Impact sockets: what kind do you have?

[Wolverine]

Just curious. Likes and dislikes of your specific set?

[kartracer55]

I have SK and a couple from snap on including a universal and extension.


Sk impacts are excellent, or so they appear. I dont like how snap on has a taper on the nose of thier smaller sockets. This might make them a little stronger than the SK's, but doesnt help at all for clearance. Eitherway, Ive never had a problem with either of them

Jim

[Canadian Charlie]

My 1/2" drive impacts are all made in China or Tiwaan, I've never had any problems with them yet.

My 3/8" drive swivals are made by Snap On and Mac, still need to get more

[GearHead_1]

Matco, Mac, Snap On, SK and Cornwell. Cornwell's (of old) mid-deep inpacts are the perfect length in 3/8", Snap On's 1/2" seem to be a little thinner than most and fit in to tighter spaces. Mac's short swivel impacts are sockets that will really take a pounding they're great for front end work. Some of them I bought because they do a specific job nicely. Some I have because I needed duplicates to have a set in a couple of places and some were just too good of a buy to pass up. :bounce:

[chevy302dz]

Grey Pneumatic, made in Tawain (they are our Chinese). They work well and I have abused them quite a bit. They also make swivel impact sockets which I plan to try at some point.

[dink]

Grey Pneumatic, made in Tawain (they are our Chinese). They work well and I have abused them quite a bit. They also make swivel impact sockets which I plan to try at some point.


I have played with the GP's swivel impacts and they are nice....go buy them

[chevy302dz]

I have played with the GP's swivel impacts and they are nice....go buy them
I figuerd the quality would be up there.

[Jay H 237]

I have 2 sets. Both are 1/2" drive.

I have a Campbell-Hausfeld 11 piece set, made in Taiwan, that I bought from Home Depot back in 1998 when I rebuilt the front end on my '68 Mustang.

I also have another set that I was given by my grandfather (among many other tools) when his health was failing rapidly and he knew his time was short. I don't remember what brand they were and right now I also don't know where I have them. I would guess they were from the 60's or 70's.

I have never used my grandfather's set since I already had the CH set. The CH set has held up without any problems yet.

[l_bilyk]

Some Taiwan i bought out of ignorance, slowly being replace by Proto

[z28toz06]

napa, 1/2 drive 6 point deep and shallow and 3/8 drive deep set. got em all on ebay.

[Thumper]

1/2 inch SAE Craftsman (Vintage 1968) 1/2 inch Metric Mac, 1/2 inch deep metric Cornwell, 3/8 mid lenght Cornwell (vintage 1974), 3/8 metric Mac, Plus assorted SK, Ingersoll-Rand, Snap-On, Proto sockets.




"walk softly and carry a Thundergun" :thumbup:

[SuperKid]

I have Craftsman impact sockets and extensions. They'll work for me for the time being. But, when I start to get serious about tool purchases, I'll be purchasing Snap-Ons.

[motorheadjohn]

- IR extra large sockets 3/4" drive and up, Taiwan
- IR SAE and metric shallow and deep in 1/2" drive, Taiwan
- IR SAE and metric shallow 3/8", Taiwan
- CH deep metric 3/8", ???

No problems with any of them.

The IRs seemed like decent quality with a fair price which was important at the time. I don't think you'd go wrong with the IRs for hobby or even professional use, but if I did it over again I'd probably try to find something made here. As I get older and involved with running local business, I find myself spending more to buy quality USA stuff whereever possible. Not bashing offshore stuff, just saying I see more importance in supporting the home team if possible.

BTW I've got a set of Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh) extra large impact sockets I bought while in a pinch once. They are heavy, so shipping wouldn't be cheap, but if anybody wants them they are free to a good home (you're paying the shipping). Only used a couple times....

[eschoendorff]

BTW I've got a set of Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh) extra large impact sockets I bought while in a pinch once. They are heavy, so shipping wouldn't be cheap, but if anybody wants them they are free to a good home (you're paying the shipping). Only used a couple times....

Just out of curiousity, how big are they (sizes)?


