1/2 vs 3/8 wrench?

[leevanf]

If you could have only one size wrench/socket/hex and torx bit, set to do most car basics,
- engine oil change
- atf/diff fluid change
- basic bolt on part swaps
- changing wheels/lugs

Would you get a 3/8 or 1/2?

Reason is ask is that i see the most versatile torque wrenches that can do smaller bolts all the way to wheel lugs are usually 1/2s. And im just wondering if i should start my entire tool set with a set of 3/8s, and then just get an adapter for 3/8s for use with a versatile 1/2 torque wrench

Or can i get away with all these basic maintenance with a full 1/2 set?

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[86MLR]

If only 1, then 1/2"

If 2, 1/2" and 1/4"

If 3 1/2"-3/8"-1/4"

I also like my 3/4" drive, I rarely use it, but it's the boss for front sprockets

Also look at a set of ratchet combo spanners, they are the most used tool in my tool box

[Leonardo]

10mm & 14mm

[jordan7831]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

10mm & 14mm

Ya but you can never find the 10mm.

[DarkPira7e]

3/8 is your best bet if you're only doing small things. I've done everything on my cars aside wheels with a 15 year old 3/8 Craftsman socket set.

This honestly is silly though, spend $150 and get a large set of each. You'll want 1/2 eventually. 3/8 is smaller and easier to work with in the engine bay. It's also cheap enough to find used tools. Unless it's broken, there is no difference unless you want specific or fancy features

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by leevanf

If you could have only one size wrench/socket/hex and torx bit,

Here ya go -


humfrz

[leevanf]

Originally Posted by 86MLR

If only 1, then 1/2"

If 2, 1/2" and 1/4"

If 3 1/2"-3/8"-1/4"

I also like my 3/4" drive, I rarely use it, but it's the boss for front sprockets

Also look at a set of ratchet combo spanners, they are the most used tool in my tool box

and that would mean if i could get a high quality torque wrench, what do you think about this?
https://www.amazon.com/Tohnichi-Adju.../dp/B002TTN26Y

Its a Tohnichi made in japan, can do 29.5 ft - 147.5 ft. Thats pretty much everything from oil changes (39 ft) to tire changes (120ft) right?

[Dake]

3/8 wrench and sockets with adapter to go up or down if necessary. I also just use an adapter 1/2>3/8 for my 1/2" torque wrench. I think I've twisted off an adapter once in 20 years.

The times that you need those larger size, 1/2" drive sockets are so few and far between (on our cars anyway), it's just not worth building a set around them imo.

[extrashaky]

I'd go with 3/8", since you can add quality extensions, wobble sockets and specialty items cheaper. The market for hand tools is mostly centered on 3/8", so you'll have better availability of add-ons going forward.

If you really want a 1/2" torque wrench, an adapter won't hurt anything until you can buy a basic set of 1/2" sockets. I've been wrenching on my own cars for 35 years and didn't buy a set of 1/2" sockets until just the past year when I got my Milwaukee impact.

My go-to kit is a 3/8" Kobalt 200 piece mechanic's tool set from Lowe's, the one in the tall case that folds out flat. I have drawers full of other wrenches, yet I always end up pulling the Kobalt kit out first. I know it's still a few months away, but if you can wait until Black Friday, Lowe's always puts their mechanic sets on sale for as little as half the regular price.

Now that Lowe's also has Craftsman, I would expect some decent deals on that brand as well if you prefer how they suck over the Kobalt tools.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by leevanf

Its a Tohnichi made in japan, can do 29.5 ft - 147.5 ft. Thats pretty much everything from oil changes (39 ft) to tire changes (120ft) right?

You'll do better planning for two torque wrenches in overlapping ranges, one each for heavy and light torque. If you like that wrench you linked, I would also look for a ft lb or in lb wrench that goes from 15 to 80 ft lbs or thereabouts.

You will find over time that the torque on bolts with very light torque specs can be critical. A couple of my cars have light (19 ft lbs) torque on their water pumps and/or thermostat housings, such that if you overtighten them they will pinch the gasket and leak, break ears off the pieces or cause the bolts to break off when you try to get them out a few years later. It's harder to guess right without a torque wrench when it's that light.

[leevanf]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

You'll do better planning for two torque wrenches in overlapping ranges, one each for heavy and light torque. If you like that wrench you linked, I would also look for a ft lb or in lb wrench that goes from 15 to 80 ft lbs or thereabouts.



You will find over time that the torque on bolts with very light torque specs can be critical. A couple of my cars have light (19 ft lbs) torque on their water pumps and/or thermostat housings, such that if you overtighten them they will pinch the gasket and leak, break ears off the pieces or cause the bolts to break off when you try to get them out a few years later. It's harder to guess right without a torque wrench when it's that light.

Thats some great advice. I would assume using high quality tq wrenches with 3/8 and 1/2 sockets that are branded china-made would still be ok and shouldn’t affect torque application and reading?


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[Silverz]

They both have their positives and that is why I like a mixed set.

Some of the work requires bigger sockets that only 1/2 in will have.

[Silverz]

They both have their positives and that is why I like a mixed set.

Some of the work requires bigger sockets that only 1/2 in will have.

[ActionMaxon]

Hands down 3/8 is more useful than 1/2 inch. 60% of the time I use 3/8, 30% 1/4", and 10% 1/2".

For suspension for sure you'll want some half inch stuff and a decent breaker bar, but most work you do will not require sockets that big. This is generally speaking.

If you want to get into tight spaces a set of 1/2" tools will leave you wanting.

As a general rule you shouldn't be adapting when using torque wrenches, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.