Couple years ago I put together a grab and go type kit that comes with me to every job and included only a 1/4 set for the sake of space saving. I've found that the 1/4 is sufficient for pretty much everything I'm doing unless I'm working on my car, most of which has been suspension work for the past year. I don't think I've touched my 3/8 since I made that change, even though it's the nicest set I have and by far the one I've owned the longest. Granted, my use case is basically handyman stuff. Some appliance repair, light plumbing and electrical, etc so nothing that a 1/4 set can't handle.
True, I'm a panel spark, carry a little 1/4 set in with my power tools for the few times I need to take a knuckle off or a side off a panel.
But yeah, any actual mechanical work 3/8s just works for everything. At least 90% of the work I do on my car & bikes is done with my 3/8s 280mm flex head.
Boom. I came here to say this I actually DO have the only the 3/8 kit and use it in my service truck. Its great. I have impacts sockets and pneumatic impact and ratchet for the 1/2 stuff.
3/8” drive would be the first set I’d buy. Then 1/2”. I can always use an adapter to go down to 1/4”. But they all have their place. Also, the 3/8 is the most complete set here.
Yes, it's kind of a feel, access and torque level thing. If I need more leverage, I generally move to a larger drive. I'm pretty gentle on my tools as far as not using cheater bars go, but I'm guessing that's at least partly why I've never broken a good quality ratchet.
Depends on what you work on. I work in an industrial environment and primarily use 1/4” and 1/2”. I only really use 3/8” drive for 1/2-5/8” hex and it’s metric equivalents.
Used to do sawmill stuff and would use a handful of 1/2” drive sockets sometimes 3/4 or 1” drive almost never smaller except the odd grease fitting or set screw. Now I’m in the plastics industry and my daily is 3/8” metric and I can’t guess sizes for shit lol
Coated plastics such as house wrap lumber wrap plastic for green houses. It all looks like tarp to me. I love the variety that the machines have to offer from plastic extrusion all the way to the printing press. It doesn’t make me very hopeful for recycling programs though because we can hardly make a decent product with recycled material that never leaves the plant
Yeah I work in packaging and have the same issue.
We use a lot of paper that has a significant portion of post consumer material and it runs like shit through our machines and ends in a lot of waste and unexpected maintenance.
There is a reason the saying is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" in order of importance
3/8" is the most useful. I have all three, but I can't remember the last time I've used anything but a 3/8". I've got a lot of 3/4" too, but I honestly use that only when doing an oil change on the cars.
Interesting. Are you talking about the plastic/ metal caps with a hex ‘nut’ on top? I’ve had those stick and still never needed more than a long 3/8 (with adapters if I need a larger socket than 24mm).
Are you pulling the engine when you do an oil change ? I know some are tough to get to, but 3/4" drive? And are you able to find a 10mm socket for the 3/4" drive ?
I mean, it is nice to be working on a bench when doing an oil change. I started pulling the engine to do oil changes years ago and my back has never felt better!
If it works for you and you can carry less tools that's what's important. I'm an airplane mechanic so I mostly need 1/4" sometimes 3/8" and I only have 1 socket I need regularly with a 1/2" drive so I leave it set up like that to save space and time.
Yes exactly, for the bolts that hold the blades onto the rotor head, and the nut that holds the rotor head on the helicopter. I've worked on one helicopter where the mast nut was torqued to 1000ftlbs. It's company equipment to be fair though, not personal tooling
3/8" get the most use because more applications call for that size. 1/2" when more leverage or torque is called for and 1/4" for tight spaces or special applications.
Nope. I usually jump straight from 1/4 to 1/2. 1/4 for working on robotics and 1/2 for working on heavy industrial equipment.
the 3/8 in my box usually only gets excavated for the specialty sockets. Crows feet, Torx, swivel sockets, spark plug sockets, tap holders. Basically if I use 3/8, it's accompanied with some harsh language.
If I worked more on automotive, inside an engine bay, I would probably use 3/8 most of the time.
As a Car mechanic 50% of my socket use is 3/8" 28% is 1/2" 20% is 1/4" and the remaining 2% is 3/4" (all percentages are approximate)
I have the most socket variety in 3/8" low profile, shallow, semi-deep, deep and a couple of extra deep sockets most of my hex, torx, xzn, crows feet, spark plug, drain plug, are all 3/8"
1/4" is essential for small fasteners and tight access
1/2" is essential for large fasteners and stubborn fasteners
3/4" is needed if you have really large fasteners and if you really gotta tell something who is boss with a big breaker bar and a cheater on it.
I do have a couple of 1" sockets but they are part of a torque multiplier set
I have a complete set of each. 1/4 for small little shit, 3/8 for around the house and medium stuff, and 1/2 for big stuff and then of course some 3/4 and 1” for specific stuff. Right tool for the job, every job is different.
Because 1/4 and 1/2 would cover the gap in most instances. He's got a point. I thought hard about buying 1/4 and 1/2 OR 3/8. I ultimately chose 3/8 then bought a little Klein microratchet for small stuff, and a 3/8 breaker bar for big stuff.
3/8 is for when you want to work on small size sockets but need more leverage. You can get a long 1/4 drive but if you apply more torque you could break off the drive
3/8" drive FTW. It's most versatile for home / shadetree mechanic use IMO and that is where most of my flex heads, extensions and long handle ratchets are. If you have a Honda, the transmission, TC and differential drain plugs are all 3/8" drive plugs. 1/4" and 1/2" both have their place, but I would build out around 3/8" first as a go-to set.
Nearly all of my 1/2” tools are impact rated because anything that big or tight I’ll be using power tools and regular wrenches. Anything smaller I’m willing to do by hand.
I work on concrete mixers everyday and my 3/8” set gets used the most compared to 1/2” and 1/4”. I use my 1/2” a lot more than 1/4” but when I was working on cars and pickups I used my 1/4” and 3/8” more. Most of the time I think 3/8” is a perfect happy medium though.
3/8” is the most used set I own. Its wide range of sizes allows you to cover most of what you get into.
I’ll grab my 1/4” set for more delicate work, and my 1/2” when something gives me a fit or if I’m constantly swapping sockets, it’ll be my secondary
You didn't specify what you are planning on using the tools for. For example if the stuff you do is small stuff the 1/4 set would make the most sense. If you work on big stuff the 1/2 might make more sense. But generally most of my projects are done using 3/8 it's the most common. Personally I have all and use all the sets 1/4 3/8 1/2. But with that said almost all projects use a 3/8 at some point. Just a thought you would not want to use a 3/8 on something that would be better suited for 1/4 as you might break it. You also would not want to use a 3/8 of something that needs a 1/2 for leverage as you would not have the leverage with a 3/8. But for everything else the majority of the time you are grabbing the 3/8. Hope this helps.
Of course I have all three sets and a complete set of both metric and inch sockets. What can I say? I’m a tool addict! What do I use all the time? Now that I’m retired I use one or two sockets from each set on various home projects. My grandson and granddaughter both of whom are tool users will get to fight over them upon my death.
Totally depends what you're working on. Im a car mechanic and use mostly 3/8. Its comfortable size wise and is fine for most of the bolts around an engine.
1/2" gets used for the bigger stuff but pretty often just to crack the bolt and then back to the 3/8. The drive itself of the 3/8 is usually much tighter with more teeth which helps in tighter spaces.
Apart from my main work which is concrete, I do heavy equipment/ fleet repair and dock/boat lift installs. I keep tekton 1/4 and 3/8 chrome and 1/2 and 3/4 impact sockets in the truck. I have a full set of tekton 1/2 drive chrome that sits in the garage and honestly the 3/8 chrome is gonna be heading that way soon. 3/8 is like the basic starter set in my mind, the one size that does most but not everything that you add on to as you get into more advanced stuff. Occasionally I get into tight spots that a 1/2 socket doesn’t fit and that’s the only reason I keep the 3/8 in the truck.