BTW... all of my impact sockets are black ones. :bounce:

[IntrstlarOvrdrve]

pittsburg, just needed something to get by

[evildky]

I have the cheapo Tiwan CH sets I bought at walmart back in 1995? havn't busted any of them yet, my only complaint is the metric set didn't include a 14mm, if you work on imports you know how retarded it is for a tool set to be lacking a 14mm, a lot of the cheapo sets lack common sized but include never used sizes like 15 and 16 mm

[dink]

My very first ever metric socket set was a set of MIT impact sockets...they sucked as sockets

[eschoendorff]

My very first ever metric socket set was a set of MIT impact sockets...they sucked as sockets


I have a set of the MITs. What sucked about them? Mine work very well.

[dink]

I have a set of the MITs. What sucked about them? Mine work very well.


I dunno....always slipping off the fasteners or they would angle themselves when turning and get stuck on the fastener

The quality of the material wasnt bad...I just had bad experience with mine

[Russell]

I bought a $20 set from HF about 4 yrs ago, no problems yet it goes from 12mm to 32mm.

[BrianJ]

Anyone have Kobalt impact sockets? If so, how are they?

[eschoendorff]

Anyone have Kobalt impact sockets? If so, how are they?
I'd bet money taht the Kobalt impacts are rebadged Allens. Danaher product. Should be good stuff. Kobalt has a very limited line, though.

[motorheadjohn]

Just out of curiousity, how big are they (sizes)?
9 pcs total, 1" to 2" plus an oddball 1 1/2" x 13/16". 3/4" drive.

Send me a PM if you want them.

[83diesel]

I work at Cat dealership and most current purchases at our shop are Grey Pneumatic, best buy for the money, they guarantee them for life and you can get a better selection of sizes and types that any truck brand, no one has broken a GP socket yet, going on 5 years, if you lose one or one walks away your feelings don't get hurt as bad as if you lost a Snap-on or Matco, there are too many needed sockets, bit sockets, wrenches and specialty tools to buy the truck brands that don't work any better and cost 2-3 times as much.

[toolfreak]

All my impacts are snap on, I really like them because they have a shoulder to keep the nut or bolt falling to the bottom of the socket. It allows you to start a nut or bolt with the socket and an extension in tight spots.

[AutoTech]

I have the cheapo Tiwan CH sets I bought at walmart back in 1995? havn't busted any of them yet, my only complaint is the metric set didn't include a 14mm, if you work on imports you know how retarded it is for a tool set to be lacking a 14mm, a lot of the cheapo sets lack common sized but include never used sizes like 15 and 16 mm

i'm not sure what you work on but 15 is one of the most popular size sockets I use on imports and domestic cars! 10,13,15,17 ,and 18 are your most popular sizes! Toyotas you run into alot of 14mm!

[Kestas]

I don't know the brand, but I bought a set 34 years ago when I started wrenching. I still use them everyday.

[TNToy]

i'm not sure what you work on but 15 is one of the most popular size sockets I use on imports and domestic cars! 10,13,15,17 ,and 18 are your most popular sizes! Toyotas you run into alot of 14mm!
You work on European stuff, he works on Japanese.

VWs will wear out 15mm sockets like crazy. They hold the whole car together.

[eschoendorff]

Whatever happened to Wolverine?

[mrsleeve]

I need to get a some more an I am really leaning toward SK, as most of new tool buys. 1 quick question How is SK about replacing broken stuff? Big deal or take good care of you ans send you on you way?

Sorry to thread jack but its hard to search SK due to the 3 letter minimum.

[Merkava_4]

I don't have a complete set of impact sockets; just a few. The ones I do have though are MATCO and PROTO; both being very nice sockets. I tend to have a preference in favor of the PROTOs though. I like to keep then oiled down with WD-40 to prevent corrosion and it also keeps them looking darker.

[Rickster]

I'm using the Craftsman just because I bought a full set of SAE & metric when they were on sale a long while ago. I've got a lot of extra impact sockets I could sell, different sizes and makes but mostly SAE, so if you're missing any let me know.

[gotmud13613]

I also have the deep CH from WallyWorld, bought them back in the mid-90's , I haven't had any problems with them other than the few missing pieces but now I have a complete set.

For shallow I was at a flea market and picked up a set in met & stan not sure who they are made by but have been tough sockets for $5 a set, no stamping except the size on them, and they came in a red metal tray.

[wrenchr]

3/8 drive, Mac metric & SAE, shallow & deep, 1/2 drive is next, I just have the lugnut socket set from mac right now.

