Hey Im in the market for a new toolset. Which size drive would more more useful to work on a honda, ie motor, clutch, random things around the car, 1/2 drive or 3/8 drive?

 

It's good to have both, but for now I'd start with 1/2. On all the smaller stuff where a 1/2 drive is too big & clumsy, you can use combination wrenches for now.

 

Thanks

 

definitely 3/8.

probably 80 % of bolts on hondas have either 12 or 10 mm heads.

 

3/8" socket set... you can use most bolts up to 17mm and even 19mm on hondas. The only 1/2" sockets you'll need probably be 32mm, 36mm, and 19mm for the axles, crank bolt, and lug nuts.... but it's good to have both and even a set of 1/4" sockets.

 

Craftsman makes acouple good kits. I have this one with out the wrenches and mine was pre-etch days and it has never failed me yet http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr...e=Yes

 

and if you're going to be doing clutches, pressure plates, flywheels, and the such, you might want to invest in a torque wrench! especially when it comes to valvetrains... damn near ever bolt has a torque spec on it, and its always wise to keep things torqued properly.

 

What about for motor swaps, which size will be better? The only use i can think of for the 1/2 drive is to use it to get the axle bolts out. Im sure the 3/8 is able to tackle the other bolts such as the engine mount bolts right?

 

You don't want either or. You want both sets of wrenches 3/8 and 1/2". If you are truly serious about building a motor/car then you will need both sets. The 3/8 works good for smaller spaces and the 1/2" works well for areas that are open but require more torque. A 3ft. pipe that will slip fit the 1/2" handle will come in very handy as well. May be a little more cash for both sets but a worthwhile investment in the long run.

 

My 05 has a 36 mm axel nut, the steering knuckle and OEM ball joints (?) are 24mm (and frozen!!) -- which probably means the control arm nuts are as well. Most everything else is 17mm and 10mm with an occasional 12.