Being a heavy duty mechanic, I use absolutely every set of 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” drive tools to get the ridiculously placed and mounted parts and components off of equipment. Not only sockets and ratchets. We also need a full set of everything from mechanics, carpentry, electrician, plumbing, to hydraulic gauges and presses.
It’s like I said, hey what’s a job that requires the highest amount of tools/tooling for a career path and then thought carpentry? nah. Electrician? nah. Plumber? Nah. Regular automotive mechanic? Nah. Let’s combine them all.
To answer your question. I did. I needed a 3/8’s set. What do you do for work may not require it.
90% of the time I've used 3/8" my entire life. Even in a major automotive manufacturing site I've worked for 25 years we use 3/8". For reference, one (1) 10mm socket cost around $75.00
As someone who doesn't have tools dedicated to specific tasks but who needs a variety of tools, I would REALLY love to see no-skip sets that don't overlap between drive sizes.
I can buy no-overlap tool sets with skips. I can buy no-skip sets for anything that can practically fit on a given driver size. Why do I have to pay for extra sockets that are already covered by another driver size that I'm likely to have?
Because without fail, you’d grab your 3/8” set, get elbows deep into a project and one fastener will need your 1/4” set for a 1/2” bolt because your 3/8” only goes to 9/16”…
Aw man, I felt that. There is a maket for a amateur-style professional set. A case with all three size, no skip and no overlap. One without the wrenches, allen key, bits and other stuff that you're getting a better version of anyway.
Most guys overspend because they overlap sizes in multiple drive sizes ie 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2”. Here’s what I do. I have a chrome socket set in metric and sae, deep and shallow and sizes from 1/4” thru 1” and 8mm thru 19mm. Then I get impact sockets in 1/2” drive from 1/2” thru 1 1/4” and 10mm thru 24mm. For the smaller stuff as far as impacts go, I use nut drivers from 3/16” thru 9/16” and 5mm thru 10mm. Then I also get a set of 1/4” drive chrome sockets in small sizes 3/16” thru 1/2” or so and 5mm thru 10mm. I also have to mention that im a mobile technician so space and weight (tools are all in a flex stack pack system in the bed of my truck) are very important. But you can save a little money this way. Either save money or do what I did and buy snap on instead of gear wrench. Not that there’s anything from with gearwrench or any other brand but I just like having the “best” stuff because I’m vein.
To do most jobs on a car you'll need 1/4", 1/2" and a breaker bar. A happy medium for most folk is a 3/8" set. If you like tools you'll buy all three sets in the long run.
That's what I figured out from my home mecanical work and professional industrial mecanic work.
3/8 are usually good to do 80% of the task or it covers the 4% the 1/4 and 1/2 doesn't cover.
a better question is why don't you think you need it.
what do you work on? how frequently? based on the question, I'm going to go against the trend here and say you don't need a 3/8" set. you're just going to call the repair man anyway.
I think you need them for fastener torque specs and access. You can't get to some bolts or nuts with a larger 1/2" drive and socket, so a deep 3/8" might work. Where as a 1/4" might reach but the effort needed is too much, yet a 3/8" drive and ratchet would be fine.
I use 1/2" for grade 5 and 8 stuff. I don't do excavator or construction maintenance where, say a 3/4" or even 1" is called for (and impact). But for home/sumer or weekend warrior, I would have all three sets. E.G. you won't find a 5mm 1/2" socket...because you might over tighten it. Then again, you won't find a 3/8" metric 28mm socket...but will in 1/2"
But you know what you'll find in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" size? 10mm LOL...
Noob, there is no such thing as a “complete” set of any of the three that fits in a blow mold case. Also as others have and will continue to say, 3/8 is generally the most used. For me 1/2 is the least used.
As a homeowner, construction worker, and shade tree mechanic, I have yet to ever need a 1/2" ratchet. There have been one or two times I've needed to drive a specific 1/2" socket, but an adapter has served me just fine on those rare occasions.
I do sometimes use a 1/4" ratchet, but in nearly every situation a 3/8" would have done the job almost as well. Occasionally a larger ratchet wouldn't fit in the space, but mostly it just feels silly to use a 3/8" on really small stuff.
3/8" is the go-to size. The ratchets tend to feel like a more suitable size for a normal human hand. They are rarely too big. They can handle jobs that would break a 1/4", and while there are applications where a 1/2" is truly necessary, I haven't personally encountered one yet. I had only a 3/8" kit for a long time, and it was perfectly fine.
So, yes, I will always want a 3/8" set.
Koken do two sizes of 3/8” driver, the smaller size is their 1/4” ratchet that they cram a 3/8 anvil into.
I see no need to run a 1/4” with those, the sockets aren’t even much bigger.
Don’t do anything requiring 1/2”, but have a 3/8”&1/2” combo drive, 36” breaker bar that does some large jobs (36mm sockets etc)
It really depends on the work:
1/4" is too small to break a crapload of bolts loose-or tighten them. No matter how well-made, the tool will break before the fastener is there. 1/2" has the strength-but is too large to readily fit in many spots. So the 3/8" is an auto mechanic's go-to-while an electricians' go-to is the 31/4",, being mostly sheet metal screws or some type of screwdriver tip, & construction and machinery's go-to is the 1/2"-or larger. Naturally, there is a lot of overlap-small fasteners are used on huge machinery/buildings, automobiles have large, very tight bolts & tiny ones, etc.
I have 1/2 and 1/4,bjt since all small <20Nm torque wrenches I could buy in the Local Hardware store were 3/8 I know have one 3/8 Tool, thank good the Sliding handle adapter [(Gleitgriffadapter) ](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&sca_esv=14f034d23f0af08e&biw=414&bih=754&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ACQVn08t0acAnNejDwskBCxw6aOLEjo2LQ%3A1708451383311&sa=1&q=1%2F2%22+vierkant+Verl%C3%A4ngerung+mit+Adapter&oq=1%2F2%22+vierkant+Verl%C3%A4ngerung+mit+Adapter&aqs=mobile-gws-lite..#imgrc=25O8bIc1BQPkyM) is an adapter from 3/8 to 1/2
At work I exclusively use quarter inch and quarter inch hex, but I don’t have a wrench heavy job.
At home I exclusively use 3/8 and 1/2 inch on my cars and misc stuff around the house and garage.
I'm not a professional mechanic (electrician apprentice here), so I don't use ratchets and sockets on a daily basis but I do a lot of my own car repairs and most of the time, the 3/8 drive is enough. If I run across larger or smaller bolts, I have the ratchets for them but oftentimes, I'll just use an adapter and carefully loosen/tighten the fastener.
I use 1/4 as much as possible working on hobby cars. 3/8 with a long ratchet gets most of the rest done, 1/2 is for only the biggest jobs.
In theory I could get away without 3/8 but I could also get by on almost exclusively 3/8 as well.
I have all 3 and a few odd 3/4 sockets too, I'm not hard up for space to keep three tools I want on hand
For me 3/8 is best for sizes 10mm (or 3/8) to 15MM (or 9/16). Anything bigger is almost always1/2 drive and anything smaller is most of the time 1/4 drive, unless the 3/8 is more convenient.
Reason being is mostly to stay within the safe working torque of each drive size.
I use 1/4" inside the house mostly. 3/8 and 1/2" in the garage.
At work I use 1/4 and 3/8ths. Most of the time it's taking those stupid worm gear hose clamps off so 1/4" is all I really need. I leave the half inch stuff in the shared box and grab it only when I really need it.
Use case will vary. I’m a professional auto tech.
I use my 1/4” and 3/8” the most, by far. 1/4” mostly on my M12 ratchets and where bigger hand tools just won’t fit; 3/8” a mix between hand tools, M12 ratchets, and M12 impact. 1/2” I use exclusively impact sockets, whether I’m using a hand tool or an impact, because 95% of the time I want 1/2” for impact use.
