USA 1/2" Impacts

[Tenex]

The facts:

1. I only wrench when necessary. Not professionally.
2. I'm only interested in having 1/2" impacts. Not chrome.
3. Must be made in USA
4. I am already aware of, and own Sunex impacts (3/8" drive)

Metric

• shallow
• deep

SAE

• shallow
• deep

Before I'm slaughtered for not having searched the site before posting, I'll have everyone know that I've already done so. Most threads I've read recommend SK, Proto, Williams, or Wright. Attached you will find a comparison of the various 1/2" sets offered by said brands. For those with experience with any of the aforementioned, please state your likes, dislikes, ease of warranty, and/or customer service dealings.

 

[Wamsutta]

PROTO makes very nice impacts sockets. I have a few.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I am an SK fan for sure, but, the Wright impacts are beautiful. The information stamped on the side is always consistant and readable. I have used SK, Craftsman USA, Husky (import), and Wright and they are all good although the husky set has a rougher finish that i don't prefer.

 

[shockwave]

You have a few option

Snap on/Williams
Nos kobalt were made by snap on
proto/Mac
Sk
Armstrong
Cornwell

These will cover most options for you sk might be cheapest option for you unless you have student discount

 

[gdocktor3]

Out of those listed, I own a few Wright and a few Proto. The rest are Snap On, Sunex, Craftsman USA, Pittsburgh Pro, and some older Husky, Blackhawk, and some no names. Now, why did I list all those? Because they all work equally as well. Because I also am not a pro, I would simply choose the cheapest of those listed. Why? Because I'm sure they all work equally as well...

My uncle, an old school retired iron worker, relies solely on cheap *** Stanley impacts he bought from Walmart and chinese Craftsman from Sears. This guy wrenches hard on different projects, auto repairs and welding jobs. Almost any brand will do for diyers this day in age.

Wright is probably the hardest to warranty, while SK and Proto will likely be mail ins, and Williams could be exchanged on a truck. Check for local distributors like Grainger, Fastenall, or other mom n pop shops that carry those brands for ease of warranty. With that said, you should never make a decision based on "ease of warranty" unless it's HF.

 

[Al Borland]

Hee-Hee-hee! He mentioned "Grainger" in connection with ease of warranty.

 

[Wes J]

Proto are nice. I have a set of Mac that I like. I suggest getting swivels and forget the shallows. I can't think of a place I would need a shallow impact socket that wasn't a swivel.

 

[gdocktor3]

Hee-Hee-hee! He mentioned "Grainger" in connection with ease of warranty.

Trust me I know. I had an email from Proto telling me that the Grainger in my area was able to warranty a few items I had. Went down, showed them the tools, showed them the email, but the nerd behind the counter told me the tools were not broken and still had plenty of life left in them. Such a joke. Stanley sent me prepaid shipping and I mailed them in instead.

Only reason I mentioned Grainger is because there aren't many other "big name" distributors selling stuff like that these days.

 

[Tenex]

I don't doubt the Sunex will do the same job at a lesser cost, but I want American. Potentially someday, American tools may not be an option. Even today you can see how much more extra work consumers must do to buy American. I'd like to stave off this catastrophe as much as possible.

If Wright offered comprehensive sets as do Proto, SK, and Williams, I would consider them. I like Wright. A LOT! I own SAE and metric Wrightgrip wrenches that are phenomenal. Take a look at the PDF I've posted. It's clear to see that Wright offers the least range of sizes at the worst value.

 

[Wes J]

You don't need all those sockets in inch and metric. Get the 1/2-1-1/4 set and 12-21mm and you'll be fine. Over 21mm the sizes are so close from inch to metric it's a waste of money. Only exception would be 30mm, but if you have 1-3/16 you are all set.

I have a 1-1/2 socket I use for Cat oil plugs. Otherwise it sits.

 

[davethorik]

I have a set of Wright 1/2 shallow 6 pt metric 10-27 impact that I got for a ridiculously good deal, I wish they were deeps is really my only complaint. Clearly stamped, no bs laser etching. The writing is all in the same place on every socket so on a rail, it is very ocd friendly. Even though they are thick, the 19mm fits into the lug recesses on my Accord's rims without scuffing the rims, which is also nice.

Never had to warranty any of them. But if you have a Wright dealer nearby, they will exchange for free. A few yrs ago bought the Wright 2442 1/4 spinner with female drive on the end of the handle. The ball bearing on the drive had been staked off-center, which held the ball down and sockets would fall off. No hassle less than 5 min transaction and I had a new, functioning tool in my hand.

