What size range for 1/2 inch metric socket set?

[db55]

Hi,
I'm a DIY guy (not a professional mechanic) who is interested in buying a good 1/2" drive 6-point metric socket set. I own a good (old) craftsman 1/2" ratchet, breaker bars, extensions - so I'm most interested in the sockets. I already have relatively complete 1/4" and 3/8" sets, and a fairly complete set of 1/2" SAE shallow & deep sockets (several of these are 12-point).

I see that different manufacturers offer 1/2" sets with various ranges. Common sets are 10-24mm, but I also see 13-24mm, 10-32mm, 10-38mm, 19-38mm, etc.

I'm planning to buy a good bang-for-the-buck set - like either Tekton, GW, DeWalt, or ? (currently leaning towards Tekton's newer 84-piece 6-point 1/2" set that has shallow and deep sockets from 10-32mm based on reviews and reading postings on this website).

So my question is: For a 1/2", what ranges do you recommend? How useful are the 1/2" 10-12mm or 25-32mm sockets? Are they worth buying? What about 33-38mm? I won't be working on any tractors or larger trucks. Just a few cars and household projects.

Thanks.

 

[jasonphelps]

Sounds like you've done your research. 32mm is a common axle nut size on small/medium size vehicles so that's the biggest 1/2 inch drive I have. I think Tekton's 84 piece set is great and I believe they also have an impact set that goes up to 32mm.
For some of the larger sockets there are quite a few SAE sizes that will work
24mm or 15/16 (common size for oil sensors, etc)
27mm or 1 1/16 (common water heater size)
30mm or 1 3/16
32mm or 1 1/4 (axle nuts, etc)

I'd say don't worry about 33 - 38mm

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I’m no pro and have limited experience with sockets but the info I see repeated often, which seems like a good rule of thumb is go from one half the drive size up to 2x the drive size. So 1/2 drive size would be 1/4” up to 1”

Anything smaller than 1/4 would be awkward to use a 1/2 ratchet on and anything larger than 1” probably needs more torque than 1/2 can handle.

1” is 25.4mm so the rule of thumb would be about 12mm to 26mm for 1/2” drive.

But take that with a grain of salt and let’s hear what the pros have to say.

 

[plinker]

A lot depends on what you work on or will run into. I prefer having complete as possible sets with drive size overlap as I run into a lot of different stuff at work (95% automotive though).

For general purpose use, 10-30, 32, 36 will cover about everything. Then for automotive work, an axle nut set will have the "odd" sizes (34, 35, 38 ete..) and would be best bought as a 12pt set since they are common on some Asian vehicles.

13-24 & maybe 27 will cover the most common needs. Odd sizes like 25,26,28, 29 can be useful on rusted/worn fasteners, they are not super common, but I've run into occasions to use them. 33mm is pretty much 1-5/16 and not common unless you need to take the wheels off a semi truck.

I dont use much below 13mm very often at all, but it's nice to have those sizes from time to time.

 

[L.Cheapo]

My 1/2" sockets go from 10-36mm. I don't think I've ever used the 10-16mm; thats what 3/8" drive is for. But they came in the set, so I have them.

 

[californiaHank]

10-19 plus 21, 22, 24.
Add 27, 30, 32 if you don't have SAE equivalents and think you'll need them.

That list covers every standard ANSI, DIN, and JIS metric fastener up to 32mm.
I've no doubt that there are pros on this board who can tell you about the car they worked on that had a non-standard 20 or 23mm bolt head somewhere, but I don't think it makes sense for a DIY guy to buy every possible non-standard size socket in the hope that sometime in his lifetime he might find a use for one of them. YMMV :^)

 

[tomwil]

Hi,
I'm planning to buy a good bang-for-the-buck set - like either Tekton, GW, DeWalt, or ?

Probably the best current bang for buck would be the Home Depot Husky 200-piece socket set on store clearance for $25.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-Drive-Socket-Set-200-Piece-H200MSS/207186810

https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/6f/6f40d759-800a-4e6f-bb7a-168da18ab34f.pdf

1/4 in drive 6 point sockets:
SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 in
Metric 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mm

1/4 in drive 12 point sockets:
SAE 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 in
Metric 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 mm

1/4 in drive 6 point deep well sockets:
SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 in
Metric 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mm

3/8 in drive 6 point sockets:
SAE 5/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 in
Metric 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 mm

3/8 in drive 12 point sockets
SAE 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 in
Metric 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 mm

3/8 in drive 6 point deep well sockets
SAE 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 in
Metric 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, mm

3/8 in drive Spark Plug Sockets
SAE 5/8, 13/16 in

1/2 in drive 12 point sockets
SAE 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/16, 1-1/8, 1-3/16, 1-1/4 in
Metric 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29, 30, 32 mm

1/2 in drive 12 point deep well sockets
SAE 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 in
Metric 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, mm

 

[paulsomlo]

Anything under 17mm or so can be handled with 3/8" drive.

