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