What’s the use case for the new tekton 1/2” drive large impacts up to 50mm?

[mikey03]

I don’t need these personally but I follow tekton and really like there stuff so I thought it was real interesting when I saw them expand impact 1/2 drive sockets up to 50mm and 2” whereby before they were only up to 39mm

what happened to make these exist? Is it because 1/2 drive impacts are more powerful these days and can handle it? Like the m18 high torque?

also wondering why they decided to limit most of these to 6 point and only have a smaller set of bigger 12 points. I always heard for bigger sockets you don’t get the benefit of 6 points so kinda funny I’d think make them in 12.

 

[finn]

industrial maintenance, construction and farm equipment, heavy trucks.

 

[mikey03]

industrial maintenance, construction and farm equipment, heavy trucks.

Yea but I mean isn’t the sizes usually in 3/4 drive? I never seen 1/2 drive bigger than 38mm until now

How come all the sudden we are seeing the 1/2 drive end get bigger?

the same thing happened with 3/8 I think it used to cap out around 19mm and now we see it go to 24mm maybe because of more powerful 3/8 impacts and stronger ratchets?

 

[rust in the eye]

Tekton is notorious for making stuff nobody asked for.
Checking bolt dimensions I see no 50mm hex head even used, perhaps proprietary for something
An M30 bolt has a 45mm head and would be tightened to around 1500 ft/lb. M36 has 55mm head and would be tightened north of 2k ft lbs.
How useful would ANY 1/2" drive tools be for that?
I want theTekton guy's job that dreams up this worthless ****.

 

[mikey03]

 

[mikey03]

Tekton is notorious for making stuff nobody asked for.
Checking bolt dimensions I see no 50mm hex head even used, perhaps proprietary for something
An M30 bolt has a 45mm head and would be tightened to around 1500 ft/lb. M36 has 55mm head and would be tightened north of 2k ft lbs.
How useful would ANY 1/2" drive tools be for that?
I want theTekton guy's job that dreams up this worthless ****.

Idk that’s what I’m asking. Maybe it’s for someone who got a m18 high torque, don’t work on big stuff often, but happens to find themselves needing to work on a 46mm once for something special and orders a single socket, uses a breaker bar to break it loose and then the m18 high torque to finish?

 

[rust in the eye]

Alright, axle nuts wouldn't be that tight.
cross that bridge when you get there

 

[Callelle]

Idk that’s what I’m asking. Maybe it’s for someone who got a m18 high torque

That's my guess. The only reason I don't use my 2967 on the bigger stuff is because the adapter kills the torque. On stuff that I have 1/2" drive sockets for, I haven't run into anything it wont break or break free. Even A26 head bolts, it has no issue taking the E24s off, and those are torqued to 230 ft/lbs + 90* + 90* + 90*.

 

[Steel_Rain]

This is good discussion, but also very subjective and based on what your doing and where.

I'm not in heavy equipment daily, but I have experience with it and work on my FIL's diesel pushers (RV's) often enough. His newer Prevo is all metric, but he has an older GM silver sides that's all standard. I move to 3/4' drive when things get above 1" or 24mm because I have several 3/4" impact's. I have access to air where he is at, but my Makita 3/4" HT can handle much of it without the weight and pain of getting a hose involved.

Does a 2" socket on a 1/2" really make sense? Maybe not now, like today, no.

But how many of us would have really thought that battery powered impact wrenches would be pushing 2000lbs (in 1") by now? My Makita XGT 3/4" has 1500+ ft-lb and is lightweight compared to my old IR air powered dinosaur.

Sure, safety becomes and issue with 1/2" at a certain point, but socket material and composition seems to be better these days and the electric impact wrenches keep getting more and more powerful each year.

There is much to be said about how quickly you can get work done by using lower weight, better balanced tools that fit in tighter locations, including those found in heavy equipment and maybe Tekton is thinking of that future.

