The 3/8 inch drive

[Jwych]

I work on semi trailers and I'd say I use 1/2 60%of the time , 3/8. 35%, and 1/4 5%

 

[Farmall450]

As a person that from time to time imports TOPTUL tools into the United States I can tell you that in America 3/8" is KING and it kills me as TOPTUL has tons of 1/4" drive sets and 1/2" drives sets and completely ***** with respect to 3/8" which is what I need to sell their stuff here. In America 1/2" is basically dead and 1/4" is considered good for small engines and toys. 3/8" is overwhelmingly used in automotive.

Most times when I use 1/2 it's on a breaker bar or an impact.

 

[mtnwalton]

When I worked industrial maintenance machinst, we all used three wheel bikes and built our own aluminum boxes.

I only used 1/4" and 1/2". 1/2" ratchet, 1/2" impact, and 1/2" adapter on a 3/8" air ratchet.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I have always ignored the 3/8 inch drive tools as I don't see the point of them. Not big enough to cope with large bolts, and not small enough to fit where the 1/4 inch fits snugly. Also, 3/8 inch drive tools seem to be a US preference as I almost never see them available here, and don't seem to see much of their use in Europe either.

However, today while working on a car I found myself using a 3/8 drive from the company toolset for the first time ever. I used the 1/2 inch to loosen two M14 nuts, but found that due to space constraints the larger 1/2 inch ratchet allowed for only small degrees of turning. The bolts had threadlocker on them so using fingers to loosen was difficult. Enter the 3/8 drive. Was the perfect size to get some good degrees of movement, and had enough size to cope with stiff M14 bolts.

My home toolset does not include any 3/8 tools, and I doubt if I will spend the money at this stage. Is it a popular tool/socket size on this here Journal, and if so, where does it get used?

Thanks.

If you have "cheap" hand tools...3/8 replaces 1/4 and 1/2 replaces 3/8. Just based off of my own preference not to have exploding sockets.

If there's room I'll use 1/2" on just about anything so I don't have to use a long handle 3/8. Yeah I'm that lazy. I own 1/4, even bought some better 1/4 recently but I just don't use it that much. Don't feel like having to lean on a ratchet to get bolts off that's just me.

I think some people use 1/4 with truck tools because they're cheaper in sets and they got the warranty to back it up. If you don't, you shouldn't.

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

On heavy equipment I use 1/4 drive on 13mm and down, 3/8 on 10mm-19mm and 24mm up is usually 1/2 drive.

1/2 drive sockets are longer and the ratchets are bigger so you run into room issues in tight spots. 1/4 drive ratchets aren't long enough to get leverage for anything above a 13mm socket. 3/8 drive seems to be the compromise of the two which is why its so popular.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

3/8" drive is the norm of all the drives

 

[WhiffySpark]

Some of you guys need to get out more.

They have long 1/4 and 3/8 drive ratchets. I have a 3/8ths that is 18 inches long lol

I personally only use up to 1/2 for automotive. 3/8 is most common followed by 1/4

 

[TOOLFREEQ]

i do a lot of my work with 1/4; 50-60%. Oil pans, finicky covers, valve covers, sensors, trim. 40% is 3/8 drive. Spark plugs, motor mounts, alternator, compressor, most brake and suspension work. 1/2 only comes out for heavy stuff. 10% of the time it's lugs, large suspension bolts, harmonic balancers, u bolts, head bolts(with a torque wrench).
Almost all powered too; impacts and electric ratchets. By hand is a last resort.

Also why are more people not using magnetic sockets? Do they like dropping bolts, nuts etc?

this

 

[Seagoon]

Most of my spannering is on Motorbikes so it's very rare I use half inch stuff. I prefer quarter if it's strong enough because it's lighter,smaller and easier but 3/8 will take care of everything else.
3/8 is the most used when I get to cars and like everyone else I break out the 1/2 inch stuff for suspension and suchlike.

 

[ClineWrench]

My perspective is probably a little different and maybe dated, but here's my 2 cents:

I used to work at a Ford Motorsport SVO shop and what was fairly typical was this: light line guys used 1/4 almost exclusively, and occasionally might see a need for 3/8. The brake and suspension guys used 1/2 almost exclusively and occasionally 3/8. The heavy line (the Engine guys) used 1/2 mostly, and occasionally 3/8 and 1/4.

Now us transmission guys used all 3 every day. Mostly because the stuff we did touched heavy faster areas like lug nuts and drive lines, mid duty fasteners like bell housing bolts and ****** mounts, and torque converter nuts, and 1/4 drive for all the ****** internals.

So I guess it's just a matter of what type of work you do that will dictate the typical drive size you end up using most.

