When to use 1/4" drive

[gokblok]

Hi guys. Joined the forum specifically about this question, since I did a google search and nothing helpful came up other than a different thread on this site about 1/4" impact sockets.

At any rate. I was just wondering what the advantage or reason for using 1/4" drive sockets was. I have pretty much all the same sizes in my 3/8" set as I do in my 1/4" set, so I find myself not really reaching for the smaller drive. Is there a situation where I SHOULD be, or where it's advantageous?

Thanks guys.

 

[matthew]

1/4" tools tend to be a little bit smaller, so they get used where clearance is an issue. Also, the shorter handles and smaller size makes them less prone to overtightening, so they're also used where that's a risk. On cars the dashboard and trim are probably the most common applications. And in aviation the 1/4" drive size is the most commonly used.

Personally I prefer my 1/4" stuff as my go-to choice. Partly because my Dad taught me that way...

 

[rebrewer]

I find I can fit the smaller diameter sockets and extensions in more places. In some body shops 1/4" drive is the standard.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

First off, welcome to GJ, and the Atlanta area contingent of it.

As far as when to use 1/4 drive, it all depends on torque, access, and simply what you are doing. If you are working under an instrument panel or dash, you probably will need the quarter drive, small socket sizes and need a compact ratchet that you have swing room for. I use a quarter drive for alot of engine work, small (8mm & 10mm) bolt heads on brackets and such, super long extension to reach hose clamps in tight locations, etc.

You just have to size up the job and select the best tool to do it with.

Charles

 

[Hiball]

I dont use alot of 1/4" drive tools but if i could find a 1/8" drive tool set i'd buy it in a heartbeat.. A man can never have enough tools.. LOL

Welcome to GJ and i concur with the Other members suggestions, If space is tight and torque is Low, 1/4" is the way to go.

 

[gokblok]

That totally makes sense. And that's really all I've used it for, when I couldn't fit my 3/8" to swing. I also used it in situations (like dash screws and rear seat bracket bolts when I was doing a stereo project) where I felt like I would've overtightened them. Glad to know my intuition was right.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm sort of just beginning to get my hands dirty, as I was always interested in cars and building things, but was afraid that I would break something or get something apart I couldn't put back together. I'm sure I'll be here quite a bit.

Thanks guys.

 

[greasemonkey44]

^ they nailed it
you use 1/4 for smaller fastners; and when access is a problem
if you are working on modern cars these are the two biggest problems
i use 1/4 alot; there are hundreds of 13 and 10 mil on every car it seems

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I use 1/4" drive all the time, and prefer to when I can get away with it. I even use the 1/8" drive stuff when dealing with REALLY delicate stuff, like the carburetors on my outboard or those maddening little nuts and bolts found on electronic stuff.

Having a tendency to overtorque things, I try to use the smallest tools that I can get by with on a given job.

 

[Lomotil]

I even use the 1/8" drive stuff when dealing with REALLY delicate stuff, like the carburetors on my outboard or those maddening little nuts and bolts found on electronic stuff.

Can you post a link to this 1/8" drive you use? I'd never heard of such a thing until now...

Oh, and +1 to all the folks that mentioned interior work on vehicles... It's also a great size to take to the pick-n-pull places when you are looking for smaller parts, especially when it's a huge lot, and you want to haul as many sizes as possible, while cutting down on weight.

 

[balane]

For me personally I always start with the smallest/lightest tool I can and then work my way up if it isn't cutting it. It's easy to predict if the 1/4" drive tool will not work and then go straight to 3/8" drive or even larger if needed. But, for me, the smaller and lighter I can use the better. Less fatigue and greater speed from increased maneuverability are my reasons.

 

[shampoop]

Typically I use my 1/4" drive ratchet up to 14mm, but i'll also use my 3/8" down to 10mm. Which size I choose in those overlapping sizes all depends on the specific circumstances. If i'm in the engine bay, i'll most likely be using 3/8 in those sizes because it's what i'll be using anyway. If it's in the interior, i'll most likely be using the 1/4" because that's what I'll be using most anyway.

 

[xurusaibobx]

i find me self using both 1/4 and 3/8 while working on cars. sometimes i need both a deep and short socket thats when i bust out the 1/4inch. or when i have to use extensions i use my 1/4 set first since its lighter to handle and get around areas. 1/4in flex head Snap on ratchet makes a world of difference too! more leverage

 

[earlthegoat2]

Just yesterday I was taking the shroud off of a Kohler V-twin. Seemed like a job 3/8 could handle since it was 10 and 12mm bolt heads. Clearances got a little tighter though and I needed sockets which were shorter.

1/4 drive came out.

 

[durallymax]

I use my 1/4 drive tools often, im always reaching for the smallest tool to do the job. Having a long flex handle 1/4" ratchet makes things nice and compact but still provides the torque.

As for impact, a 1/4" will provide much less overtorqueing as well if that is a concern.

 

[jwitt]

When I wrenched for a living I mainly did motorcycles & small equipment. I would guess that I used 1/4" drive about 60-75% of the time.

