I'm going to need a 54mm (or 2 1/8") socket. Did a search. Seems like the Snap-on, OTC, or Craftsman were recommended. But then, IIRC, I read somewhere that one of the common sockets out there that seem to be OK for the front wheel bearing job was too fat and did not fit. If that is true, which one is it, if not one of the above, so I don't end up with the wrong one?
thanks
Eric
might have been my thread, I borrowed one when I did it and then decided I need to have one of my own just in case, got a shallow 3/4" drive MAC of Ebay but is was to shallow (forgot about the stub shaft) wound up with a Snap-on one off the truck, looks very similar to the cheap one I borroed made from shaped/stamped pipe
adapters are handy for other tasks and not to expensive I use them a lot at work for the shops 3/4" torque wrenches on my 1/2"sockets and sometimes at home often also torque wrench related trying to match the torque need to the socket size, also handy for when you cant find the socket in the drive you want to use, get the whole set 1/4->1/2->3/4->1/2->1/4,
for the "up's" "Blue point" (Snap-On) has a neat low profile set for $30 they only add about an 1/8" extra thickness, sometimes the extra length of an adapter can keep you from getting into tight spots
As Beo said, the Craftsman 2 1/8" with 3/4" drive fits perfect, the 1/2" to 3/4" adapter was only ~$4 - $6 IIRC. Well worth the piece of mind when you start the job knowing you wont get stuck halfway through the job. The Craftsman socket is also pretty readily available, even on a weekend, if you've got a Sears around.
Mine's a NAPA 54mm socket made of tubing. It's a 3/4 drive and that's where my 3/4 to 1/2 adapter permanently resides since it's the only 3/4 I have. Works fine and no interference. Think I paid $23 or so for it 5 years ago.
Yes, I purchased that kit, it really works for any size socket stepup or stepdown. I was really surprised how strong these adaptors are; as Dan stated they are all impact grade. I was so impressed with that, I then got the Harbor Freight extra large socket sets, in metric and in standard (for when my friends with Ram 3500's come over for help) sizes. These are also impact grade and they all come in clever stamped steel boxes so I can keep them separate from my regular tools. Normally I would not want HF tools - just some predjudice I have I guess - but I was really impressed with these, the whole get up costs less than 80 bucks IIRC.
One other thought...I remember reading that when using a torque wrench it is preferable to use no adaptors, no extensions that might make the torque readings wrong. I know many times it is impossible not to use something like that but I think the take home message is use as few as possible, try to use ones that are tight ( dont slop around in the socket's socket ) and try to use extensions that are as short as possible if you absolutely must use an extension. I think the idea is to remove as many variables as possible (other than the torque wrench and the socket itself) so that the torque reading is as accurate as possible. HTH
I just was in HF this week and picked up the "regular" (non impact) adapter set. Includes all adapters up and down from 1/4" to 1/2"...on sale for $1.99. Normally $4.99...
One other thought...I remember reading that when using a torque wrench it is preferable to use no adaptors, no extensions that might make the torque readings wrong. I know many times it is impossible not to use something like that but I think the take home message is use as few as possible, try to use ones that are tight ( dont slop around in the socket's socket ) and try to use extensions that are as short as possible if you absolutely must use an extension. I think the idea is to remove as many variables as possible (other than the torque wrench and the socket itself) so that the torque reading is as accurate as possible. HTH
extensions are OK it is things that change the lever arm like a "crows foot" that get you into trouble, you are OK if you use them at 90* to the torque wrench if that is not possible there is a formula to get you from actual torque to indicated torque
I too have the Harbor Freight set of those adapater, and, like you guys have been very impressed with the strength. I have beat the crap out of them, routinely use them with a 500ftlb impact wrench on a 3/8" drive, 3/8" sockets, etc and I have never broken even one! I have twisted a few Craftsman ones off usually the 3/8->1/4 one though, not using a impact wrench on that though..
I like the impact extentions and such from Harbor Freight, cheap..and it's hard to go wrong with something like extentions...hmm...think I might go to HF today...they also have those cheap little pulley things that pull like 500 lbs with this cheap 1/4" rope (multi-pulley style), I think two of those will lift my 40's hardtop...so it undoubtedly can fall on me later...
But then, IIRC, I read somewhere that one of the common sockets out there that seem to be OK for the front wheel bearing job was too fat and did not fit.
Might have been when I was doing mine a couple of months ago. I had set of Proto sockets (probably don't fall in the common category, unless you work on big machinery), and it was slightly to big (like a couple 1/100ths of an inch). Had to go buy a Craftsman.
