1/4 Drive Impact Sockets?

mgold · Mar 30, 2011

I'm consider buying a set of Metric 1/4 Inch Drive Impact Sockets. The set has deep and short versions. There is another set though for a little more, that includes standard sockets.

I can't see needing 1/4 drive standard sockets much, unless I was working on older cars. I was wondering what people think about this? Are 1/4 drive standards good to have? I can't even really see needing the metric 1/4 drive impacts much, but they are good to have.

chewy7 · Mar 30, 2011

http://www.gpsocket.com/index.cfm?event=setview&productsetid=22629&id=4560

MrMark · Mar 30, 2011

mgold said:
I'm consider buying a set of Metric 1/4 Inch Drive Impact Sockets. The set has deep and short versions. There is another set though for a little more, that includes standard sockets.

I can't see needing 1/4 drive standard sockets much, unless I was working on older cars. I was wondering what people think about this? Are 1/4 drive standards good to have? I can't even really see needing the metric 1/4 drive impacts much, but they are good to have.

You might need 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, (get deep) for around the house/construction type stuff. I just have the metric but I do have the imperial in wiggly.

Check out Cripe website or Cripe on Ebay for cheap prices on Gearwrench 1/4" impact sockets. Most of the self-proclaimed pro's just use chrome, but I think the impacts are better for the job.

mrholeshot · Mar 30, 2011

I never found much use for 1/4 impacts but the impact swivels are nice because they don't flop.

Case IH · Mar 30, 2011

Why would you need to torque something so small so tight that a chrome socket wouldn't work?

Weps · Mar 30, 2011

yes. this is my experience too. the standard chrome sockets have been more than adequate for 1/4" drive. actually, i'm not sure i even understand the need for a 1/4" impact. whenever it is an issue, i just just use a 1/2" -> 1/4 adapter.

*i'm not a pro though, so i'm likely not aware of when it may really come in handy.

Skyline · Mar 30, 2011

1/4" impacts are a complete waste of money. I've yet to find a bolt that size that I could not easily remove with an air ratchet...and chrome sockets. In fact, I don't even use my 3/8" impact too frequently. I have never been one to have much restraint about buying tools, but I just don't see myslf ever using these.

MrMark · Mar 30, 2011

These are for using at the end of a 1/4" impact driver. The issue is not the torque it is the damage done to the chrome sockets by the impactor. If you don't care then use chrome.

dwm · Mar 31, 2011

If you drive lag screws all day long, they're quite useful. If you don't see yourself using them regularly, I'd get the 1/4" Duo-Sockets from GP.

greasemonkey44 · Mar 31, 2011

they recommend against chrome because it can flake and if youre holding the socket in place while running in the bolt the chrome flakes will drive into your hand. or so ive been told, its 80 ft lbs at the most, to me not worth a 1/4 set of impacts

pipsters · Mar 31, 2011

mrholeshot said:
I never found much use for 1/4 impacts but the impact swivels are nice because they don't flop.

That's why I ended up buying them. That was a nice feature. Downside is the sockets are bigger around the side. So I ended up selling them off. Didn't gain or lose any money so it was a wash.

Gary S · Mar 31, 2011

Case IH said:
Why would you need to torque something so small so tight that a chrome socket wouldn't work?

That's my feeling too. 1/4" sockets are too wimpy to use an impact wrench on. Impact wrenches and sockets are for the bolts that your arm can't turn. I seldom use my 1/4" ratchets and sockets that I have. Almost all of my mechanical work involves using my 1/2" ratchets and sockets. I don't hardly ever use 3/8" stuff either because 1/2" makes the work easier. I own only one impact wrench, and it is 1/2". I want a 3/4" for the jobs that my IR 1/2" struggles with, but I can't ever see any need for 3/8" or 1/4" impact.

mgold · Mar 31, 2011

I see my boss using them once in awhile on an electric screwdriver-gun, but I'm not sure how necessary they are. You would probably be fine with using regular chrome sockets. If it breaks, you would just replace it.

I was looking on Cripe. The set I was considering buying with standards doesn't seem to be available anymore. I guess I'll think over whether I need 1/4 impacts at all.

diesel research · Mar 31, 2011

MrMark said:
These are for using at the end of a 1/4" impact driver. The issue is not the torque it is the damage done to the chrome sockets by the impactor. If you don't care then use chrome.

No damage to the chrome here. Although that might be because they are super-high quality 1/4" chrome sockets. Made in taiwan and everything. Even made by a company with the initials GN

Used on stainless fasteners, rusty fasteners, regular steel fasteners. No chrome scratching or chipping.