 

[Tenex]

You don't need all those sockets in inch and metric. Get the 1/2-1-1/4 set and 12-21mm and you'll be fine. Over 21mm the sizes are so close from inch to metric it's a waste of money. Only exception would be 30mm, but if you have 1-3/16 you are all set.

I have a 1-1/2 socket I use for Cat oil plugs. Otherwise it sits.

Most things anymore use metric fasteners, but I like to be prepared. My dad owns a tree business and I occasionally help him with projects and there's no telling of what you'll run into. My 2002 Ranger has a mix of SAE and metric. I'll probably have these tools for the next 50+ years. Who knows what I'll get into in that time.

I should mention that my shallow and deep, Sunex 3/8" impacts range from 7mm - 22mm and 5/16" - 1" so I'm not really gaining anything with the sets you've recommended other than the ability to apply more torque to the same size fasteners.

 

[bob15]

I own the Wright 1/2 dr impacts and would recommend them. I have yet to break their tools in 20 years, so i cannot tell you how ease of warranty is. I also wouldn't put much stock in the warranties and their ease....actually, I put zero thought into warranties.

I would also question the need for sockets larger than 1.25". What are you doing? Those larger individual sockets can also be purchased separately (but do you really need them?). the same hold true for the larger metrics. Depending on what you think you might work on, they are also be a waste of money.

 

[Wes J]

Every single time I try to tell people here that they don't need both inch and metric in large sizes because they are basically exactly the same I get a laundry list of reasons why they want them anyway. It's like they just can't fathom that the world will not explode if they put a 1-1/6 socket on a 27mm nut.

Every time it's a waste of my key strokes.

Just once I want some young guy to say "holy ****, I don't have to spend an extra $250 buying tools that are exactly the same, that's awesome". It's never going to happen.

Tell you what, if you use a 7/8 on a 22mm nut or a 15/16 on a 24mm nut or a 1-1/16 socket on a 27mm nut or a 1-3/16 on a 30mm nut or a 1-1/4 on a 32mm or a 1-5/16 on a 33mm or a 1-1/2 on a 38mm and you truly feel that the 2% difference in size cause you to damage the bolt/nut/whatever, I will fly out and fix it for you free of charge. Anywhere in the USA.

 

[Ruger_556]

Every single time I try to tell people here that they don't need both inch and metric in large sizes because they are basically exactly the same I get a laundry list of reasons why they want them anyway. It's like they just can't fathom that the world will not explode if they put a 1-1/6 socket on a 27mm nut.

Every time it's a waste of my key strokes.

Just once I want some young guy to say "holy ****, I don't have to spend an extra $250 buying tools that are exactly the same, that's awesome". It's never going to happen.

Tell you what, if you use a 7/8 on a 22mm nut or a 15/16 on a 24mm nut or a 1-1/16 socket on a 27mm nut or a 1-3/16 on a 30mm nut or a 1-1/4 on a 32mm or a 1-5/16 on a 33mm or a 1-1/2 on a 38mm and you truly feel that the 2% difference in size cause you to damage the bolt/nut/whatever, I will fly out and fix it for you free of charge. Anywhere in the USA.

You need to buy an airplane ticket... I've had 22 vs 7/8 be the difference in getting something rusted out. Larger sizes it's a non issue though.

 

[Wes J]

So you're telling me that .008" made a measurable difference? .9% difference.

I'd pay to see that.

 

[bob15]

So you're telling me that .008" made a measurable difference? .9% difference.

I'd pay to see that.

If the fastener is a little rusty, it could/will make a difference.

If the SAE fastener was on the higher side of the spec, and the metric socket or wrench was on the tight side of its given tolerance it might not fit the fastener.

If the flats are buggered from using an incorrect tool (wrong socket/wrench, slipping adjustable, pipe wrench, etc) and a tight fitting socket/wrench, it might not fit.

 

[Wes J]

If the SAE fastener was on the higher side of the spec, and the metric socket or wrench was on the tight side of its given tolerance it might not fit the fastener.

Do you know how small .008" is?

 

[bob15]

Do you know how small .008" is?

yup. Do you?

 

[Wes J]

The bolt head tolerance is around .030". The difference between the inch and metric wrench is 1/4 of the factory allowed bolt tolerance.

But hey, you guys keep banging that drum. I'll keep wasting key strokes.

 

[Whchua]

I own a set of wright deep impact, like it a lot. Recomended

 

[anndel]

Sorry but I have Snap On 3/8 and 1/2 impacts. Just got a SK socket set from Epstein's Day and they are excellent, about on par with SO.