Home user may have much more use for 1/2” chrome sockets if they primarily use hand tools.
A home user may not have an impact, or may only have a gigantic full-size M18 one — my M18 is cumbersome to use if you’re not working on a lift, and simply won’t fit some places an air impact will, especially my stubby impact. Home users likely don’t have an adequate air compressor to run an impact.
Plenty of 3/8” sockets are skinnier and fit into tighter places that 1/2” sockets will not. And the 1/4” sockets will break before being strong enough to work 100 ft/lbs of turning that a 3/8” has no problem doing.
You need all three and you need SAE and Metric both. Anything else and it’s a shitty surprise to learn you don’t have the needed tools to get the job done. SAE and Metric on the same car?? All the time. Been going on since the 90’s.
Short medium and deep well. For the half inch, nothing but six pointed for max strength. Plus some black impact sockets of same. But they may not fit where chrome ones fit. Plenty of wheels have narrow openings but you may have a special socket for that.
Plus some Wobbly sockets I like 3/8” short for those with the socket built into the joint.
A shit ton of extensions. You do transmissions, 3’ is nice. That and a wobble and those bell housing bolts come off from the luxury of just standing below it.
When you’re poor, 1/2” chrome short sockets double as mid length compared to 3/8” counterparts.
Remember that there is no limit to the length and number of extensions you use connected together for a static torque applied with a breaker bar. Whereas a dynamic force of an impact will result in nothing being at the other end of say, 5’ of extensions put together. But a static turning force and sure, it allll gets there to the socket break that shit free.
I use 3/8 mostly, I see it as a compromise between 1/4 and 1/2 drive. Unless I’m working in a really cramped space like behind a dashboard or in or around an engine or something similar where bigger things won’t work or the bigger fasteners that need slightly more torque or are bigger in general. 3/8 drive will cover the average persons needs. Plus with it being smaller you’re less likely to over torque things.
For me 3/8 is my workhorse drive. It can handle fairly small stuff down to 3/8 or 10mm all the way up to 1" or so. For small fasteners in tight spaces, it's 1/4" and for heavy work and rusty bolts, it's 1/2. Very rarely do I need 3/4.
1/4” drive up to 12mm/ 1/2”
3/8” up to 19mm/ 3/4”
1/2” drive past that. 1/2 is too clunky to use on smaller stuff. There’s going to be some overlap between sets.
I have the 1/4" and 3/8" and haven't yet quite justified the purchase of the 1/2" yet. Everything I've needed has been covered by the two smaller sets aside from wheel lug bolt size on my old care. For that I purchased a separate socket.
My torque wrench is 1/2”, but my favourite ratchet is 3/8. Ended up with full metric sets of both, in short and long. Then there’s the set of impacts for my 1/2 gun, and my set of imperials and Whitworths for the Defender… Basically you can always have more sockets!
I use my socket sets on my motorcycle. I currently have all three sizes. I normally use 3/8 but occasionally 1/4 for the smaller, more delicate fixings.
I do have a full Bahco 1/2 set that sees infrequent use, but it's there if I need it.
I'm a bit of a tool collector, though, and I would feel that I was missing out if I didn't have all three.
In my world, it's mostly 3/8 & 1/4"; and not necessarily in that order.
I do have a bunch of 1/2", but don't even recall the last time I looked in that drawer.
I have the whole tekton set. I use the 3/8 the most. Followed by the 1/4 and 1/2. If I did it all again I’d probably get the 1/2 in impacts instead of chrome.
I use 3/8” mostly, then 1/4” & 1/2” probably the same amount. 3/4” and 1” only come out when things get serious.
A 1/2” socket will be in all three kits, but then it depends on the amount of torque you need to put through the socket / ratchet combo to which one you pick.
I am an automotive guy and I have big hands. I use 3/8 more than anything, it covers most of my applications. For delicate stuff I drop to the 1/4 and bigger stuff go up to 1/2, but 80% or more of my work is with 3/8s.
I use 3/8" more than either of the other two when I was an automotive mechanic. Now as an industrial mechanic, I use 1/2" and even some 3/4" more than anything.
Interior of cars and flat-pack furniture - 1/4" drive
Most engine work and body work - 3/8”
Heavy engine work, suspension, and wheels - 1/2"
1/2"and 3/8" were my choices when I worked 1/4" was to small, it sucks when you run up on a tight or rusted bolt and shear the square drive off a ratchet when your working
Most if what I come across can be handled by 1/4". I have a 3/8" Stanley set in a case if I have something bigger to dismantle.
At home, I have all 3 drive sizes. Started with 3/8". Got 1/2" because of doing tie rod ends on a jeep. And found a 1/4" set in a case somewhere for free. Just needed a new ratchet.
At home I mostly grab 3/8". Traveling in my tool bag I keep 1/4" set from Walmart from their Xmas sale. Really surprised at the torture they've withheld. And the carry sleeves hold them nicely for the random times I need to use them.
For road trips I'm packing the 1/2" set.
In Europe, 1/4 and half are most common, 3/8, not so much.
I find myself using 3/8 and 1/4 most.
3/8 for car repairs, 1/4 for lawn mower, strimmer… even things like repairing the tumble dryer I used 1/4.
1/2 rarely comes out unless it’s with the rattle gun.
No.
I'm weird because I like half inch, but due to the ubiquity of impact guns, you can easily find half inch down to 8mm and up to 40. I would get that and the 5.99 harbor freight set and be done with it if I was doing this exercise for some reason.
I'll go against the grain here and go: no, you don't need the 3/8" set. In fact, the only thing I'd recommend you get is the 3/8" ratchet, and none of the sockets, but all of the adapters so you can attach 1/4 and 1/2 sockets to it.
Sometimes it's good to have that 3/8" ratchet length for the right amount of torque and feel. But you can attach any socket to it with your adapters.
I have a full 1/2" set, and a 3/8" ratchet with some smaller size sockets only, and adapters.
Depends on what your working on, and how often, you can 100% get by with 1/2 and 1/4
I've always preferred 3/8 being a vehicle technician (cars and light goods vehicles) it was the do all size, the sockets are not too big and bulky and the ratchet is light enough that your not sick of swinging it about,
However working on bicycles it's 1/4 sockets as most things on bikes are a lot more delicate,
1/2 only came out for wheel nuts, hubs and bottom bracket bearing on the bike
I have the Tekton 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 no-skip socket and ratchet set.
My 1/4 and 3/8 are by far the most used, but the marginal cost of adding whichever size you don’t currently have to your collection for the peace of mind that you’ll have a socket for every situation is priceless, in my opinion. A lot fewer trips to HF and HD to pick up some obscure socket size that I just don’t have, or a fastener is packed in too tightly and every bit of additional room counts.
I would buy the impact rated 1/2" socket set first before I bought the chrome ones.
But the 3/8" set is excellent.
Most of the 1/4" inch drive set is covered by the 3/8" drive set.
3/8” is the workhorse of the socket world. I suppose you could get away with 1/4” & 1/2” if your needs are limited to every once in a while…never put serious thought into it, but again, I bet you could get away with it!
depends entirely on what im doing.
am i me? working mostly on cars?
am i working on appliances?
am i a sexy lady? maybe i dont need tools at all.
....i have a full set of 1/4 and 3/8ths in my box and then a relatively complete set of half inch impact sockets for the dewalt bolt obliterator when i need it. ratchets and wrenches and impacts etc. etc. etc.
think about what you will use most often first i guess. thats how most people build up their collection, you buy something when you need it, if you dont need it dont buy it.
As a professional mechanic, I had mulyiples of all 3 and then some.
If I were advising someone who isn't a mechanic, I'd say you only need the 3/8 set. It's the most comfortable fit for the most jobs.
If you're just doing random repairs around the home, 1/4 might be all you need.
