Educate Me: Impact Swivel Sockets

[Wolverine]

How often do you use/need them? What are the most frequent applications for these?

[wythors]

Most guys just use them on suspension jobs where I work. They're useful on things like upper control arms and motor mounts. The only time I've ever wished I had them was working on the quad shocks on my wife's Cobra. I think I'd buy an individual one if I needed something specific, but I don't think I'd bother with a set unless I found a great deal.

[kartracer55]

Impact swivels or Swivel sockets? Both are much better than thier chrome counterparts... Impact sivels operate like a ball joint on your control arms... They never bind up like chrome ones do, which is awesome, but slightly less flexibility. I use my impact swivel instead of my chrome ones now. I eventually want to get some Impact swivel sockets, but they are REALLY expenvie. Another drawback is that the walls are much thicker than a chrome socket, so maybe once in a blue moon might you have a clearance issue.

Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

Jim

[eschoendorff]

I use my impact swivel instead of my chrome ones now. Jim

Me too. The angles of attack are a little more limited, but like Jim said, the impact swivels don't bind up. Try 'em... I think you'll like them!

[Tx Firefighter]

Main application for me has always been bellhousing bolts for trans or clutch jobs.

I use a 1/2 drive impact, a 3 foot extension, and an impact swivel socket most of the time.

[iiibdsiil]

I have a set of 3/8 metric swivel impact sockets. If I am using either air tools or my cordless impact gun, I use them about 99% of the time. They are just easier for me. When I am using a hand rachet (rarely), I use normal sockets as much as possible.

[Wolverine]

Great info!



much appreciated.

[rhandwor]

Its hard to work on a new car without them they are a big time saver. I use mostly 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive ones but I have 1/2 inch drive. If you can't afford a set buy sizes you use mostly. At least buy a 1/4,3/8,and 1/2 which you can use a socket on. This will get you by but will slow you down.

[MAD]

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[Jbullfrog]

I use them on the cab mounts, transmision housing and front engine bolts when taking tractors apart. They are virtually required to get at upper bell housing bolts on most v-8's. I have 3/8 drive sets in standard and metric. I also have 1/2" drive standard and a few metric sizes that I use for the combine alot like 18mm and 15mm.

[joenero]

Anything involving frequent HD work or major suspension work these things are a must have. I own the Matco 10-19mm set in 3/8" and a 15mm deep one. I couldn't do most of the engine jobs I do without them.

[Fedwrench]

I use my 1/4 and 3/8 impact swivel sockets daily at work. I rarely use my 1/2 versions but, it's better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Uses vary by vehicle but, the bottom line is that I uses them where space is a premium and you may not be able to reach the fastener straight on. Upper engine work, oil pan reseals, front end work, etc. Once you start using them, you'll wonder how you got by without them before.:beer:

[a390st]

I use the 3/8" impact swivel sockets pretty often. The only issue with them is that they won't give you as much of an angle as a standard universal style swivel socket. In reality, though they don't bind, if you just use a universal at the same angle, it probably wouldn't bind too much, either. Universals generally bind for me when I try to use them at a crazy angle. I just have a swivel adapter for 1/2" impact sockets, but I haven't found that I have as much trouble with access with the big fasteners. The smaller fasteners seem to be the ones tucked away where you can't get to them. That's why I think the 3/8" swivels are more useful than the 1/2".

[Gregster]

I use my 1/2 daily

Im thinking about buying a set of 3/8 along with a 3/8 impact gun.