My personal favorite is the 3/8 for its broader range of capabilities, as others have pointed out.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I'm a diesel mechanic and all my 3/8 stuff is heavily used. I use 3/8 probably 80-90% of the time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I work on cars and light trucks as a weekend warrier and I most often use 3/8 drive.

ABSOLUTELY ! I RARELY break out my 1/2" except for suspension or lug nuts.

I actually use my 1/4" most of the time on appliances and outdoor power equipment/small engines, except for head bolts.

 

[ClineWrench]

Ground pounder - out of curiosity, is most of your work on engines or on heavy equipment hydraulics as well?

I'm curious as I know a few heavy equipment guys and it seems as though the guys who do engines only share your perspective while the hydraulics guys like thier 3/4 dive best for thier work.

 

[Cope]

I was helping my son-in-law install motor mounts on my daughter's 2002 CR-V this morning. The battery hold down bolts take a 10mm socket. The front bolt is a no brainer, use a short 1/4" 10mm. The rear bolt is too long for my deep 1/4", and my Matco 3/8" 10mm is a mid length (the way Wright made the set). I had to use my 1/2" drive deep 10mm. At least I was able to use my 1/2" drive on a 3/8" body, so it didn't look too strange.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Ground pounder - out of curiosity, is most of your work on engines or on heavy equipment hydraulics as well?

I'm curious as I know a few heavy equipment guys and it seems as though the guys who do engines only share your perspective while the hydraulics guys like thier 3/4 dive best for thier work.

Mostly motor and general truck repairs. I work on semi's so I'm sure with heavy equipment the 3/8 doesn't get put to use very often.

 

[Art From De Leon]

When I worked as a JD ag mechanic, 3/8" drive was my go-to set. You might have to use the 1/2" drive tools to get something apart, but then use the 3/8" inch tools to work on the sub-assemblies

 

[lilcraigford]

There is some interesting insight in this thread regarding what is used in different industries/parts of the world. 3/8" is my go-to and has me pretty well covered when I work on the cars. If I have to break something loose I'll grab for a 1/2" (usually a breaker bar) and then spin it off with the 3/8" ratchet. 1/4" has its place but it definitely gets used the least. Another aspect for myself is comfort; a 3/8" Craftsman RP has always felt like the right size and weight for my hands.

 

[jfcasey]

I use 3/8 quite a bit, pretty much anything 12-22mm its my go to, and working on Toyota thats pretty much everything! I've even gone without my 1/2 impact for a month and a half before and not really had any issues. The only thing I really HAVE to use 1/2 on is suspension bolts like pinch bolts on big castle nuts and when I need to use a ton of extension like for top bolts on bellhousings and such.

The thought of not using 3/8 sounds crazy to me. Shoot even when I use my 1/2 gun its usually in combination with my 1/2-3/8 adapter extensions so I can use my much less bulky 3/8 impact swivel and sockets.

That being said I do love using 1/4 when ever possible, I would love if I could get some 1/4 tools tough enough to cover up to 14mm socket stuff but I just don't see it happening anytime soon with the way that size stuff already struggles with 12mm headed bolts.

 

[defektes]

In industrial 1/2 is king, and I think the 1/4 inchers just sit in the toolboxes for a dog and pony show.

But most of the time we reach for combo wrenches.

Now at home, working on my cars, I use 3/8s most of the time, and 1/2 on anything larger than 17mm or 7/8

 

[d.mcfarland]

A long 3/8 ratchet is the same length or longer than a standard 1/2. Easily long enough to break any fastener loose that is below 20mm.

 

[Wizzard]

I work mostly on our family cars and a race car...I mostly use 3/8 and 1/2 (under hood 3/8, suspension 1/2). I very rarely use 1/4...maybe for dash panel screws sometimes, even then I'll use a 3/8 with a fine tooth stubby ratchet.

 

[Beenman]

Sorry chaps, was off the net for a day.

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated. My work is purely automotive, so it seems the 3/8 is definately something I should consider. 3/8 is becomming more available in SA these days, but not yet in brands that I like. The missus is in the States soon, so will get her to bring me back a decent 3/8 set.

 

[Beenman]

+1 that's pretty standard.

I think the OP might be using standard (useless) length ratchets. Other than 1/4" drive, standard length ratchets are pretty useless in automotive.

In construction, for assembling brand new hardware, standard length ratchets work great, but not nearly enough leverage for breaking loose old rusty automotive hardware.

The two 3/8" drive ratchets I use are 11" and 12" long.

My 1/2" drive ratchet is 17" long.

Thanks.
Both my home use Gedore 1/2 and work use Mastercraft 1/2 ratchets are around 12'' long. The 3/8 ratchet I used for the first time was around 8 to 10'' long and it was just perfect for the space I had to work in.

 

[oldldh]

I use 3/8" Drive a lot...