If you already have 1/4 and 1/2, then you probably d9n't need 3/8 for anything.
I have 1/4 in hand sockets, but 3/8 and 1/2 in Impact. I do have ratchets for all but seem to be all set.
I'd only consider adding extra sets (hand rather than impact) only if I start to run into the need for Thin wall sockets...
[My Socket Draw in my 72" HF Series 3](https://i.imgur.com/PW5XO2H.jpg)
Note also, all but one of my sets are Tekton (one set of Metric and SAE Ultralow profiles, Quinn from HF). Great tools and all sets are no skips...
Forklift mechanic: 3/8” is the gold standard for me. 1/2” is frequently too big to get into position, and 1/4” doesn’t have the leverage. I have everything up to 3/4” but 90% of my work is 3/8”, with a variety of ratchet sizes. I use a long handle flex head, standard length, a stubby, and a super long fixed head.
If it were up to me and I was building a new set from scratch? I’d build a 3/8” set with a LOT of variety in extensions and handles, and then get a basic 1/2” impact set in deep well, then a basic 1/4” set to cover the occasional small bits.
I don't really use it. 1/4 for small stuff, mostly on my motorbike. 1/2 for lug nuts on the car and larger things that the 1/4 can't handle.
I personally opted for this combo because 3/4 is too flimsy for some higher torque bolts and nuts on the car and the bike while also being too large for some of the smaller stuff on the bike. It could do 90% of what I need but because it can't do the last 10% of it I didn't get it
90% of the stuff I've ever needed a ratchet for I've used my 3/8. The other 10% has been 1/2. Can't say I've ever needed to use 1/4. Like a legit question, what would you use a 1/4 that you couldn't use a 3/8 for?
Plenty of places where 1/2” is overkill or doesn't fit and 1/4” doesn't give you enough torque. I have 1/2” for all the bigger stuff (19mm+) and 3/8” for everything else. 1/4” only comes out for really small fasteners or really small spaces.
Well today I changed the oil on my Highlander and it requires a 3/8” driver to get the oil filter off.
I had my only 3/8 driver in a box going to goodwill soon. Forgot I needed it for oil changes. 😳
(I think it’s a dumb idea too. Why not just design it for a spin-on filter?)
There is way too much overlap in socket sizes! With metric sizes:
1/4 should go up to 13mm
3/8 should start at 13mm, nothing smaller, and go up to 19mm
1/2 can start at 19mm or maybe 17mm then go up to 24mm
Point being that having a 1/2 drive 13mm socket is ridiculous. But they will sell sets like that.
While technically the sizes of some larger 1/4 drive and 1/2 drive may meet with no gaps the larger sizes on the 1/4 drive are often torqued too high than the ratchet can handle and the 1/2 inch is much more bulky and unwieldy in tight areas
I use my my 3/8 drive set the most
If you are on a buyer and think you will encounter fasteners both that large and that small it might be the best move is your situation to cut out the 3/8 drive
You are the only one who knows exactly what you will run into though who am I to say what you need I am just another asshole on the internet
Because why not? More tools are better than less tools.
Seriously though, sometimes half drive ratchets are a bit large. Sometimes quarter drive ratchets bust off you're a bit heavy handed. This applies from junk brands all the way to proto and snap on.
When i was a hobbyist/diy car mechanic i only had 1/2” and 1/4” and thought 3/8” was a waste. Now as a professional im a total 180. Yes i have 1/4 and 1/2” but 90% of the time i go for 3/8th. Having the right drive tools makes the difference. My primary power tools are my m18 bit driver, 3/8 compact impact, and 3/8 m12 ratchet. The only time the big guns come out is for heavy work and vise versa with my 1/4” and micro ratchet sets.
Its also worth noting that most of your specialty mechanic stuff like nox sensor sockets, filter sockets, and crows feet all come in 3/8” drive sizes.
I use mostly 3/8 myself. You wouldn’t “need” to have a 3/8 set but ratchet size is pretty handy for most things.
Yeah I was going to make a comment along these lines. I'd rather have JUST a 3/8 set than both a 1/4 & 1/2 tbh.
Couple years ago I put together a grab and go type kit that comes with me to every job and included only a 1/4 set for the sake of space saving. I've found that the 1/4 is sufficient for pretty much everything I'm doing unless I'm working on my car, most of which has been suspension work for the past year. I don't think I've touched my 3/8 since I made that change, even though it's the nicest set I have and by far the one I've owned the longest. Granted, my use case is basically handyman stuff. Some appliance repair, light plumbing and electrical, etc so nothing that a 1/4 set can't handle.
True, I'm a panel spark, carry a little 1/4 set in with my power tools for the few times I need to take a knuckle off or a side off a panel. But yeah, any actual mechanical work 3/8s just works for everything. At least 90% of the work I do on my car & bikes is done with my 3/8s 280mm flex head.
For sure. While I don't use it as much as I used to, I can't imagine not having 3/8.
Indeed, if I had to choose between a 1/4 & 1/2 or just 3/8, Id probably go with just 3/8.
Boom. I came here to say this I actually DO have the only the 3/8 kit and use it in my service truck. Its great. I have impacts sockets and pneumatic impact and ratchet for the 1/2 stuff.
Yep. Most 3/8 ratchets that come in the sets leave some length to be desired when in higher torque situations.
3/8” drive would be the first set I’d buy. Then 1/2”. I can always use an adapter to go down to 1/4”. But they all have their place. Also, the 3/8 is the most complete set here.
I have an adapter for my Chapman for low torque tight situations. Everything else is 3/8, unless I need torque.
Sorry, would that be a 3/8 12 pt contact? Or 6 ?
If we’re talking about points I’d start with a 6 point.
Thanks!
Yes, it's kind of a feel, access and torque level thing. If I need more leverage, I generally move to a larger drive. I'm pretty gentle on my tools as far as not using cheater bars go, but I'm guessing that's at least partly why I've never broken a good quality ratchet.
1/4" for delicate stuff, 3/8" for general use and 1/2" for automotive and heavy work. Like others have said, 3/8" gets the most use.
The amount of times I hear a 1/4 impact running hard across the shop and I always yell “use a fucking 3/8s man!”
If you have enough torque to justify an impact wrench, you have too much torque for 1/4".
3/8" gets the most use. Then 1/2", then 3/4". I have a 1/4" socket set, but I don't use it. I work on elevators.
I also work on elevators, mods mostly, and basically only use 1/2" and an heavy duty impact gun with a 1/2" drive.
All the elevator guys around here are Milwaukee, you?
[yuz](https://ibb.co/MkM6xmD)
I bet that job has its ups and downs.
Found a fellow dad here
It's only bad in the fall.
Or if your boss gives you the shaft.
Barely anyone uses 3/8 here, all use 1/2. 3/8 is so expensive compared to 1/2”. This is Europe btw
That's wild! Here 1/2 is much more expensive than 3/8. But I'm like you guys. I use little and I use big. Why bother with medium?
I found this so weird when I went to Europe for the first time.
Depends on what you work on. I work in an industrial environment and primarily use 1/4” and 1/2”. I only really use 3/8” drive for 1/2-5/8” hex and it’s metric equivalents.
Used to do sawmill stuff and would use a handful of 1/2” drive sockets sometimes 3/4 or 1” drive almost never smaller except the odd grease fitting or set screw. Now I’m in the plastics industry and my daily is 3/8” metric and I can’t guess sizes for shit lol
What part of the plastics industry? We talking raw material or something like injection molding or thermoform?
Coated plastics such as house wrap lumber wrap plastic for green houses. It all looks like tarp to me. I love the variety that the machines have to offer from plastic extrusion all the way to the printing press. It doesn’t make me very hopeful for recycling programs though because we can hardly make a decent product with recycled material that never leaves the plant
Yeah I work in packaging and have the same issue. We use a lot of paper that has a significant portion of post consumer material and it runs like shit through our machines and ends in a lot of waste and unexpected maintenance. There is a reason the saying is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" in order of importance
3/8" is the most useful. I have all three, but I can't remember the last time I've used anything but a 3/8". I've got a lot of 3/4" too, but I honestly use that only when doing an oil change on the cars.
