1/2" Socket Wrench Set Starter Kit

[Junkman]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Nah...... just tighten it a half turn before it strips....)</font>

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 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.. )</font>

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]

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."