1/2" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

9_Mile · Dec 30, 2003

1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Looking to get a 1/2" drive socket set for my Kubota L4630, Bushhog, box blade & tiller - plus car, truck & trailer maintenance. It'll be a mix of metric & inch sizes; expect up to 1-1/4" max. I got along with 3/8" drive when it was only cars... I want to start out with a good basic setup, probably Craftsman or equal; about $100 max for new stuff. Will add extra sockets etc. later as needed. My questions:
- 6 point or 12 point? I'm leaning toward 6 point for strength, but realize 12 point may be better in tight spaces.
- Standard depth or Deep sockets most useful?
- Useful accessories to start with?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and experiences.

John

Junkman · Dec 30, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

If you want to get away on the "cheap", then start your 1/2" drive set where your 3/8" set leaves off. Personally, I have both and prefer to use the 3/8" most of the time. Rarely is there a time that I need the power of the 1/2" drive set and when I do, I use the longer of the two ratchets. I find the 1/2" almost clumsy to use in many instances. Just remember, don't force it....... get a bigger hammer... For those really stubborn rusted on bolts...... that is what the 24" pipe extension is for... just slip it over the handle..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

9_Mile · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Junkman, I know what you mean about the easier to use size of the smaller 3/8" drive; just thinking of the "larger hammer" projects such as torquing rear wheel bolts. .... The 24" pipe extension works with the lifetime guarantee on my old Craftsman socket sets /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

tomnky · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

FYI: Sears has some sales on sets coming up in the early part of January.

JDgreen227 · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

I do a lot of wrenching and some of my Craftsman mechanic's tools are 35 years old. Junkman makes a good point about the 3/8 drive being the most frequently used, on older vehicles the engine compartments were huge and there was a lot of room to swing 1/2 drive ratchets...not today.

The ratchet I use most is a 3/8 drive flex head with a long handle, an assortment of extension bars from 1 1/2 to 10 inches is very valuable. Deep sockets are handy for work on U-bolt nuts, wheel lugs, and spark plugs, but little else. And while I have cheater bars for extra leverage, no way will I use a 3/8 drive on a lug nut or anything that requires over 80 foot/lbs of torque. While 95% of my mechanics tools are Craftsman brand, when I needed a set of 3/4 drive sockets I went to Harbor Freight. Considering how infrequently I use that size it was a wise choice. I envy the guys who can afford the Craftsman 3/4 drive set.

Bob_Skurka · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

To each his own, but I've got a touch of arthritis and I typically reach for the 1/2" first because it is easier to grab onto the larger size handle.

But for my last project on my tractor the entire time was spent using a 1/4" wrench.

Seems like the older tractors need brute force and the newer tractors have tighter spaces to get into.

RalphVa · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Don't buy deep sockets for general use, because it's more difficult to keep them straight when applying side force. I only have 3/8" deep sockets but mostly use the shorter ones in 3/8".

Luckily, the huge nut on my Gravely bushhog is the size of the short wrench that DR gave me for holding the spindle on my tiny DR electric mower. I use it and a hammer to get the nut on the Gravely off and on.

I find the long handle of the 1/2" drive useful to remove the nut on the blade of my Lawnboy. It's awkward though. Wish I had the socket in a 3/8" for the removal and for putting the nut back til nearly tight.

Get yourself a good 1/2" drive torque wrench.

Ralph

PineRidge · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

John I have used Craftsman sockets sets for years and I can't say enough good things about them. Watch the sales and I am sure that you can pick up on a socket assortment sale at a good price. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I have both 3/8 and ½ sets but tend to use the 3/8 the majority of the time. I only get the ½ stuff out for a stubborn attachment.

Also be forewarned that there are a few here that refer to Craftsman as Crapman tools. While they are entitled to their opinions I do not agree with them.

Dave___in___CT · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Hi...

Like most others... have Craftsman & mostly use 3/8" set on the tractor... 1/2" drive occasionally...

I find a 3/8" stubby-handle drive with pivoting head very useful and is my 1st choice usually...

Maybe more economical to get the few specific size regular wrenches (open/box-end) and/or a top-end adjustable wrench for the big nuts/bolts... ...once they are loose... the 3/8" drive will turn 'em...

Tag/garage sales can be a good source for real inexpensive wrenches...

Dave...

Rimmer · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

"- Useful accessories to start with?"

You got some good answers from folks who obviously know tools, and none of them mentioned what I am about to say, so maybe this is just the engineer in me talking but...