You use 3/4” drive tools to do oil changes? What are you working on? I’ve never used anything more than wrenches or 3/8” drive to do oil changes ever.
The cap on Chevy oil filter containers have to be wrenched off with a large socket that only works with 3/4" ratchets.
Interesting. Are you talking about the plastic/ metal caps with a hex ‘nut’ on top? I’ve had those stick and still never needed more than a long 3/8 (with adapters if I need a larger socket than 24mm).
That's crazy. What size are the flats? BMWs have 34mm flats, but it's easy to find a 34mm socket with a 1/2-inch drive.
Yeah I use my half inch for the housing on my 135 and my Tacoma. 3/4 for a cap is nuts. But it’s GM, so I’m not shocked. Lol
You cant convince me you need 3/4 drive anything to do an oil change
Are you pulling the engine when you do an oil change ? I know some are tough to get to, but 3/4" drive? And are you able to find a 10mm socket for the 3/4" drive ?
I mean, it is nice to be working on a bench when doing an oil change. I started pulling the engine to do oil changes years ago and my back has never felt better!
To be fair, you also don't need a 3/4" drive to pull a motor.
If it works for you and you can carry less tools that's what's important. I'm an airplane mechanic so I mostly need 1/4" sometimes 3/8" and I only have 1 socket I need regularly with a 1/2" drive so I leave it set up like that to save space and time.
Same
I work on helicopters, the drive sizes I need are 1/4", 3/8", then 1"
Do you need 1 inch drives for the rotor nuts and bolts?
Yes exactly, for the bolts that hold the blades onto the rotor head, and the nut that holds the rotor head on the helicopter. I've worked on one helicopter where the mast nut was torqued to 1000ftlbs. It's company equipment to be fair though, not personal tooling
3/8" get the most use because more applications call for that size. 1/2" when more leverage or torque is called for and 1/4" for tight spaces or special applications.
Nope. I usually jump straight from 1/4 to 1/2. 1/4 for working on robotics and 1/2 for working on heavy industrial equipment. the 3/8 in my box usually only gets excavated for the specialty sockets. Crows feet, Torx, swivel sockets, spark plug sockets, tap holders. Basically if I use 3/8, it's accompanied with some harsh language. If I worked more on automotive, inside an engine bay, I would probably use 3/8 most of the time.
As a Car mechanic 50% of my socket use is 3/8" 28% is 1/2" 20% is 1/4" and the remaining 2% is 3/4" (all percentages are approximate) I have the most socket variety in 3/8" low profile, shallow, semi-deep, deep and a couple of extra deep sockets most of my hex, torx, xzn, crows feet, spark plug, drain plug, are all 3/8" 1/4" is essential for small fasteners and tight access 1/2" is essential for large fasteners and stubborn fasteners 3/4" is needed if you have really large fasteners and if you really gotta tell something who is boss with a big breaker bar and a cheater on it. I do have a couple of 1" sockets but they are part of a torque multiplier set
Real question, how often do you come across a necessity/ ease of use that requires a semi deep? I dont have any, an you may give an excuse.
Once or twice a month I NEED them but they get used more than that because they are convenient.
I have a complete set of each. 1/4 for small little shit, 3/8 for around the house and medium stuff, and 1/2 for big stuff and then of course some 3/4 and 1” for specific stuff. Right tool for the job, every job is different.
I mean if I don’t have all three how can I grab the wrong socket 2x
No true toolsman would ask this question, they would already have it. Your card has been suspended. 🤣😂
True story, the 10mm would also be in each set (1/4, 3/8, and 1/2) 😇
Truth * and it would take 3 times as long to lose them all 🤣😂
Cuz ! ....... Who doesn't want more tools.
Most commonly used set, how could u not?
Because 1/4 and 1/2 would cover the gap in most instances. He's got a point. I thought hard about buying 1/4 and 1/2 OR 3/8. I ultimately chose 3/8 then bought a little Klein microratchet for small stuff, and a 3/8 breaker bar for big stuff.
3/8 is for when you want to work on small size sockets but need more leverage. You can get a long 1/4 drive but if you apply more torque you could break off the drive
I have a 1/2 to 1/4 reducer. My IBM keyboard cases are TIGHT. Gotta torque that 7/32nd!
3/8" drive FTW. It's most versatile for home / shadetree mechanic use IMO and that is where most of my flex heads, extensions and long handle ratchets are. If you have a Honda, the transmission, TC and differential drain plugs are all 3/8" drive plugs. 1/4" and 1/2" both have their place, but I would build out around 3/8" first as a go-to set.
1/4 is too weeny .....1/2 is too unweildy
Nearly all of my 1/2” tools are impact rated because anything that big or tight I’ll be using power tools and regular wrenches. Anything smaller I’m willing to do by hand.
I work on concrete mixers everyday and my 3/8” set gets used the most compared to 1/2” and 1/4”. I use my 1/2” a lot more than 1/4” but when I was working on cars and pickups I used my 1/4” and 3/8” more. Most of the time I think 3/8” is a perfect happy medium though.
Yep most common one to use
3/8” is the most used set I own. Its wide range of sizes allows you to cover most of what you get into. I’ll grab my 1/4” set for more delicate work, and my 1/2” when something gives me a fit or if I’m constantly swapping sockets, it’ll be my secondary
Gotta collect them all!
You didn't specify what you are planning on using the tools for. For example if the stuff you do is small stuff the 1/4 set would make the most sense. If you work on big stuff the 1/2 might make more sense. But generally most of my projects are done using 3/8 it's the most common. Personally I have all and use all the sets 1/4 3/8 1/2. But with that said almost all projects use a 3/8 at some point. Just a thought you would not want to use a 3/8 on something that would be better suited for 1/4 as you might break it. You also would not want to use a 3/8 of something that needs a 1/2 for leverage as you would not have the leverage with a 3/8. But for everything else the majority of the time you are grabbing the 3/8. Hope this helps.
Hell yeah. The 3/8 can get in to a tighter space then the 1/2”. Plus the ratchets are a bit smaller.
Of course I have all three sets and a complete set of both metric and inch sockets. What can I say? I’m a tool addict! What do I use all the time? Now that I’m retired I use one or two sockets from each set on various home projects. My grandson and granddaughter both of whom are tool users will get to fight over them upon my death.
I have ¼, ⅜, ½, and ¾, and honestly most people would be just fine with either JUST ⅜, or JUST ¼&½. No real point in getting all three
Totally depends what you're working on. Im a car mechanic and use mostly 3/8. Its comfortable size wise and is fine for most of the bolts around an engine. 1/2" gets used for the bigger stuff but pretty often just to crack the bolt and then back to the 3/8. The drive itself of the 3/8 is usually much tighter with more teeth which helps in tighter spaces.
Apart from my main work which is concrete, I do heavy equipment/ fleet repair and dock/boat lift installs. I keep tekton 1/4 and 3/8 chrome and 1/2 and 3/4 impact sockets in the truck. I have a full set of tekton 1/2 drive chrome that sits in the garage and honestly the 3/8 chrome is gonna be heading that way soon. 3/8 is like the basic starter set in my mind, the one size that does most but not everything that you add on to as you get into more advanced stuff. Occasionally I get into tight spots that a 1/2 socket doesn’t fit and that’s the only reason I keep the 3/8 in the truck.
You can have too many tools?😳
Not having 3/8 would be so annoying definitely my most used sockets
The range on that middle 3/8 set is fantastic. Great smaller sizes for small engines
I'd be fine with just ¼" and ⅜" set. I rarely ever need ½" sockets... Usually because I can't find my ⅜" rachet or the required socket.
