Socket sizes for tool kit.

[loserscar]

Hi,

Fiat 500 owner.

I bought a bells-and-whistles socket set years ago, and it's annoyed me ever since.

I put the imperial sizes aside a long time ago, but I'm trying to thin it down further.

I've got no workshop, so I have to lug everything around.

What's the biggest socket you think I'd ever need, or need for 99% of the time?

If I keep it to 19mm I can save lugging my 1/2 inch drive around, and a kilo of sockets.

I don't think I'd need bigger except for suspension jobs perhaps.

I've just seen a nice Bahco 24 piece on Amazon, with 1/2 inch drive only, and sockets from 10 through to 32mm. Half a dozen sockets more than I need probably, but it's nice and compact.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-S240.../B0001OZHS0/ref=psdc_1939042031_t1_B000Y8OFI6

I'd certainly advise anyone else never to get some great big mega-set.

Thanks in advance.

**Update. That socket set has no deep sockets, and I think a 3/8 drive is probably a better all rounder.

I still need socket size advice, though. Cheers.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi..

Well.. its a can of worms..

'Oriental' use 12 and 14

European use 13..
BUT FIAT now use 15.16 +18 on certain parts..

Best advice in a 1 line answer:
Buy single hex. Not 'bihex' they are just 'better'

The 1 purpose of bi.hex is the get onto a hex fitting in a confined space..
However.. uncoupling the square drive..and moving around 90'
Brings you into the correct spot.. and it will be a FAR better fit than with a bihex

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Hi..

Well.. its a can of worms..

'Oriental' use 12 and 14

European use 13..
BUT FIAT now use 15.16 +18 on certain parts..

Best advice in a 1 line answer:
Buy single hex. Not 'bihex' they are just 'better'

The 1 purpose of bi.hex is the get onto a hex fitting in a confined space..
However.. uncoupling the square drive..and moving around 90'
Brings you into the correct spot.. and it will be a FAR better fit than with a bihex

Pretty much agree with all Charlie has to say above. Hub nuts are often 32 mil which is probably why so many sets include that size as the biggest option but undoing a hub nut with just a ratchet or "T" bar is probably not realistic. So the more usual max size of smaller sets, which seems to be 19 or maybe 22 mil, is maybe acceptable? I also, like Charlie, favour 6 point (single hex) sockets and whilst deep sockets can be invaluable in certain circumstances they also cause access problems due to the depth so probably just normal shallow sockets are a good compromise and then buy a single deep one when/if you need it. You can now buy zero backlash ratchets which have no actual ratchet but a slipping one way clutch arrangement - very useful in tight situations and a perfect compliment to the angular restriction a single hex socket causes.
Running out of ideas now and Mrs J wants me to help with changing sheets on the spare room bed - Why? no-one can come to stay! Anyway I'd better go before I get a clip round the ear!

 

[Eklipze3k]

10, 13, 17, 19 - A socket and a spanner for each, hammer and screw drivers (one + and one -) should be all the basic tools you need tbh.

 

[jackwhoo]

Whatever you have with you will almost always be missing "the one" truly needed !!!!

 

[s130]

Whatever you have with you will almost always be missing "the one" truly needed !!!!

Which is why I've not responded till now.

Going back to my Fiat cars prior to 2005 then basic metric spanners and sockets up to 19mm were OK unless you needed larger sizes for hub nuts which are not roadside requirements.

Croma 2005 for me (other models for others) we find common use of Spline, Torx Spline, E Torx Female Sockets, .......

Now for my 500X I carry splines, Male/Female Torx and more when I travel in the UK and abroad.

I think many who maintain, service and can DIAGNOSE AND FIX their cars after years of experience then they carry an ever burden and paranoia of "I wish I'd put that in the vehicles tool box".

Whilst I appreciate that certain "drive" types (hex, spline, torx, etc) have their individual advantages and in professional and specialist arenas such as aircraft servicing and maintenance where only licensed/certified technicians can operate, when it comes to the humble motor car I wonder if manufacturers are deliberately over complicating the tooling required to "bolt two bits of metal together" or "attach item A to item B". and all to ensure Joe public has to call back on their dealers to get stuff sorted.

 

[varesecrazy]

Ball ended Allen keys

5.5mm socket

Much of this depends on the car they travel in..

GPs seem to have lots of Torx.. so
'Torx ' keys (like allen keys) can see a fair bit of use