I would add a torque wrench to the list.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

"Never spur a horse when he's swimmin'."

Junkman · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Nah...... just tighten it a half turn before it strips.... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JDgreen227 · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Good suggestion on the torque wrenches, I have both 3/8 and 1/2 drives. Even if you don't use them to torque fasteners they will impress your buddies. BUT DON'T LEND THEM OUT TO ANYBODY !!

HAPPY 2004 TO ALL THE TBN MEMBERS !!!!

Junkman · Dec 31, 2003

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

Also remember to always back them down to "0" pounds after use so the mechanism inside the wrench doesn't take a "set". This is what happened to my Craftsman I believe when I loaned it out. I have 1/4", 3/8", & 1/2" click torque wrenches (from the box truck tool dealer) and 3/8" & 1/2" (Craftsman) beam type torque wrenches. Haven't used any of them in a long time. Just keep them in the tool box in case some one needs one. I learned a trick many years ago. Mark the bolt and the item that it goes through with a magic marker and just tighten again till the marks line up. I didn't believe that it would work well, until I checked it with the torque wrench. It was dead on!!!

zuiko · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

I don't have a 1/2" set. I have a 3/8" and a 3/4" set.

In 3/8" I have deep and shallow sockets for both SAE in Metric, only SAE shallows in the 3/4" size.

The 3/4" takes care of anything about 7/8" or bigger.

I also have a pretty complete set of wrenches up to a couple inches, and a set of those ratcheting ones (in SAE). I find this combo will take care of pretty much anything I run into.

My hand tools are all pretty cheap, the 3/4" drive set was only $35, a pretty good value IMO. The ratcheting wrenches I got at harbor freight cheap... under $20 I think for 12 sizes. I had to buy some of the plain wrenches individually since there seems to be a gap between say 7/8" and 1 3/8" between the sets you can get.

zuiko · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

( Nah...... just tighten it a half turn before it strips....)

Or just do like I do and tighten it until it shears off then back off 1/4 turn /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

jmc · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

As far as 6 pt. vs 12 pt. sockets go, some people make the argument that if the rachet has fine enough divisions (clicks), 12 pts are not necessary.

Soundguy · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. When i first bought my tractors.. I only had a basic craftsman 3/8s socket set, and some small assorted wrenches. As I had started collecting tractors that needed refurbishment.. I needed lots of tools... lots of tools that I would only use occasionally. I priced out everything I would need from sears, and then from harbor freight... as you can figure.. HF was 75% cheaper ( and the tools were less expensive too! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ).. but seriously. Specifically one thing I bought was a 1/2 inch socket set that also came with a 2' braker bar. Had up to 1 1/4 " I can tell you this.. I've had a 3' pipe on that breaker bar while taking apart various rusted 50 year old tractors and implements.. and I've run out of 'arm' many times... I've never broke a socket or wrench yet. Ironically the set was less than 30 bucks for the sae stuff.. You'd have to buy the metrics seperate, and any 12pt stuff you wanted.

Unless you are going comercail.. or want to hand these tools down to the kids.. consider some cheaper tools.. at least for the limited use items.

Soundguy

9_Mile · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

As always, this crew has a wealth of good info. Think I'll get a good 1/2" ratchet, some basic shallow 1/2" drive sockets in SAE & metric, a decent 1/2" torque wrench, then maybe some cheap 3/4" stuff if I need it. Also socket adapters for using the 3/8" ratchet on 1/2" and maybe the swivel head ratchet for tight quarters.

I expect to pass my tools along to the kids. ....I started acquiring then when I was around 8 years old, in the early 60s. Just haven't needed big socket stuff until now.

Thanks, and Happy New Year!

John

rbarker · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

( Specifically one thing I bought was a 1/2 inch socket set that also came with a 2' braker bar. Had up to 1 1/4 " I can tell you this.. )

I bought that same set, plus the 3/8 and 1/4 sets. Pittsburg Forge, I think was the actual brand. You are right, they are quality tools and have been serving my need for several years.

Rimmer · Jan 1, 2004

Re: 1/2\" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

"...... just tighten it a half turn before it strips.... "

Sure, just put a 24 inch extension on the ratchet handle and keep jerking on it until it "squeaks" three times! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

When I was in the Navy we had a 1st class PO who was assigned to hydro test a bunch of valves. He tested them all to 150 psi -- didn't matter if they were from a 5 psi system or a 3000 psi system. Glad we found out and retested them before making our next dive...

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

"A man kin learn a heap of things if he keeps his ears washed."