which size drive?

[ajchien]

When you you guys use 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive sets? Is it the bolt size, or torque expectations? both?

 

[dsaabm]

For me the deciding factor is usually access. I normally use my 3/8" flex snapon ratchet or a 3/8 battery impact all day, but if the bolt is in a tight spot, or say smaller than 12/10mm, I grab a 1/4" ratchet/extention combo. I'll grab a 1/2" setup if I see my 3/8" flexing/ bolt is larger than 19mm.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Combination of both....
The drive size is usally the same as the bolt size, if that makes snense....usually use 1/4 drive for 5/16 and smaller, 3/8 drive for thread sizes 3/8 up 1/2, then 1/2 drive for anything over 1/2 thread.
Edit: as above - access is a big factor, too

 

[mrholeshot]

Mostly about access. To many variables to pin it down

 

[vc-onthepc]

I like the lightest one to get the job done. Youd be surprised just how much you can do with a 1/4 inch ratchet .

 

[Ed_EOD]

I like how versitile a 3/8 set is. I can remove just about any nut, bolt, fastener, etc on a car (with the exception of high torque stuff) with my 3/8 set. I rarely use 1/4 anymore since I got my Wright 3/8 in a 1/4 body and a Snap-On 3/8 stubby.

 

[billymade]

This chart is kind of interesting; it comes from Wright tools safety progrm:

This interesting guide is a adhesive backed "sticker" to help you choose the correct drive/socket size based upon what size fastener you are dealing with.

You can order the safety dvd/kit for free: http://www.wrighttool.com/safety/

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I use what is most comfortable and appropriate by my own measure. While i use my 1/4" stuff a lot (up to 16mm) sometimes it won't do what i need, such as when working on brake or engine mounts among other applications. On the flipside there are times where i'll use a 1/4" over a 3/8" because it's more comfortable even though there's enough room for a larger ratchet. 1/2" doesn't get used that much outside the impact gun for wheels and heavier powertrain/drivetrain/suspension/etc work.

My 3/8" sockets go up to 24mm, but sometimes i need a 1/2" ratchet to loosen a 15mm bolt.

Infinite variability.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I recently had to buy a 3/4" set for one job. 340 ft-lbs of torque on a 1-1/4" nut.

 

[1969]

Mostly about access. To many variables to pin it down

Alot of truth there ! Key word...variables.

 

[klhitman]

This chart is kind interesting; it comes from Wright tools safety progrm:


This interesting guide is a adhesive backed "sticker" to help you choose the correct drive/socket size based upon what size fastener you are dealing with.

You can order the safety dvd/kit for free: http://www.wrighttool.com/safety/

ok so its free. how many of you all will order after reading this? i know i will for the chart!

 

[crewchief888]

most of my work on construction eq is with 3/8" dr.
next (for me anyway) is 1/4" dr, for those places a 3/8" dr socket wont fit.
i have a couple of recurring jobs, that there is no clearance for a 3/8" dr allen bit, 1/4" dr is the fastest and easiest.

a lot of my work is "wrench work", hoses, tubelines, 90 degree fittings.

even on my own home projects, i grab 3/8 dr before anything else.

 

[Fedwrench]

Access, material the fastener secures (plastic, aluminum or steel), how tight is it or does it half to be?, and which tool do I feel like using are all factors for me.

 

[Beerman]

I try to use 1/4 first, 3/8 if I have to and 1/2 only if absolutely necessary. I find the smaller the tool that can safely do the job, the better.



Beerman

 

[bmxr4life87]

I use 3/8 about 75% of the time and mainly 1/4 inside with 1/2 reserved for heavy stuff I also have long flex head ratchets in all 3 sizes plus multiple others versatility is the key plus a large overlap in socket sizes I have up to 15mm in 1/4 and down to 10mm in 1/2 so its really any size I want

 

[Cumminst100]

I use 1/4 inch the most even when I should probably use 3/8.

 

[RLRRLRLL]

I use 3/8 most of the time, if it looks like it could break, or is small, i use 1/4, if its to big for my 3/8 sockets, or really tight, i break out the 1/2 stuff.

 

[sselander]

the Wright bolt sizing chart is on page 351 in their catalog if you want to print it

http://www.wrighttool.com/online_catalog.asp