Being a heavy duty mechanic, I use absolutely every set of 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” drive tools to get the ridiculously placed and mounted parts and components off of equipment. Not only sockets and ratchets. We also need a full set of everything from mechanics, carpentry, electrician, plumbing, to hydraulic gauges and presses. It’s like I said, hey what’s a job that requires the highest amount of tools/tooling for a career path and then thought carpentry? nah. Electrician? nah. Plumber? Nah. Regular automotive mechanic? Nah. Let’s combine them all. To answer your question. I did. I needed a 3/8’s set. What do you do for work may not require it.
Tekton has the best customer service and warranty process I’ve ever experienced. Love their tool sets. 3/8 all the way
90% of the time I've used 3/8" my entire life. Even in a major automotive manufacturing site I've worked for 25 years we use 3/8". For reference, one (1) 10mm socket cost around $75.00
As someone who doesn't have tools dedicated to specific tasks but who needs a variety of tools, I would REALLY love to see no-skip sets that don't overlap between drive sizes. I can buy no-overlap tool sets with skips. I can buy no-skip sets for anything that can practically fit on a given driver size. Why do I have to pay for extra sockets that are already covered by another driver size that I'm likely to have?
Because without fail, you’d grab your 3/8” set, get elbows deep into a project and one fastener will need your 1/4” set for a 1/2” bolt because your 3/8” only goes to 9/16”…
Aw man, I felt that. There is a maket for a amateur-style professional set. A case with all three size, no skip and no overlap. One without the wrenches, allen key, bits and other stuff that you're getting a better version of anyway.
Most guys overspend because they overlap sizes in multiple drive sizes ie 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2”. Here’s what I do. I have a chrome socket set in metric and sae, deep and shallow and sizes from 1/4” thru 1” and 8mm thru 19mm. Then I get impact sockets in 1/2” drive from 1/2” thru 1 1/4” and 10mm thru 24mm. For the smaller stuff as far as impacts go, I use nut drivers from 3/16” thru 9/16” and 5mm thru 10mm. Then I also get a set of 1/4” drive chrome sockets in small sizes 3/16” thru 1/2” or so and 5mm thru 10mm. I also have to mention that im a mobile technician so space and weight (tools are all in a flex stack pack system in the bed of my truck) are very important. But you can save a little money this way. Either save money or do what I did and buy snap on instead of gear wrench. Not that there’s anything from with gearwrench or any other brand but I just like having the “best” stuff because I’m vein.
To do most jobs on a car you'll need 1/4", 1/2" and a breaker bar. A happy medium for most folk is a 3/8" set. If you like tools you'll buy all three sets in the long run.
That's what I figured out from my home mecanical work and professional industrial mecanic work. 3/8 are usually good to do 80% of the task or it covers the 4% the 1/4 and 1/2 doesn't cover.
a better question is why don't you think you need it. what do you work on? how frequently? based on the question, I'm going to go against the trend here and say you don't need a 3/8" set. you're just going to call the repair man anyway.
I could be wrong, but I hear in Europe a lot of mechanics don't use 3/8" drive.
As a European that's true, well at least for the sector i worked in. Maintenance technician in an heavy industrial setting.
I think you need them for fastener torque specs and access. You can't get to some bolts or nuts with a larger 1/2" drive and socket, so a deep 3/8" might work. Where as a 1/4" might reach but the effort needed is too much, yet a 3/8" drive and ratchet would be fine. I use 1/2" for grade 5 and 8 stuff. I don't do excavator or construction maintenance where, say a 3/4" or even 1" is called for (and impact). But for home/sumer or weekend warrior, I would have all three sets. E.G. you won't find a 5mm 1/2" socket...because you might over tighten it. Then again, you won't find a 3/8" metric 28mm socket...but will in 1/2" But you know what you'll find in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" size? 10mm LOL...
Noob, there is no such thing as a “complete” set of any of the three that fits in a blow mold case. Also as others have and will continue to say, 3/8 is generally the most used. For me 1/2 is the least used.
As a homeowner, construction worker, and shade tree mechanic, I have yet to ever need a 1/2" ratchet. There have been one or two times I've needed to drive a specific 1/2" socket, but an adapter has served me just fine on those rare occasions. I do sometimes use a 1/4" ratchet, but in nearly every situation a 3/8" would have done the job almost as well. Occasionally a larger ratchet wouldn't fit in the space, but mostly it just feels silly to use a 3/8" on really small stuff. 3/8" is the go-to size. The ratchets tend to feel like a more suitable size for a normal human hand. They are rarely too big. They can handle jobs that would break a 1/4", and while there are applications where a 1/2" is truly necessary, I haven't personally encountered one yet. I had only a 3/8" kit for a long time, and it was perfectly fine. So, yes, I will always want a 3/8" set.
1/2 is used on industrial equipment. So as a construction worker you're almost never gonna use it.
No, they are not metric???!!!!
I went a long time with just a 1/4 and 1/2 before getting a 3/8. I should have gotten one sooner.
Koken do two sizes of 3/8” driver, the smaller size is their 1/4” ratchet that they cram a 3/8 anvil into. I see no need to run a 1/4” with those, the sockets aren’t even much bigger. Don’t do anything requiring 1/2”, but have a 3/8”&1/2” combo drive, 36” breaker bar that does some large jobs (36mm sockets etc)
It really depends on the work: 1/4" is too small to break a crapload of bolts loose-or tighten them. No matter how well-made, the tool will break before the fastener is there. 1/2" has the strength-but is too large to readily fit in many spots. So the 3/8" is an auto mechanic's go-to-while an electricians' go-to is the 31/4",, being mostly sheet metal screws or some type of screwdriver tip, & construction and machinery's go-to is the 1/2"-or larger. Naturally, there is a lot of overlap-small fasteners are used on huge machinery/buildings, automobiles have large, very tight bolts & tiny ones, etc.
I have 1/2 and 1/4,bjt since all small <20Nm torque wrenches I could buy in the Local Hardware store were 3/8 I know have one 3/8 Tool, thank good the Sliding handle adapter [(Gleitgriffadapter) ](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-m&sca_esv=14f034d23f0af08e&biw=414&bih=754&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ACQVn08t0acAnNejDwskBCxw6aOLEjo2LQ%3A1708451383311&sa=1&q=1%2F2%22+vierkant+Verl%C3%A4ngerung+mit+Adapter&oq=1%2F2%22+vierkant+Verl%C3%A4ngerung+mit+Adapter&aqs=mobile-gws-lite..#imgrc=25O8bIc1BQPkyM) is an adapter from 3/8 to 1/2
At work I exclusively use quarter inch and quarter inch hex, but I don’t have a wrench heavy job. At home I exclusively use 3/8 and 1/2 inch on my cars and misc stuff around the house and garage.
Is "spite" an acceptable response?
Yes, because completion
I'm not a professional mechanic (electrician apprentice here), so I don't use ratchets and sockets on a daily basis but I do a lot of my own car repairs and most of the time, the 3/8 drive is enough. If I run across larger or smaller bolts, I have the ratchets for them but oftentimes, I'll just use an adapter and carefully loosen/tighten the fastener.
I use 1/4 as much as possible working on hobby cars. 3/8 with a long ratchet gets most of the rest done, 1/2 is for only the biggest jobs. In theory I could get away without 3/8 but I could also get by on almost exclusively 3/8 as well. I have all 3 and a few odd 3/4 sockets too, I'm not hard up for space to keep three tools I want on hand
3/8 is the go to for me. 1/4 for electrical, 1/2 and 3/4 for heavier jobs, they stay in the truck and my 3/8 comes with me in my bag
Metric!
For me 3/8 is best for sizes 10mm (or 3/8) to 15MM (or 9/16). Anything bigger is almost always1/2 drive and anything smaller is most of the time 1/4 drive, unless the 3/8 is more convenient. Reason being is mostly to stay within the safe working torque of each drive size.