 

[may0naise]

Probably the best current bang for buck would be the Home Depot Husky 200-piece socket set on store clearance for $25.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...-Drive-Socket-Set-200-Piece-H200MSS/207186810

https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/6f/6f40d759-800a-4e6f-bb7a-168da18ab34f.pdf

If you are lucky enough to find one in store.

 

[MagnusM4]

I’ve got 10-38mm. The larger sizes are axle nut sockets and I use the 35mm for my 1/2 ton Chevy. I believe my buddies 1/2 ton Dodge might have used the 35 also, I don’t remember. 15mm and below I almost always use 3/8 drive but like others have said, they came with the set.

 

[f121]

It kinda depends what other tools you own/carry.

Definitely 16-32mm in 1/2", with a longer handled ratchet than the normal 1/2 one.

If it's your only set, 10-32mm is useful, but if you have 3/8" as well, then that's used more below about 19mm. I typically only use 1/2" below 13mm if I want to snap the fastner because it's seized.

 

[Mr_B]

Really depends on money want spend .
you could get away with 13 to 24 and buy singles of bigger useful sizes, always find singles cheap if keep looking .
Lager sizes in 12pt not bad idea .
If it was me I buy best deal on set covering closest to 12-24 12-32 then fill in with singles on common large sizes. that can be done really cheap these days and decent enough quality .
reality is it that cheap these days no need cut to short on sizes and covering up to 38mm will be useful for something even if not turning a nut .

 

[jgromada]

Seems like some of these larger sizes are more easily obtained in an impact socket. Even if you don't have an impact wrench these larger sizes will work fine on a ratchet wrench as well.

If you can find a $25 set like tomwil suggested, jump on that. Hell i would buy it if i came across it in my HD and i already have a ton of sockets!

Tekton used to have this really cool bar chart that showed all the range of sockets they made in each drive size and how they overlapped etc. Sadly i cannot find that to show you.

 

[Darryl2]

Every thing that fits on the Hansen Socket Holders! That way you can easily scan and see what is missing. This pic is a few years old, I have since bought all of the remaining oddball sizes to fill EVERY PEG!

 

[Nineeightyone]

I believe my HF set goes 10mm-24mm, then has some larger sizes like 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 30mm, 32mm. I bought singles to fill in the gaps, though I need to pick up an impact 12 point 32mm for my axle nuts -- some aftermarket options are 6 point, some are 12 point, and I don't think I have any more 6 point nuts around.

 

[BK13]

Depends what you work on. I had to get a 36mm socket to change the canister oil filter on a Volvo S40. I certainly didn't need 3/4" drive to remove a plastic cap...

I know you said you're good with ratchets and breaker bars, but pick yourself up a long flex-head ratchet. I have a Kobalt 24" and an HF 18" and I haven't touched a breaker bar since I picked them up.

 

[Ign]

Yeah I'd try for 10 to 36.

Being it's 1/2" dr you could probably get away with 13 to 36.

If you work on Toys you want a 12mm though LOL

 

[_Riddle]

I rarely use anything over 24mm but I do use 32 and 36 for oil filter housings on VW and BMW. Also use 27mm for motorcycle axle nuts and other car suspension components.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

10mm-32mm would get my vote. Should cover pretty much everything for DIY work. You can always add a bigger size/s down the road if need to.

Every thing that fits on the Hansen Socket Holders! That way you can easily scan and see what is missing. This pic is a few years old, I have since bought all of the remaining oddball sizes to fill EVERY PEG!

Nice having all the pegs on my Hansen trays full. I know when a socket is missing with just a glance. Sometimes I just carry the whole tray with extensions and drive tools between the rows right to the job i'm working on. I do have a 30, 32, and 36 shallow chrome that have to sit next to the rail since they don't go that big.

 

[anndel]

I have 12-38mm. Most times the 12 can be loosened/tightened with the 3/8" ratchet.

 

[plinker]

My 1/2" sockets go from 10-36mm. I don't think I've ever used the 10-16mm; thats what 3/8" drive is for. But they came in the set, so I have them.

Anything under 17mm or so can be handled with 3/8" drive.