 

[mikey03]

But how many of us would have really thought that battery powered impact wrenches would be pushing 2000lbs (in 1") by now? My Makita XGT 3/4" has 1500+ ft-lb and is lightweight compared to my old IR air powered dinosaur.

yea I mean isn’t the limiting factor the battery itself? So a 1/2 drive m18 impact should be able to pump as much torque as a 3/4 drive m18 impact

 

[mikey03]

I looked up and m18 got a 1” impact that is huge and does 2000 foot pounds nut busting torque but idk about holding it like they do in the promo image. I’d be afraid to use the tool like this esp without gloves and a helmet it looks like it would grind all the skin off the back of my hand just before the battery whips around and breaks my jaw

 

[finn]

Yea but I mean isn’t the sizes usually in 3/4 drive? I never seen 1/2 drive bigger than 38mm until now

How come all the sudden we are seeing the 1/2 drive end get bigger?

the same thing happened with 3/8 I think it used to cap out around 19mm and now we see it go to 24mm maybe because of more powerful 3/8 impacts and stronger ratchets?

Modern 1/2” drive is either just as powerful, or approaching the level of 3/4” drive of a few years ago, at least for battery powered tools.

There was a pretty wide disparity in air tools, too. I don’t know if air tools have progressed though. Air tools seem to be a dying market segment to some extent. I don’t see much development there, but then again I don’t participate there.

 

[51dueller]

It's the same with the chrome sockets. I wish you could buy the complete set only up to 1 1/4 and 32mm. The 1 5/16-1 1/2 and 33-38mm are really impact gun or 3/4 drive territory. I put them on separate rails and put them in a lower drawer. No point them taking up space in the main socket drawer. They are even different socket blanks and not just the 3/4 drive sockets with 1/2 drive hole as I have the 3/4 drive sockets.

 

[Steel_Rain]

yea I mean isn’t the limiting factor the battery itself? So a 1/2 drive m18 impact should be able to pump as much torque as a 3/4 drive m18 impact

I looked up and m18 got a 1” impact that is huge and does 2000 foot pounds nut busting torque

Modern 1/2” drive is either just as powerful, or approaching the level of 3/4” drive of a few years ago, at least for battery powered tools.

Yup, electric impacts are getting stronger year over year. In light automotive, 1/2” can be a sweet spot for suspension work and some bigger assembly work, but once things go above 1”/24mm, that’s when 3/4” shines because your not using every ounce of the tools capacity to get the job done.

That said, I wouldn’t doubt you will be seeing 2000 ft-lb 1/2” impact wrenches in the next 2-3 years. Question is…do you really want that much power going through a 1/2” driven socket. And we probably all know someone that has exploded a CV socket while on an impact.

I’d rather put less stress on the tools to accomplish the same result if time and workspace aren’t in short supply.

 

[1320]

I have a 1-11/16" and 1-7/8" socket in 1/2" drive made by Sunex. I've used them on drive shaft yoke nuts on big trucks. I want to say some of the nuts were in the 900 lbft range and so the Milwaukee 1/2" drive high torque handled them fine.

For my uses, the 1-11/16" replaced a 3/4" drive impact socket that was machined down to fit in the yoke. The 1/2" drive socket, being thinner walled, didn't need alteration.

It could be that as with many unusual sockets or wrenches, the intended use is often outside of regular fasteners and so the torque associated with the fastener size may not make sense but it's because the tool isn't going to be used for that.

 

[LopezBart]

And we probably all know someone that has exploded a CV socket while on an impact.

When I worked at Pep Boys one summer almost 50 years ago I spent a lot of time changing tires... and yes, exploding sockets were definitely a thing. I had one go, and so did other people.

 

[nh_yota]

My question is can a 1/2" anvil handle the torque required by such large fasteners and not break with repeated use?

 

[oscarsnapkin]

I have a 1-11/16" and 1-7/8" socket in 1/2" drive made by Sunex. I've used them on drive shaft yoke nuts on big trucks. I want to say some of the nuts were in the 900 lbft range and so the Milwaukee 1/2" drive high torque handled them fine.

For my uses, the 1-11/16" replaced a 3/4" drive impact socket that was machined down to fit in the yoke. The 1/2" drive socket, being thinner walled, didn't need alteration.

It could be that as with many unusual sockets or wrenches, the intended use is often outside of regular fasteners and so the torque associated with the fastener size may not make sense but it's because the tool isn't going to be used for that.

That’s a great use for them. A 3/4” gun is a hell of a lot heavier and awkward that a 1/2”, and while your laying under a truck I could see that making the job a lot easier. To answer the OP’s question, my VW Bus has a 46mm axle socket that comes off easily with a 1/2” gun. Not quite a 50mm socket, but pretty close.