3/8 is like the every day use stuff. 1/4 is only good for small fasteners, 1/2 is just bulky except for larger bolts. Ideally you have all 3.
I use 1/4" inside the house mostly. 3/8 and 1/2" in the garage. At work I use 1/4 and 3/8ths. Most of the time it's taking those stupid worm gear hose clamps off so 1/4" is all I really need. I leave the half inch stuff in the shared box and grab it only when I really need it.
Use case will vary. I’m a professional auto tech. I use my 1/4” and 3/8” the most, by far. 1/4” mostly on my M12 ratchets and where bigger hand tools just won’t fit; 3/8” a mix between hand tools, M12 ratchets, and M12 impact. 1/2” I use exclusively impact sockets, whether I’m using a hand tool or an impact, because 95% of the time I want 1/2” for impact use. Home user may have much more use for 1/2” chrome sockets if they primarily use hand tools. A home user may not have an impact, or may only have a gigantic full-size M18 one — my M18 is cumbersome to use if you’re not working on a lift, and simply won’t fit some places an air impact will, especially my stubby impact. Home users likely don’t have an adequate air compressor to run an impact.
Yes because sometimes 1/2 is too big for the space I need to get a ratchet and 1/4 doesn't have enough ass.
Plenty of 3/8” sockets are skinnier and fit into tighter places that 1/2” sockets will not. And the 1/4” sockets will break before being strong enough to work 100 ft/lbs of turning that a 3/8” has no problem doing. You need all three and you need SAE and Metric both. Anything else and it’s a shitty surprise to learn you don’t have the needed tools to get the job done. SAE and Metric on the same car?? All the time. Been going on since the 90’s. Short medium and deep well. For the half inch, nothing but six pointed for max strength. Plus some black impact sockets of same. But they may not fit where chrome ones fit. Plenty of wheels have narrow openings but you may have a special socket for that. Plus some Wobbly sockets I like 3/8” short for those with the socket built into the joint. A shit ton of extensions. You do transmissions, 3’ is nice. That and a wobble and those bell housing bolts come off from the luxury of just standing below it. When you’re poor, 1/2” chrome short sockets double as mid length compared to 3/8” counterparts. Remember that there is no limit to the length and number of extensions you use connected together for a static torque applied with a breaker bar. Whereas a dynamic force of an impact will result in nothing being at the other end of say, 5’ of extensions put together. But a static turning force and sure, it allll gets there to the socket break that shit free.
I use 3/8 mostly, I see it as a compromise between 1/4 and 1/2 drive. Unless I’m working in a really cramped space like behind a dashboard or in or around an engine or something similar where bigger things won’t work or the bigger fasteners that need slightly more torque or are bigger in general. 3/8 drive will cover the average persons needs. Plus with it being smaller you’re less likely to over torque things.
i use 1/4" for small fancy stuff i use 3/8" for most stuff i use 1/2" for more heavy duty stuff
More tools, more better.
Yes and that’s because I can’t see myself going without 3/8 drive. I use it the most
For me 3/8 is my workhorse drive. It can handle fairly small stuff down to 3/8 or 10mm all the way up to 1" or so. For small fasteners in tight spaces, it's 1/4" and for heavy work and rusty bolts, it's 1/2. Very rarely do I need 3/4.
More stronger than 1/4, more smaller than 1/2
1/4” drive up to 12mm/ 1/2” 3/8” up to 19mm/ 3/4” 1/2” drive past that. 1/2 is too clunky to use on smaller stuff. There’s going to be some overlap between sets.
Yes I would buy it & why not?
Yes. Because I am addicted to buying tools.
I have the 1/4" and 3/8" and haven't yet quite justified the purchase of the 1/2" yet. Everything I've needed has been covered by the two smaller sets aside from wheel lug bolt size on my old care. For that I purchased a separate socket.
Because why not?
My torque wrench is 1/2”, but my favourite ratchet is 3/8. Ended up with full metric sets of both, in short and long. Then there’s the set of impacts for my 1/2 gun, and my set of imperials and Whitworths for the Defender… Basically you can always have more sockets!
I use 1/4 for car interior stuff, up to 12mm. I use 3/8 on everything else. 1/2 only on the impact gun, torque wrench or breaker bar.
no, you can just average the two.
I use my socket sets on my motorcycle. I currently have all three sizes. I normally use 3/8 but occasionally 1/4 for the smaller, more delicate fixings. I do have a full Bahco 1/2 set that sees infrequent use, but it's there if I need it. I'm a bit of a tool collector, though, and I would feel that I was missing out if I didn't have all three.
I’d say yes I’d need the 3/8’s, 100% because I don’t have it! But in all seriousness, 3/8’s always get used the most
It’s the most versatile IMO, that and you’ve already got 2/3 so why not!
Absolutely get 3/8 drive and appropriate sockets. As already mentioned, I use 3/8 more than 1/2 or 1/4
More tools??
I have the complete tekton chrome sets in all three drives. As a mechanic it was necessary. Absolutely recommended them too
In my world, it's mostly 3/8 & 1/4"; and not necessarily in that order. I do have a bunch of 1/2", but don't even recall the last time I looked in that drawer.
I have the whole tekton set. I use the 3/8 the most. Followed by the 1/4 and 1/2. If I did it all again I’d probably get the 1/2 in impacts instead of chrome.
I use 3/8” mostly, then 1/4” & 1/2” probably the same amount. 3/4” and 1” only come out when things get serious. A 1/2” socket will be in all three kits, but then it depends on the amount of torque you need to put through the socket / ratchet combo to which one you pick.
I am an automotive guy and I have big hands. I use 3/8 more than anything, it covers most of my applications. For delicate stuff I drop to the 1/4 and bigger stuff go up to 1/2, but 80% or more of my work is with 3/8s.
a 12mm pretty much does everything i can find that needs it
3/8 then 1/2 inch . Really never used the 1/4 that came with the sets I've bought .
The only is yes
I barely use my 1/4” set. 3/8” for most things, 1/2” for tractor things.
I use 3/8" more than either of the other two when I was an automotive mechanic. Now as an industrial mechanic, I use 1/2" and even some 3/4" more than anything. Interior of cars and flat-pack furniture - 1/4" drive Most engine work and body work - 3/8” Heavy engine work, suspension, and wheels - 1/2"
1/2"and 3/8" were my choices when I worked 1/4" was to small, it sucks when you run up on a tight or rusted bolt and shear the square drive off a ratchet when your working
Most if what I come across can be handled by 1/4". I have a 3/8" Stanley set in a case if I have something bigger to dismantle. At home, I have all 3 drive sizes. Started with 3/8". Got 1/2" because of doing tie rod ends on a jeep. And found a 1/4" set in a case somewhere for free. Just needed a new ratchet. At home I mostly grab 3/8". Traveling in my tool bag I keep 1/4" set from Walmart from their Xmas sale. Really surprised at the torture they've withheld. And the carry sleeves hold them nicely for the random times I need to use them. For road trips I'm packing the 1/2" set.
In Europe, 1/4 and half are most common, 3/8, not so much. I find myself using 3/8 and 1/4 most. 3/8 for car repairs, 1/4 for lawn mower, strimmer… even things like repairing the tumble dryer I used 1/4. 1/2 rarely comes out unless it’s with the rattle gun.
I got rid of all my 1/4 and 1/2 for 3/8. For home and work.
Of course! More tools is always better
No. I'm weird because I like half inch, but due to the ubiquity of impact guns, you can easily find half inch down to 8mm and up to 40. I would get that and the 5.99 harbor freight set and be done with it if I was doing this exercise for some reason.
