1/2 chrome sockets?

[gbfan10]

I have been upgrading all of my tools over the past 6 months and have been amazed at how much quicker I can complete repair jobs when I have the right quality tool available in my tool box.

I have acquired a complete set of 3/8 drive snap-on chrome shallow and deep in metric and sae.

I also have a 1/2 drive set of Snap-on impacts, shallow and deep in sae and metric.

Do you think I should invest in a chrome set of 1/2 drive sockets, when I have the impacts available? I could see an advantage, that the chrome would fit in smaller spaces, but couldn't I just use my 3/8 for that?

thanks

 

[amolaver]

i definately wouldn't. i almost never use or buy chrome sockets anymore. like you said, the few times a 1/2" impact socket doesn't fit, the 3/8 does (and thats also impact). rather than get them in chrome, add swivels to your collection. i've got sunex, grey pneumatic, SK, and KD/gearwrench swivels and all have held up great. i wouldn't spend tool truck money unless you were getting the pinless matco or craftsman (both have them). w/o the pin, the collar area is smaller in diameter so gets into tighter spaces. they are LOT more money, but if you're buying SO stuff, they'll probably seem like a bargain

i haven't had any luck finding mid-depth 3/8 impact sockets, but my 1/2 are used all the time - i tend to be able to use them instead of the deeps and much prefer them to shallows. might add those to the wishlist too because i couldn't find 3/8 mid-depth impacts and i wanted to see the legendary nepros, i did get a set of those in chrome..and WOW. i'm finding excuses to use those sockets because they are so nice!

ahm

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Do you think I should invest in a chrome set of 1/2 drive sockets, when I have the impacts available?

Of course... Every toolbox needs complete sets of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive sockets in both chrome and impact, and in both 6 and 12 point. I thought everyone knew that..

On a side note, many times the impacts are too thick to get into a tight spot, whereas a chrome socket will slip right in...

 

[sparky7]

Yea this guy is right. A complete set to me means 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in metric and sae in 12 point and 6 point in impact and chrome. Also the same in swivels.

That said.. i would go for the snap on chromes, and if you dont want to the swivels should be near the top of your list. Try the matco universal chrome sockets i prefer them.

 

[NY Old Guy]

Don't forget about Whitworth/British Standard!

 

[amolaver]

have you run into a situation where the 1/2 impact sockets didn't fit? rather than buying 1/2 chrome, why not buy 3/8 impact. i've found swinging the 3/8 impact around all day is WAAAAY nicer than the 1/2 (quieter and LOTS lighter). sure, it doesn't take off 36mm axle nuts, but 90% of the stuff i mess with up to 19mm it does great.

i think if you get 3/8 impact you'll find very few, if any, places where their wall thickness is an issue. and if it is..you have 3/8 chrome.

ahm

 

[wornoutoldman]

Of course... Every toolbox needs complete sets of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive sockets in both chrome and impact, and in both 6 and 12 point. I thought everyone knew that..

On a side note, many times the impacts are too thick to get into a tight spot, whereas a chrome socket will slip right in...

Are you a hobbyist or ******** tool user? If you are the latter I would stand by RbrtWhyt suggestion.

Also fer sure get 3/8 drive SO impact swivels. Scour ebay for a deal on those.

 

[amolaver]

why? and why buy SO swivels vs other brands? they are no better than the sunex/gp/kd units and 10x the price. at least the matco/craftsman use the pinless design which has an objective advantage.

i also find i use 12pt sockets just about..never. how many 12pt fasteners do you come across? how many 6pt fasteners will you round off with 12pt sockets on an impact? more... 12pt sockets on a ratchet work fine (although i still prefer 6pt), but i never use them on the impact unless its a 12pt fastener.

a '********' tool user doesn't mean you need SO/MAC/MATCO tools...it means you know how to use tools to get work done... at least IMO.

ahm

 

[Packard V8]

Do you think I should invest in a . . . . ?

Short answer will always be YES!