Jim

 

[Scout Driver]

Dashboards, interiors, distributors, small engines, toys that are "assembly required" etc....

Scott

 

[gj67stang]

I even use the 1/8" drive stuff when dealing with REALLY delicate stuff, like the carburetors on my outboard or those maddening little nuts and bolts found on electronic stuff.

Can you post a link to this 1/8" drive you use? I'd never heard of such a thing until now...

Snap-On General Service Set, 6-Point, 1/8" Drive

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I tend to use 1/4" with my motorcycles because it's easier and less likely to over torque a bolt and what not. 1/4" on the interior of my car. I tend to use 3/8" on the exterior of my car's bigger parts and then ultimitely 1/2" on suspension ..etc.


-Nigel

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't have nut drivers, so I use my 1/4" drive sockets with a screwdriver style drive handle as if they were nut drivers. My old Craftsman 1/4" drive handle has a 1/4" female on the end of the handle, so if need a bit more torque, I just put my 1/4" breaker bar on it.

I don't have a 1/4" ratchet, but do occasionally use my 3/8" to 1/4" adapter with a 3/8" ratchet. Lately, I have been getting "smarter" (lazier) and have been using my Black & Decker electric screwdriver with a 1/4" hex to 1/4" square adapter if I have any more than a couple of fasteners to remove.

1/4" is extremely useful on small engines (lawn mowers, etc.) and home appliance.

 

[Davo3]

With the exception of the 5/8" nuts fastening the entire control assembly to the enclosure, I use 1/4" drive or screw sticks exclusively... but I work with stuff that just has to handle electrical energy, not mechanical.

 

[Wakefield]

Wee little flex sockets like TMUSM10 or TUAM6 (has hex bit) get into little tight places that bigger sockets can't fit when used with screwdriver type handle or Barbie's breaker bar.

 

[malibu101]

I don't have nut drivers, so I use my 1/4" drive sockets with a screwdriver style drive handle as if they were nut drivers. My old Craftsman 1/4" drive handle has a 1/4" female on the end of the handle, so if need a bit more torque, I just put my 1/4" breaker bar on it.

I have a full set of Klien nutdrivers in both SAE and metric. However 99% of the time I too grab my 1/4" drive socket set and a driver handle to use as a nutdrivers.

 

[malibu101]

........Barbie's breaker bar.

I like that.
I think that the literal idea of a 1/4" drive breaker bar is quite silly too.
But if you really need breaker bar on a fastener that small, just grab a 3/8" ratchet.
Granted all tools are good and it can have a certain uses at time due to its adjustability.

 

[franzdom]

Small breaker bar is more useful to me than a spin head ratchet, break it then use as a nut driver.

 

[Gareth68]

I use 1/4 drive for everything I can. I step up to 3/8 when necessary, and 1/2 if that doesn't work.

Usually when using 3/8 drive I choke up on it to keep torque down when tightening.

Of course, that is for hand work. When the air tools come out it is 3/8 and 1/2 all the way.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Can't remember the last time I got my 1/4" set out. 3/8" and a thumbwheel is more useful than 1/4" stuff for me.

 

[luvit]

Can't remember the last time I got my 1/4" set out. 3/8" and a thumbwheel is more useful than 1/4" stuff for me.

thanks for this post. i'm handy, but i'm no tool expert. a thumbwheel is what i'll be adding to my drawer, next.
i have a pretty typical set of 1/4" SAE & metric

 

[Krokodil]

1/4" is also my first go-to. After that it is 1/2"!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I use my 1/4" drive as much as I can get away with up to 5/8" and 15mm. Mostly around the house and some light car work on the inside or even changing a battery in most cars. I use a Matco 8" ratchet most of the time unless I need one on my flex heads or my shorter SO for the real small sizes. I also have a 1/4" square drive insert I can slip in my Kobalt 3/8" flex head Pass Thru ratchet if wanted.

 

[2oolhound]

There was a thread started here a year or so ago - basically it indicated there were no 3/8 sizes in Europe, just 1/4 and 1/2 drives.

 

[2fat2fly]

As an aircraft mechanic with 22+ years in the industry can tell you I use 1/4" drive stuff 99% of the time at work.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

There was a thread started here a year or so ago - basically it indicated there were no 3/8 sizes in Europe, just 1/4 and 1/2 drives.

I noticed that when I was looking at Facom stuff, which always struck me as a bit weird...3/8" is a great size that straddles a lot of the commonly-seen stuff (at least here in the States), but most of the EU stuff was centered around 1/4" sets, or 1/4" - 1/2" combo sets, with 3/8" hardly to be found.

 

[Davi]

Funny enough I was wanting to ask this exact question but was gonna wait till after I'd been to college in case they told me.

3/8's aren't that uncommon in England, in fact I bought this set a month or two ago
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p...ic-socket-/path/socket-sets-sockets-tool-sets

next will be the 1/4dr then 1/2dr sets I'll be buying along with a breaker bar of the corresponding size.