 

[Steel_Rain]

exploding sockets were definitely a thing. I had one go, and so did other people.

Can be very dangerous. It's better if they deform, rather then explode, but if your sending 1500lb-ft though it, don't expect a choice.

 

[LopezBart]

Can be very dangerous. It's better if they deform, rather then explode, but if your sending 1500lb-ft though it, don't expect a choice.

These were fatigue failures... they'd lasted some time, but after a few months of frequent use... bang! Quite a bit of shrapnel flying about...

 

[mikey03]

My question is can a 1/2" anvil handle the torque required by such large fasteners and not break with repeated use?

Honestly I’m wondering if the socket body can handle the torque because 3/4 much thicker sockets

 

[L.Cheapo]

Second generation (94-01) Ram 1500 front axle nuts are 43mm/1-11/16". A 3/4" drive impact socket will usually not fit in the hub, but a 1/2" drive will.

VW vans used 46mm rear axle nuts from the 60s through the 90s.

Flywheel nuts for air cooled VWs come in 36, 42, and 44mm.

I own/owned both of these and don't own a single 3/4" drive ratchet or impact, nor is one required. My old 1/2" 600ftlb air impact has always done those jobs, but my DCF961B, also 1/2" drive, makes it look like a toy.

I'm sure there are other applications, I just haven't run across them yet.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

holding it like they do in the promo image. I’d be afraid to use the tool like this esp without gloves and a helmet it looks like it would grind all the skin off the back of my hand just before the battery whips around and breaks my jaw

Take a look at angle grinder promo photos!

 

[nicks78camaro]

Ram Promaster axle nuts are 46mm

 

[KnurledNut]

I replaced the battery in my chronograph watch today. I don't have a watch press. The lead-in chamfer of a 37mm socket was the perfect size to seat against the bezel instead of the glass and I used it and my vise to press the back case on, which is notoriously stubborn. You never know what socket size may save the day. I've used odd ball large size sockets for pressing in bearings and seals too.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I replaced the battery in my chronograph watch today. I don't have a watch press. The lead-in chamfer of a 37mm socket was the perfect size to seat against the bezel instead of the glass and I used it and my vise to press the back case on, which is notoriously stubborn. You never know what socket size may save the day. I've used odd ball large size sockets for pressing in bearings and seals too.

Yeah, I'm sure 99% of my large sockets get used the most for press operations and low torque applications.

 

[mikey03]

Damn that’s a real good point. I always wondered why you need no skips on the big sizes when there aren’t any bolts those sizes to turn but this makes sense

but for a second I thought you were going to say your watch used a 37mm socket to twist the back case off

 

[whateg01]

Tekton is notorious for making stuff nobody asked for.
Checking bolt dimensions I see no 50mm hex head even used, perhaps proprietary for something
An M30 bolt has a 45mm head and would be tightened to around 1500 ft/lb. M36 has 55mm head and would be tightened north of 2k ft lbs.
How useful would ANY 1/2" drive tools be for that?
I want theTekton guy's job that dreams up this worthless ****.

I would loosen or snug with a lighter to carry and use 1/2" impact, then get on it with the 3/4" breaker bar or ratchet. I do that often with the few "big" fasteners now and sometimes 3/8" impact and 1/2" torque wrench.

 

[KomatsuTech]

Tekton is notorious for making stuff nobody asked for.
Checking bolt dimensions I see no 50mm hex head even used, perhaps proprietary for something
An M30 bolt has a 45mm head and would be tightened to around 1500 ft/lb. M36 has 55mm head and would be tightened north of 2k ft lbs.
How useful would ANY 1/2" drive tools be for that?
I want theTekton guy's job that dreams up this worthless ****.

In the heavy equipment world, this is a welcome change.

You can use something large and heavy to break something loose then switch to a smaller and lighter 1/2" drive to run it out. Same with tightening use 1/2" to snug it and then finish it off with a larger tool. Especially in restricted access or overhead situations.

There are filters and oil fill plugs on some of the equipment I see every day that take 36mm, 41mm, and 46mm sockets to change.

It's not always about torque and it's far from "worthless ****".

 

[oscarsnapkin]

In the heavy equipment world, this is a welcome change.

You can use something large and heavy to break something loose then switch to a smaller and lighter 1/2" drive to run it out. Same with tightening use 1/2" to snug it and then finish it off with a larger tool. Especially in restricted access or overhead situations.