Longer answer; No, tools are not an investment unless you earn a living with them. So you don't need them; not at full retail truck price. Richie RichGuy can buy whatever, whenever, but he keeps a low profile here. Most any weekend warrior should wait for the right deal. I've got most of what's in the catalog but it took many years of garage sale, estate sale, flea market, craigslist buying from one piece to a three-stack full and then sorting them out.

jack vines

 

[diesel research]

have you run into a situation where the 1/2 impact sockets didn't fit? rather than buying 1/2 chrome, why not buy 3/8 impact. i've found swinging the 3/8 impact around all day is WAAAAY nicer than the 1/2 (quieter and LOTS lighter). sure, it doesn't take off 36mm axle nuts, but 90% of the stuff i mess with up to 19mm it does great.

i think if you get 3/8 impact you'll find very few, if any, places where their wall thickness is an issue. and if it is..you have 3/8 chrome.

ahm

I have saw a few times where 1/2" drive was required due to fastener size. Those sizes over 24mm-15/16. In some of those same instances, an impact socket wouldn't fit. (excluding those special thin wall variants)

I posted before, that I used my sunex impact set as the go-to sockets with air tools, breaker bars, and ratchets. (S936 SO and T&E gearless) There were still times I had to reach for chrome. To make matters worse, there were times I had to use chrome with impact. For past 3-4 months, had to drive 50-75 15/16" bolts with an impact and chrome socket. 5-6 days per week. A 3/8" impact version wouldn't cut it. Drive plug is too small, and wall too thick. Just the nature of the beast.

For that application I just used cheap imported northern tools socket as a consumable. Didn't fail, although the proto USA impact adapter (1/2-3/4) did. It was a 12pt, but saving grace was I never used it to remove a bolt, only install them. Bolts were one time use and removed in other fashions.

I rarely ever use 6pt 1/2" drive chrome sockets. Most of my 6pt stuff is 1/4 drive or impact.

It does depend on the type of vehicle or machinery the tool is being used on.

 

[Seanbev24]

i definately wouldn't. i almost never use or buy chrome sockets anymore. like you said, the few times a 1/2" impact socket doesn't fit, the 3/8 does (and thats also impact). rather than get them in chrome, add swivels to your collection. i've got sunex, grey pneumatic, SK, and KD/gearwrench swivels and all have held up great. i wouldn't spend tool truck money unless you were getting the pinless matco or craftsman (both have them). w/o the pin, the collar area is smaller in diameter so gets into tighter spaces. they are LOT more money, but if you're buying SO stuff, they'll probably seem like a bargain

i haven't had any luck finding mid-depth 3/8 impact sockets, but my 1/2 are used all the time - i tend to be able to use them instead of the deeps and much prefer them to shallows. might add those to the wishlist too because i couldn't find 3/8 mid-depth impacts and i wanted to see the legendary nepros, i did get a set of those in chrome..and WOW. i'm finding excuses to use those sockets because they are so nice!

ahm

Semi-deep 3/8" impact sockets...
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20341&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Also, here is a pic of the new Snap-On impact swivel sockets...
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=79270&group_ID=414&store=&dir=catalog

Although they're a "pinned" design, they don't have the bulky collar, and aren't any thicker than the Matco sockets. I have the Snap-On's in 3/8" and the Matco's in 1/2". The Matco design seems to have slightly more "swivel", but they aren't finished as nice and I just broke one the other day. I'm not talking at the swivel joint, it cracked down the side of the socket. They're both very good, but I'd have the snap-on's in 1/2" if I didn't get a great deal on the Matcos.

To the OP, I think it's necessary to have a full set of 1/2" chrome shallow sockets. I think the best way to go is to have deep impacts and shallow chromes, then add swivels when you can. Working on cars 40-50 hours a week, I don't remember the last time I used a 1/2" shallow impact socket.

 

[Roots]

It really comes down to what sort of equipment you're working on, and how often you're using 3/4"+ sockets. In my line of work, 1/2" drive is the default for fasteners, so they're absolutely needed. Your needs may differ.

