Socket Set question

Typhoon · Jul 1, 2004

Ok, now that my implement collection is growing, (I now have 4, getting ready to get 2 more), I need a good socket set to work on them with. (Example: remove rotary cutter blades, tighten other nuts and bolts, etc etc.) I of course have a 3/8" set at home that I have had for years, but now I want a set to work on the bigger stuff with. So for those of you who have a socket set for your implements: 1. Do I need metric, standard, or both?? 2. Should I go with a 3/4" set, or a 1/2" set?? And 3. Standard or Deep well or both? And if you know of a place online that sells them pretty cheap (but still good quality of course) that would help as well. Thanks!
-Brad

MicroPilot · Jul 1, 2004

From my limited experience, I would say 1/2" drive standard well metric and SAE.

I'm going to be going to go look at getting an impact wrench this weekend. These are invaluable when trying to remove large nuts and bolts. Have you had to remove the blades on your finish mower yet? An impact wrench makes this effortless.

reb · Jul 1, 2004

Just like implements, you can't have too many tools. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I am able to get by with a 1/2" set, with both SAE and metric sockets. Haven't found a need for deep set sockets, yet. The best place I have found for tool puchases lately has been amazon.com.

Birdhunter1 · Jul 1, 2004

I need a 3/4 inch drive 1" ?? socket to get my bushhog blades off. For the most part you could probably get by with a standard set in 1/2 drive on most implement stuff, you may need a deep well now and then and they are good to have as you will probably need them some other point in time. In the field I usually make all my implement adjustments with a large crescent wrench and/or a pair of channell locks. I'd check Sears Craftsman stuff, lifetime warranty and good price plus they'll have everything you need. I would also make sure and get a 1/2 inch drive extra long length rachet for extra torque too, bushhog blades and rusty bolts can be troublesome.

michaelaz · Jul 1, 2004

If you are like me Brad, you will always need another tool. I have a shop full of tools and its never enough. I like to save money whenever I can, and have found ebay and swap meets good places to find good prices. If you need to buy them quickly and don't want to spend lots of money on them, I wouldn't be afraid to go to Sears. I believe they now have two catogory's of tools now, the cheap chinese stuff and the better stuff which they will warrenty. I doubt you will need the 3/4" drive set. I have one and just about never use it. Can't hardly lift the rachet! But of course it depends what size equipment you have to work on. I think it would be a good idea to be sure and get a breaker bar with your set. Saves a lot of stress on your rachet. I think you would get buy with a 3/8" but a 1/2" drive would be good at times also. Might consider a large set of box end-open end wrenches also. For these I think the cheap set would work OK. Also consider a 1/2" impact gun, also a cheap one will do for home use. I could recommend lots of tools and spend hundreds of your dollars!
Michael

Darren · Jul 1, 2004

You'll need the 1/2" set. If you've got money to burn, NAPA has a warrantied 3/4" set in a metal box for a fair price. It's nice to have the "You break it, we replace it guarantee." Last I looked, Sears just had a crappy plastic case. I have absolutely no problems getting mower blade nuts and the like loose with a 3/4" drive.

If you can't get something loose with a 3/4" drive, it's time for the 1" Proto drive or a torque multiplier. (Insert loud grunting sound here)

Glenn9643 · Jul 1, 2004

I find that I rarely need 3/4" drive sockets, but when I need them that's the only thing that will do. Recently I needed a 50mm 3/4" drive and couldn't find one at any of the local tool stores. Special order was about $60 for the one socket. Then I looked on-line and bought a set that included the 50mm for less than $50 from Max Tools . I have no relationship with or interest in this company. The tools were made in China and are satisfactory for my use.

MikePA · Jul 1, 2004

I recently bought this set from Stanley Tools. Thus far I've used it for general tasks around the house, removing the MMM mounting attachments from my TC25D and removed the blades from my garden tractor with my 1/2" impact wrench, etc. Even though the case is on the heavy side (but still manageable) it's nice to have all the tools in one place.

mahlers · Jul 1, 2004

I generally like Craftsman tools just because they're not too expensive, they're reasonably good quality, and you know you can easily get them replaced on the spot if they bust. A 1/2" set along with a 1/2" breaker bar (with speed handle) would be great to keep in your tractor toolbox. If you're like me and have a "shop set" of tools that stay in your shop, and a "mobile set" of tools that go all over the place, you know that you'll be losing your mobile pieces all the time. For those, I usually go to Harbor Freight because they're so cheap that I don't worry about having them get lost in the mud, etc. For example, you can get a perfectly usable 1/2" breaker bar at HF for under $8. Same thing at Sears would run two or three times as much.

JRobyn · Jul 1, 2004

I bought a cheap set of 3/4 drive from Harbor Freight and been real happy with them. Nice metal box and all was about $35. They're cheap, but perfect for the big stuff on implements, etc. I got SAE, but in the big sizes they fit metric well enough to use (like for wheel nuts). If they run metric ones on sale, I'll get some of them too (and another set for my brother-in-law for Christmas, and a set for....)