Originally Posted by
ottothecow
Sorry to necropost, but do you guys think I should go with a 1/4 or 3/8 socket set? I have a nice bondus L set, but it might be nice to use a ratcheting tool.
I can get a 1/4 drive set with
2 mm, 2 1/2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm
or a 3/8 drive with
4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm (or one that excludes the 7 and 9)
Both have 4/5/6 so no issues there. Since most of the applications aren't high torque, I might prefer using the smaller 1/4 drive ratchet (which would also allow for a couple smaller sizes), but when I would want torque , I might benefit from the 3/8 drive with the bigger ratchet handle. Also, this would get me up to the 10mm for the sram crank bolt (still won't be big enough for the campy cranks though).
Any input from people who have actually used ratcheting tools on their bikes? Do you like the more nimble 1/4 tools? Would a 3/8 set, a 3/8 to 1/4 adaptor and a 1/4 ratchet be a reasonable compromise?
I don't like using adaptors especially on a 3/8 set, but it can be done I just don't like the bulkiness of the adaptors, but if you don't want to buy a 3/8th set then by all means use an adapter.
You can get a made in China (the same as all the other retail stores will have) for less money at Harbor Freight and they have lifetime warranty with no receipt needed exchange program. You don't need a superior quality 3/8th set to work on a bike unless you have money to burn and wan the best then find a Snap On dealer, but their kind of hassle for warranty because you have to go and find one that happens to be at a mechanic shop.