2020 Honda Civic LX
4800 miles
CVT
Hello! I'm about to change the oil myself for the first time. I read that most people commonly use a 3/8 ratchet on the oil drain bolt to tighten it but I would rather purchase a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and socket set so I can use the sockets for when I want to rotate the tires as well. I've read that it's better to use a 1/2 inch for the lugnuts on tires and stuff.
My question is, is it recommended to just use a 3/8 to tighten or does it not really matter if it's 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive? I'm new to using tools as well so sorry for the novice question but thanks for any help!
It does not matter what you use on the drain plug. A 1/4" drive ratchet should be enough to open it. 3/8" is a good size. 1/2" is overkill in my opinion. The plug should not be very tight, and especially not enough to warrant a 1/2" drive ratchet.
However, If you are planning to do your own work and maintenance on your car, and you're buying tools, I highly recommend that you buy a complete set. You will thank me later. You will be really limiting yourself with just one size of ratchet. You often need to work in tight or awkward spaces, so having a good set is with a variety of extensions and joints is well worth it. It's cheaper to buy in a set then trying to add on later. 1/4" and 3/8" are the most used sizes, but I find that having a good 90 or 120 tooth 1/2" ratchet is indispensable for work on big things like brakes, suspension etc.
1/2 is fine and, as you say, is good for lug nuts. You will want to get a torque wrench too.
Always use a 1/2" drive torque wrench to tighten lug nuts.
If the drain plug is tough coming out, 1/2 is fine. If the length of that is similar to your 3/8 it will make no real difference.
Since you're new to working on cars at all, I suggest getting both a 3/8 & 1/2 torque wrench from harbor freight, that should cost you a whole $30 but after you torque various fasteners, see how the resistance feels with a wrench and both of your wratchets. That way you'll develop a feel as to what is correct.
As a rule of thumb drain plugs & filters only need to be snug, but when I was a kid in trade school I thought snug meant "tighten that sucker down!", in turn I broke many bolts & stripped alot of threads.
Tightening to the manufacturer torque setting will tell you what snug is....just remember the feeling between a beefy torque wrench & other tools are going to be entirely different, hence my earlier suggestion of setting torque then feeling the resistance with your other hand tools.
I'd recommend you save $100 and go buy yourself a Craftsman 239-piece mechanic's tool set from Lowe's. That's what I bought myself as a Black Friday present last year and it's been an awesome asset. The 3/8" drive rachet seems cheap, I've broken two, but they have the lifetime Craftsman warranty, so replacements are free. As others have said, not many jobs need the giant half inch size. You'll mainly need a 3/8", but you will come across times where you will want the 1/4" drive as well.