You guys must not have to deal with much rust or older vehicles.
It's not uncommon to need a 15mm with a long 1/2dr ratchet to remove caliper bracket bolts and such up here.

 

[ajchien]

Hi,
I'm a DIY guy (not a professional mechanic) who is interested in buying a good 1/2" drive 6-point metric socket set. I own a good (old) craftsman 1/2" ratchet, breaker bars, extensions - so I'm most interested in the sockets. I already have relatively complete 1/4" and 3/8" sets, and a fairly complete set of 1/2" SAE shallow & deep sockets (several of these are 12-point).

I see that different manufacturers offer 1/2" sets with various ranges. Common sets are 10-24mm, but I also see 13-24mm, 10-32mm, 10-38mm, 19-38mm, etc.

I'm planning to buy a good bang-for-the-buck set - like either Tekton, GW, DeWalt, or ? (currently leaning towards Tekton's newer 84-piece 6-point 1/2" set that has shallow and deep sockets from 10-32mm based on reviews and reading postings on this website).

So my question is: For a 1/2", what ranges do you recommend? How useful are the 1/2" 10-12mm or 25-32mm sockets? Are they worth buying? What about 33-38mm? I won't be working on any tractors or larger trucks. Just a few cars and household projects.

Thanks.

Also a DIY guy.

I would like a set to be 10-22mm. It’s not that the sockets need to be stronger at the smaller range, It’s just sometimes the extra 2” length of your 1/2” ratchet compared to a 3/8 ratchet gives you the leverage needed on a 10 or 12mm head to loosen a bolt with ease, verses pulling hard wondering if you’re going to bust a knuckle. Alternatively you could buy a longer handled 3/8 ratchet. It’s rare that I’ve needed to go past 22mm. Axle nuts, but then, I just buy a few singles of the sizes I needed.

Edit: I forgot, I have replaced a few knock sensors, I think they were 27mm.

 

[Professional Tool User]

10 to 24 mm should be sufficient for most uses. If you go up to 32 mm, there's still some axle nut sizes that re not covered, so it might make sense to grab a second set.

 

[jobo1004]

I'd recommend a set up to 32mm and add larger axle nut sizes as needed. I also wouldn't bother with chrome sockets in 1/2" drive unless you think you'll never get an impact (pneumatic or electric).

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I always felt 1/2 drive socket sets were incredibly stupid with the size range. For example, my metric impact set starts at 10mm. I also have 1/4 and 3/8 in that size. And if my life depended on it I can't think of an instance when I would need an impact gun for a 10mm bolt or nut. If I need a 10mm socket, I'd go with 3/8, or maybe even 1/4 inch sockets and a hand ratchet, not an impact socket and impact gun. I'm sure they do it this way to include more sockets in the set and make it seem like you're getting a better deal, but all you're getting is **** you don't need, and paying for the privilege.

 

[rijndael]

If I grab my 1/2" socket rail for a job, and find a 10mm bolt in the process, I'm generally glad I don't have to go back and get the 3/8" (or 1/4") socket and ratchet.

It may not be my first choice, but it's often handy.

 

[rijndael]

10 to 24 mm should be sufficient for most uses.

I agree, but I'd add in a 27mm. I'm finding a lot 27mm castle nuts on suspensions these days, usually on Moog part.

 

[paulsomlo]

I always felt 1/2 drive socket sets were incredibly stupid with the size range. For example, my metric impact set starts at 10mm. I also have 1/4 and 3/8 in that size. And if my life depended on it I can't think of an instance when I would need an impact gun for a 10mm bolt or nut. If I need a 10mm socket, I'd go with 3/8, or maybe even 1/4 inch sockets and a hand ratchet, not an impact socket and impact gun. I'm sure they do it this way to include more sockets in the set and make it seem like you're getting a better deal, but all you're getting is **** you don't need, and paying for the privilege.

Yep - a few years ago, I bought a set of 1/2" SK impact sockets, shallow and deep. The shallow ones start at 8mm. In my mind, that's 1/4" drive territory - I can't see any reason why I would use 8 or 10mm in 1/2" drive.

 

[Kent_B]

All my 1/2" drive metric sockets are impacts. 10mm - 32mm (axle nuts) The shallow sockets are Snap-On from back when I drank the Kool-aid and the deeps are Tekton.

Both brands work just fine.

 

[db55]

Thanks to all for your responses! My decisions just got easier. I'm going with small (whatever the set offers will be fine) to 24mm for both shallow and deep and then add singles for anything larger (probably will immediately buy a shallow 27 and wait to buy anything else). I doubt that I'll ever need 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 31 - and I may never need 30 or 32. Will probably buy from Tekton and DeWalt - both look like good value.