This is the GearWrench 3/8" Drive Socket set, that Santa got me for Christmas...

6 to 24 mm with no skips...

And...

1/4" to 1" with no skips...

Not bad for $ 72.60 and it comes with the blow molded tray...$ 1.15 per socket, and the sizes cover about 90% of the sizes on normal vehicles...and good quality tools, too...

 

[bpjr]

3/8" is my first choice for engine work and 1/4" for small places under the hood...my 3/8" stubby works here too but is tad bigger. 1/2" comes out mostly for suspension work. T

 

[General Geoff]

I use 3/8" Drive a lot...

This is the GearWrench 3/8" Drive Socket set, that Santa got me for Christmas...

6 to 24 mm with no skips...

And...

1/4" to 1" with no skips...

Not bad for $ 72.60 and it comes with the blow molded tray...$ 1.15 per socket, and the sizes cover about 90% of the sizes on normal vehicles...and good quality tools, too...

That is a very nice, complete kit there. I don't see 23 or 24mm though?

 

[d.mcfarland]

That is a very nice, complete kit there. I don't see 23 or 24mm though?

6 to 24 mm with no skips...

Seems like it has them he says.

 

[General Geoff]

Seems like it has them he says.

That's why I asked. On the tray it very clearly shows 20, 21 and 22. No bigger sockets than that though.

 

[oldldh]

That is a very nice, complete kit there. I don't see 23 or 24mm though?

I stand corrected...the deep set skips the 23mm...

However...

There is a 24mm Deep socket...(I just went and looked...)

However the standard sockets stop at 22mm...

I do have a 23mm in GearWrench 1/2" Drive set...

I shall go outside, and fall on my sword...

(Probably the best way to say it would be 6 to 22mm (shallow and deep) with no skips, and a 24mm deep socket...and both 5/8" and 13/16" Spark plug sockets...)

It IS the most complete SAE/Metric 3/8" drive socket set I could find...GearWrench #80718...

 

[General Geoff]

That makes sense, thanks for clearing up the confusion!

 

[DaveInPhilly]

I always assumed it was a generational thing. Older cars equal bigger fasteners and more space. My dad always preferred 1/2, while I use 3/8 95% of the time. 1/4 for anything less than 10mm or 1/2".

 

[Indexmill]

Only one poster in this entire post touched on the real fact that drives the choice of tool used for a job... The real differentiator is whether or not you are on the clock.

If you are paid a flat rate, you will choose the tool with which you can do the job the fastest. This is not necessarily the best or right tool in the true sense of the word. When on the clock, the time to dig out and open another socket set or even open another drawer can take more time than just grabbing the ratchet that is on top of the pile.

If you are not on the clock, then you may well have the time to select the best tool for the job. This is the case with most weekend warriors. It's no problem if it takes an extra 30 seconds to get the correct ratchet and socket. Also, it is not necessary to always use air.

Sometimes people get satisfaction out of actually selecting the correct tool and feeling what they are doing.

So, back to drive sizes: the posts and opinions by people who are on the clock must be taken with that understanding. If fact, any and all posts with responses to the question "What is the best...anything..." should always be started with the declaration of whether or not the responder is on the clock.

Posters who do not work on the clock will often have a different answer to that question. Clearly, in these cases, one will select the best drives size for the job; not what is fastest. Fastest is not always the best. (think ***).

Another observation is the difference between the USA and the ROW (rest of the world) with respect to the use of 3/8" drive. While this difference has been identified, I have not read a solid reason as to why it exists. There is more to this story. Thus, another obligatory piece of information that must be included in a post responding to the "What is best..." question is the Country in which the responder resides.

The world is far too complex for simple, unqualified opinions.

 

[Beenman]

I use 3/8" Drive a lot...

This is the GearWrench 3/8" Drive Socket set, that Santa got me for Christmas...

6 to 24 mm with no skips...

And...

1/4" to 1" with no skips...

Not bad for $ 72.60 and it comes with the blow molded tray...$ 1.15 per socket, and the sizes cover about 90% of the sizes on normal vehicles...and good quality tools, too...

Where is Gearwrench made? It is one of the few brands in SA that has 3/8 inch sets available. Mastercraft being the only other one worth considering.

 

[shampoop]

I always assumed it was a generational thing. Older cars equal bigger fasteners and more space. My dad always preferred 1/2, while I use 3/8 95% of the time. 1/4 for anything less than 10mm or 1/2".

I think it's that for sure, a lot of it also probably has to do with the fact that old school single tooth 3/8" drive ratchets are not nearly as strong as modern multi tooth ones so they were much less useful.

 

[oldldh]

Where is Gearwrench made? It is one of the few brands in SA that has 3/8 inch sets available. Mastercraft being the only other one worth considering.

Mine were made in Taiwan...

