working limits for varioud socket drive sizes?

[trainer]

In another thread, somebody mentioned that they couldn't find a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench that goes over 250 ft-lbs.

Without getting into brand loyalty, does anyone know the practical or safe torque limits for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 drive tools in general?

 

[Wakefield]

There is a chart in a Wright Tool catalog-might be on their website probably a good bit of overlap Chart is for drive size to socket mouth size,doesn't give torque limit.

looks like 1" drive over about 38mm. socket size
3/4" drive over about 28mm. or about 1 and 1/8" socket size
1/2" under about 20 mm. or possibly starting at 9/16" or 15 mm.
3/8"over about 11 mm. 1/4" drive up to 10 mm. ?

says "Extremely high torque may require an even larger drive size than indicated."

 

[nicksnothereman]

In another thread, somebody mentioned that they couldn't find a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench that goes over 250 ft-lbs.

Without getting into brand loyalty, does anyone know the practical or safe torque limits for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 drive tools in general?

You mean sockets and wrenches? Yeah, that's gonna vary. You can't just slap any socket (even the "professional" ones) on a torque wrench in the right size and it will take that torque. Honestly, with (what I consider) heavy torque I just use impact grade sockets; I'm not made of money. The highest I go on ANY regular cr-v socket is 50 ft/lbs. both 1/2 and 3/8, I don't use 1/4 a lot, my limit on 1/4 would be around 30-40 depending on the type of socket; less if it's a bit socket.

These aren't fixed quantities or known knowns they are arbitrary limits I set for myself. The reason being that I usually have something else that can take the torque I'm applying so it makes no sense to actually waste a socket to find it's limit. Even if you're a tool truck guy, it makes no sense because you can't get a replacement 24 hours a day (if that socket was the only solution you had/have). This is probably why I don't even break cheap tools; my limits are low.

 

[abvw]

My rule of thumb (automotive usage): 1/4" for M3-M8 fasteners, 3/8" M10-M16 and as for 1/2", minimum hex head size of 14mm, the 3/4" only comes out vs Honda crank pulleys (or what my 2135ti can't bust loose).

Drive size too big will shear off the head before turning the shank, especially when rust is a part of the equation.. I stopped using 3/8" on body panels/trim/bracket fasteners. I have no problem shearing/busting ratchets, I have plenty of replacements (and repair kits)... a single sheared bolt can means few hours of set back.

 

[roalco]

In another thread, somebody mentioned that they couldn't find a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench that goes over 250 ft-lbs.
?

I've got an old "Storm" 1/2" female drive dial torque wrench that goes to 450 ftlbs...

 

[abvw]

You mean sockets and wrenches? Yeah, that's gonna vary. You can't just slap any socket (even the "professional" ones) on a torque wrench in the right size and it will take that torque. Honestly, with (what I consider) heavy torque I just use impact grade sockets;

I've loosened lug nuts with my 3/8" ratchets, by stepping on them (I weigh 150lbs), leaned and hanged all my weight on a 1/4" ratchet but my sockets are holding up just fine

Please get your facts straight

Chrome sockets are:
· harder than impact sockets; designed to be used with hand tools (constant torque).
· more brittle than impact sockets; they WILL shatter when used with an impact (just a matter of when)
· thinner than impact sockets, provides better access.
· chrome vanadium

Impact sockets are:
· softer than chrome sockets; so they can withstand 1000s of hammering every minute from impact tools. If constant torque is applied, they WILL deform/twist.
· thicker to withstand hammering
· chrome molybdenum, I do not buy CR-V impacts.

Both sockets are harder than the fasteners you're trying to turn, I've had more square drive tangs shearing off than sockets cracking. They are to me, completely different tools, and I do not use them interchangeably.

 

[jeejay]

...does anyone know the practical or safe torque limits for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 drive tools in general?

In foot pounds:
1/4 = 50
3/8 = 180
1/2 = 425
3/4 = 1300
1" = 2925

Approximate maximums, based on inch pound values given here: http://www.fasnetdirect.com/refguide/Socketshexkeys.pdf

In another thread, somebody mentioned that they couldn't find a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench that goes over 250 ft-lbs.

I think torque wrenches tend to be about half that relative to drive size to account for longer extensions being used (whereas the higher values are rated for 1-inch lengths at 90% of what would twist a given thickness). The torsional shear average is higher, so people can get away with overtorquing on their drives, but as far as transmitting axial tension it won't be as effective.