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

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I have an M18 1/2 drive that will rip any bolt off anything, the darn thing is a MONSTER. BUT!
It is heavy and bulky and i work on passenger cars.
I was thinking of getting the newer m12 stubby for brake jobs and such.
Now dealing with the back of the steering knuckle to get the bolts for the hub, driveline, tight engine bay and such.
Physically do the 1/2 sockets and u joint sockets bigger than 3/8 to the point where I may need to step down to 3/8 to get in a tight space?
Typical passenger car scenario.

 

[TCL]

You can never have too many tools.....

 

[The Critic]

Instead of buying a new tool, it sounds like you just need a set of impact swivel sockets:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in...MIqKS_poTriAMV4TnUAR2jYQCkEAQYAiABEgJksfD_BwE

 

[cptbarkey]

I debated similarly for quite a while and eventually bought the m12 stubby and m12 long reach ratchet. That debate included "how often" will I use these items for the future.

The upsides is easy access and saved time in general to the smaller or tight spot fasteners.

The downsides is the substantial additional $$$ cost, and juggling 2 battery types. I went back and forth with M12 stuff due to a few major items I do not like at all. Such as the hacksaw and inflator. Neither of them are good quality items imo. Some will disagree. I finally consider M12 worth it with a few other items, soldering gun and light jacket with the warmer lining. I'm starting to look at the Rover light if it ever comes in a decent sale.

 

[Yourhomiematt]

I know this isn't one you originally asked about, but the 90⁰ 3/8 m12 impact is awesome for brake jobs. Also a nice paring to the ASTRO Nano sockets

 

[Hirev]

More choices are a good thing. I would say go for it. In many ways compact and sub compacts impacts are very useful on passenger cars. About 4 years I bought a 1/2 Makita XWT14Z compact. Found I use it much more on cars and light trucks than the big guns. The big guns as you said are heavy and bulky is also what I found. Earlier this year I pick up a Dewalt DCF923 in 3 /8 at 4.95 long this little guy fits in many places my big guns won't fit or are not handy at all.

 

[RooflessVW]

The new M12 3/8 rips

 

[D60]

I have the original M12 stubby in 1/2"

I can't say I've ever wished it was 3/8", but I think I'd be fine with 3/8", also

IOW it may not matter

If you already have something like Nano sockets in only one drive size, that might be your deciding factor?

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I want to thank you all for your input. I do a really poor job of explaining myslef sometimes. I already have a bunch of M12 battarties.
I had arthritis since I was 18 years old and having a significantly smaller and lighter tools greatly helps me with my pain.

My main concern is physical dimensions of the sockets. not counting obvious things like 8mm sockets having to taper would 1/2 sockets be larger in diameter comparted to lets say 3/8 sockets? So when I am dealing with driveshaft bolts or getting to bolts that hold the wheel bearing to the knuckle in the back would there be issues with clearance of one vs the other?

I have seen the torque test channel tests and it seems that there is no difference in power between 1/2 and 3/8 drive. Not that it matters my new m18 will pretty much rip everything off one way or the other.

 

[dgunay]

Instead of buying a new tool, it sounds like you just need a set of impact swivel sockets:

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in...MIqKS_poTriAMV4TnUAR2jYQCkEAQYAiABEgJksfD_BwE

Did you read the post carefully?

The OP is not happy about the size and weight of the tool, swivel sockets will not change anything.

 

[dgunay]

I want to thank you all for your input. I do a really poor job of explaining myslef sometimes. I already have a bunch of M12 battarties.
I had arthritis since I was 18 years old and having a significantly smaller and lighter tools greatly helps me with my pain.

My main concern is physical dimensions of the sockets. not counting obvious things like 8mm sockets having to taper would 1/2 sockets be larger in diameter comparted to lets say 3/8 sockets? So when I am dealing with driveshaft bolts or getting to bolts that hold the wheel bearing to the knuckle in the back would there be issues with clearance of one vs the other?

I have seen the torque test channel tests and it seems that there is no difference in power between 1/2 and 3/8 drive. Not that it matters my new m18 will pretty much rip everything off one way or the other.

I have the 3/8" (gen 1). It is not powerful enough to replace your M18 1/2 drive, maybe the gen 2 is better. However, it's a nice tool for small bolts/screws/fasteners especially if you are working under the hood. As you already have 1/2", I'd recommend 3/8".

If you didn't have the M18 1/2", I'd have recommended stubby 1/2".

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I have the 3/8" (gen 1). It is not powerful enough to replace your M18 1/2 drive, maybe the gen 2 is better. However, it's a nice tool for small bolts/screws/fasteners especially if you are working under the hood. As you already have 1/2", I'd recommend 3/8".

If you didn't have the M18 1/2", I'd have recommended stubby 1/2".

What does 3/8 impact sockets give me that 1/2 dont?

 

[The Critic]

Did you read the post carefully?

The OP is not happy about the size and weight of the tool, swivel sockets will not change anything.

I did. OP seemed to be under the impression that u-joints were the only way to solve access issues. A swivel socket could greatly improve the access issue while keeping the size profile under control.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

to be under the impression that u-joints were the only way to solve access issues. A swivel socket could greatly improve the access issue while keeping the size profile under control.

would lets say an 18mm swive socket have the same dimensions in 3/8 drive and 1/2 drive?

 

[dgunay]

What does 3/8 impact sockets give me that 1/2 dont?

1/2" gets very clunky on smaller sizes and tight areas, and you already have one 1/2" power tool for bigger jobs. As far as I know, you can find smaller 3/8" sockets than 1/2".

I'd get the 3/8" and use it for smaller stuff, keep 1/2 for bigger tasks (suspension, lug nuts etc.).

 

[The Critic]

would lets say an 18mm swive socket have the same dimensions in 3/8 drive and 1/2 drive?

Depends on the brand and style. I can post some pictures later.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Depends on the brand and style. I can post some pictures later.

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?

 

[Trav]

The new M12 3/8 rips

That new Milwaukee seems to have a few issues, the first one is that trigger double pull to change speeds and it only makes the power with that 5A battery which it also drains much faster (the video claims in a 15 sec run it used 1 bar) and also runs hotter. I cant see this being a replacement for a more traditional switch or one that can do hard work and run all day.
I bought the Dewalt DCF 921 and it seems to be the sweet spot for power in guns this size, it punches way above its weight and with the powerstack it runs all day and then some.

 

[dubber09]

I got M12 gen1 stubby in 3/8 and it works great for most jobs. But I also have M18 mid and high torque in 1/2 for when I need power. Honestly, M18 mid torque in 1/2 may be what you need.

 

[D60]

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