Author Topic: Evaluating my main 1/4 set  (Read 10320 times)

Offline hickory n Steel

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Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« on: July 01, 2019, 09:37:22 PM »
It's been posted here before, but this is my go to 1/4 or just general small repair set.
Based around a Mac mc1 box it contains a 34pc 1/4 set plus a number of other small tools you might expect to use when working with small fasteners.
Sometimes there are other things I may need besides just a ratchet and socket and this set has it.

This set was originally put together back in early March and I've gradually been adding and removing things as my experience with it has grown.
 
Here's the set as it started.


And here it is today



The small set of slipjoints seemed like a great idea but I found I have yet to use them so I replaced them with a 7pc set of Eklind metric L keys which have actually come in handy.
The ratchet I retired in place of a Wright 2426 and I must say I really love this little ratchet a lot.

These two additions have proven quite useful.
The screw starter I mostly use for the magnet on the back, and the screw apart pick i use to clean gunk and grease from fasteners to get good purchase and avoid stripping.
With this set my sockets range from standard well 4-14mm and SAE 1/2-1/4" , I chose to rely on equivelants for the lesser needed SAE because that's what I could fit in the socket slot.
I also included a mix of 9 metric and SAE deep Wells, all sockets are US Craftsman because they were affordable.
The metric Doe wrenches are 5-11mm, and the SAE Combos are 5/32-3/8.
This doesn't cover everything, but I've got a wrench to go with most of my socket sizes.
This set has come in quite handy and really proven to be pretty versatile.
Of I was putting this together as just a socket set I'd like to have a full range of standard and deep well sockets I both SAE and Metric, but I chose to sacrifice completion of sockets for versatility across the board and it has yet to really be a hindrance.
I'm sure I'll continue to make changes to this set as I see fit, but at the moment I'm very pleased with just how useful it has been.
And I want to thank the forum members who have sent me things which I have in this set , J.A.F.E for the little breaker bar and DeadNutz for the 6" extension and universal.
They've all come in handy and this set would not be as useful without them.



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Offline ken w.

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2019, 09:49:47 PM »
My 1/4" drive is my go to set most of the time.  That's a nice set you have there. I would add a small vise grip and a 4" adjustable too. They are a lot handier than you would think. I should have an extra adjustable if you want one.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2019, 10:01:34 PM »
My 1/4" drive is my go to set most of the time.  That's a nice set you have there. I would add a small vise grip and a 4" adjustable too. They are a lot handier than you would think. I should have an extra adjustable if you want one.
I've got a 4" Mac that I've thought about adding, but I carry it in my pocket at work.
If you've got a spare US made 4" adjustable I'd love to work something out for sure.

A small set of locking pliers just isn't going to fit in this box or I'd definitely add them, if I can ever  afford a decent condition KRA 149 to upgrade to thats definitely something I'd add.
« Last Edit: July 01, 2019, 11:52:02 PM by hickory n Steel »
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Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2019, 11:03:21 PM »
The box and tools look great and you are welcome for the tools. I keep the double ended picks in every box and I couldn't function without them.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2019, 11:56:13 PM »
The box and tools look great and you are welcome for the tools. I keep the double ended picks in every box and I couldn't function without them.
Thank you.

This pick I never thought much of till I was working on the old lawn mower earlier this year and ran into a few screws with gunk in them, it takes up little space and there's just no reason not to include it.
Hell even a sewing needle or paperclip would work for this specific purpose, though an actual pick certainly is best.
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Offline ken w.

