I’m late to the thread, but for what it’s worth, I use my 3/8 driver most often, followed by the 1/4.
1/2" vs 3/8" Drive Sockets & Ratchets
- Thread starter TJim
- Start date
I think you have to have both SAE AND Metric since my jeep has both types
I was going to suggest the Pittsburgh line at HF earlier but I'm not sure they have them in Athens, Greece.
RubiconRic
TJ Enthusiast
Ha, thanks for pointing that out... I was going to suggest Harbor Freight as well for when you're on a budget.I was going to suggest the Pittsburgh line at HF earlier but I'm not sure they have them in Athens, Greece.
To the OP, I think that kit would be great. You can keep in the garage and also throw in your Jeep for a trip. I have some Tekton and no issues.
When you're ready to buy a 1/2" set, I would recommend impact sockets, because chances are eventually (if you don't already) you're going get to want to get an air compressor and pneumatic tools, and an impact socket set can pull double duty just fine and be used by hand.
I spent $1000.00 on my 1/4” socket sae set, the Milwaukee 1/4” ratchet standard length was 149, extended length was 256 and the swivel sockets were 289. I can go up to 5/8” with my 1/4” sockets. Oh and I turn wrenches for a living...I have used that Milwaukee ratchet more than any other tool in my box. The long reach is for special use. Some day I may need to get more 3/8 in stuff but 90% of what I do, 1/4” is sufficient and I also believe in torque wrench’s. Not many people can install a #8 screw and not over torque it.
Tim
Tim
Electric battery impact is just as powerful as an air one, I have both and use the electric more now.
I have 1/4, 3/8", and 1/2" impact sockets. The 3/8" gets used the most by a very large margin.
OP
Is there any reason not to buy only impact sockets?
is there any disadvantage using impact sockets without an impact wrench?
Why to buy both types of sockets?
is there any disadvantage using impact sockets without an impact wrench?
Why to buy both types of sockets?
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There's no disadvantage. Problems are more likely to occur when using chrome sockets with an impact wrench.
I have full sets of both in each drive size although I don't see much need for 1/4" drive impacts. One occasional disadvantage of impact sockets is the wall thickness. I've had to put some wheel spacers on with thinner chrome sockets for example. In that case I use a breaker bar and torque wrench vs. an impact gun.
I just removed my spacers and whoever put the nuts on used two fat guys and a 10 ft bar to torque them down.
Biggest disadvantage is they are thicker so they don't always fit down in recessed areas like the holes in some rims. Other than clearance, no issue at all.
We use my 1/4" Milwaukee impact daily. I'm pretty fond of the Gear Wrench 1/4" impact stuff that is in a case. It lives in a drawer opened out flat. Makes it very easy to keep track and find metric and saw in both regular and deep.
I just use 6 point chrome for that knowing that I'll eventually wear them out but a few chrome 3/4" sockets here and there isn't the end of the world.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
That’s the only time I’ve ever come an issue using impacts instead of regular sockets too. In my case it’s only been a few times though.
One of the worst is when someone mistakenly uses lug nuts with the 13/16" hex instead of 3/4".
Although I have a decent size 1/2" collection, the only time I really use them on a TJ/LJ anymore is if I'm removing stock steering or suspension parts. Typically, I go into the 3/8" and 1/4" set way more!
I am very inexperienced compared to others on this forum. But for a weekend tinkerer like me, I get away with a 3/8 set, a 1/4 set, and some of these as impact adapters for my battery-powered impact drill.
Great set. Local at home depot. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...echanics-Tool-Set-149-Piece-H149MTS/308802590
https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/sockets/2005834
For a couple more bucks.. you can have a near complete Craftsman set.
For a couple more bucks.. you can have a near complete Craftsman set.