Socket Drive Sizes

[Holyroller125]

Everyone,

I know that the most common socket drive sizes are: 1/4-drive, 3/8-drive, 1/2-drive.

I am wondering about 3/4-drive and 1 inch drive.

I know that some will say just let the shop by the 3/4 and 1-inch drive socket sizes. However, you need a socket, the ratchet, or the impact wrench. It is either missing or someone else is using it. It gets stolen, and you cannot do y our job because the tool is not available or it was supposed to be "supplied by the shop."

I also know that 3/4-drive and 1 inch drive are used in tractors, semis, and heavy equipment. Also, motorcoaches/big buses often require 1-inch drive impact sockets.

All of that being said, how much of 3/4-drive and 1-inch drive should I buy for my tool collection?

Is there any application that 1 1/2-inchr or 2 1/2-inch drives will be used? Or are these latter two for ships and oil platforms?

Thank You,
Gregory

 

[stercorarius]

What field are you in/going into? I buy them off eBay used as needed.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

 

[Holyroller125]

What field are you in/going into? I buy them off eBay used as needed.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

Semis, heavy equipment, coaches/buses.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I bought a set of SK sockets 25 in all, with 4 extensions a ratchet and a longer than usual snap on breaker bar, all vintage for $100. Whenever I've needed it, it's been fairly nice. If you can land one cheaply, hard to do these days, but if so, I'd buy it.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

We have to provide 100% of our own tools, 3/4 drive stuff included. I run a SO MG1250 and have Mac AWP075 for a back up. I just bought both Gray Pneumatic 3/4 drive sets, SAE and Metric, and a few assorted 12 points as well.

I work on high horsepower Cummins engines. Oil & gas, rail, marine, and mining equipment, smallest engine I deal with is a 19L, biggest are the new 95L.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cummins_Tech]

3/4 drives will take off most stuff you'll encounter on medium-heavy duty diesel equipment. If not, a 48" breaker bar does the trick and then run it out with your gun. We have a 1", but I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen anyone use it, it's got a heavy coat of dust on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Musicinabottle]

3/4 drives will take off most stuff you'll encounter on medium-heavy duty diesel equipment. If not, a 48" breaker bar does the trick and then run it out with your gun. We have a 1", but I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen anyone use it, it's got a heavy coat of dust on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Price jumps fairly fast with the one inch stuff.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

Never need to use one, so I don't bother looking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[stercorarius]

If you're going up to that get the Williams 3/4 drive impact socket set (sounds like you aren't in the states so probably the metric first and then the SAE when you can afford it?) and the sunex 1" drive lug socket set with the socket that works for Budd studs. 3/4 ratchet and breaker bar. As far as 1" drive goes I'd just stick to the shop gun at least at first. The RED HF gun does just fine for pulling wheels.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

 

[crewchief888]

i have quite a few 3/4" dr sockets, probably complete from 3/4" to 2 1/4.
some 6 & 12 pt impact some 12pt chrome.
bought them all new "as needed" off a the tool truck.

all the heavy eq shops ive worked in over the past 30+ years have provided 3/4" & 1" drives if needed.

the problem was trying to find them when i needed them..

 

[JohnDeere1]

I bought my 3/4 Wright socket set for $100 sae and metric and paid $100 for a Snap On ratchet aand $50 for a Wright ratchet. My father gave me a nos black hawk breaker bar and my socket set don't have the smaller sizes which I'm glad it goes from 32mm to 65mm and 15/16 to 2 1/2 I think. You don't need over lap in sizes below that which is in 3/8 and 1/2 realm just get something like mine and you could always use adapters or reducers.

Skip 1" as almost all sizes you'd need are 3/4.

I'd just buy the HF or something unless you use them constant even HF would last that big. Theirs a nice USA set on the Louisville Craigslist for like $50 it looks like a Wright and Proto and Williams maybe mix with case. Just keep it cheap I wish I would have spent even less ill never use mine heck I'd get rid of mine even.

 

[Wamsutta]

Semis, heavy equipment, coaches/buses.

In that case, you should probably have a full set of 3/4'' drive sockets. Some of the Asian brands like Sunnex and GP are a lot more affordable.

 

[Finky198]

I have a full set of 3/4 chrome Craftsman 12pt 19- 42mm 7/8- 2-1/2" it covers most. We then have a select few (20) 3/4" and 1" drive impact sockets common sizes that have been bought for specific projects... no need to buy a ton of them I use the chrome ones the most by far...


I'd agree with the comments on sunex or grey pn for impact they are both high quality at a reasonable price. Used is also great def check eBay. I got my CMan usa stuff on sale when sears started going downhill.

 

[stercorarius]

Still recommend the Sunex 5626 set for $130 or 5690A set for $160 if you do semis regularly. The shop will likely already have sockets and a gun for wheels, in which case you wouldn't "need" either of the sets.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

 

[Gittgo]

Ebay 3/4 used. Most equip guys rent to own( truck) when they call it quits nobody has up front cash so the deals go on the bay or estate sales.I just bough an unused SK Wayne 3/4 ratt for $30

 

[WittHay]

The sizes needed are job specific, semi's you need a good 3/4" drive impact and a few impact sockets, working on logging equipment in the bush 1" drive stuff. Sizes over 2" in 3/4" drive are generally not needed as you use 1" impacts or axle nut and pinion sockets in larger sizes.

 

[johninct]

Don't buy 1" yet. Buy used top brand 3/4" as you need it, a little at a time. Also, Impact sockets can be used with an impact wrench or a ratchet but there is a chance that impact won't fit and you need the chrome.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Easily fixed with a flap disc.

 

[Moparman390]

I agree with the others, with the equipment you service I'd invest in a 3/4" set, cost/quality is up to you depending on what you think you need or want to send.