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2019, 10:31:56 AM »
I found a 4" Proto adjustable while cleaning last night. PM me your mailing info.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2019, 11:14:32 AM »
I found a 4" Proto adjustable while cleaning last night. PM me your mailing info.
Will do, thanks a bunch.
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Offline skfarmer

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2019, 11:49:40 AM »
i can't argue with anything here.  the pick and something with a magnet are a must as are extensions and the like.  the only thing i would change is ditching any socket smaller that 1/4 and its equal size in metric. they just never get used. i would also think long and hard about that  craftsman bit ratchet. does it really do anything that the wright and a bit holding socket couldn't do for you? getting rid of of a those really small sockets and that bit ratchet gets you enough room for the 4 inch and a locking pliers.

oh, and i prefer my  1/4 sets to include a 9/16.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2019, 11:51:23 AM by skfarmer »
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Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2019, 02:18:23 PM »
i can't argue with anything here.  the pick and something with a magnet are a must as are extensions and the like.  the only thing i would change is ditching any socket smaller that 1/4 and its equal size in metric. they just never get used. i would also think long and hard about that  craftsman bit ratchet. does it really do anything that the wright and a bit holding socket couldn't do for you? getting rid of of a those really small sockets and that bit ratchet gets you enough room for the 4 inch and a locking pliers.

oh, and i prefer my  1/4 sets to include a 9/16.
I'll have to think about the bit ratchet, I do use it and I like the finger wheel it has on the back.
Ditching the extra small socket sizes is a good idea, the 9/16 is a good idea and I'd definitely consider including it if I had one.

I've got plenty of room for a 4" adjustable as is, the 5" Irwins just barely fit but it's kind of getting cramped.
If I could find something slightly smaller preferably US made then I'd be in business for sure.

I certainly appreciate the input, you guys have more experience than I do and I can certainly benefit.
« Last Edit: July 02, 2019, 02:21:09 PM by hickory n Steel »
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Offline ken w.

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2019, 03:01:08 PM »
I'm pretty sure they make a 4" vise grip. I know I have one. I bought a import made needle nose & regular 4" at a auto swap meet from a vendor who sold garage supplies such as grinding discs and Rolocs.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2019, 03:12:55 PM »
I'm pretty sure they make a 4" vise grip. I know I have one. I bought a import made needle nose & regular 4" at a auto swap meet from a vendor who sold garage supplies such as grinding discs and Rolocs.
I know where I can get a 2 pack of little ones for pretty cheap, but I think I'll search eBay to see if there were ever an Peterson's in 4".
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Offline skfarmer

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2019, 11:39:42 PM »
if your setup works for you i wouldn't worry about it. i am just making comments. that said, the super tiny wrenches fit the same category. if you are trying to get the most bang for the "buck" they could be omitted as well. on the slight chance you need something very small a 4 inch   or a locking plier may work. the chances of you using a 5/32,  13/64, 4 mm or any of those other tiny wrenches or sockets are far and few between. 9/16?  i bet you use that sucker 10 times more than all of those sub 1/4 sizes all together.
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Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2019, 11:56:34 PM »
if your setup works for you i wouldn't worry about it. i am just making comments. that said, the super tiny wrenches fit the same category. if you are trying to get the most bang for the "buck" they could be omitted as well. on the slight chance you need something very small a 4 inch   or a locking plier may work. the chances of you using a 5/32,  13/64, 4 mm or any of those other tiny wrenches or sockets are far and few between. 9/16?  i bet you use that sucker 10 times more than all of those sub 1/4 sizes all together.
Well I just payed $5.90 shipped for a US Craftsman 9/16 socket for my set based on your recommendation to include it , so I hope it actually comes in handy  :)

The only option the seller offered was socket size, so there's no telling what I'll get but it would be nice if it's a G code to match the other SAE's in my set.
« Last Edit: July 03, 2019, 12:08:29 AM by hickory n Steel »
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Offline bmwrd0

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #13 on: July 03, 2019, 08:09:17 AM »
Looks good Hick. A 4" adjustable is one thing I would also add, but other than that, I think you put together a handy little package.

Offline ken w.

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #14 on: July 03, 2019, 02:54:13 PM »
My prediction is this - next year you'll need a bigger box as you will be buying more stuff you think you need. Been there , done that.  And your on a tool collector site. It's like AA here. More like TA. Someone needs to make up a 12 step book to help us out.   :))

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #15 on: July 03, 2019, 04:55:49 PM »
My prediction is this - next year you'll need a bigger box as you will be buying more stuff you think you need. Been there , done that.  And your on a tool collector site. It's like AA here. More like TA. Someone needs to make up a 12 step book to help us out.   :))
I like small stuff, so unless I can find a kra65 at a price I can afford then I don't imagine myself needing anything else for a stand-alone 1/4 set like this.

