Why buy non impact sockets?

Chromdome35 · Jun 28, 2017

Can you guys educate me on why someone would buy non-impact sockets? You can use impact sockets on the end of a ratchet, can't you?

If a guy were to buy 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 impact socket sets in STD and Metric, Deep and Shallow, wouldn't that be all he needed? Why invest in non-impact sockets?

PelicanPines · Jun 28, 2017

Thinner walls can make an access issue work... where thicker impacts just won't fit.

jocww · Jun 28, 2017

because impacts, at least mine are thicker than my chrome non impacts.

Chromdome35 · Jun 28, 2017

I knew there had to be a reason. Thanks for educating me.

speedfreek1210 · Jun 28, 2017

Wall thickness on impact sockets could be a problem in a tight spot.

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dwasifar · Jun 28, 2017

Chromdome35 said:
Can you guys educate me on why someone would buy non-impact sockets? You can use impact sockets on the end of a ratchet, can't you?

If a guy were to buy 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 impact socket sets in STD and Metric, Deep and Shallow, wouldn't that be all he needed? Why invest in non-impact sockets?

My understanding is that impact sockets are designed for brief, repetitive force, not sustained pressure, and can break when used as hand tools.

Richard Cranium · Jun 28, 2017

both answers are correct.

Finky198 · Jun 28, 2017

OMG. What would all the tool polisher's due if they didn't have any chrome? :headscrat

All of The above is correct. as well, things like impact swivels won't flex nearly as much as their chrome counterparts.... in most cases.

ADSR · Jun 28, 2017

I won't use 1/4 chrome sockets anymore. The impact sockets are only a tiny bit thicker. Get a nice grey or sunex set and you're laughing.

T45 · Jun 28, 2017

LORDDiESEL said:
I won't use 1/4 chrome sockets anymore. The impact sockets are only a tiny bit thicker. Get a nice grey or sunex set and you're laughing.

Its been know since the 1930s that the "best" material for hand-tools is CrV and decent impacts are not made from it, but from another alloy. If you never use hand tools for any serious work, of course, don't buy hand tools. But impact-grade cro-mo will always be inferior to higher end CrV sockets, both in perceived feel as well as engineering characteristics.

A rule that may be made to be broken, but for many if not most/all people, the conventional wisdom is fundamentally correct.

Just my $0.02 :beer:

robalmal · Jun 28, 2017

If you work on cars for a living, you will soon realize that impact sockets will not do the job. The old timers figured this out many years ago. Why reinvent the wheel?

L.Cheapo · Jun 28, 2017

Some people do not need impact tools. My FIL has been an industrial maintenance man for over 30 years...doesnt own a single impact tool. He never had a need for one.

ADSR · Jun 28, 2017

T45 said:
Its been know since the 1930s that the "best" material for hand-tools is CrV and decent impacts are not made from it, but from another alloy. If you never use hand tools for any serious work, of course, don't buy hand tools. But impact-grade cro-mo will always be inferior to higher end CrV sockets, both in perceived feel as well as engineering characteristics.

A rule that may be made to be broken, but for many if not most/all people, the conventional wisdom is fundamentally correct.

Just my $0.02

I'm sure there is some wisdom to it. But when I'm working on something, I use whatever is closest. :lol:

ssdave · Jun 28, 2017

They weigh less, are thinner, look and feel nicer to your hands, and don't rust. Other than that, impact are okay, and are best if you actually use them for impact use.

CR888 · Jun 28, 2017

The main reason is simple. Most folks could get by with a couple of dozen sockets in 2 or 3 drive sizes but that is not many sockets. In order to fill up large tool chest draws and keep them looking bright and shiny, one must buy short, medium & deep sockets in ALL sizes both SAE and Metric in 1/4"-3/4. Then repeat the process in impact, swivel (chrome/impact), torx, etorx, hex and anything else you can find. Now instead of owning under 100 sockets you can extend this to 600-1000 sockets. Logic and need has little to do with it.

Cato · Jun 28, 2017

CR888 said:
The main reason is simple. Most folks could get by with a couple of dozen sockets in 2 or 3 drive sizes but that is not many sockets. In order to fill up large tool chest draws and keep them looking bright and shiny, one must buy short, medium & deep sockets in ALL sizes both SAE and Metric in 1/4"-3/4. Then repeat the process in impact, swivel (chrome/impact), torx, etorx, hex and anything else you can find. Now instead of owning under 100 sockets you can extend this to 600-1000 sockets. Logic and need has little to do with it.