[Deafautotech]

i have many mac tools because i got cheap from ebay, got set from my mac guy while it is on sale for much cheap. also i got more impact sockets from mac tools guy while he closed his business... he was glad that i bought more tools while he closed his business as he tried to sell it out...

i do own craftsman (chrome sets) as it is cheap and work fine. i own snap on swivels same with mac tools.

[jay50]

1/2 and 3/8 sets, deep and shallow.. All Craftsman

[Zeroek]

i have many mac tools because i got cheap from ebay, got set from my mac guy while it is on sale for much cheap. also i got more impact sockets from mac tools guy while he closed his business... he was glad that i bought more tools while he closed his business as he tried to sell it out...

i do own craftsman (chrome sets) as it is cheap and work fine. i own snap on swivels same with mac tools.

He was the only Tool guy I seen at work because of my shift and now he's gone. Kinda sucks. Now I don't see any tool trucks unless I call them. I have a Set of Matco 1/2 deeps and and shallows. I like those pretty well. I got a set of Pitsburgh sockets I bought. I bought a set for $10 and destroyed the 19, 21, and 22. Then I bought a set for $20 from hf and haven't had a problem since. But that was before I got those MAtco sockets. So I use my HF sockets at home now. My friend at work has some Stanley brand impact sockets in 1/2" drive and those seem to be pretty nice quality.

[ImportTuner]

I have Craftsman impacts, Ingersoll Rand, Grey Pneumatic, a Pittsburg set, and a 30+ year old set from Montgomery Wards ... :)

[MarkH]

Wrights, Proto, and Snap on. We tried the ones that were cheaper using thickness to increase the strength, but the farm implement manufacturers have a number of designs that do not have the clearance for them. I believe they designed for chromes.

We have blown a couple usually with a good 1000 ft/lb plus gun on a 1/2 drive socket on a nut that had been bathed in anhydrous ammonia. So we have been pleased.

[Deafautotech]

He was the only Tool guy I seen at work because of my shift and now he's gone. Kinda sucks. Now I don't see any tool trucks unless I call them. I have a Set of Matco 1/2 deeps and and shallows. I like those pretty well. I got a set of Pitsburgh sockets I bought. I bought a set for $10 and destroyed the 19, 21, and 22. Then I bought a set for $20 from hf and haven't had a problem since. But that was before I got those MAtco sockets. So I use my HF sockets at home now. My friend at work has some Stanley brand impact sockets in 1/2" drive and those seem to be pretty nice quality.

mac tool? i still had snap on guy stop by my work every friday as i just keep buy one tool or set a time instead make a account and make payment...

matco tool guy will stop by but other time he skip it... so i dont buy like what i do with snap on .... mac tools is good but business are change and start sell junk....

[Zeroek]

Yeah we have Snap on come in on Friday. But he comes in the morning when I'm not there. And Matco on Monday in the morning when I'm not there.. And the Mac guy was the only one I'd ever see.

[Deafautotech]

Yeah we have Snap on come in on Friday. But he comes in the morning when I'm not there. And Matco on Monday in the morning when I'm not there.. And the Mac guy was the only one I'd ever see.

are you work on shifts? i am work from 7:30 or so until 5 pm unless have customers waiting then stay on clock...

[kartracer55]

Since this thread started, I have expanded my collection. I have MATCO 3/8 metric deeps, craftsman metric shallows in 3/8. Snap on SAE shallows in 3/8, Snap on Metric swivels and SK 1/2 deep and shallow metric and SAE impacts.

So far, the only impacts I have ever broken either at home or at work are swivels from SK and Snap On, as well as an OLD herbrand 1/2 impact socket and I have cracked a few no name ones. Other than that, the only reason I have had to warranty a socket is because it was actually worn out, which may or may not be "officially" covered under snap on's warranty.

Matco chrome's have held up incredibly well to 3/8 impacts at work, I have never had one break in over a year. Can not say the same from snap on's, however snap on's tend to be a thinner socket.

Jim

[Fedwrench]

I have mostly MAC 1/2 inch drive stuff, Matco 3/8 drive stuff, with some Cornwell swivels, and a small assortment of Grey Pneumatic and Sunex stuff for beating. I've only broken a couple of swivel sockets over the years. They were an older Matco and Cornwell. I snapped the swivel pins. The dealers at the time took good care of me. I am amazed at the abuse the Sunex and Grey pneumatics take without failing. I'm not too sure if I would get swivel impacts from Grey Pneumatic or Sunex though (i think the same plant makes both brands). Their prices are great but, the ring around the socket is pretty thick. I like the lower profile current Matco swivels without the pin.

