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Shortest Length Hex to Socket Adapters for Electric Impact?

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ihateminimumwage

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I picked up a 1/4" drive Dewalt 18v impact after black Friday for $99 (including battery & charger). Going to be investing in a full set of impact sockets (1/2", 3/8" & 1/4") next month (as well as a new 1/2" drive air impact), and wanted to find out if anyone had part numbers for shorter than usual hex to socket adapters for the electric?

I'm asking because the regular ones I find sold at HD, lowes, ACE, etc. all have about 1" between the square socket mount and where the hex actually locks in, which is fine for anything straight on, but gets in the way in any tight spots (and kind of negates the small size of the impact). Trying to find an adapter that will set the socket as close to the locking mechanism of the impact as possible.

Wanted to see if anyone here has some part numbers, since I have seen a couple online, but don't trust the pictures on Amazon and similar sites that don't seem to offer any actual info on how long the bits actually are.

Cheers folks!:beer:
 
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Provincial

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Why not eliminate one joint by getting a set of the short version of 1/4" hex drive sockets? They should also shorten the overall length a little. I've seen pretty short shank ones in addition to the fairly long version. Some are magnetic, too.

I'm not talking about the type that are made for driving hex head screws with a cordless drill, but the real ones for impact work.
 
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jamesc

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I went through this last year when I got a new impact at christmas. the best I could find was at walmart believe it or not, they are black and decker and the sell for under 5 bucks, they are definitly the shortest I have ever seen with the exception of the 1/4" one I had one from a set that was a little shorter. but the 3/8" and 1/2" are the shortest.
 
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Danglerb

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I just bought a batch of stuff at Cripe Dist on ebay, they have a GearWrench hex to sq 1/4 drive that is less than an inch long overall.

Waste of money to buy three sizes of impacts for a hex drive impact gun. Buy a set of "maybe" 1/4 drive or as mentioned get some hex drive sockets, the less connections the less the impact gets lost, and maybe fill a few larger sized sockets in 3/8.

Most people I know don't bother with impact sockets on a 1/4 hex drive cordless, but maybe that is changing as the power goes up.
 
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ihateminimumwage

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jamesc said:
I went through this last year when I got a new impact at christmas. the best I could find was at walmart believe it or not, they are black and decker and the sell for under 5 bucks, they are definitly the shortest I have ever seen with the exception of the 1/4" one I had one from a set that was a little shorter. but the 3/8" and 1/2" are the shortest.
Click to expand...
I might have to take a look around next time I'm at a Wally World, although it's not very often. Thanks!

Danglerb said:
I just bought a batch of stuff at Cripe Dist on ebay, they have a GearWrench hex to sq 1/4 drive that is less than an inch long overall.
Click to expand...

Any chance you have a PN from your order? Just spent a while digging through their site, but with no luck (although I found plenty of other stuff I want now :D). Thanks for the feedback!

Danglerb said:
Waste of money to buy three sizes of impacts for a hex drive impact gun. Buy a set of "maybe" 1/4 drive or as mentioned get some hex drive sockets, the less connections the less the impact gets lost, and maybe fill a few larger sized sockets in 3/8.
Click to expand...

I'm not buying all 3 sizes for the electric. I'm also looking into finally replacing my junk 1/2" drive gun, and I'll probably be picking up another 3/8" air ratchet down the line as well.
Besides that, most of my chrome is 12pt (it's what I've used for years, and now getting into the diesel world, I'm seeing plenty of 12pt fasteners, glad to have it), so the impacts will also double as my 6pt sockets for the time being. :thumbup:
 
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theoldwizard1

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1/4" Hex To 1/4" Square Socket Adapter

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TwoInch

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i figured out those non locking in a 1/4 impact real quick... wanted to throw the damn impact through the wall... falls off every damn time.
 
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GSteg

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Try to find the Irwin 93782. This one is 1.625" long, shortest I've seen. The standard stuff (which they also have) is about 2" long.
 
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bob15

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ihateminimumwage

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I'm definitely going to save the info for that Apex 1/4" drive. That's exactly what I want. Thanks!

jamesc said:
I went through this last year when I got a new impact at christmas. the best I could find was at walmart believe it or not, they are black and decker and the sell for under 5 bucks, they are definitly the shortest I have ever seen with the exception of the 1/4" one I had one from a set that was a little shorter. but the 3/8" and 1/2" are the shortest.
Click to expand...

In the meantime, just went with the ol' lady to Walmart, and figured I'd take a quick look in the tool isle. Bought the Black & Decker set. $5, and while the 1/4" isn't the shortest, it should do fine until I find an excuse to buy the Apex one.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-Decker-3-Piece-Socket-Adaptor-Set/16672639

Thanks for all the suggestions and input!
 
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