Deafautotech · Mar 31, 2011

i am sorry i have to disagree with some of them... i has been use 1/4drive metric impact sockets alot! if i dont use impact sockets, i would keep break chrome sockets as i do use a lot of 1/4drive impact wrenches(i own three) and air ratchets...

i do use a lot impact sockets as most of times i got it fit in no problems unless i need chrome to do...

i just prefer to use correct tools on correct power drives...

diesel research · Mar 31, 2011

A 3/8 impact/socket is probably more correct.

MrMark · Mar 31, 2011

diesel research said:
A 3/8 impact/socket is probably more correct.

not on a 1/4" drive impactor that generally supports up to 14mm. One thing to be aware of is that a 1/4" air ratchet will tear up chrome swivels. I like to use the impact swivel with any air ratchet and save the chrome swivels for hand use.

diesel research · Mar 31, 2011

When he said impact wrench I picture a pneumatic gun like this

i would keep break chrome sockets as i do use a lot of 1/4drive impact wrenches(i own three)

Deafautotech · Mar 31, 2011

diesel research said:
A 3/8 impact/socket is probably more correct.

that most useful tools!!!!! BUT sometime 1/4dr impact wrench and impact socket can do better in tight location....

Deafautotech · Mar 31, 2011

MrMark said:
not on a 1/4" drive impactor that generally supports up to 14mm. One thing to be aware of is that a 1/4" air ratchet will tear up chrome swivels. I like to use the impact swivel with any air ratchet and save the chrome swivels for hand use.

yep!!!! that why i do own both impact and chrome sets.... so tools are last longer than keep break and break...

Deafautotech · Mar 31, 2011

diesel research said:
When he said impact wrench I picture a pneumatic gun like this

yes.. i has one exact like that but blue point brand( i tried to sent it for rebuild on older model 1/4dr impact wrench, they said older one are stopped made.. so they just sold it to me for flat rate repair (not retail price)... i love it a lot!!

also i has other blue point one as air pistrol (it was rebuilt) and older mac one that i got for 40 dollars and work good...

baubau · Apr 1, 2011

i suggest that you buy 1/4 metric impact set....
i dont even use chrome sockets anymore as much....time is money and impact sockets on impact wrenches save money...
i own that ingersoll rand /14 impact gun and i only use impact sockets on it...i dont dare use chrome because it will round them off.....that gun spins reallly fast...
plus, i use 1/4 impact socket set on my 18 volt Bosch impact as well...smaller and lighter, fits into more space..

idoitproject · Apr 1, 2011

1/4 impact is the same as impact torx and hex. I have yet to need 1/4 impacts. If you need the room because tight spaces, wouldn't an air ratchet with extensions work? Either way you still have the air hose.

mgold · Apr 1, 2011

Deafautotech said:
yep!!!! that why i do own both impact and chrome sets.... so tools are last longer than keep break and break...

I guess this makes sense. Time is money!

HandyManny · Apr 1, 2011

mgold said:
I'm consider buying a set of Metric 1/4 Inch Drive Impact Sockets. The set has deep and short versions. There is another set though for a little more, that includes standard sockets.

I can't see needing 1/4 drive standard sockets much, unless I was working on older cars. I was wondering what people think about this? Are 1/4 drive standards good to have? I can't even really see needing the metric 1/4 drive impacts much, but they are good to have.

When it comes to impact stick with 3/8 drive and 1/2 drive. For automotive anyway. Maybe you can use a cordless impact driver for 1/4 drive trox and hex stuff to make faster work of it.

I worked in a garage door asembly plant once where we used 1/4 drive stuff, but that was mainly for machine screws installed with air drills or air ratchets. I see no need to have special impact stuff for 1/4 drive.

mrshaun · Apr 1, 2011

I have only had to warranty one or two of the many 1/4 impact socket sets I have sold. the at235mca is great for smaller areas and it is super fast. 13000 free speed.
the iptmm impact swivels are great in tight spots as well.

mgold · Apr 2, 2011

Set

Here is the set I'm considering buying.

Gearwrench 28 pc. Impact Set

LawnDart79 · Apr 2, 2011

FWIW, 1/4" impact guns and sockets are used quite frequently in automotive repair work. I used my 1/4" impact and sockets almost daily when I was a automobile technician.

Now that I mostly work on farm tractors and such, I don't use 1/4" stuff nearly as much as I used to.

mp23 · Apr 2, 2011

Re: Set

mgold said:
Here is the set I'm considering buying.

Gearwrench 28 pc. Impact Set

I have that set, except it came with the metric also. No complaints, price and quality are good.

Old Donn · Apr 2, 2011

Case IH said:
Why would you need to torque something so small so tight that a chrome socket wouldn't work?

Was thinking the same thing.

mgold · Apr 2, 2011

Re: Set

mp23, it's a Metric set. You mean you got the one that had standard sockets?

1/4 Drive Impact Sockets?

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