time it'll be easier on the joints in your hand. I have a set of sae and metric I could send you on the cheap. If interested I'll look to see what they are. Pm me if interested

 

[turbodave]

1/4" deep are very useful when you're working in tight places that might have a nut over a long bolt/stud, like under the dash or dealing with wiring retainers in the engine bay. The 3/8" drive sockets are too fat to access everything. Also you will likely encounter fasteners smaller than 8m, I've seen 5.5mm, 7mm etc. I'm just a hobbyist, but I consider 1/4" deep necessary in my toolbox.

 

[echerbst]

Rarely due I use a deep socket. I use a set of semi deep 1/4 sockets 90% of the time. U can get chrome or impact. I have both from Matco and a sk chrome set. But I don't sk makes those anymore.

 

[anthonyfilice]

i think im being understood. i know that 1/4 drive is very important, and i do have a set of shallow. so its not do i need 1/4, its do i need deep 1/4.

 

[lugnut71]

Here is what I have learned. Buy good semi-deep sockets 1/4 and 3/8 drive. You will love them and use them 99% of the time. I bought shallow and deeps before semi come out and now don't use them. Then buy cheap shallow and deep because your only gonna use one or two of them and rarely.

 

[AE2]

Last week I replaced the serpentine belt tensioner on my Ford Ranger. 1/4 deep socket was the only thing that would fit. 3/8 was too fat, 1/4 shallow was too short, 1/4 shallow with extension made it too long.

 

[toolstools]

i think im being understood. i know that 1/4 drive is very important, and i do have a set of shallow. so its not do i need 1/4, its do i need deep 1/4.

Yes you do

 

[bcradio]

Last week I replaced the serpentine belt tensioner on my Ford Ranger. 1/4 deep socket was the only thing that would fit. 3/8 was too fat, 1/4 shallow was too short, 1/4 shallow with extension made it too long.

This just sounds like you need more options on your extensions.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Last week I replaced the serpentine belt tensioner on my Ford Ranger. 1/4 deep socket was the only thing that would fit. 3/8 was too fat, 1/4 shallow was too short, 1/4 shallow with extension made it too long.

excellent example.

 

[tyndall]

1/4" drive are not exactly high stressed tools. Go to Lowes and get a set of chiwan deeps for about $10. An apprenticeship usually means working on customer cars/equipment/whatever. Money might be tight, but I hope you wouldn't use the wrong tool for the job on customer's equipment just to save $10.

 

[tube_guy]

I think 1/4" drive tools are just as highly stressed as any other drive size. Maybe even more highly stressed. The tight areas in most modern cars forces harder use of the smaller drive sizes now. A quality 1/4" drive tool that fits where you need it to and can withstand the necessary torque sure can save an awful lot of time.

 

[CWP1616L]

Kobalt is pretty good sockets for the money. I suspect they're made by Rotar Tool Group, but I'm not sure.

 

[AE2]

This just sounds like you need more options on your extensions.

I have every extension Craftsman offers.

 

[STANIMAL]

Buy a Kobalt set for $20 and dont sweat it .

 

[richfinn]

i think im being understood. i know that 1/4 drive is very important, and i do have a set of shallow. so its not do i need 1/4, its do i need deep 1/4.

Timing belt covers is where I use them, I could manage with 8 and 10mm but a set is pretty cheap and they are good for access in tight spots.

 

[71Datsun510Wagon]

1/4" drive are not exactly high stressed tools. Go to Lowes and get a set of chiwan deeps for about $10. An apprenticeship usually means working on customer cars/equipment/whatever. Money might be tight, but I hope you wouldn't use the wrong tool for the job on customer's equipment just to save $10.

What he said. .. and others too !

You're going to need them. A low-cost set will service your needs for a long, long time. The $10 or $20 cost for a set needs to be spent... IMHO !

Cheers,

Rob

 

[smogtech]

Line Technician at a Toyota dealership and Honda before that. I have 1/4 chrome set from harbor freight had em for about 4 years now. Holding up just fine. It's a cheap investment. Make it trust me. Get a decent 1/4 ratchet with fine teeth. If you don't have money for snap on or matco right now. Buy the gearwrench one. Same price as a craftsman way better quality.

 

[sberry]

Yes, Kobalt or anything that works is fine, I can be a minimalist but a set of 1/4 deeps is part of a decent collection. I like 1/4 inch air drive. A reason for the deep as much as any is the length. With air ratchet only one socket, no extension. Aint no way you wont need this, we use 1/4 more and more all the time

I agree, skip the cman ratchet. But if you are starting an automotive deal copy that sears 309 pc set.

 

[sberry]

There are about 15 different bit sets too, I would find something that worked cheap and if it did great, if I needed to upgrade a piece would.

 

[Jure]

1/4 deep sockets are must IMO...few months back i bought 11 pc from craftsman

 

[unslow1]

If you don't have much money Harbor Freight has their sets on sale for $9 now. I think you would do fine with those. I have sets from Snapon, Mac, Craftsman and Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight). They all do the job. There are certain jobs where nothing else will work. I'm specifically thinking about nuts off of studs in restricted space.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-high-visibility-14-in-drive-sae-deep-wall-socket-67876.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-high-visibility-14-in-drive-metric-deep-wall-socket-67874.html