[JohnGD]

That's a versatile set (I have an earlier version with rubber cushion breaker bar handle), but now comes with a slightly shorter 14" breaker bar. It's also missing a 21mm for the lug nuts. Just pick from HF's individual socket rack. I think it's $1.99 each for the standard size ones, $2.99 for deep sockets.

The 6-point is supposed to have more contact area and less of a chance to round the bolt head. The sides of the 6-point socket are actually not flat but curved to allow for higher torque application. But IME I prefer the 12-point because it's easier in tight places.

I use 1/2" more often than the 3/8" (only when I need more clearance). I'd say go for it. Wait for a sale or get a 20% off coupon that shows up in AAA or car magazines.

recently was looking for any cheap and working 1/2'' metric socket set and noticed that all I found (shallow, not deep wall) are 12-point sockets, so I picked up this from local HFT:

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-piece-high-visibility-12-drive-metric-socket-set-67988.html



$29.99
Description of Pittsburgh 67988
High visibility markings for easier, faster socket selection. Comes with ratchet driver, 14" breaker bar and 5" extension.

• Triple chrome plated
• Rugged chrome vanadium construction
• ANSI certified

Sizes: 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm and 28mm Drive: 1/2" Points: 12
The brand is Pittsburgh Pro.

is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?

Last time I was doing 5s-fe timing job I could barely do that with 3/8'' socket set and with cascaded (daisy chained) combo wrenches. cannot imagine doing it again without 1/2'' ratchet (longer) and shallow sockets (also longer than 3/8'' ones).

thanks for opinions.

 

[JohnGD]

Are the Monroe nuts SAE? I thought they were.

 

[JohnGD]

9/16" = 14.29mm. I recall going through metric sockets and ended up having to use SAEs on Monroes and Gabriels.

The old set I got from HF was 6-point. Then they switched over to 12-point in exactly the same setup - with the longer rubber grip breaker bar. The latest has the blow-mold case and a 14" all metal breaker bar. Now the only HF 6-points are the impact sockets.

 

[JohnGD]

Very possible. I think it's the lowest bidder of the batch. :lol:

wondering if they changed something since then. I clearly remember that on "15mm" nut the smaller similar SAE socket (probably 9/16) did not fit and the next one up (have no idea what that is, I hate those fractional numbers, can't remember them ever) was way too loose.

 

[JohnGD]

That's a problem with aftermarket specifications sometimes. :facepalm:

These nuts should be flanged and are considered one-use lock nuts. So if you change them I'd get the flanged ones or use a medium strength threadlocker on standard grade 10 nuts.

hey, I checked those nuts on front Monroe mounts again and they ARE 14mm on passenger side and 15mm on driver side (talking about i4 engine car) LOL :lol:

no SAE sockets fit the 15mm one. 9/16'' is way too small and next one up 5/8'' is way too loose.
however I discovered the funniest part, 14mm vs 15mm are interchangeable they share the same thread, so studs are same, only nuts are different. so I may visit local Home Depot and get 9 (or a dozen) of 14mm hex head nuts for the same thread pattern and hardness (10) and get rid off the idiotic 15mm nuts on both cars