 

[Tenex]

I'm leaning towards Proto. From what I can tell the new SK impacts are only laser engraved and not stamped. I'm still considering Williams for one of the SAE sets.

 

[Ruger_556]

So you're telling me that .008" made a measurable difference? .9% difference.

I'd pay to see that.

Yes, buy your airplane ticket.

 

[Wes J]

Yes, buy your airplane ticket.

I'll have to loan you my Snap-On socket that's marked both 7/8 and 22mm. Your head will explode.

Of course they stopped that nonsense when they realized they could sell twice as many sockets if they only labeled them as 7/8 or 22mm.

 

[claymont]

I had a Snap On deep and standard set that went to 11/2"; used them for twenty years, sold them to the last company I worked for. Still going strong from what I hear. Also had a set of Napa branded swivel sockets to 11/4" that I bought at a flea market for $65; I don't know who actually made them, but they were a high quality, never broke one. I drove them with a hard hitting IR 1/2" air gun and 1/2", 3/4" Milwaukee 18v drivers.

 

[lazer50]

To answer the op and help how i can.im happy with wright they fit well and ive used for years in the large 1/2 drive size available area. Haven't had a warranty issue but my area has an industrial supply that carries wright.so no issues there. Now see how easy it is to answer an op s question! He gave specifics for brands sizes etc.and yet there is always one or more person that either doesn't read or just ignores the questions.this post has a guy arguing with others what the op needs and what he doesn't.lol its not only this thread tho.

 

[DSLTRK]

I'm leaning towards Proto. From what I can tell the new SK impacts are only laser engraved and not stamped. I'm still considering Williams for one of the SAE sets.

SK Sockets are embossed (stamped) also.

SK is easier to warranty in my opinion, than Proto.

 

[Short Round]

Every single time I try to tell people here that they don't need both inch and metric in large sizes because they are basically exactly the same I get a laundry list of reasons why they want them anyway. It's like they just can't fathom that the world will not explode if they put a 1-1/6 socket on a 27mm nut.

Every time it's a waste of my key strokes.

Just once I want some young guy to say "holy ****, I don't have to spend an extra $250 buying tools that are exactly the same, that's awesome". It's never going to happen.

Tell you what, if you use a 7/8 on a 22mm nut or a 15/16 on a 24mm nut or a 1-1/16 socket on a 27mm nut or a 1-3/16 on a 30mm nut or a 1-1/4 on a 32mm or a 1-5/16 on a 33mm or a 1-1/2 on a 38mm and you truly feel that the 2% difference in size cause you to damage the bolt/nut/whatever, I will fly out and fix it for you free of charge. Anywhere in the USA.

You might just tell them to buy them and then report back after measuring them with a 6" dial caliper.

Often enough I'm just slipping one on and doing the wiggle test to see which socket fits the tightest on stuff. I might chalk that up to Craftsman not being consistent. (I have the same issue with cap style oil filter wrenches, they never seem to fit right and so I gave up buying them)


ETA- I have SK impact sockets, not full sets but a mish mash when some deal was posted here. Unfortunately I don't think they're of the current SK so I'm SOL on warranty. Which really defeated the point of buying them.

I haven't abused the SK stuff but it's working well.

 

[so2315]

Check some of the local Sears stores. I see allot of impact sets that are made in USA still on shelves. Basically new old stock. With the loss of customers they are not moving product like they used to.

 

[bcradio]

My experience:

My Proto impacts have been super soft and deformed easily on me. However, they all still work fine despite being deformed.

My Cman US impacts have been great and have not deformed a bit. They are built like a tank. I would recommend these if you can find a NOS US set. I have the master 3/8" and 1/2" sets and they are very comprehensive.

 

[Ruger_556]

I'll have to loan you my Snap-On socket that's marked both 7/8 and 22mm. Your head will explode.

Of course they stopped that nonsense when they realized they could sell twice as many sockets if they only labeled them as 7/8 or 22mm.

I have one of those too, there's a difference between an actual 22 mm socket and a 7/8. Some are just a remarked 7/8 socket and some are not. Most of the time it doesn't matter. I'd discuss it further but frankly I don't care so I'm going to work

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'm leaning towards Proto. From what I can tell the new SK impacts are only laser engraved and not stamped. I'm still considering Williams for one of the SAE sets.

They're stamped and laser engraved. The laser engraving is one of the more durable engravings I've seen (better than armstrong/craftsman for sure). My 19MM deep 1/2 drive gets used a lot to swap subaru strut springs (which means the top portion of the socket gets rubbed to hell against the strut top mount) and all 3 laser engravings are still easily readable.