 

[amolaver]

Semi-deep 3/8" impact sockets...
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20341&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Also, here is a pic of the new Snap-On impact swivel sockets...
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=79270&group_ID=414&store=&dir=catalog

Although they're a "pinned" design, they don't have the bulky collar, and aren't any thicker than the Matco sockets. I have the Snap-On's in 3/8" and the Matco's in 1/2". The Matco design seems to have slightly more "swivel", but they aren't finished as nice and I just broke one the other day. I'm not talking at the swivel joint, it cracked down the side of the socket. They're both very good, but I'd have the snap-on's in 1/2" if I didn't get a great deal on the Matcos.

To the OP, I think it's necessary to have a full set of 1/2" chrome shallow sockets. I think the best way to go is to have deep impacts and shallow chromes, then add swivels when you can. Working on cars 40-50 hours a week, I don't remember the last time I used a 1/2" shallow impact socket.

interesting... $165 for 12 semi deep straightwalls is too steep for me. the SKs, although not available currently are 1/2 that (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SR9UO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 doesn't show price, but they were ~$80). still, it is less than i expected from SO and if i get impatient i'd consider it.

those swivels look sweet but at $48/ea (!!!), that's a lot of money. i was not aware that while pinned, they don't have the thick collars - thanks for the link! the pinless craftsman are $300 for 9pc at full price but 10% off coupons are pretty common (so $30/ea or ~38% less). http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00915390000P?keyword=swivel+impact+socket&prdNo=1

the 11pc genius 1/2 swivel set is $79 http://www.dskatools.com/servlet/the-53333/11PC-1-fdsh-2"-Dr.-Metric/Detail they do have the collars, which can be an issue, but they are tough and have worked well for me.

i rarely use shallow sockets other than on a ratchet - almost never on the impact. i don't doubt there are circumstances where impact sockets wall thickness is an obstruction...just that those situations are rare and i think the OP would be better off having non-SO 3/8 and 1/2 swivels rather than SO 1/2 chrome...and that 12pt sockets are rarely needed and i wouldn't bother adding those until i had a job that required them.

ahm

 

[pipsters]

Thetoolwarehouse.net sells those semi-deep SK sockets for $61 when they get them back in stock in a few months (SK 4080).

I just bought two SK impact socket sets, the 10-36mm deep and 10-19mm 12 point short (flexplate bolts seem to be 12 point, at least on my two cars). I like them, they are nice.

I do have to say, semi-deeps look like a really nice option. You really don't need true deep sockets very often, but the depth of the semi-deep looks perfect.

The more I look at SK stuff the more I realize it really isn't that much more than Craftsman and is of better quality, I am really looking forward to them coming back and being under the Ideal umbrella. Who knows maybe I'll sell off my Craftsman stuff and go all SK, if they can get the distribution worked out (ie sold in Sears, or other stores).

On the 12 point/6 point argument, you tend to see a lot of the larger sockets be 12 point, for instance the 3/4" drive sets come with 12 point sockets in them. There must be a reason for that, maybe the contact points on the larger sockets are just as big on 12 point as they are on 6 point due to the larger socket size.

 

[amolaver]

agree 100% on SK's impact sockets - my 1/2 swivel set has been to hell and back and zero failures. i'm hopeful they remain as high quality under ideal. i do think they are significantly better quality than the craftsman, although my 1/2 craftsman deeps have also held up well and i wouldn't hesitate to recommend them when on sale (i got my 2nd set for ~$45).

i haven't read many 1st person reviews of the pinless craftsman swivels but i've not seen anyone dissatisfied with them (or the matcos). i'm guessing anyone who regularly deals with a SO person (and can get over the price) would be happy with them as well. hell, i think SO stuff is largely some of the best quality, i just don't think the price is justified in most cases. almost everything is available (IMO) with the same quality for significantly fewer shekels.

