Socket set

maxamillius

Just wondering if people find 3/8 sets any use for cara I have 1/2 and 1/4 sets just wondering people's thoughts?

CJhaughey

maxamillius wrote: »

Just wondering if people find 3/8 sets any use for cara I have 1/2 and 1/4 sets just wondering people's thoughts?

Modern 3/8ths are very handy, they will do most stuff up to 22mm or so easily.
Socketry has improved a lot over the last few years and you can buy really nice sets for very little money relatively.
I bought a Bahco 3/8"set with a 1/4 driver for under 50 euro recently.
I have 1/4"and 1/2" sockets as well but for most use I reach for the 3/8 first.
1/2 is very clunky unless its for suspension componentry and 1/4" is a bit small unless its for electronic stuff or tight spaces.

maxamillius

That's what I was thinking,the 1/4 is just a tad small and the 1/2 is clunky as you say,makes it difficult to reach some stuff in engine bay,I do all my own work on my own car so was thinking of investing in a 3/8 set!!need a breaker bar aswell for those caliper bolts!!

CJhaughey

maxamillius wrote: »

That's what I was thinking,the 1/4 is just a tad small and the 1/2 is clunky as you say,makes it difficult to reach some stuff in engine bay,I do all my own work on my own car so was thinking of investing in a 3/8 set!!need a breaker bar aswell for those caliper bolts!!

Yes, I have a couple of breaker bars, 1/2" 500mm for most things and a 3/4" sliding drive bar for stuff that won't move with the 1/2"
I can put a long piece of pipe on the sliding bar and get serious leverage.
Twisted the heads off the 1/2" a few times but replacements are pretty cheap.

maxamillius

Did ya buy your bahco set online if us don't mind me asking?

CJhaughey

maxamillius wrote: »

Did ya buy your bahco set online if us don't mind me asking?

No, it was on offer from Arro hardware.

jimgoose

Yup, I find 3/8'' drive very tidy for a lot of automotive stuff. These are the sets I have:

Halfords Advanced Pro 150-piece 1/4'', 3/8'' & 1/2''


And also this Bahco BHS240 24-piece 1/2'' drive six-point set. I got it a couple of years
ago for €66 at Cork Builder Providers. You won't get better for that money - this usually
goes for around £150 and more. Sterling.



I find it unequalled for heavier stuff.

eirator

jimgoose wrote: »

...

And also this Bahco BHS240 24-piece 1/2'' drive six-point set. I got it a couple of years
ago for €66 at Cork Builder Providers. You won't get better for that money - this usually
goes for around £150 and more. Sterling.



I find it unequalled for heavier stuff.

Tom Currans Builders Merchants Dungarvan have had that one for €69.99 and have had for the last 12 months or more (before that they were €59.99). Excellent set that I have given some abuse but someone is making good money on them at the recommended retail prices.

I keep the S330 in the boot and it covers everything I need to do a service (with a 3/8 filter adapter) and I don't have to get out the 1/2 set for brake pads but normally do. I have lots of other tools (far too many) but keep coming back to this set for everyday use. The screwdriver bits don't get much use and I did add a couple of good quality torx bits to fit body work so I have one smallish socket set that covers most basics without having to start opening toolboxes up in the workshop.



iirc the S330 is €40 in Tom Currans Dungarvan

jimgoose

eirator wrote: »

...I keep the S330 in the boot and it covers everything I need to do a service (with a 3/8 filter adapter) and I don't have to get out the 1/2 set for brake pads but normally do. I have lots of other tools (far too many) but keep coming back to this set for everyday use. The screwdriver bits don't get much use and I did add a couple of good quality torx bits to fit body work so I have one smallish socket set that covers most basics without having to start opening toolboxes up in the workshop...

Pretty much the same as that with me and the S240. In fact, I thrun out the OE wheel-brace. Horrible bloody thing.

CJhaughey

I have the S330 and I also added a couple of adaptors, 1/4" to 3/8" and 3/8" to 1/4" it just makes the set a lot more versatile as you can use the driver to spin on nuts and as an extension.
I would have liked some long sockets but already have some from the last 3/8th set I bought.

maxamillius

Good stuff cheers for the replys gents,gonna go grab me a 3/8 set so!!