1/2 vs 3/8 on a small m12 stubby

[The Critic]

So not really? Means I dont have to drop a bunch of money on a brand new set of impact scokets and adapters and swivels and such since I already have 1/2 stuff?

OP, typically yes, 3/8" is smaller all around and will afford greater access, all other things being equal (ie chrome to chrome, 15mm to 15mm etc).

Especially in things like swivels (be it universal or dedicated swivel sockets) 3/8" will be smaller and shorter and smaller OD at the swivel body. The manufacturers figure a swivel on 1/2" drive has to be way more durable, so it's bigger all around -- and typically longer, too

The first four are 3/8” drive. The last one on the right side is 1/2” dr.

There is a very minimal difference in drive end diameter. It all depends on the desired socket height; Astro makes an extra shallow 1/2” drive swivel socket too.

So, I stand by my earlier statement that you can probably resolve your access issue with some short swivel sockets. You may not need to buy a new tool.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

That is a noticeable difference. I dont have access problems yet. I was just looking for something lighter and smaller than my big impact m18 gun due to arthritis.
I was just wondering if I should get the smaller m12 in 3/8 or 1/2.
I think that these in 1/2 swivel will do just fine for tight access and I dont have to get a whole new set of 3/8 impact sockets.

 

[3800Series]

That is a noticeable difference. I dont have access problems yet. I was just looking for something lighter and smaller than my big impact m18 gun due to arthritis.
I was just wondering if I should get the smaller m12 in 3/8 or 1/2.
I think that these in 1/2 swivel will do just fine for tight access and I dont have to get a whole new set of 3/8 impact sockets.

Would recommend 1/2 if you decided to go with m12 (newer model). The 3/8 is too small in my opinion, I have one, the previous gen, and it's doing some damage to the heads on my gearwrench sockets. It's now wallowed them out (yet) but there is a good bit of play in the ones I normally use. Granted these are impact sockets so they are designed to give vs shatter, but still I think it's a little too much for the 3/8 anvil something with a little larger surface area could spread the load more evenly and not eat up sockets.

Just too small in my personal opinion, at least with the newer model.

 

[D60]

IPFM15C left ‐ 3/8" drive
IPLM15C right - 1/2" drive

Major ODs of bases: 1.024" vs 1.244" -- that's VERY significant IMO and says nothing of OAL

 

[D1dad]

Old thread, but I've had the m12 gen 2 for over a year. Several brake jobs and tire rotations later and it's been great. I bought my son the m18 fuel with 250lbs and it will take off lugs that are torqued to 200lbs with ease. The m12 will not. My nephew uses an m12 all day long as an ironworker and loves it. Fits in his winter bibs and a few fresh batteries last all day.

 

[Lenny5160]

Old thread, but I've had the m12 gen 2 for over a year. Several brake jobs and tire rotations later and it's been great. I bought my son the m18 fuel with 250lbs and it will take off lugs that are torqued to 200lbs with ease. The m12 will not. My nephew uses an m12 all day long as an ironworker and loves it. Fits in his winter bibs and a few fresh batteries last all day.

I'm kicking myself for not jumping on the M12 3/8" stubby with 5.0 HO battery for $159 that Home Depot had within the last couple weeks.

 

[JHZR2]

Old thread, but I've had the m12 gen 2 for over a year. Several brake jobs and tire rotations later and it's been great. I bought my son the m18 fuel with 250lbs and it will take off lugs that are torqued to 200lbs with ease. The m12 will not. My nephew uses an m12 all day long as an ironworker and loves it. Fits in his winter bibs and a few fresh batteries last all day.

That has been my experience too. I had the m12 stubby both 1/2 and 3/8. I forget why/how I ended up with both. Even though they’re rated at 250, they can be held up and insufficient for stubborn lug bolts only torqued by hand to 85, when corrosion kicks in.

It is helpful for some suspension work when used with swivels and extensions.

 

[D1dad]

That has been my experience too. I had the m12 stubby both 1/2 and 3/8. I forget why/how I ended up with both. Even though they’re rated at 250, they can be held up and insufficient for stubborn lug bolts only torqued by hand to 85, when corrosion kicks in.

It is helpful for some suspension work when used with swivels and extensions.

I believe the 2nd gen that I have is rated at 450lbs, although it’s nowhere near that. My hustler mower blades are torqued to 150lbs and I usually need my big Kobalt 1/2” impact when the m12 fails to remove them. Now the m18 250lbs seems to be a true 250.