Do I need a 1/4″ metric and SAE socket set?

[Robert]

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee that is ten years old and I know that in the next year or so I will have to pull the dash out and replace the Evaporator Coil and Heater Coil.

Currently have a full 3/8″ socket set. Should I also have a 1/4″ set for this challenge? If so, I am considering the Gearwrench metric and SAE set for $51.

Topic

[Joe]

on the smaller sizes it can be more important to use the correct sae or metric size, but the only sae size I would worry about using under that dash is 1/4″ and 7/16″.

If you’re just buying the tools for working on your jeep, you should be just fine with a cheapo 1/4″ metric socket set and just pick up a miser 1/4″ and 7/16″.

[Robert]

[quote=”quickNpainless” post=103480]on the smaller sizes it can be more important to use the correct sae or metric size, but the only sae size I would worry about using under that dash is 1/4″ and 7/16″.

If you’re just buying the tools for working on your jeep, you should be just fine with a cheapo 1/4″ metric socket set and just pick up a miser 1/4″ and 7/16″.[/quote]

Thank you for the reply. Looks like I definitely need at least some sockets. Yesterday, I was at Walmart and purchased a $7.97 1/4″ SAE and Metric socket set with rachet. That night I was having dinner with a Master Mechanic and told him about my great buy. He said, “Never purchase cheap tools as they will strip out easily and quickly on your first or most important job”. So, later that night I returned that cheap set to Walmart unopened.

[Joe]

just buy 6 point sockets. You won’t have much to worry about as far as stripping bolts and whatnot goes. Especially with the small under-dash stuff you’ll be working with.

[Burt Fried]

I am a pro with 40 years experience. Cheap tools are worthless!!!. If you are not a pro you dont need Snap On or Mac. A decent set of Kobalt from Lowes or Husky from Home Depot is a great investment. Ebay is also a great source to get good tools at a bargain price. If you do your own work you deserve a good set of tools!

[Lorrin Barth]

I have a Snap On ratcheting magnetic screwdriver that takes 1/4 inch bits. I found this screwdriver in the road ditch. From Sears I purchased a case of probably 100 different bits that fit this screwdriver. Whenever I am working on small stuff this is what I reach for.

[zero]

Most of the stores with real tool departments tend to have decent tools with good warranties. Find something that fits your needs. If you don’t need it yesterday just wait until it goes on sale. For the DIYer as long as its not el cheapo brand it shouldn’t screw you. And yes 6-point only.

For the cost of just buying a set of SAE sockets vs individuals you might as well buy a whole set of them. No point in spending $5 for 2 sockets when you could get a set for $15. Go buy some el cheapo extensions and have fun.

[Author]

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