i've never really used 3/4, but my big 1/2 stuff is all 6pt (up to 36mm). i'll freely admit my carelessness has destroyed more than a couple nuts and bolts using 12pt sockets which is why i prefer not to use them. i find that being slightly off-square on the fastener rounds things very easily with 12pt. rarely an issue with a ratchet, disaster with the impact.

flexplates? what are those? only auto in my stable is the tow vehicle and i don't plan on getting into its innards for a long time (chevy diesel w/allison). seriously though - like i said, if you have a job that needs 12pt, you use 'em. i just don't need them very often and i expect most auto/motorcycle people are in the same boat.

i'll be monitoring thetoolwarehouse.net for those sk semi's... i can't grok any socket being 3x 'better' than theirs (assuming quality & price remains at the pre-ideal level).

ahm

 

[millwrightjesse]

I use 12 pt for allmost anything. The only time I use 6pt is with rounded or damaged fasteners

 

[hofferwood]

Short answer will always be YES!

Longer answer; No, tools are not an investment unless you earn a living with them. So you don't need them; not at full retail truck price. Richie RichGuy can buy whatever, whenever, but he keeps a low profile here. Most any weekend warrior should wait for the right deal. I've got most of what's in the catalog but it took many years of garage sale, estate sale, flea market, craigslist buying from one piece to a three-stack full and then sorting them out.

jack vines

I agree,and do the same.
But I caught these on slamazon fer $16.00

Chuck

 

[amolaver]

I use 12 pt for allmost anything. The only time I use 6pt is with rounded or damaged fasteners

i would surmise you have forgotten more about tools and fasteners than 90% of the folks registered at GJ (myself included), making it less likely for you to mangle something (vs me).

i am curious though - do you run into a lot of 12pt fasteners? pipsters mentioned his flexplates, i see ford driveshafts, but just not many of them on things i commonly work on.

just makes sense to me - 6pt fastener, 6pt tool. 12pt fastener...

ahm

 

[diesel research]

just makes sense to me - 6pt fastener, 6pt tool. 12pt fastener...

ahm

Does that include your combination wrenches?

 

[millwrightjesse]

i am curious though - do you run into a lot of 12pt fasteners? pipsters mentioned his flexplates, i see ford driveshafts, but just not many of them on things i commonly work on.

just makes sense to me - 6pt fastener, 6pt tool. 12pt fastener...

ahm

I run into 12 pt fasteners one and a great while. I find more square fasteners then anything. Your right on that I can tell I'm going to round a fastener most of the time.

Also I have rounded more 12 pt then 6pt fasteners. And once I use a mig welder and put a small bead on each side of my bolt head and use a gator socket.

 

[Fedwrench]

I use my tools daily and usually when using 1/2 drive, it's on an impact wrench. However there are times when they're on a breaker bar or long ratchet too. In most circumstances if you're using 1/2 drive, you can get by with impact sockets. There are some difference between brands as to how thick the walls are but, usually you'll be ok. I only keep 1/2 drive impact sockets in commonly used sizes on my cart. The chrome and remainder gather dust in mmy main box. Whatever you decide on, try to avoid a set with lots of smaller sizes. Many 1/2 drive sets start at 8 or 9mm to up the piece count and perceived value but, I rarely use 1/2 drive on anything smaller than 15mm but, that's just me.

 

[amolaver]

Does that include your combination wrenches?

preferably, although it is hard to find combo wrenches w/6pt box ends. i usually use a set of KD/gearwrench combos w/6pt (http://www.toolsource.com/full-polish-combination-nonratcheting-wrench-metric-14pc-p-111493.html) that i use to back up the impact or do final tightening. i've got one set in the shop (and a backup set of RP) and another in the race trailer. unfortunately, i haven't found any long pattern combos with 6 pt, and no (modern) ratcheting box ends. i would re-buy my ratcheting wrenches if they started producing them in 6pt.

i find it less of an issue with wrenches - the power of an impact does not tolerate small mistakes. usually with a wrench you can feel the fastener deforming before its totally destroyed.

ahm