Socketry sizes and styles - what would be your top pick?

[ToolRoom]

I'm slowly upgrading my sockets and added in some 3/8 (not really a common drive system here) and I'm curious as to what sizes, styles and overlap everybody uses a lot or finds useful.

For example, where does your 1/4 drive end and your 3/8 or 1/2 start? Do you ever really use all the sizes you bought? Preference for 6 point over 12 point, have both, or just in certain sizes?

As a confessed toolaholic, I have a compulsion to have all the sizes in all the combinations, and surely everybody must have different needs - but if you were starting over what would you honestly actually buy again? (Keeping brand out of it for the sake of impartiality)

I don't think I've ever actually used my speedbrace, or a 9mm socket (although it is still indispensable for hammering over a well rusted 10mm bolt when all else fails). I couldn't live without a set of 6 point deep 1/2 drive sockets.

Just interested in opinions.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have all sizes in 6 and 12 point, deep and shallow, in all drive sizes. Even my 3/4" drive stuff goes down to 7/8" and up to 2-1/8". Then my 3/8" goes 1/4" up to 1-1/4" and 1/2" drive goes 3/8" up to 1-1/2". My 1/4" only goes up to 5/8". Metric is a bit different as I don't use them much, but there's a couple over laps. Each drive has its uses. May need a 1/4" socket to use with my Dewalt 1/4" impact driver, but then that same size in 3/8" to fit torque wrench. Just an example. Plus I'm an addict and like to have as much stuff as possible because, well, you just never know when you'll need it.

 

[JJThrasher]

My 1/4 goes up to 12 or 13 mm. 3/8 runs 6 to 21 mm. 1/2 goes 10 to 38 mm. 3/4 starts at 3/4 and goes up.

3/8 is probably my most common used size. Covers lots of engine work, light duty brakes, and some interior work.

 

[shockwave]

Honestly 1/4 drive I usually go up to 12mm depending on application
And 3/8 from 8mm to 22mm (most versatile) drive size
1/2 drive 14mm to 36mm mostly suspension axles crank bolt

But for the most part I can do 80% 3/8 impacts and use 1/4 for most engine work

Depending on bolt size too

 

[Rossco]

Well I make a living with the following.

1/4 shallow Metric 5-12mm.

3/8 Semi-deep 10-19mm

1/2 Shallow 3/8 - 1 1/4.

Best way to learn how to wrench.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Generally, for me:
<10mm = 1/4"
10-17mm = 3/8"
17-32mm = 1/2"
>32mm = 3/4"
Of course, convenience, clearance, and required leverage may dictate moving up or down a ratchet size...or two.

 

[camd64]

I have

1/4= 4-14 and 7/32-9/16
3/8= 8-22 and 5/16-7/8
1/2= 10-36 and 1/2-1 1/4
3/4= 1-2 1/2

Mostly use 1/4 up to 10mm, 3/8 up to 19mm with some overlap into 1/2 drive when space permits or it's just a really stubborn fastener. The majority of my sockets are 6 pt. and I have really only ever needed my 12 pt. when working on engines where the customer specified the build use 12 pt. or the occasional diesel with them.