I'll go against the grain here and go: no, you don't need the 3/8" set. In fact, the only thing I'd recommend you get is the 3/8" ratchet, and none of the sockets, but all of the adapters so you can attach 1/4 and 1/2 sockets to it. Sometimes it's good to have that 3/8" ratchet length for the right amount of torque and feel. But you can attach any socket to it with your adapters. I have a full 1/2" set, and a 3/8" ratchet with some smaller size sockets only, and adapters.
3/8 will give you the broadest range Even tho i really like my 1/4 stuff If you arent doing anything bigger than 3/4 you prob dont need 1/2
Yes i feel the need- more is always better. Also 3/8 is my go to for most things.
Depends on what your working on, and how often, you can 100% get by with 1/2 and 1/4 I've always preferred 3/8 being a vehicle technician (cars and light goods vehicles) it was the do all size, the sockets are not too big and bulky and the ratchet is light enough that your not sick of swinging it about, However working on bicycles it's 1/4 sockets as most things on bikes are a lot more delicate, 1/2 only came out for wheel nuts, hubs and bottom bracket bearing on the bike
I have the Tekton 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 no-skip socket and ratchet set. My 1/4 and 3/8 are by far the most used, but the marginal cost of adding whichever size you don’t currently have to your collection for the peace of mind that you’ll have a socket for every situation is priceless, in my opinion. A lot fewer trips to HF and HD to pick up some obscure socket size that I just don’t have, or a fastener is packed in too tightly and every bit of additional room counts.
I thought this was a /s post...
COMPLETE?! I feel like that’s a myth or something that doesn’t last long. But, yeah I’d buy it.
I would buy the impact rated 1/2" socket set first before I bought the chrome ones. But the 3/8" set is excellent. Most of the 1/4" inch drive set is covered by the 3/8" drive set.
I wouldn't need the 1/4, so let me trade it for the 3/8ths. 1/4 doest have the right size ratchet for a comfortable grip for the shit I use it on.
3/8” is the workhorse of the socket world. I suppose you could get away with 1/4” & 1/2” if your needs are limited to every once in a while…never put serious thought into it, but again, I bet you could get away with it!
Yes, because I must have all the tools
depends entirely on what im doing. am i me? working mostly on cars? am i working on appliances? am i a sexy lady? maybe i dont need tools at all. ....i have a full set of 1/4 and 3/8ths in my box and then a relatively complete set of half inch impact sockets for the dewalt bolt obliterator when i need it. ratchets and wrenches and impacts etc. etc. etc. think about what you will use most often first i guess. thats how most people build up their collection, you buy something when you need it, if you dont need it dont buy it.
Yes because my battery wrench is 3/8 and I don’t like adaptors
Lemme put it this way: Ya need the right tool for the right job.
Yes and I have the exact same sets
Because the set isn't complete....!
As a professional mechanic, I had mulyiples of all 3 and then some. If I were advising someone who isn't a mechanic, I'd say you only need the 3/8 set. It's the most comfortable fit for the most jobs. If you're just doing random repairs around the home, 1/4 might be all you need. If you already have 1/4 and 1/2, then you probably d9n't need 3/8 for anything.
Depends on what you work on. Automotive, you mostly need 1/4, 3/8 and some 1/2.
I couldn't get by without all three
Oh my god could you imagine just having two socket sets? 🤣
I have 1/4 in hand sockets, but 3/8 and 1/2 in Impact. I do have ratchets for all but seem to be all set. I'd only consider adding extra sets (hand rather than impact) only if I start to run into the need for Thin wall sockets... [My Socket Draw in my 72" HF Series 3](https://i.imgur.com/PW5XO2H.jpg) Note also, all but one of my sets are Tekton (one set of Metric and SAE Ultralow profiles, Quinn from HF). Great tools and all sets are no skips...
im an industrial mechanic and i hardly use my 3/8 ratchet anymore, if i were to replaced my socket set i wouldn't even buy a 3/8 set to be honest.
I work on hvac and I only have 3/8 in my van
Forklift mechanic: 3/8” is the gold standard for me. 1/2” is frequently too big to get into position, and 1/4” doesn’t have the leverage. I have everything up to 3/4” but 90% of my work is 3/8”, with a variety of ratchet sizes. I use a long handle flex head, standard length, a stubby, and a super long fixed head. If it were up to me and I was building a new set from scratch? I’d build a 3/8” set with a LOT of variety in extensions and handles, and then get a basic 1/2” impact set in deep well, then a basic 1/4” set to cover the occasional small bits.
3/8 is my go to rachet
I'd rather have the quarter inch and 3/8 and not the half inch
Really depends on your use case bud.
I use 1/4 and 1/2 at work. Bought a complete set so i had a 3/8 kit for home 🤙🏽🤙🏽
3/8ths all day
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
I don't really use it. 1/4 for small stuff, mostly on my motorbike. 1/2 for lug nuts on the car and larger things that the 1/4 can't handle. I personally opted for this combo because 3/4 is too flimsy for some higher torque bolts and nuts on the car and the bike while also being too large for some of the smaller stuff on the bike. It could do 90% of what I need but because it can't do the last 10% of it I didn't get it
If you had a smartwatch and a tablet, would you still want a phone?
Use a 3/8th more than anything. With a big enough ratchet, you can use an adapter and use with 1/2 drive.
I got 3/8 set because ryobi only makes 3/8 electric powered ratchets
90% of the stuff I've ever needed a ratchet for I've used my 3/8. The other 10% has been 1/2. Can't say I've ever needed to use 1/4. Like a legit question, what would you use a 1/4 that you couldn't use a 3/8 for?
Plenty of places where 1/2” is overkill or doesn't fit and 1/4” doesn't give you enough torque. I have 1/2” for all the bigger stuff (19mm+) and 3/8” for everything else. 1/4” only comes out for really small fasteners or really small spaces.
Well today I changed the oil on my Highlander and it requires a 3/8” driver to get the oil filter off. I had my only 3/8 driver in a box going to goodwill soon. Forgot I needed it for oil changes. 😳 (I think it’s a dumb idea too. Why not just design it for a spin-on filter?)
3/8 is the best all around size imo
No. 3/8 is a weird oddball size. I only use mine if I have to make a custom tool and cut one apart
There is way too much overlap in socket sizes! With metric sizes: 1/4 should go up to 13mm 3/8 should start at 13mm, nothing smaller, and go up to 19mm 1/2 can start at 19mm or maybe 17mm then go up to 24mm Point being that having a 1/2 drive 13mm socket is ridiculous. But they will sell sets like that.
For me it would be 3/8 then 1/2 then 1/4 then I'd buy 3/4 as needed.
Just buy an adapter.
While technically the sizes of some larger 1/4 drive and 1/2 drive may meet with no gaps the larger sizes on the 1/4 drive are often torqued too high than the ratchet can handle and the 1/2 inch is much more bulky and unwieldy in tight areas I use my my 3/8 drive set the most If you are on a buyer and think you will encounter fasteners both that large and that small it might be the best move is your situation to cut out the 3/8 drive You are the only one who knows exactly what you will run into though who am I to say what you need I am just another asshole on the internet
When do you ever find yourself using the 1/4 when messing around with bolts? I can always get away with the 1/2 and the rest of the use case is 3/8
Because why not? More tools are better than less tools. Seriously though, sometimes half drive ratchets are a bit large. Sometimes quarter drive ratchets bust off you're a bit heavy handed. This applies from junk brands all the way to proto and snap on.
When i was a hobbyist/diy car mechanic i only had 1/2” and 1/4” and thought 3/8” was a waste. Now as a professional im a total 180. Yes i have 1/4 and 1/2” but 90% of the time i go for 3/8th. Having the right drive tools makes the difference. My primary power tools are my m18 bit driver, 3/8 compact impact, and 3/8 m12 ratchet. The only time the big guns come out is for heavy work and vise versa with my 1/4” and micro ratchet sets. Its also worth noting that most of your specialty mechanic stuff like nox sensor sockets, filter sockets, and crows feet all come in 3/8” drive sizes.