[Zeroek]

are you work on shifts? i am work from 7:30 or so until 5 pm unless have customers waiting then stay on clock...

Yeah .. I'm one of the lowest in the chain of people there. Lube tech. 1 to 7 everyday. Which sucks. I don't make much money.

[Deafautotech]

Yeah .. I'm one of the lowest in the chain of people there. Lube tech. 1 to 7 everyday. Which sucks. I don't make much money.

oh, it seem not good for you but it is start for bottom then work for go up and up as it take time as someone can't get job as nascar crew chief without expericnece or even no one will hire you if you try to be crew chief.... that what i did learn in college (Intro to motorsport) and many of technicians work at nascer was start from bottom then go up and up when they want to and show them...

i was started at crossroads chrysler and jeep as lube tech but few months later my work need heavy line jobs so i took it... i got it run good and quick. even next door (Mercury and Lincoln have one tech who did a lot of cylinder heads replacement was refused and will walk out if they force him to do one more cylinder head replacement because tech already did one in two day and need to do again next day on different vehicle with same engine. he already hurt his knee... so that tech told service manager to get me to do it because i did lot of repairs and replacements with him while i was learning and being tech support. so i did took it and i got it fixed but i did asked for help which he did help but not at all... that is fine with me which it help me learn a lot...

[Deafautotech]

Matco chrome's have held up incredibly well to 3/8 impacts at work, I have never had one break in over a year. Can not say the same from snap on's, however snap on's tend to be a thinner socket.

Jim

most of techs rumors that matco's sockets tend to slip or round off the bolts... but i own many chrome sockets sets from craftsman which it is work fine (i dont use them most as i do with my impact sockets... )

[Lyaec350]

I got the Craftsman deep 1/2" impacts in metric and standard when they went on sale for the Craftsman Club... happened to be able to use the $5 coupon as well ;)

[kartracer55]

most of techs rumors that matco's sockets tend to slip or round off the bolts... but i own many chrome sockets sets from craftsman which it is work fine (i dont use them most as i do with my impact sockets... )

I havent seen this with the matco's, they seem to be just fine for me, but to each his own ya know?

[Deafautotech]

I havent seen this with the matco's, they seem to be just fine for me, but to each his own ya know?

i dont know if they did use it for right job or they use wrong way.... :thumbup::beer:

[Lightning]

The most common sizes for the stuff I work on are 8mm,10mm,12mm,14mm, and 17mm

[justinmc]

I've got a little variety..

1/2" deep & shallow metrics in Matco
3/8" metric swivels in Snap-On
3/8" metric shallows in Cornwell
1/2" sae in GRIP (Grand Rapids Industrial Products IIRC?) I don't reach for SAE stuff much but the quality is good and considering I've used two sockets in the 4 years I've had them...they were a worthwhile investment!

I actually have some 3/8" deep metrics from Mac that I was debating keeping or just selling.... hmmm I don't reach for my 3/8" gun that much.

[Uncle Buck]

Craftsman 1/2 shallow standard & metric, (1)set Sunnex 1/2 metric shallow, (1)set Husky USA metric deep 1/2, (2) sets SO standard deep 3/8, (1) set Sunnex 3/8 deep metric, (1) set 3/8 Craftsman standard shallow (1)set HF standard 1/2 shallow (1) set 3/8 SO shallow flex (1) set SO 1/2 standard deep. Also a few 3/4 that I use by hand, I do not own a 3/4 impact. I think that is about it.

[dxdexter]

All my 1/2" drive impacts are made by Mastercraft (Taiwan) with a few Proto. All my 3/4" drive are made by Proto and GRAY Tools. I have had no problems with any of them.

[russlaferrera]

I have 3/8 shallow and deep Snap-On, 1/2 shallow Craftsman, 1/2 deep Snap-On !/2 deep metric Harbor Freight.

I prefer Snap-On.

[sjotis]

I have Craftsman impact sockets and extensions. They'll work for me for the time being. But, when I start to get serious about tool purchases, I'll be purchasing Snap-Ons.

