I'm looking to upgrade from my current incomplete chrome/impact mix of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 (Craftsman and older HF impacts) to a more useful and usable set-up. I'm looking either the GP Duo 3/8 Metric set or both chrome and impact 3/8 sets from Tekton. The lower price of one set vs two is less important than the potential upside to having two sets. I'll also add that the tools will live in my garage box and portability is not a priority for me. I'm interested to hear what others think.
GP Duo or Tekton Chrome & Impact?
- Thread starter PDGCT
- Start date
It seems like the biggest decision you are contemplating is whether to buy an impact set to use both with impact tools and hand ratchets - or buying both a chrome and an impact set.
I've heard lots of people say they just use impact sockets and don't bother with two sets. Fair enough - that sounds like a viable plan.
Downsides are:
On the other hand...
However... that's only because of the dichotomy you presented. E.g. I might buy the GP set as my one set for now (since they are very nice impact sockets) with a plan to also buy a chrome set later on!
I've heard lots of people say they just use impact sockets and don't bother with two sets. Fair enough - that sounds like a viable plan.
Downsides are:
- impact sockets are usually noticeably thicker than chrome sockets (I appreciate the GP Duo sockets claim this is less of a concern)
- black oxide coatings rust more easily than chrome if your storage area is subject to temperature swings
- impact sockets are made of steel with a lower hardness rating (whether this results in much functional difference is a different question).
- if you have only one set vs two, you can't use two of the same size at once. Usually you use a backer wrench in this scenario anyway, but there are times when a socket makes more sense (say you're impacting something most of the way and finishing with a torque wrench - it's nothing to swap the socket from one tool to the other for a few bolts but might be annoying if you're doing 20).
- chrome sockets are very nice to look at
On the other hand...
- You said the price difference isn't much of a factor
- Tekton sockets are very highly rated on this forum and are an excellent value
- GP sockets are excellent too - but most people here agree that the difference between cheap and expensive impacts sockets is minimal (plenty of forum members admit to used Harbor Freight impact sockets with no lasting psychological harm)
However... that's only because of the dichotomy you presented. E.g. I might buy the GP set as my one set for now (since they are very nice impact sockets) with a plan to also buy a chrome set later on!
MooseCustomMotors
Well-known member
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- Jun 14, 2022
- Messages
- 84
I’m a big fan of only having impact sockets. I have a few random chrome sockets for when an impact socket doesn’t fit, but that’s almost exclusively 1/4” drive 12pt stuff.
The downsides list above are valid to an extent but in my opinion, not really a concern. They can rust, if you don’t take care of them. Once they get pretty used and the coating comes off, they can get surface rust. Spray some oil on a rag, slap it on a power tool and spin it in the oil soaked rag.
Size wise, the cheaper the impact socket the thicker it usually is. More of an issue with the smaller stuff usually but I’ve measured a few impacts vs chrome and it’s about 1/8 to 1/16 wider based on the brands I compared. Comparing the cheapest ones you can find, I’d guess the width increases greatly.
My advice to people is buy everything impact, use it on ratchets and power tools and get chrome if you run into an issue. If it really comes down to it, I think the Gearwrench 1/4” chrome master set is like 49 bucks on Amazon. Buy that and a full set of impacts and you are covered.
The downsides list above are valid to an extent but in my opinion, not really a concern. They can rust, if you don’t take care of them. Once they get pretty used and the coating comes off, they can get surface rust. Spray some oil on a rag, slap it on a power tool and spin it in the oil soaked rag.
Size wise, the cheaper the impact socket the thicker it usually is. More of an issue with the smaller stuff usually but I’ve measured a few impacts vs chrome and it’s about 1/8 to 1/16 wider based on the brands I compared. Comparing the cheapest ones you can find, I’d guess the width increases greatly.
My advice to people is buy everything impact, use it on ratchets and power tools and get chrome if you run into an issue. If it really comes down to it, I think the Gearwrench 1/4” chrome master set is like 49 bucks on Amazon. Buy that and a full set of impacts and you are covered.
It really depends on what you're working on IMO.
I had the mindset of chrome for 1/4 & 3/8 drive and impact for the 1/2 drive stuff, but I recently added a 3/8 Milwaukee impact, so I bought some Astro swivels and Capri mid depth sockets to use with it. I've also got a massive set of Sunex 1/2 impacts that I don't believe I've used once. I need a project vehicle..
