First impact socket set (for DIY) - regular or deep?

[stickshift]

I'm just a DIY'er maintaining the family's vehicles. I'm making the move from breaker bars to an impact wrench, so I guess I need to get some impact sockets. Thinking about getting a metric impact socket set from Harbor Freight.

For a first metric impact socket set, should I get regular depth or deep sockets? If it makes a difference, the cars in question are Toyotas and Hondas.

Or is it inevitable that I'll need both sets?

 

[Stooge]

I would say that atleast 80% of my impact sockets, and the most reached for impact sockets, are all deeps. Almost all of my impact sockets are Sunex and I have been nothing but happy with them, though people seem to like the HF impacts though I have never knowingly used them.

 

[macs_rock]

I bought a Sunex deep impact set, it has sizes from 10mm - 36mm, which I wanted because I needed axle nut sockets. The way it was told to me, and the way I've seen it play out, is that when you add the length of the impact wrench to the mix, anywhere you'd need shallow sockets for clearance you're not going to fit an impact wrench anyway. I've not yet found a spot where the thing won't fit by only an inch, but I've had plenty of use for the depth of the deep sockets. I do plan on buying a stubby impact and some very shallow sockets soon, but I don't think the shallows would ever end up on the big gun.

 

[M6erfan]

Deep. And if your removing wheels, thin wall. I have a 1/2" Deep metric set 10-36mm (Sunex) and a set of 1/2" deep thin wall 'lug' sockets.

 

[jsmeece]

I bought this set: TEKTON 3/8-Inch and 1/2-Inch Drive Impact Socket Set, Inch/Metric, Cr-V, 6-Point, 3/8-Inch - 1-1/4-Inch, 8 mm - 32 mm, 38-Piece | 4888. And the only reason why I did was I got it for $30 and they contained both shallow and deep. Amazon has this set for $60 now. Can be found on-line for cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JM93YS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If I was a pro I would likely skip Tekton and get Sunex impact sockets. I have a few of their (Sunex) thin wall impact sockets for removing lug nuts, really impressed with them.

I like the Tekton better then the few HF ones I have, but for the money Tekton is fine, but if you think you will use them often I would setup and get Sunex.

FYI, the Tekton ones are CV while the Sunex ones I think are CM.

 

[zendriver]

If you're shopping at Harbor freight go shallow and deep.

I have those and use them regularly, even as regular half-inch sockets.

No reason not to.

Think I paid nine dollars for the shallow ones.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[classic70]

Deep, If you are using a impact wrench chances are you have the room to work with.

 

[LXCam]

I'm in with the deeps also. Almost all of my shallow impacts still look new, the deeps - not so much

 

[ChaseDE]

If you are doing wheels/lugnuts, and you care about the wheels, this is a good start as well.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-sae-metric-lug-nut-impact-sockets-7-pc-69781.html

I have these although I use a breaker bar on them, they are rated for impacts and they are very nice.

 

[stickshift]

Thanks guys. Deep sockets first, it is.

What about extensions - wobble seems like it would be more useful than standard extensions. Though I guess for longer reach situations, you wouldn't want to stock wobble extensions?

Also, in lots of repair videos I've watched on Youtube, swivel impact sockets seem pretty popular. Given that I'm going with a cordless 1/2" impact (i.e., bulky), should I get swivel sockets up front, or wait until I run into a fastener that I can't get to with a deep socket and wobble extension?

 

[jsmeece]

Thanks guys. Deep sockets first, it is.

What about extensions - wobble seems like it would be more useful than standard extensions. Though I guess for longer reach situations, you wouldn't want to stock wobble extensions?

Also, in lots of repair videos I've watched on Youtube, swivel impact sockets seem pretty popular. Given that I'm going with a cordless 1/2" impact (i.e., bulky), should I get swivel sockets up front, or wait until I run into a fastener that I can't get to with a deep socket and wobble extension?

This Sunex set comes with extensions, Sunex 2569 can get on Ebay for $100.09 with free shipping, not my listing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-Tool-2569-43-Pc-1-2-Dr-Metric-Master-Impact-Socket-Set-/191991307978

 

[LXCam]

If you're balking between a shallow and a deep set right now, don't go pricing wobbles......ouch! Honestly your best bet would be to grab a sunnex master set with all the goodies. Unfortunately you'll need to be patient to find the right deal. I have both their 1/4" and 3/8" maste sets and couldn't be happier. Most of my 1/2" is gray pneumatic which is something you should consider, their sets are a real value at everyday prices.

 

[Trey T]

I've started out with deep socket set and served me well. Get the HF Pittsburg PRO version

 

[sberry]

Both and a couple extensions, a swivel.

 

[thool]

I'd go with deep from HF. Last thing you want to do is try to use a shallow on the top quarter of a nut, when a deep would fit the whole nut. With torques from an impact, you want as much contact as possible.

 

[Tallpilot]

Deep first but you will eventually want shallow and swivels. I mostly use deep on my Milwaukee but I use shallows and swivels on my Nano.

 

[Sugarfryz]

If you’re not using them daily a basic 1/2 drive swivel and short 1/2 impact sockets will be fine. My first set was deeps. I use shallow All the time tho, but always use deeps first

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Deep until you need shallow. Sometimes the bulk of the impact wrench does not allow shallows, but eventually, you will need them.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Deep first. Go with Sunex, the skipped sizes in the HF sets bug me.

 

[Mr_B]

Deep but shallow be important too, will want basic set of extensions and pick up proper decent swivel adaptor .
HF sets pretty cheap but be sure get the taiwan made pro ones (check packing as some china and spec different)
Main issue with HF impact sockets is laser etched only so once wears off you got deal with it , skipped sizes and no singles is stupid too
Personally I would look on ebay and amazon and buy any similar proper designed impacts like the HF pro ones but with stamped markings and in cr-v of taiwan origin.
All my newer sets are sourced online (japan style sockets)and quality/durability been better than cr-mo truck brands yet HF pricing .
HF will do and even better if got coupon can use. warranty currently easy too .

 

[Bretny]

HF are good sockets. I also have a set of craftsman and wish i just got HF. Never broke any HF impact sockets. And for the price get both.

 

[stickshift]

This Sunex set comes with extensions, Sunex 2569 can get on Ebay for $100.09 with free shipping, not my listing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-Tool-2569-43-Pc-1-2-Dr-Metric-Master-Impact-Socket-Set-/191991307978

That looks pretty good. I set a price watch on this over at Amazon, since it's gone on sale for under $90.

 

[Ben1967]

Try Sunex, or Tekton

 

[Mr_B]

Wouldn't bother with tekton, they pretty cheap design and way better can be had.
I don't like sunex design too much but the master sets are pretty good priced for size coverage and accessories .

 

[stickshift]

This Sunex set comes with extensions, Sunex 2569 can get on Ebay for $100.09 with free shipping, not my listing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-Tool-2569-43-Pc-1-2-Dr-Metric-Master-Impact-Socket-Set-/191991307978

Thanks for mentioning this.

I bought this set using the Ebay 15% off coupon mentioned here:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7286929

$85 for the set, shipped. Saves me from making a few trips to HF to piece together something similar while applying coupons each time (and I'd still end up with more skips than with the Sunex set).