Why are the Craftsman not "serious" ?

[PAToyota]

Set of Craftsman 1/2" drive 6 pt. regular and deep SAE and metric sockets - no complaints.

[blue302stang]

i have full 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sets from Grey Pneumatic. I abuse the hell out of them and have not had a single problem. Plan on picking up their universal 3/8 soon

[eschoendorff]

I have 3/8 shallow and deep Snap-On, 1/2 shallow Craftsman, 1/2 deep Snap-On !/2 deep metric Harbor Freight.

I prefer Snap-On.

I do too.. most of the time. Except here:

I bought a Snap On 19mm deep impact socket ~ $20. I have a whole set from HF for significantly less than $20. My Snap On is covered in surface rust but my HF set turns nuts and bolts just as well and has zero rust.... something to think about.

[SCguy]

Just got mine today. I don't use impacts much, so I didn't feel the need to fork out real big bucks for a huge set. I got a smaller IR set that has pretty much my basics covered.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e94/SCbassboy/DSCF4014.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e94/SCbassboy/DSCF4010.jpg

RD

[Bo Heck]

I work at Cat dealership and most current purchases at our shop are Grey Pneumatic, best buy for the money, they guarantee them for life and you can get a better selection of sizes and types that any truck brand, no one has broken a GP socket yet, going on 5 years, if you lose one or one walks away your feelings don't get hurt as bad as if you lost a Snap-on or Matco, there are too many needed sockets, bit sockets, wrenches and specialty tools to buy the truck brands that don't work any better and cost 2-3 times as much.

I broke an impact torx socket the first time I used it. Barely tapped the trigger on the impact gun and the tip shattered. Will be calling tomorrow about warranty.

[autoace]

I do too.. most of the time. Except here:

I bought a Snap On 19mm deep impact socket ~ $20. I have a whole set from HF for significantly less than $20. My Snap On is covered in surface rust but my HF set turns nuts and bolts just as well and has zero rust.... something to think about.

I have found Snap-on impact sockets to be lame. Cornwell impact sockets, are some real tough mothers. I still have my HF ones from many years ago, I have never broken either. Even though Harbor Freight impacts are pretty good, Cornwell is worth the money, for a later upgrade. If I was not a professional, I may not have sprung for the Cornwells though, since the other ones work just fine. For axle sockets, below is a good set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=96342

[Jokeman]

1/2" Deep sockets are SK along with my 3/8"s sockets.

1/2" Regular impacts are Snap-On.

[seth_man]

1/2" Snap-On SAE & Metric Shallow & Deep 6 point , 10-36mm, 3/8-1 9/16"
3/8" Cornwell SAE & Metric Shallow & Deep 6 point , 6-19mm, 5/16 -1"
3/8" Swivle MAC SAE & Metric Shallow 6 point , 8-19mm, 3/8-3/4"
and a few other specialty impacts

[Homoudont]

I use a set called Master Mechanic which I bought in a huge tool set from a discount store called Ollies. It seems to work well but I can't say I've used them more then a dozen times in the three years I owned the set. I think next time I am at HF I am going to pick up some of the ones I am missing. Or get around to placing a toptul. I can't justify even spending craftsman type money for something I rarely use.

Master Mechanic is the True Value store brand.

[elect]

Snap on -3/8 metric shallow &deep ,3/8 sae shallow swivel,3/8 sae deep,1/2 sae deep, sae shallow swivel.Proto-1/2 metric deep& shallow, 3/4 sae shallow.

[Bo Heck]

Northern Tool brand sockets are the bulk of what I have, theyre cheap and have not broken any of them and used them quite often.

[Frank Elson]

A local professional I spend a lot of time with (runs his own Land Rover shop) told me to buy cheap as he's had everything from cheap to Snap On and they ALL break eventually.

[rhandwor]

I buy used so I have Snap On,Mac,Matco,Cornwell,Armstrong,Bonnie,Williams,Pr oto,SK,KD,and some 30 plus years old Craftsman which are better quality than they are today.

[Gregster]

I do too.. most of the time. Except here:

I bought a Snap On 19mm deep impact socket ~ $20. I have a whole set from HF for significantly less than $20. My Snap On is covered in surface rust but my HF set turns nuts and bolts just as well and has zero rust.... something to think about.