I've noticed that fasteners don't care about the Country of Origin, but some people do...

Quality wise...they're really nice, and for the price. they will do...

I really like mine, and the two 3/8" Drive (Long and stubby) 120 tooth flex head ratchets Santa brought with them!!!

 

[fearthebeard]

I'm mainly a diesel mechanic, probably 90%, but were a family owned independent shop and our shop manager will bring in anything with an engine. He knows motors from lawn mowers to heavy haulers and all in between no matter what fuel type. That being said, I use 3/8 probably 40-50%. 1/4 maybe around 20-30%. The rest being mostly 1/2 in drive plus the good old blue wrench. Then again there are some jobs nothing shy of a rosebud and a 1" gun will do.

 

[ATK305]

I use 3/8" about 60% of the time wrenching on personal vehicles. The other 40% is probably made up of 1/2" @ 30% and 1/4" @ 10%. I working on mostly cars and light duty trucks. 20 years ago when I wrenched on my motorcycles I used 1/4" more then anything else.

 

[Beenman]

Just a follow up on this thread. Bought myself a 3/8" set from Koken ($40 off ebay) after all the advice.

View media item 51901
I must say, it was perfectly sized to get to the bolts on a hard to reach rear engine mounting on a Corolla recently. Although I'm not yet convinced on its strength for bolts with hex over 17mm - time will tell.

Thanks again.

 

[MrGiggles]

Only one poster in this entire post touched on the real fact that drives the choice of tool used for a job... The real differentiator is whether or not you are on the clock.

If you are paid a flat rate, you will choose the tool with which you can do the job the fastest. This is not necessarily the best or right tool in the true sense of the word. When on the clock, the time to dig out and open another socket set or even open another drawer can take more time than just grabbing the ratchet that is on top of the pile.

If you are not on the clock, then you may well have the time to select the best tool for the job. This is the case with most weekend warriors. It's no problem if it takes an extra 30 seconds to get the correct ratchet and socket. Also, it is not necessary to always use air.

Sometimes people get satisfaction out of actually selecting the correct tool and feeling what they are doing.

So, back to drive sizes: the posts and opinions by people who are on the clock must be taken with that understanding. If fact, any and all posts with responses to the question "What is the best...anything..." should always be started with the declaration of whether or not the responder is on the clock.

Posters who do not work on the clock will often have a different answer to that question. Clearly, in these cases, one will select the best drives size for the job; not what is fastest. Fastest is not always the best. (think ***).

Another observation is the difference between the USA and the ROW (rest of the world) with respect to the use of 3/8" drive. While this difference has been identified, I have not read a solid reason as to why it exists. There is more to this story. Thus, another obligatory piece of information that must be included in a post responding to the "What is best..." question is the Country in which the responder resides.

The world is far too complex for simple, unqualified opinions.

To build on this, it is easier and more efficient to only work with one primary drive size. You can work faster when you don't have to sort through different drive sockets and ratchets in your work area. 3/8 is the closest to a do-all, while still being adequate for the job. 3/8 impacts are continually getting stronger, and matching impact sockets are becoming cheaper and easier to acquire, not to mention the long handle ratchets that are also very robust.

I don't live in Europe so I have no clue why 3/8 isn't popular there. Maybe the good 3/8 hardware isn't available there?

 

[justtools]

Only one poster in this entire post touched on the real fact that drives the choice of tool used for a job... The real differentiator is whether or not you are on the clock.

If you are paid a flat rate, you will choose the tool with which you can do the job the fastest. This is not necessarily the best or right tool in the true sense of the word. When on the clock, the time to dig out and open another socket set or even open another drawer can take more time than just grabbing the ratchet that is on top of the pile.

If you are not on the clock, then you may well have the time to select the best tool for the job. This is the case with most weekend warriors. It's no problem if it takes an extra 30 seconds to get the correct ratchet and socket. Also, it is not necessary to always use air.

Sometimes people get satisfaction out of actually selecting the correct tool and feeling what they are doing.

So, back to drive sizes: the posts and opinions by people who are on the clock must be taken with that understanding. If fact, any and all posts with responses to the question "What is the best...anything..." should always be started with the declaration of whether or not the responder is on the clock.

Posters who do not work on the clock will often have a different answer to that question. Clearly, in these cases, one will select the best drives size for the job; not what is fastest. Fastest is not always the best. (think ***).

Another observation is the difference between the USA and the ROW (rest of the world) with respect to the use of 3/8" drive. While this difference has been identified, I have not read a solid reason as to why it exists. There is more to this story. Thus, another obligatory piece of information that must be included in a post responding to the "What is best..." question is the Country in which the responder resides.

The world is far too complex for simple, unqualified opinions.

the worst thing with flat rate is the job quality suffers.