are Craftsman™ tools really that bad as people say in the intrawebz..?

[racercosmo]

It has to do with the amount of torque more than exactly the fastener size. A 1/4" ratchet is usually 4-5",
I think 9/16" and 14mm are the largest sockets generally supplied in a 1/4" drive socket set, but do you want to use apply 35 lb ft of torque with 4" of leverage?

 

[JesasaurusRex]

10mm

 

[ALANRIDER7]

The right tool takes the intrinsic frustration from the difficult repair.

 

[TheRobSJ]

specific question, I always wonder/debate with myself what the largest bolt/nut is appropriate for a 1/4 inch drive, before moving to a 3/8? Do you guys have a hard fast rule or general rule of thumb for that?

12mm is where I usually could go either way. Depends on what ratchet I've already got out.

 

[TheRobSJ]

The right tool takes the intrinsic frustration from the difficult repair.

Nice rig. Explain me your color coding setup there. Is that by size?

 

[JesasaurusRex]

12mm is where I usually could go either way. Depends on what ratchet I've already got out.

damn bro, you couldn't just agree with me?

 

[MrIncredible]

specific question, I always wonder/debate with myself what the largest bolt/nut is appropriate for a 1/4 inch drive, before moving to a 3/8? Do you guys have a hard fast rule or general rule of thumb for that?

Brian

11mm

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Nice rig. Explain me your color coding setup there. Is that by size?

Yes. I found it makes life easier.

 

[TheRobSJ]

damn bro, you couldn't just agree with me?

If I started reaching for the bigger ratchet at only 10mm, that would imply I'm as weak as you not confident in my tools.


Tee hee.

 

[Charles R]

this is an awesome thread, thanks robsj and others for sharing your expertise and experience!

specific question, I always wonder/debate with myself what the largest bolt/nut is appropriate for a 1/4 inch drive, before moving to a 3/8? Do you guys have a hard fast rule or general rule of thumb for that?

Brian

Depends on the warranty! Lol

But seriously, for me it's more about the room available for the tools. If I'm working in tight spaces, I'll probably have my 1/4" stuff out already, and will stick with them until I can't remove something. I have 1/4" drive tools up to 15mm, and use them all quite often.

 

[JesasaurusRex]

It's actually 7/16 if you wrench on 'merican

 

[racercosmo]

It's actually 7/16 if you wrench on 'merican made before the late '80s

True.

 

[#1Freak]

thanks!

 

[teg916]

It has to do with the amount of torque more than exactly the fastener size. A 1/4" ratchet is usually 4-5",
I think 9/16" and 14mm are the largest sockets generally supplied in a 1/4" drive socket set, but do you want to use apply 35 lb ft of torque with 4" of leverage?

I agree. Depends on the torque. My 1/4" drive set goes up to a 9/16" socket, and my 3/8" drive set goes down to a 3/8" socket. Which one I grab depends on the torque.

 

[corndog67]

I agree. Depends on the torque. My 1/4" drive set goes up to a 9/16" socket, and my 3/8" drive set goes down to a 3/8" socket. Which one I grab depends on the torque.

But my 3/4 inch, 1300 ft. lb. Air impact with 3/4-1/2, then 1/2-3/8, then 3/8-1/4 adaptor sockets, always spins out those 6mm case screws every time.

 

[louemc]

But my 3/4 inch, 1300 ft. lb. Air impact with 3/4-1/2, then 1/2-3/8, then 3/8-1/4 adaptor sockets, always spins out those 6mm case screws every time.