anthonym Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 I've noticed that when trying to work on my 7, I tend towards the 3/8" drive because the 1/4" feels too weak and the 1/2" is too big and too heavy for my feeble wrists. And skydragon's thread here about primary nuts everyone seems to be talking about 3/8" drives. I also find the 3/8" is a good touring compromise regarding space versus work ability. So, I am hoping for responses indicating what size drive you tend towards using given a choice. though any chat about drive sizes I will read with interest, specially if crimbo works out :-) Edited by - anthonym on 6 Dec 2011 18:50:52 Edited by - anthonym on 6 Dec 2011 18:51:45 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 3/8" for anything that needs being done up but the 41mm hex at the driveshafts. For that I use 3/4" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pikey Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 Same as RJ here too. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedCat7 Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 I used 1/4" and 1/2" for my build. I only used 1/2" rather than 3/8" because I already had a 1/2" SS and Torque Wrench. The 1/4" SS and TW is great - well worth the investment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 Get the big Halfords set and get all three sizes inside ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 size is dependant upon torque required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 6, 2011 Member Share Posted December 6, 2011 Smallest that will do the task. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mav Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 3/8ths for most stuff but I do also regularly use the 1/4 and 1/2 too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Russell Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 3/8ths for everything except for wheel nuts and hub nuts for which I have 1/2". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheds Moderator Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 1/4 for everything up to 13mm, unless it's tight. Underbonnet and electricals, 1/4 is enough and is easier to use. 3/8 for general mechanicing and I have a few 1/2 drive sockets in bigger sizes for stuff like suspension bolts. HGV mechanics will regularly reach for 3/4 drive stuff, so you select as required. I have snapped a M6/10mm bolt with a 1/4 drive ratchet, and I'm not exactly the biggest guy out there, so it comes down to what you feel best using. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 3/8 will do most things. You need 1/4 only for tiny jobs. 1/2 is too big for most things. 3/4 I'd great for the rear axle nuts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Sewell Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I agree with James - 3/8" for everything except wheel nuts (1/2") as most torques are reasonably small - and with the smaller associated sockets, it is easier to get to the nuts/bolts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Wheel nut torque is not huge, and 3/8" will happily cope with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheds Moderator Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 It is if some numpty has done them up with a windy-gun! I've had a few occasions when I ended up swinging on a breaker bar. On one memorable occasion the tintop had gone all winter with the wheels on, and I had to prop the spider on an axle stand and brutalise it with a big hammer to get the nuts moving. Coppergrease on replacement, I think. 😳 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 I undo them with a windy gun. Simple way is to make sure the garage uses a torque wrench when fitting the wheels. I tighten the bolts up with a windy on a low torque setting, and final tighten with the torque wrench. Ideally, you should over torque them slightly, back them off and torque to the correct figure. Most of that is perfectly manageable with 3/8 sockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Russell Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Quoting CageyH: Wheel nut torque is not huge, and 3/8" will happily cope with it. Yep, it just so happens that my bar and my 3/4" socket for wheel nuts are both 1/2" drive. Only problem with 3/8" drive is that your torque wrench choice is limited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheds Moderator Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Easy fixed wih an adaptor, I have one with my TR and it gets used a fair bit. In fact it gets used all the time because I have a 3/8 socket set! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthonym Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 that leads nicely into my next question, I use these (or at least I will) just bought in an old Facom stock sale fro 40 francs, what does everyone else use? Have to admit I am using them as executive toys.. silly I suppose, but I do love nicely engineered stuff, old valves, cam followers etc. thing I like about these is the knurled outer ring to facilitate more finger turning grip as compared to the slippery metal surface of a socket, also their lack of space, easy to store on tour. Edited by - anthonym on 8 Dec 2011 09:06:33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 I have a mixture of Facom, Britool and snap-on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthonym Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 ok I meant what shape are they? I am wondering if the Facom design is unique or ubiquitous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 There are some nice extensions with knurled sections as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wag Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 What do we think to those Facom twist action ratchets, where you twist the handle for fast tightening at low torque? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 IMO they are a nice gadget, but though I have both 1/4" and 3/8" I rarely use them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cannonball Bob Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 3/8" for the Seven. 1/2" for the Defender. Job done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now