It is definitely a slippery slope between this box for my main set to upgrading to a kra65 and using this box for a secondary 1/4 set.
Just thinking about what my main 1/4 set was before getting the Mac mc1 and this current set is a big step up, so you're not exactly crazy.
I've got this thing pretty packed, but I know if I get something else just to give the tools a little more " elbow room " I'd just pack that set.



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Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #16 on: July 06, 2019, 06:07:37 PM »
Well I got a couple packages in the mail today.
One being the little Proto 4" adjustable from Ken, the other being my 9/16 socket.

It turns out the seller accidentally sent me a 3/8"drive socket so I messaged them and they're going to send me the right one.
I was worried i would have to deal with the hassle of returning a $6 item, they're a highly rated seller who's been with eBay since 2002 so I decided to give them the botd instead of going straight to a negative review and I'm glad I did.
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Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #17 on: July 11, 2019, 01:06:51 PM »
My set now includes 14-6mm, and 9/16-1/4, I don't actually remember ever using the 5.5 , 5, and 4 so the swap for the 9/16 was probably a good choice.

And that 4" adjustable has already come in handy once since adding it.
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Offline fatfillup

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2019, 02:25:29 PM »
That's a nice set up.  Easy to grab and go to whatever needs fixes

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2019, 03:39:43 PM »
That's a nice set up.  Easy to grab and go to whatever needs fixes
For many small things It has proven to be, and I'm white proud of it.

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Offline Jamesyarbrough

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #20 on: August 27, 2019, 06:32:46 PM »
It's been posted here before, but this is my go to 1/4 or just general small repair set.
Based around a Mac mc1 box it contains a 34pc 1/4 set plus a number of other small tools you might expect to use when working with small fasteners.
Sometimes there are other things I may need besides just a ratchet and socket and this set has it.

This set was originally put together back in early March and I've gradually been adding and removing things as my experience with it has grown.
 
Here's the set as it started.


And here it is today



The small set of slipjoints seemed like a great idea but I found I have yet to use them so I replaced them with a 7pc set of Eklind metric L keys which have actually come in handy.
The ratchet I retired in place of a Wright 2426 and I must say I really love this little ratchet a lot.

These two additions have proven quite useful.
The screw starter I mostly use for the magnet on the back, and the screw apart pick i use to clean gunk and grease from fasteners to get good purchase and avoid stripping.
With this set my sockets range from standard well 4-14mm and SAE 1/2-1/4" , I chose to rely on equivelants for the lesser needed SAE because that's what I could fit in the socket slot.
I also included a mix of 9 metric and SAE deep Wells, all sockets are US Craftsman because they were affordable.
The metric Doe wrenches are 5-11mm, and the SAE Combos are 5/32-3/8.
This doesn't cover everything, but I've got a wrench to go with most of my socket sizes.
This set has come in quite handy and really proven to be pretty versatile.
Of I was putting this together as just a socket set I'd like to have a full range of standard and deep well sockets I both SAE and Metric, but I chose to sacrifice completion of sockets for versatility across the board and it has yet to really be a hindrance.
I'm sure I'll continue to make changes to this set as I see fit, but at the moment I'm very pleased with just how useful it has been.
And I want to thank the forum members who have sent me things which I have in this set , J.A.F.E for the little breaker bar and DeadNutz for the 6" extension and universal.
They've all come in handy and this set would not be as useful without them.


Dude thats a badass tool set. I want one!

Offline Jamesyarbrough

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #21 on: August 27, 2019, 06:39:01 PM »
Where can i get that box? I googled mac mc1 and came up with nothing

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Evaluating my main 1/4 set
« Reply #22 on: August 27, 2019, 09:43:07 PM »
Where can i get that box? I googled mac mc1 and came up with nothing

Yup, nice set and I would love to have one of those boxes.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!