So, what do you use 1/4" drive universal sockets for?

[iroc409]

So, I bought a full set of 1/4" drive universal sockets in metric and SAE, well, because they were on clearance I guess.

I could see using the swivel sockets on certain things, especially in today's cramped engine bays, but it seems like the 1/4" drive will be too fragile for most things. I thought maybe working on interiors would be handy.

I'm not sure if I should keep them, find someone who can use them better, or just return them. Or, maybe just keep the metric set, since our cars are metric.

 

[superscott]

those are the best sockets you will ever use,any where,any time,any place

 

[mossyboy6]

I was thinking about how mine just always sit around in my box and how useless they are, but then I remembered that I have used them. It was on a trunk latch, that was very hard to get to, and they definitely saved me a bunch of hassle.

With that said, that is literally the only time I have ever needed to use them. I do have a set of 3/8 that I use all the time.

If they made a semi deep 1/4 set with thin walls, I could see it coming in handy for some stuff, but most all of the small bolts on cars are on studs that stick out far, not allowing you to get a super shallow universal on.

Just my personal experience, I am by no means a professional.

 

[keithwvd]

at the shop I use 1/4" swivels on a daily basis. thermostats, sensors, interiors, emissions **** that's tucked up above the rear suspension and tank, all kinds of engine covers and inner fender plastics with a 2 foot extension so I don't have to bend over or reach at all, etc

I use them with a 7"-ish long locking flex handle matco ratchet and it's an awesome combo, I break loose tons of things I should really use 3/8 for but the ratchet and sockets are holding up so I don't bother to make an extra trip back to the box

 

[ianguilly]

I use them for bumpers and fenders, 1/4 is my most used drive.

 

[JeremyManning]

I use mine a lot on small engines, ATV, Snowmobile, snow blower, lawn mower etc

 

[iroc409]

Hmm, all good things to ponder. I was getting set to just return the SAE set, but I didn't think about small engines. Although, right now all I have is a Honda mower and it shouldn't need much work for a couple years.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Which brand of 1/4'' drive universal sockets did you buy?

 

[Cookannapurna]

Hmm, all good things to ponder. I was getting set to just return the SAE set, but I didn't think about small engines. Although, right now all I have is a Honda mower and it shouldn't need much work for a couple years.

Do you really need an excuse to keep them

 

[iroc409]

They are Craftsman.

Do you really need an excuse to keep them

To buy something else LOL.

 

[NUTTSGT]

They were on sale, you had to buy them. If you got a good deal on them, why not keep them ?

What I mean is, you've already bought them and the money is gone (invested in a tool), spend a different dollar to buy a different tool.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Oil pan

 

[TheDogHouse]

Carburetors, bumpers, dash, interior.

 

[ChvyC10]

A lot.

 

[aussiek2000]

I use mine everywhere you can get a straight shot at the bolt.

Just today I used my 1/4" and 3/8" on spark plugs, t-stat, hose clamps, sway bar bolts, etc.

 

[jethro29]

i use mine a lot but mostly under dash work,i do a lot of heater cores and a/c evaporator r&r.also on intakes a lot.

 

[ZRX61]

carbs & exhaust studs etc on P&W R2800's

 

[Humble Mechanic]

I use my 10mm ALL the time. I also use my 13mm a lot. May of the things everyone else said. I would say, just keep them, you will need one as soon as you return them

 

[jetmech09]

I use mine alllllllllll the time. They save a whole bunch of time.

 

[dwp99]

I use them with my SO power screwdriver on dash boards, heater cores, coil over plug coils hose clamps and just about any small fastener.

 

[knocker]

1/4 drive is by far my most used drive set.

 

[csmitty]

I've had a SK 5/16 for a while, awesome on hose clamps. I got a few of the CMan, not a whole set as they weren't all on sale for some reason. But as easy as that 5/16 makes it was hard to pass up others. Even though I have a 3/8s set that goes down to 3/8. However the 1/4 will fit in more confined spaces.

Only got a 13mm in metric. Was hoping the 10mm would ring up but no dice and no convincing. Those two would probably be the only ones i'd need.

 

[greasemonkey44]

heh i use the hell out of my craftsman 1/4 wobbles
intakes, hose clamps, thermostats, oil pans, heater cores
they are fantastically handy if you have to deal with tight spaces

 

[House Sparrow]

I use them a good bit. In some cases, they can be the only way to reach a nasty little bolt or screw without an extra hour of ripping things apart just to get a straight shot at it. I use them a lot on sensors, thermostat housings, coil-on-plug mounting bolts (especially on V8s), oil/****** pans, you name it.

 

[pipsters]

I just picked up another Cman 1/4" set MM set on sale for $25, about half off. Not the best price but I use the 1/4" stuff on my air ratchet and it tears stuff apart pretty quickly.

 

[Big Omega]

Is there any benefit of using a flex socket over a universal joint and a regular socket?

 

[rose jackets67]

Is there any benefit of using a flex socket over a universal joint and a regular socket?

Overall it's a more compact pacckage using just the universal socket. In situations where you'd need a 1/4 universal socket, that compactness is worth it.

 

[greasemonkey44]

Is there any benefit of using a flex socket over a universal joint and a regular socket?

very compact and it wont come apart or bind like most universals

 

[unslow1]

I used my 1/4 flex 14mm tonight to put wheels on a toolbox. Cordless drill with a 1/4 adapter bit and it went fast.

 

[earlthegoat2]

1/4 universals are great for use on outboard engines. That is the most I ever used them for and that is the reason I got them. Since I dont work that job anymore I never use those universals anymore.