There are filters and oil fill plugs on some of the equipment I see every day that take 36mm, 41mm, and 46mm sockets to change.

It's not always about torque and it's far from "worthless ****".

This.

 

[rust in the eye]

In the heavy equipment world, this is a welcome change.

You can use something large and heavy to break something loose then switch to a smaller and lighter 1/2" drive to run it out. Same with tightening use 1/2" to snug it and then finish it off with a larger tool. Especially in restricted access or overhead situations.

There are filters and oil fill plugs on some of the equipment I see every day that take 36mm, 41mm, and 46mm sockets to change.

It's not always about torque and it's far from "worthless ****".

Never crossed my mind. I stand corrected.

 

[Fedwrench]

They'll make excellent seal drivers.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

I looked up and m18 got a 1” impact that is huge and does 2000 foot pounds nut busting torque but idk about holding it like they do in the promo image. I’d be afraid to use the tool like this esp without gloves and a helmet it looks like it would grind all the skin off the back of my hand just before the battery whips around and breaks my jaw

Trouble with the 3/4 and 1” battery platform impacts is weight. Sure they might be handy for one off jobs but I wouldn’t want one over an air unit for an undercarriage replacement. Too damn heavy. I’m wore out enough just using air tools for 40+ years. Not sure a battery gun has the balls for continuous use on a large piece of equipment

 

[Steve_P]

I'm not going to go check, but I'm sure that I have 1/2" impact sockets thru at least 38mm. Some stuff, like axle nuts, are just big but don't need 800 lbf-ft torque. I do agree that 50mm is pushing it for 1/2, but, again, there are lots of "big nuts" that don't need stratospheric torque.

 

[Chipm]

I'm sure there are other applications, I just haven't run across them yet.

BMW E34 M5 and E36 M3 front hubs are 46mm. I still have an old chrome 1-13/16 3/4 drive socket that fits them.

 

[KnurledNut]

Trouble with the 3/4 and 1” battery platform impacts is weight. Sure they might be handy for one off jobs but I wouldn’t want one over an air unit for an undercarriage replacement. Too damn heavy. I’m wore out enough just using air tools for 40+ years. Not sure a battery gun has the balls for continuous use on a large piece of equipment

I use a 3/4" Makita brushless battery gun where most people use a 1/2". Its 8.1 lbs with battery. For comparison, the 3/4" IR 2146MAX is 7.8 lbs and that's not accounting for the hose weight. A metal body like the IR 261 is over 12 lbs.

 

[Zewnten]

In the heavy equipment world, this is a welcome change.

You can use something large and heavy to break something loose then switch to a smaller and lighter 1/2" drive to run it out. Same with tightening use 1/2" to snug it and then finish it off with a larger tool. Especially in restricted access or overhead situations.

There are filters and oil fill plugs on some of the equipment I see every day that take 36mm, 41mm, and 46mm sockets to change.

It's not always about torque and it's far from "worthless ****".

This is exactly why these kind of sockets are handy, if you do the job regularly enough to justify it. I made my own by welding a piece of 3/4x3/4 square tubing but I better have drilled the ball detent in the right spot.

 

[Zewnten]

I looked up and m18 got a 1” impact that is huge and does 2000 foot pounds nut busting torque but idk about holding it like they do in the promo image. I’d be afraid to use the tool like this esp without gloves and a helmet it looks like it would grind all the skin off the back of my hand just before the battery whips around and breaks my jaw

That's not how impacts work. They don't produce continuous torque like a drill.

 

[Jeeper99]

I put a request in to Tekton for these sizes after they released the 1 9/16"-2". I work on mining processing equipment. We see a lot of 41's, 46's, and 50's. I wanted them for hydraulic adapter fittings though will use them for bolts and nuts as well. Having these sizes in 1/2" makes life easier not having to drag around bigger heavier sockets and adapters to 1/2" or also dragging around 3/4 drive tools depending on the job.

I'll also give you a little secret. A lot of bigger fasteners might not actually be troqued to spec and don't really NEED 3/4 drive tools.

 

[InsanePyro]

My brother has a 4runner (or whatever the hell the lexus version is) and it uses some absurdly big fasteners for no particular reason. Nothing like one ton(ish) axles with half ton(ish) suspension. Really weird truck