Best explaination! :thumbup:

Sockets are pretty - did you ever collect marbles when you were a boy? It's something like that.

WittHay · Jun 28, 2017

Impact sockets sometimes break if used with a long breaker bar. When you are torquing HD components you need 12-point sockets and the chrome sockets seem to work better with torque wrenches. Also impact sockets wear out and good chrome sockets last a long time

Tonyuk · Jun 28, 2017

Chrome sockets are cheaper than impacts, over here anyway.

I can get a good set of 3/8's chrome for £10 delivered, an equivalent set of impact would run £25 and up.

This is based on the impacts being proper cro-molly.

gdocktor3 · Jun 28, 2017

I know this is debatable, but I don't like using impact sockets with my torque wrenches.

ex-x-fire · Jun 28, 2017

dwasifar said:
My understanding is that impact sockets are designed for brief, repetitive force, not sustained pressure, and can break when used as hand tools.

Where do people come up with this stuff :dunno:

?

PelicanPines · Jun 28, 2017

ex-x-fire said:
Where do people come up with this stuff?

Internet forums. :lol_hitti

cliftonbros89 · Jun 28, 2017

Plus, you have to factor in size. For instance my Grey Pneumatic deepwell sockets are quite a bit longer than my chrome SK or Craftsman deepwell sockets. More clearance is more clearance.

CoogarXR · Jun 28, 2017

Drop a small black impact socket in an engine bay and try to find it, lol.

deberly12 · Jun 28, 2017

ex-x-fire said:
Where do people come up with this stuff?

Engineering material properties.

Cr-mo (impact)
4140 steel
Yield strength: 95,000 psi
Elongation 17.7%

CR-V (chrome)
8650 steel
Yield strength: 99,750 psi
Elongation 14%

Strength is higher in chrome sockets but they are less elastic (more brittle) Chrome sockets will handle a higher constant force but will crack under high impact duty. Impacts are more elastic so will absorb and flex instead of cracking. But because the steel is softer (lower yeild strength) they will deform over time especially under constant force.

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wolf_from_wv · Jun 28, 2017

I turned down a set of 1/4" drive sockets in a lathe because the regular chrome sockets were too thick for the application...

visionguru · Jun 28, 2017

deberly12 said:
..... they will deform over time especially under constant force.

How much constant force can you exert with hand tools? For using with a ratchet, the slight material difference doesn't seem to matter at all.

I think the main differences are probably what's obvious: size/thickness/looks/fits.

Surprised that nobody has mentioned this: I found that impact sockets only have 1 place (the hole) for the ball on the ratchet to drop in, while chrome sockets have notches on all 4 sides. On some ratchets, that could be an issue, because you may have to align the hole with the ball when putting on, not convenient.

orangeblood · Jun 28, 2017

CR888 said:
The main reason is simple. Most folks could get by with a couple of dozen sockets in 2 or 3 drive sizes but that is not many sockets. In order to fill up large tool chest draws and keep them looking bright and shiny, one must buy short, medium & deep sockets in ALL sizes both SAE and Metric in 1/4"-3/4. Then repeat the process in impact, swivel (chrome/impact), torx, etorx, hex and anything else you can find. Now instead of owning under 100 sockets you can extend this to 600-1000 sockets. Logic and need has little to do with it.

Right on!

rmsg0040 · Jun 28, 2017

My genius impact sockets have holes on 2 sides, BTW I don't have any chrome sockets at home, impacts in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, never had any issues with them - clearance or breaking, hand or impact use, on the other hand my toolbag at work has chrome sockets

Finky198 · Jun 28, 2017

CR888 your post is right on. But I actually use most of mine.

visionguru said:
How much constant force can you exert with hand tools? For using with a ratchet, the slight material difference doesn't seem to matter at all.

I think the main differences are probably what's obvious: size/thickness/looks/fits.

Surprised that nobody has mentioned this: I found that impact sockets only have 1 place (the hole) for the ball on the ratchet to drop in, while chrome sockets have notches on all 4 sides. On some ratchets, that could be an issue, because you may have to align the hole with the ball when putting on, not convenient.