 

[visionguru]

Depends what you work on. I had to get a 36mm socket to change the canister oil filter on a Volvo S40. ...

You need a 3/8" 36mm oil filter socket, not 1/2" 36mm chrome:

because you might want to torque it to about 15 ft-lb ish. Most 1/2" torque wrenches are not suitable. My Audi has 36mm nut on the oil filter canister too.

I think 10-24mm for 1/2" chrome is sufficient for DIY. Anything larger, I want impact with impact sockets.

 

[BK13]

You need a 3/8" 36mm oil filter socket, not 1/2" 36mm chrome:

because you might want to torque it to about 15 ft-lb ish. Most 1/2" torque wrenches are not suitable. My Audi has 36mm nut on the oil filter canister too.

I think 10-24mm for 1/2" chrome is sufficient for DIY. Anything larger, I want impact with impact sockets.

Yeah, probably. But that would require a little bit of planning, and my first change was an "I need it done now!!!" situation. But that is no longer my problem.

 

[Mr_B]

Going up to 32 or 36mm easy do these days as plenty options and it cheap.
deffo want 32mm and going to 36mm wouldn't hurt your wallet .
When yo can get the pretty decent large coverage taiwan socket sets for likes of 2 or 3 bucks a socket don't think about it too much just buy best coverage value deal you can find and if doesn't go beyond 24mm buy few bigger singles .
30 32 34 36 are pretty common sizes .

 

[theoldwizard1]

My 1/2" drive sockets have now been stored in the back of the bottom drawer of my roll-away, because they get used so infrequently.

IMHO, <15mm (<9/16") are pretty useless in 1/2" drive. You are likely too round off the heard or break the bolt even using a standard ratchet.

On the other hand, going up to about 38mm (1.5") can be useful, especially for axle nuts.

 

[7avalon7]

Every thing that fits on the Hansen Socket Holders! That way you can easily scan and see what is missing. This pic is a few years old, I have since bought all of the remaining oddball sizes to fill EVERY PEG!

That is very cool. I just bought some Hansen, and aim to fill every peg (slowly - this can get expensive haha). I currently have every sockets that I need, and even have doubles for sizes that I often used.

Just like OP, I am just DIY guy.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Related question:

My 1/2 drive socket set caps out at 25mm/1" because of the rule of thumb not to more than double the drive size. But from the responses above it seems useful to have larger 1/2 drive sockets maybe up to 38mm ; 1 1/2"

I currently have shallow and deep sockets in 1/2 drive up to 25mm but would prefer to get a single set for these larger sizes for space considerations.

Would it make the most sense to get a deep, shallow or midlength (assuming someone makes them in mid) for the super big 1/2 drive sockets greater than 25mm?

My instinct is to go either Mid or Deep because if you're that large of a fastener, you probably don't have clearance issues.

 

[BrandoJames]

For a 1/2" socket set, go with impact sockets. That way you don't have to buy a separate set for a 1/2" impact wrench. I only have impact sockets for 1/2", chrome sockets for 3/8" and 1/4".

At a minimum, make sure your range is from 10--21mm with no skips. All the brands you mentioned are fine.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

DIYer also and have a 1/2 drive set that I use more than my 3/8 set. Usually I use 1/4 or 1/2 before 3/8. I have shallow and deep in both metric and SAE in 1/4 and 1/2 and only shallow in 3/8. Growing up working on farm equipment my dad always used a SAE 1/2 drive and 1/4 drive because of the overlap. The only reason he bought a 3/8 drive ratchet and socket set was to get a metric set of sockets for working on cars in the late 70s when the big 3 were slowly converting to metric and a 3/8 drive set covered most of the common sizes on a car at that time.

 

[CJM8515]

got 10-32 in shallow and deep chrome and impact,also sae sizes. Also got a 36 and 38mm and some larger sae sizes but not much. dont use it enough.

 

[paulsomlo]

For a 1/2" socket set, go with impact sockets. That way you don't have to buy a separate set for a 1/2" impact wrench. I only have impact sockets for 1/2", chrome sockets for 3/8" and 1/4".

At a minimum, make sure your range is from 10--21mm with no skips. All the brands you mentioned are fine.

Agreed - if I had to do it over, I would go with impact in 1/2", rather than chrome. In fact, I still don't own a set of chrome deep metric in 1/2" drive, just my impact sockets. Especially if you think you're going to end up buying a 1/2" impact gun. You can always get chrome ones later, if you run into problems with wall thickness.