opinion on tools

[SPYDERLK]

I own a full sized industrial backhoe/loader.

I use 1/2" drive for my needs. I DO have (I think) two sockets that I bought that were 3/4". I just bought the specific sockets I needed for the job and their step up adapter.

My guess is, for a "regular tractor" (how ever we're defining that), a 1/2" set would suffice very nicely for almost everything.

Its amazing what a good quality 1/2" drive can take. With bolts in good condition you can get by with it up to about 3/4 Gr5. This will cover most tractors, but you are verging on damage to the tool at this size. A stuck big bolt is another story. You dont get by with a six foot cheater on a 1/2drive. I have had to do this on implements such as a bushog. The $40 HF set took this without damage. Im betting your 2 - 3/4 dr sockets cost about this much - - plus the time to go get them. Youll probably need another size one of thes days. The HF set has pretty thick walls on the sockets and I find them able to take the hammering of an Ingersol Rand 3/4" impact tool capable of delivering 1100ftlb. They are cheap insurance to me.
Larry

 

[3RRL]

Quote: I agree about metrics because it's hard to multiply every metric size by .03937 in your head.

Multiplying by 4 and adding a zero is usually close enuf.
Larry

Larry, most tractor stuff I agree. Try drilling and reaming for a metric size in a plastic injection mold multiplying by 4 and see what you get.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Personally, I would get the 1/2" set first but a good one. If you do find a situation where you need a 3/4" set then get it but chances are you will never need the 3/4 set with that size tractor. I can do almost everything I ever needed to on my 1920 with a 3/8" set, the 1/2" set covers the TN when the 3/8 falls short. I have never had to put the wrench to the 7710 but I do have a brand new 3/4" set from TSC that has never been used but it was on sale and I bought it for when I might need it I will have it.

Unless you are working on big equipment you generally will never need a 3/4" set. A 1/2" breaker bar will free up just about everything on your tractor and if it struggles a 2' cheater bar will surely do the trick. So unless you have money to burn, buy a good 1/2" set as it will get a lot more use then the 3/4. I have had great luck with the Husky line from Home Depot, I bought the 284 pc set to carry to the field with me and it has done repairs on all my haying equipment and tractors and anything else I run into while away from the barn. So far I have never broke a socket or wrench.

And I have never met anyone who regretted buying a good set of hand tools.