I have an SO 1/2 short and long impacts in metric (no need for SAE these days). They all have light surface rust on them because they are unfinished, also during the winter it gets very salty around here.. My el cheap taiwan ones have a finish to them.

[3 at 8]

Has anyone gotten the chance to use any Toptul impacts. I didnt see any mentioned.

[gofastman]

I got Snap-On's due to student discount.
Good, but the 1/2" one's square drive kind of "dents" after a while, maybe this is to be expected with any impact socket, I have nothing to compair them to.

[kartracer55]

I got Snap-On's due to student discount.
Good, but the 1/2" one's square drive kind of "dents" after a while, maybe this is to be expected with any impact socket, I have nothing to compair them to.



Yes, thats what happens when sockets see an impact gun

[krusty the clown]

I got Snap-On's due to student discount.
Good, but the 1/2" one's square drive kind of "dents" after a while, maybe this is to be expected with any impact socket, I have nothing to compair them to.

yes the impact will deform the square drive hole.

i have snap on 1/2 dr deep (meteric and sae) mac 1/2 drive shallow (metric and sae). never broken any of them.

[wrenchr]

Impact sockets are like street walkers, they get hammered hard!!! lol

[Diesel-Mech]

I have Matco, Snap-on, and Wright impact sockets, none of them have let me down let.

[onecheck]

Anybody use the Northern Tool 1/2" impact socket listed below?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334241_200334241

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334249_200334249

What is with the swirl in the bottom of the socket? Are these standard impact sockets?

[gatewaysysop]

Anybody use the Northern Tool 1/2" impact socket listed below?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334241_200334241

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334249_200334249

What is with the swirl in the bottom of the socket? Are these standard impact sockets?

Are you talking about the crappy photoshop job on the deep ones? :wtf:

No idea what's up with that, but it really looks sloppy.

[speed bump]

Anybody use the Northern Tool 1/2" impact socket listed below?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334241_200334241

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334249_200334249

What is with the swirl in the bottom of the socket? Are these standard impact sockets?

I have both of those sets as well as some Napa, some Craftsman, Some HF, and some Wright. If I have a camera at the house (it might have left without my knowledge again) tomorrow when i'm out in the garage i'll take some pictures.

Also they are standard impact sockets and they are made in china, I bought mine because I got both sets for about $45 shipped which was cheaper than HF and I thought I would need them. Thus far they have sat in the box because everything I have worked on since then has been SAE.

[Full Size 66]

HARBOR FREIGHT 4.5 yrs & counting. They were less than 20.00$

[81Seca]

Has anyone gotten the chance to use any Toptul impacts. I didnt see any mentioned.

I have the Toptul 1/2" Deep SAE set, but they're the chrome jobs, not impacts. So far so good, they have held up as well as anything else, including the rare use on an impact gun. My impacts are Armstrongs. They're thick as hell, but I don't think I could break one if I wanted to. My metric impacts are Ingersoll-Rand. MUCH thinner walls than the Armstrongs.

[yellowbox]

are you work on shifts? i am work from 7:30 or so until 5 pm unless have customers waiting then stay on clock...

i remember the dealership days.... service writer writes up shit 1/2 hr before close brake jobs 30 k services ect as a waiter and i got to stay until done ...
tells customer no problem i will get done in 30 mins ....like he was actually doing the work...

[onecheck]

I have both of those sets as well as some Napa, some Craftsman, Some HF, and some Wright. If I have a camera at the house (it might have left without my knowledge again) tomorrow when i'm out in the garage i'll take some pictures.

Also they are standard impact sockets and they are made in china, I bought mine because I got both sets for about $45 shipped which was cheaper than HF and I thought I would need them. Thus far they have sat in the box because everything I have worked on since then has been SAE.

Do you want to sell them?

[onecheck]

Are you talking about the crappy photoshop job on the deep ones? :wtf:

No idea what's up with that, but it really looks sloppy.

I noticed that. I was talking about the bottom of the socket. If you look at the regular set and go to images tab look at the 24MM socket
(Click on link below)

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334241_200334241

You can see the design of the swirls on the bottom. I'm used to seeing the bottom of the sockets flat like the image below

[UK Steve]

I noticed that. I was talking about the bottom of the socket. If you look at the regular set and go to images tab look at the 24MM socket
(Click on link below)

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334241_200334241

You can see the design of the swirls on the bottom. I'm used to seeing the bottom of the sockets flat like the image below

The reson for the "swirl" (it's actually a rebait), is to meet DIN standards for european safety. The impact socket is secured to the gun via a steel pin that's held in place with a rubber O ring or a spring steel clip, you will find lot's of USA made impact socketry does not meet European safety standards and that includes SO.

