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I don't own a compressor but even if I did I prefer to use hand tools and simpler is better. When I used to make knives out of old spring steel, I would hand file everything rather than use a grinder, far more control and more satisfying. Only just bought my first torque wrench to go with my sockets but not had to use it yet, seem to have a pretty good instinct for how tight things have to be.
That said, I will never again own a toolbox without a set of reverse gear ratchet ring spanners - most useful tool I own.
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I use 1/2 drive sockets for wheel nuts and high torque suspension / steering fittings. 3/8 drive for most other stuff. Ring spanners where required for room to work and open end spanners as a last resort.
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Majority of my sockets are 1/2" drive also have some 1/4" small socket sets. A couple of 3/4" drive sockets I have picked up here and there as I have never bought a whole 3/4" set. The only 3/8" drive I have is a whitworth set I bought to deal with the S1.
And here I was thinking that the popularity of 3/8" sets was due to manufacturers trying to cut down on costs.
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Being a retired spanner I grew up with 1/2 inch drive but have adapted to 3/8
Anything bigger than 17mm I will usually go to 1/2 inch drive but quite often down to 1/2 inch bolt head will still use 1/2 inch drive as my 3/8 sockets are a set that I have to get out, where as my 1/2 drive stuff is in a siddons wall cabinet which has far easier access.
Usually 10mm or less and the 1/4 drive set comes out. I reckon my 1/4 drive gets more use than my 3/8.
A very handy tool I recently purchased was a Stahlwillie 1/2 inch drive 10mm single hex socket. This for some of the bolts that are 8mm thread with a 10mm head.
8mm and 5/16 bolt used to have a 1/2af, 1/4whit or a 13mm head.
And yes the rattle gun gets plenty of use.
Dave.
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My 1/4 drive gets used from 6 to 13mm, I have some sidchrome 1/4 dr deep sockets as well and there isn't much that I can't undo in that range. From 13 to 24mm its the 1/2 drive set and 24 to 50 its the 3/4 set. I have just a few bits of 3/8 drive stuff in case things get tight but they rarely get used. And up/down sized adaptors for when you have cracked big nuts and need to spin them off with a smaller ratchet.
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Removal of fastners:
option1/ 1/2" rattle gun at 130psi
option2/ gas axe
option3/ 5" grinder with 1mm disc and application of BFH
Attaching fasteners
option1/ 1/2" rattle gun at 130psi
;)
Steve
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ahhh yes, he quoteth from the smithies bible.
what the welder giveth the grinder taketh away.
