just 'graduated' to 3/4" tools

[Bird]

Re: just \'graduated\' to 3/4\" tools

I agree, Chris. In addition to my half inch impact, I had a 3/8" butterfly and a 3/8" air ratchet. Now if you want a really neat 3/8" ratchet, and don't mind spending a lot of money, find an Ingersoll-Rand IR111 (or the older IR110). They are a "reactionless" or "knucklesaver" ratchet; i.e., both ratchet and impact combined, so they're pretty strong, but won't jerk your hand around when a spinning nut or bolt suddenly gets tight.

 

[Soundguy]

Re: just \'graduated\' to 3/4\" tools

Yep.. I've seen hands smashed between air ratchets and objects!

Soundguy

 

[Junkman]

Re: just \'graduated\' to 3/4\" tools

I had purchased a Sears Craftsman 3/4" drive set about 10 - 15 years ago to work on my bulldozer. I succeeded in breaking a lot of the Taiwan sockets and complained about the poor quality. They kept replacing them and then one day, I noticed that the sockets were again being made in the USA. I asked if I could swap out all my Taiwan sockets and the department manager said that it was OK with him. The next day, I had a completely new set of Craftsman USA made 3/4" drive sockets. The only socket that I don't have, and have never seen is the 1 9/16". For some reason, I guess that size bolt was never made. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif As many have pointed out many times in the past, it is hard to justify buying Snap On in 3/4" drive because of the cost when the Craftsman will work just as well. By the way, you shouldn't use a 8' long piece of 2" black iron pipe as a ratchet extension. Don't ask how I know... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Phred]

Re: just \'graduated\' to 3/4\" tools

I agree with the comments on the sears 3/4" drives. Pricey but worth the money.
I use them on my impact gun, (1/2" drive with an adapter) and they work great for large high torque nuts.

Fred

 

[flusher]

Re: just \'graduated\' to 3/4\" tools

I buy a lot of stuff at Harbor Freight. There's a big HF store in Chico CA about 30 miles from my place. Since I don't use these tools to make a living, I can't justify paying Makita, DeWalt, Porter-Cable prices.

Got one of HD's heavy duty Chinese sawzall ripoffs for $19.99. The motor and drive unit are fine, but the blades aren't worth a hoot. So, off to the local True Value for a pack of Milwaukee blades. Problem solved.

Same for tile saws. I have a $99 Home Depot wet tile saw that's nearly 5 years old. I make tile mosaics so I do a lot of cutting. Chinese motor runs fine and the bearings are solid. Just get a good $50 diamond blade and you can saw tile like a pro. Water slinging is a poor way to lubricate and cool the cutting area. So I rigged a dual-nozzle setup with a few pieces of crimped 1/4-inch copper tubing, plastic hose, a submersible pump from a lawn fountain and a 5-gallon plastic bucket. Works fine and extends blade life like crazy.