To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

3/8" drive impact sockets or 3/8" x 1/2" adapter?

tbgallant

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
102
Location
Calgary, AB
Hey guys,

For those using a 3/8" impact gun, do you use 3/8" impact sockets (hard to find!) or just your 1/2" sockets with a 3/8"x1/2" adapter (impact adapter of course)?

Thanks

Tim
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

chad s

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 3, 2006
Messages
2,483
Location
Baltimore, MD
I use 3/8 impact sockets. I wouldnt want the bulkier 1/2 sockets when I'm using my 3/8 gun. Mine are all snap on, all purchased new from ebay at less than half of retail, good deals are out there if you can wait to find them.
 

Chris Adams

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2007
Messages
2,117
Yeah, second the notion on the small impact sockets being handier.
I bought the cheap ones, abusing them severely managed to damage two sockets. That's from using 3/8 on a step down with a BIG gun. Even cheap 3/8 should last a lifetime on a 3/8 gun.
 

engnerdan

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
316
Location
Minnesota
If you are looking for a lower cost (then the tool trucks) impact sockets check out Grey Pneumatic from www.tooldiscounter.com they have good prices. I just picked up a set of SAE 3/8 impact sockets for $20.?? and a set of Metrics for $18.??. All my imopact sockets are Greys and I have only broke one and that was from abuse (3/8 socket on 1/2 imapact at 175psi, and a rounded off bolt) and they replaced it no questions asked.

-Dan
 

SteveU

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
1,243
Location
Michigan
If you are looking for a lower cost (then the tool trucks) impact sockets check out Grey Pneumatic from www.tooldiscounter.com they have good prices. I just picked up a set of SAE 3/8 impact sockets for $20.?? and a set of Metrics for $18.??. All my imopact sockets are Greys and I have only broke one and that was from abuse (3/8 socket on 1/2 imapact at 175psi, and a rounded off bolt) and they replaced it no questions asked.

-Dan


I also have the grey pneumatic sockets in 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2" drive & actually find myself using the impact sockets for hand ratchets also. The 3/8" is smaller than the same size in 1/2" drive & this may make the difference of whether it will fit somewhere or not. Haven't broke any yet:thumbup:
 
OP
T

tbgallant

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
102
Location
Calgary, AB
Grey Pneumatic's sound great.. but I'm having a real hard time finding anybody that sells them in Canada.

Any Canadians here reccomend a spot to buy these at the similar prices to the tooldiscounter.com prices (which are great!)

Thanks

Tim
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

engnerdan

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
316
Location
Minnesota
Dang Canadians making it difficult, j/k. You might try calling Grey directly www.gpsocket.com and ask them if they have anybody who sells up there in Canada. They have been very helpful when I have called. I guess I am lucky tool discounter is about 30 minutes from my house.

-Dan
 

Elroy

Banned
Joined
Oct 15, 2005
Messages
3,467
Location
kentucky
Mine are all snap on....

Elroy wouldn't expect anything less from a man who spends $500 on a 70 year old display case. They are nice tools. In certain areas that is, like wrenches and sockets. Some of their other stuff however leaves a little on the table. IEHO
 

chad s

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 3, 2006
Messages
2,483
Location
Baltimore, MD
Elroy wouldn't expect anything less from a man who spends $500 on a 70 year old display case. They are nice tools. In certain areas that is, like wrenches and sockets. Some of their other stuff however leaves a little on the table. IEHO

Haha, well, I have never bought any snap on sockets or wrench sets off of the truck, you can get that stuff MUCH cheaper on ebay. I do buy stuff of of the truck, and keep a great relationship with my dealer. I know I could have gotten everything I have bought from him for less on ebay, but there is a certain value to having him back my purchases with great service. The funny thing is, the only items I have ever needed to take to him for warranty, were tools I didnt buy from him.
 

Fedwrench

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,957
Location
Valley of the sun
If you're having problems finding Grey Pneumatic sockets, try looking for Sunex. They are practicly the same.
I wouldn't use an adapter on a 3/8 impact as it takes away from the compactness of using the 3/8 impact and the 1/2 drive impact sockets are often too thick for where I'm using them.
 
Last edited:
OP
T

tbgallant

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
102
Location
Calgary, AB
Thanks guys, I did send a message to GP.. waiting to hear back. My internet searches defenitely came up empty!

Hey Canadians... what impact sockets do you buy?
 

eschoendorff

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2005
Messages
8,991
Location
Michigan
If you're having problems finding Grey Pneumatic sockets, try looking for Sunex. They are practicly the same.
I wouldn't use an adapter on a 3/8 impact as it takes away from the compactness of using the 3/8 impact and the 1/2 drive impact sockets are often too thick for where I'm using them.

And teh Sunex impact sockets are damn near the same as the HF ones....
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom