Impact Sockets Chrome Moly or Vanadium?

Hiball · Dec 12, 2010

I know this has been discussed before here and i did some Searches and both posts i found Argued with Each Other. So.. Here is my Interpetation... the Vanadium is a Harder Material (Generally shiny gloss finish) and the Moly is a bit softer with the Dull finish. Is 1 better than the Other? Pro's and Con's? I could care less about the Finish, Im mainly interested in the Longevity factors. Thanks in advance.. :thumbup:

Gmonkee · Dec 12, 2010

Moly steel has a give or flex factor that makes it better for impact use, reduces the chances of shattering the socket under impact like vanadium steel. Vanadium steel wears longer and maintains its shape better under stress making it ideal for breaker bar use.

I have been using a cheap set of GN impact sockets for years as my only 1/2" drive set, ugly as the backside of a dog but far from failing. The more commonly used sizes are a bit looser than they were new.

Hiball · Dec 12, 2010

Gmonkee said:
Moly steel has a give or flex factor that makes it better for impact use, reduces the chances of shattering the socket under impact like vanadium steel. Vanadium steel wears longer and maintains its shape better under stress making it ideal for breaker bar use.

I have been using a cheap set of GN impact sockets for years as my only 1/2" drive set, ugly as the backside of a dog but far from failing. The more commonly used sizes are a bit looser than they were new.

This is what I thought, Thanks for Input. :thumbup:

wafrederick · Dec 12, 2010

It depends how tight the fastener is too.I have broken a 14mm Mac deepwell impact socket in 1/2 drive on a Honda headbolt,a 2000 CR-V which is torqued to 63 ft lbs.I was using an impact when this happened,cracked in two places.

DrkMtnDew · Dec 12, 2010

i've seen sockets marked 'Impact' that are made out of CM or CV. From personal expirience the CM holds up better, whether with power or hand tools. the CV is harder and more brittle, so warrents a little more caution on air tools.

wayne55 · Dec 12, 2010

I don't have to use impacts much, so my experience is limited. The first set I ever bought was the HF standard deep set, which is vanadium, and not expensive. I have used some of the sockets often in rotating tires and it has done well. I wanted to get a metric set and I got the Ingersoll set which was advertised as chrome moly and supposed to be the best material for impacts. I have not used the metric set yet but it looks fine. It was Ingersoll Rand on the packaging, but were actually Genius brand sockets, but that's another story.

GeorgiaHybrid · Dec 12, 2010

CM sockets are better for impacting (softer and more malleable) but are thicker and "beefier". The thin wall sockets for alloy wheels are generally CV (harder and more brittle) but are the only choice at times. They are more prone to shatter however.

Impact Sockets Chrome Moly or Vanadium?

Hiball

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Gmonkee

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Hiball

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wafrederick

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DrkMtnDew

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wayne55

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GeorgiaHybrid

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