1/2 Drive Sockets - Chrome or Impact?

[Ming-Tzu]

Thanks to this board, I have bought a ton of tools in the past few months. Socket sets, 120XP ratchets, flex ratchets, combo wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, stubby flex wrenches, torque wrenches, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, mini bolt cutters, cobra pliers, plier wrenches, etc.

As far as sockets, I have:
- 1/4 metric/SAE
- 3/8 metric/SAE
- 1/2 deep impact sockets

Also, I plan on getting the Westling complete socket holders and switching out the 1/2 SAE holders with 1/2 metric holders. I don't have much use for SAE.

So, being my OCD self, I now have a 1/2 metric socket holder that needs filling. Should I opt for standard impact sockets? Chrome standard sockets? Chrome deep sockets?

I am leaning towards the chrome standard but open to ideas lol

 

[bobcatdan]

I'd buy 6 point impacts first. If aftward you feel the need chrome, I'd buy 12 point.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I only have 1/2" drive impacts. Never needed the thinner chrome counterparts yet. I'm sure there are situations tho.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have 1/2" chrome 6 and 12 point shallow & 6 point chrome (few 12) deep and then 6 point impact deep/shallow. The only reason I have all the chrome is because of this right here. They had these chrome sockets in deep and shallow mm/sae for dirt cheap so I couldn't resist. The price is cheaper than listed. Email for correct price if you are interested.
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Closeouts/Under-100/SVM86BRBH/8-Pc-1-2-Drive-Metric-6-Pt-Socket-Set

If you choose 6 point impact, it may be wise to choose 12 point chrome later on. There are instances you are in very tight spaces and need a breaker bar, but cannot get it on because the orientation of the socket. It can be very aggravating.

 

[kts]

I got by for many years with just a set of standard & deep 6 point metric impacts as my only 1/2 sockets. I eventually ran into a few cases where they were too thick to fit where I needed and a 3/8 with 1/2 adapter didn't fit or was a bad idea so I finally picked up a 1/2 regular socket set.

I'd probably go with a set of standard depth 1/2 6 point impacts and add the 1/2 chrome sockets later on if you find you need them.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have both, But I went for years with just the chrome sockets until I got my impact.

 

[carcajou]

Being that you already have Metric deep impact sockets, i would suggest quality 6 point Metric chrome sockets. If you find a need for a specific shallow metric impact socket, just buy that size or two.

 

[MrGiggles]

Do you have an impact? If so, there's really no need for impact sockets. And, as mentioned, you will run into the occasional situation where the thick wall of an impact socket will be too obtrusive for tight areas.

If you do have an impact, you need impact sockets.

 

[hautpot]

Chrome twelve points, impact swivels.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

There are situations where having them all helps for sure... I've dealt with a lot of 12pt axle nuts. So having an impact 12pt socket is nice if you have an impact obviously. However I've been known to use a chrome socket occasionally with an impact due to clearance. I think a 6pt & swivel impact and 12pt chrome is a good start.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Assuming you are the average DIY guy working on light vehicles, outdoor power equipment and home repairs, you next need to buy 3/8" chrome, 6 point, deep metric and SAE sockets.

I have a full set of chrome and impact 1/2" drive standard and deep sockets and I ALMOST NEVER USE THEM !! Sure, if you are going to replace a wheel bearing on a FWD/AWD vehicle your going to need a 32-36mm socket. You won't get that in any set ! Buy a HF Pittsburg Pro 25" 1/2 breaker bar and wait until you need a specific size for the job at hand.

Take the money you save from not buying 1/2" sockets (and maybe even selling the ones you have) and buy a Milwaukee Fuel 3/8" or Armstrong Nano 3/8" impact. You can buy a full set of impact metric and SAE, standard and deep for <$140.

 

[Blazinzuk]

I usually just use my impact sockets.

I bought one of those Milwaukee fuel 3/8 impacts. I love that thing. It's broken a couple of my deep well chrome stuff

 

[shockwave]

Impact 1/2 drive is all I ever use and universal joint I plan on getting universal in 1/2 but sadly they are pricy compared to 3/8

 

[Ming-Tzu]

Assuming you are the average DIY guy working on light vehicles, outdoor power equipment and home repairs, you next need to buy 3/8" chrome, 6 point, deep metric and SAE sockets.

Thanks! Already bought this set:

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...t/kdtn80550f,default,pd.html&antisku=antiskuB

 

[gdocktor3]

Thanks! Already bought this set:

http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...t/kdtn80550f,default,pd.html&antisku=antiskuB

Nice job! That was the way to go for sure! I have the same 1/4" set with 120xp and it's great. I like the 120xp more than my t72. But I thought the point of this thread was 1/2" drive? Instead you bought 3/8 and 1/4

Now go get the sunex set 1/2" deep sae set #2824 while they still have the $25 rebate.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323024

 

[Jim Diesel]

Mate personaly i would be looking at a set of 1/2 chrome 12 points both metric and standard. Although you may miss having that impact function, you will still be able to complete most jobs with your arm strenght and a good breaker bar. Also just having a 12 point socket has helped me out of alot of jams where i just couldnt get a 6 point on.

 

[Allaround]

Fill the spaces with Turbo sockets.

 

[Jure]

id go with 6 pt metric chrome sockets

 

[Ming-Tzu]

Probably gonna go with 6 point standard impact 1/2 sockets. Thanks all!!