[jerk_chicken]

Ahhh, I was wondering why they do that. My non-impact Wera sockets also have the same through hole, as well as a reduced radius on the larger sizes, going down to the ratchet.

In another thread I just posted in about SK, someone posted an SK ratchet with a through pin on the square.

[Spookrider]

Craftaman MM and SAE for my 1/2 as my main. Few SK and my Dads Snap-On set.
3/8 Matco Set with added swivle of same brand and my dads Snap-On Set.
Work fine for me so far.

[Monte]

Here is a close up of the impact sockets "groove" which are conform to german DIN-standards:

28572

the O-ring/pin assembly

28571

[jerk_chicken]

Man, that's got to be annoying to change out sockets.

[sk farmer]

3/4 is ingersol rand. almost all of the 3/8 and 1/2 are sk. i like them all. no problems.

[cruiser808]

Proto for me.

[Vulturej]

Impact sockets I have:
1" = Proto - Not complete sets, just what I need.
3/4" = Proto, Snap On, Williams - Not complete sets, just what I need.
1/2" = Snap On - Deep & shallow sae & metric sets.
3/8" = Snap On - Shallow sae & metric sets. Matco - Deep sae & metric sets.
1/4" = None

[Keep]

1/2 Craftsman SAE shallow set
1/2 Mastercraft Maximum SAE/Metric shallow/deep set.

I have used the craftsman set for 12 years, no issues. The MM set is okay but it has weird sizes included, like a 19mm shallow but no 19mm deep, just odd things like that, the finish is a bit course so nuts like to stick in them. Maybe some wd40 or something will help them out.

I am looking to get a nice 1/2 swivel set soon. Have not decided on a brand (probably craftsman)

[Deafautotech]

Impact sockets I have:
1" = Proto - Not complete sets, just what I need.
3/4" = Proto, Snap On, Williams - Not complete sets, just what I need.
1/2" = Snap On - Deep & shallow sae & metric sets.
3/8" = Snap On - Shallow sae & metric sets. Matco - Deep sae & metric sets.
1/4" = None

WHAT!!!:shocking::shocking::shocking::shocking:

no 1/4dr sockets or ratchets???

i use a lot and lot on 1/4dr impact sockets, swivel sockets, and ratchets...

[The Muffin Man]

I have the 3/8in metric and SAE shallow impacts as well as the 1/2in metric set as well from Harbor Freight. I use these mostly with the Bosch PS-40 Impactor. With a more powerful impact wrench, I would buy another set, as the Harbor Freight ones I have are made of Cr-V. Harbor freight does offer several sets made from Cr-Mo, but I don't have any experience with them (I am very pleased with my Cr-V sets though.)

[Vulturej]

WHAT!!!:shocking::shocking::shocking::shocking:

no 1/4dr sockets or ratchets???

i use a lot and lot on 1/4dr impact sockets, swivel sockets, and ratchets...

No small stuff in impact, complete set of Snap On chrome. I use bigger sizes more where I work, my sae sockets go up to 3" and metric to 50mm.

[Deafautotech]

No small stuff in impact, complete set of Snap On chrome. I use bigger sizes more where I work, my sae sockets go up to 3" and metric to 50mm.

damn... you work on big equipments, i work on small equipments.... the reason i bought the impact sockets because i do see too many chromes cracked or explored after use air ratchets or 1/4 impact wrenches...

[speed bump]

Northern tools 1/2" metric shallow and deep: worked fine the 3 times I have used them in 9 months.

I also have some Wright 1/2" drive shallows which are nice sockets, some Napa 3/8" drives and a Proto or two.

SAE 1/2" deep sockets from HF and they have lasted quite well, the 3/4" and 13/16" probably get used anywhere from 5 days a week to once a week and they have held up really well.

[SteveU]

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/GRY-1326M.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/GRY-1326MD.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/GRY-9771.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/GRY-1210UM.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/GRY-1242RD.html
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-41650.html