True. I'd be more likely to buy a 1/4 and a 1/2 if money strapped. With oversize sockets a 1/4 and a bit of muscle will do pretty much anything a 3/8 will do, but neither is overly good at taking the place of a good set of 1/2 with the breaker bar, breakover handle, ratchet, etc. Plus you can get good hobbyist handles and other useful junk for 1/4.
I've always had all 3 w/some overlap in socket sizes across them (i.e., the smaller 3/8 sizes repeat some of the larger 1/4" sizes). Having said that if you can only afford one to start with, get the 3/8. Deep sockets are also good to have from the get go, and an additional ratchet handle can be indispensable.
Dan
I've used Craftsman hand tools for 25 years & have done just about anything you can do on a car with them from suspension work to complete engine & transmission rebuilds, & including using their regular sockets on impact wrenches. I can count on one hand the pieces I've had to return. I don't think their power tools are what they used to be, but their hand tools remain quite serviceable and reasonably priced, in my experience.
Dan
Plus Craftsman gets a few extra points for those nice big legible size markings on their new sockets. Helps deal with issues encountered as one ages...
Funny you should say that Lon, I was thinking just the other day the markings were getting SMALLER!!!
;-)
Dan
If given the choice, buy the cheapest possible 1/4 inch set. You won't need it for anything requiring large enough torque to matter. This is presuming that the 3/8 and 1/4 inch set is not almost the same price as the 3/8 set alone--many times they are similarly priced in casual experience.
As to using adapters to make sockets and wrenches of a different size work... if you're turning anything that's really tight you'll break one or the other. Typically you don't need to keep 2 full sets of 3/8 and 1/2 sockets--get as little overlap as possible. The adapter that goes from a 1/2 inch wrench to the 3/8 inch socket is likely to break before the socket will, in my experience, due to it's shape. But the point is use the adapters only when you absolutely need to. Sears sells individual sockets if you have a special job and only need one tool.
For the bigger bolts/nuts, I've found that the air tool sockets fit tighter (and are therefore less likely to round your fastener's head). They're also harder so less likely to break. But they do cost more.
My main tools include... Combination 1/4 and 3/8 socket set having some long sockets too, in both metric and English. I got this for about $50, 10 yrs ago. a set of 14mm-22mm air tool sockets $40 around, 4 yrs ago.
18 inch 1/2 inch non-ratcheting socket wrench around $30, 8 yrs ago.All Craftsman, but that's what I could afford. Beware of single store tool warrantees that require you to bring the receipt back with the broken tool and/or mail the broken tool somewhere for replacement. The $10 complete socket sets are ok if you don't have to use them for anything strong, but you'll eventually not be able to resist temptation because it's close and the better tool is not as close, resulting in a rounded nut, broken tool, etc.
Great neck tools seem pretty good to me but they don't have the great no questions asked, any Sears store warranty. Husky at Home Depot has a warranty similar to craftsman, but looking at the home improvement mega store business's track record it's unlikely Home Depot will be still around 40 yrs from now (in the Cleveland area we've seen at least
3 major chains die in the last 20 yrs and now Lowes and Home Depot are duking it out)MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.