I had the mindset of chrome for 1/4 & 3/8 drive and impact for the 1/2 drive stuff, but I recently added a 3/8 Milwaukee impact, so I bought some Astro swivels and Capri mid depth sockets to use with it. I've also got a massive set of Sunex 1/2 impacts that I don't believe I've used once. I need a project vehicle..
jobo1004
Well-known member
I have Grey Pneumatic duo sockets in 1/4" & 3/8" drive and their regular impact sockets in 1/2" drive. I don't own any chrome sockets and as a DIYer haven't missed them at all.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
I'd go with a Tekton set or whatever set is cheapest that doesn't have size skips. Wall thickness really isn't an issue. There is little to no difference in socket wall thickness when comparing chrome to impact. Impact sockets are not as rust resistant, but even chrome sockets will rust if you don't clean them after working in the rain. Cleaning your tools is key to keeping rust under control.
I had a mis match of chrome and impact and no good storage for them. I recently purchased a HF 56” box and decided to start from scratch. I ordered all the 3/8 sizes from Tekton. Chrome and impact. Shallow and deep. I’ll get the 1/4” chrome when it’s available and my 1/2” is enough to get me by for now. I don’t need 1/4 impact since the 3/8 has a range down to 6mm. Tekton was super easy to order from, showed up quickly and look great. I’m very pleased with the purchase.
I remove a lot of rusty bolts with an impact wrench and sockets. They are soft and I consider them a consumable. They have a thicker lip and feel a bit clumsy when using hand tools. Chrome sockets just feel more precise. I’m no pro, it’s just a hobby for me, but I’ve never regretted buying good tools.
I remove a lot of rusty bolts with an impact wrench and sockets. They are soft and I consider them a consumable. They have a thicker lip and feel a bit clumsy when using hand tools. Chrome sockets just feel more precise. I’m no pro, it’s just a hobby for me, but I’ve never regretted buying good tools.
v10climber
Active member
Unless tekton has changed the shape and stampings of their impacts the past few years I'd pick something else. I know they're well liked on here but the 1/2" impacts I have are tapered only at the very end of the socket and I've run into multiple situations where the fat impact socket won't fit. They also seem to have the same outer diameter for a few of the sockets so that the (for example) 14mm has a silly thick wall while the 15mm is normal. Considering there's lots of other options out there I'd look at another brand.
Yes they changed, old style was garbage design (cheaper manufacture) and a valid point on usability in tight access scenarios .
New ones are stepped shouldered, they state fully stepped shouldered but they fall a small bit short of full stepped shouldering
Plenty good taiwan impact sockets about though so options are huge & low cost .
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CGarage
Well-known member
The price swings on the GP Duo Socket Sets has been crazy to watch.
camelcamelcamel.com
Grey Pneumatic Corp - 3/8 Dr. 59Pc Fract. Metric Duo-Socket Set - 6 P (81659CRD)
Amazon price tracking & price history for Grey Pneumatic Corp - 3/8 Dr. 59Pc Fract. Metric Duo-Socket Set - 6 P (81659CRD)
camelcamelcamel.com
WTF?!The price swings on the GP Duo Socket Sets has been crazy to watch.
Grey Pneumatic Corp - 3/8 Dr. 59Pc Fract. Metric Duo-Socket Set - 6 P (81659CRD)
Amazon price tracking & price history for Grey Pneumatic Corp - 3/8 Dr. 59Pc Fract. Metric Duo-Socket Set - 6 P (81659CRD)
I just looked back and I paid $166 which is about what it hovered around for a long time. It seems like a deal at that price but north of 250!?
CGarage
Well-known member
$160 to $170 for the 3/8 master sets was the “high average” in 2020......
robert6715
Well-known member
The fact is that sockets do crack & break. Tekton warranty is easy peasy, GP not soo much.
I have a lot of GP sets & will NEVER buy another one. Nothing worse than having to buy replacements because the warranty is such a pain & basically nonexistent.
I have a lot of GP sets & will NEVER buy another one. Nothing worse than having to buy replacements because the warranty is such a pain & basically nonexistent.
Madjik Man
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,523
My 3/8" impact set goes up to 24mm. So for my 1/2" set I think the best move would be to get the 25mm+ sizes.
My questions are:
1. Tekton's 1/2" impact sets (non axle nut) are 6 point impacts. I assume that's what I want to go with rather than 12 point.
2. If only buying one set for now, do you go regular or deep?
My questions are:
1. Tekton's 1/2" impact sets (non axle nut) are 6 point impacts. I assume that's what I want to go with rather than 12 point.
2. If only buying one set for now, do you go regular or deep?