But, of course, that matters little because they are stamped and stampings never rub off!

 

[xela456]

I'm leaning towards Proto. From what I can tell the new SK impacts are only laser engraved and not stamped. I'm still considering Williams for one of the SAE sets.

They are both

 

[Sugarfryz]

Every single time I try to tell people here that they don't need both inch and metric in large sizes because they are basically exactly the same I get a laundry list of reasons why they want them anyway. It's like they just can't fathom that the world will not explode if they put a 1-1/6 socket on a 27mm nut.

Every time it's a waste of my key strokes.

Just once I want some young guy to say "holy ****, I don't have to spend an extra $250 buying tools that are exactly the same, that's awesome". It's never going to happen.

Tell you what, if you use a 7/8 on a 22mm nut or a 15/16 on a 24mm nut or a 1-1/16 socket on a 27mm nut or a 1-3/16 on a 30mm nut or a 1-1/4 on a 32mm or a 1-5/16 on a 33mm or a 1-1/2 on a 38mm and you truly feel that the 2% difference in size cause you to damage the bolt/nut/whatever, I will fly out and fix it for you free of charge. Anywhere in the USA.

This is funny to me, an older guy I work with has been working on cars for 40 years. Just recently retired sadly, he used to work at gm dealers when he first got his tools. He absolutely refuses to use metric sockets. I go up to him cus he's using his 9/16 socket on a 14mm bolt and I ask why? He whole heartedly believes there's no reason to buy metric. He has some, honestly I've never seen him have a problem either. I'm sure there's maybe one time that extra 2% may help. But is it really worth it to have both? No if it fits and takes the bolt off and puts it back on I don't really care. I have a bunch of craftsman sae sockets I don't even bother taking to work.

 

[Sugarfryz]

Every single time I try to tell people here that they don't need both inch and metric in large sizes because they are basically exactly the same I get a laundry list of reasons why they want them anyway. It's like they just can't fathom that the world will not explode if they put a 1-1/6 socket on a 27mm nut.

Every time it's a waste of my key strokes.

Just once I want some young guy to say "holy ****, I don't have to spend an extra $250 buying tools that are exactly the same, that's awesome". It's never going to happen.

Tell you what, if you use a 7/8 on a 22mm nut or a 15/16 on a 24mm nut or a 1-1/16 socket on a 27mm nut or a 1-3/16 on a 30mm nut or a 1-1/4 on a 32mm or a 1-5/16 on a 33mm or a 1-1/2 on a 38mm and you truly feel that the 2% difference in size cause you to damage the bolt/nut/whatever, I will fly out and fix it for you free of charge. Anywhere in the USA.

I'll have to loan you my Snap-On socket that's marked both 7/8 and 22mm. Your head will explode.

Of course they stopped that nonsense when they realized they could sell twice as many sockets if they only labeled them as 7/8 or 22mm.

Actually I would love to see this, I almost can't believe snap on would miss an opportunity to take money out of my pocket. I'll never fault snap ons tools, they're fantastic, but tI he so guy is not my friend. Way too expensive. I tend to buy only what I need from him. When I first started out I was all gung ho on only buying snap on because most of the time they're the best. That got old quick

 

[Tenex]

Since the SK's are engraved I'll probably look harder at them. The stories I hear about Proto's customer service are hit or miss, but more miss. SK and Wright, in my mind, are more likely to stay American the longest, but I've already ruled out Wright unless I buy used.

 

[xela456]

the sk 4051 set i think is the most complete set of standard 1/2 sockets in one set. The case is not overly large though not overly tough. it goes 3/8-1 1/4 deep and shallow I'm deffinately a fan. However I haven't yet found a set of metrics that doesnt ****

 

[bob15]

Since the SK's are engraved I'll probably look harder at them. The stories I hear about Proto's customer service are hit or miss, but more miss. SK and Wright, in my mind, are more likely to stay American the longest, but I've already ruled out Wright unless I buy used.

Just curious, why did you rule out Wright?

 

[Tenex]

Just curious, why did you rule out Wright?

I want a comprehensive, metric (10mm - 36mm) and SAE (3/8" - 1 1/2") set. Wright makes those sizes but not in a set. I listed the sets Wright does have in the PDF which shows that they are the least value. Piecing together a set would cost a **** ton and be far more work. As we all know, the best value comes from buying in bulk.

I went into this hoping that I would be able to talk myself into buying Wright albeit with some subjective justification. I own Wrightgrip wrenches so my OCD said to buy their impacts as well, but it's just too expensive and too inconvenient.