I don't know put a 3' breaker bar on it and will see...I'd bet one could easily exert 500lbs with a little effort. Just because you can't see or feel the difference doesn't meant their isn't one... :lol_hitti

The other way reverse the roles and stick a chrome socket on a pro level impact for a while and see what happen usually they crack sometimes they explode...

Impacts with 1 hole are like that because they are primarily used with hog ring anvils on the end of an impact where they belong. Just because the ball doesn't line up means you can't use a socket properly on a ratchet? It will never line up on the impact either :eyecrazy:

All the ball provides when engaged is slightly more rentention force, the friction and tolerance fit is what make it work regardless.

deberly12 · Jun 28, 2017

visionguru said:
How much constant force can you exert with hand tools? For using with a ratchet, the slight material difference doesn't seem to matter at all.

I think the main differences are probably what's obvious: size/thickness/looks/fits.

Surprised that nobody has mentioned this: I found that impact sockets only have 1 place (the hole) for the ball on the ratchet to drop in, while chrome sockets have notches on all 4 sides. On some ratchets, that could be an issue, because you may have to align the hole with the ball when putting on, not convenient.

Usually true but it can make difference especially in cases where a large breaker bar is used. I work on some equipment with very large very tight fasteners. I have personally applied over 1000 ft-lbs to a bolt by hand. I have also dealt with some studs that had a torque spec of 1250 ft-lbs. We used a wrench welded into an 8 foot pipe to hold it.

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Mechanical Noise · Jun 28, 2017

CoogarXR said:
Drop a small black impact socket in an engine bay and try to find it, lol.

You got it!

or not. :sad:

marinusdees · Jun 28, 2017

Chromdome35 said:
Can you guys educate me on why someone would buy non-impact sockets? You can use impact sockets on the end of a ratchet, can't you?

If a guy were to buy 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 impact socket sets in STD and Metric, Deep and Shallow, wouldn't that be all he needed? Why invest in non-impact sockets?

I've used non-impact sockets on an impact wrench more than one. If it breaks, it breaks.

Mechanical Noise · Jun 28, 2017

deberly12 said:
Strength is higher in chrome sockets but they are less elastic (more brittle) Chrome sockets will handle a higher constant force but will crack under high impact duty. Impacts are more elastic so will absorb and flex instead of cracking. But because the steel is softer (lower yeild strength) they will deform over time especially under constant force.

And that's why impact sockets are thicker. So they don't deform. Although I suppose the softer steel will wear a little faster on rusty fasteners.

Finky198 · Jun 28, 2017

Don't deform hahahahaha

I have some snap on impacts where the dive ends are so beat and twisted
That they won't fit on a gun and this is not from misused just normal heavy use.

driftpin · Jun 28, 2017

I've only scrutinized the first page of the thread, but this is one of the most-acceptable reasons I've read for the "600-1,000 sockets" collections, and the existence of 'tool polishers.'

Cato said:
Best explaination!

Sockets are pretty - did you ever collect marbles when you were a boy? It's something like that.

bcradio · Jun 28, 2017

This thread literally requires one response... why is it 2 pages long?

Mechanical Noise · Jun 28, 2017

Finky198 said:
Don't deform hahahahaha

I have some snap on impacts where the dive ends are so beat and twisted
That they won't fit on a gun and this is not from misused just normal heavy use.

Try the really THICK Cr-V impact sockets from Harbor Freight.

mattygee · Jun 28, 2017

If you're in the market for sockets and are one of the 'don't make me choose' types take a look at grey pneumatic's 'duo-sockets'. Good value and high quality. I've had to turn down a few on the 'belt lathe' which may make the completist/tool geeks tear up, but tools are fer usin' and occasionally modifying as need and common sense allow.

Squankum · Jun 28, 2017

Dull, black impact sockets are a lot less likely to be flown away in the beak of a raven. I think that settles it. Well, if you have crow and raven problems.

stercorarius · Jun 28, 2017

All impact sockets will eventually deform with use on an impact tool. Proto even designs their retaining pins to show you when a socket has deformed too far. It's very visible on one inch drive sockets. Even on my 18mm 1/2" drive it's fairly apparent after only a few months. Will they deform work use when used only on hand tools? Probably will take a lot longer, but if it's just used on hand tools then why but impact grade?

Honestly though, if it's just for a homeowner/diyer you'll be fine with just buying impact sockets. I use my impact sockets on ratchets all the time.

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Why buy non impact sockets?

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