1/2" Impact Sockets as my only set?

[M6erfan]

I have a set of 1/2" chrome sockets, don't think I've ever used them. I do however use 1/2" impacts from time to time. So, I'm thinking about getting rid of the chromes and going to only impacts for my 1/2" set.

Any reason why this is a bad idea?

 

[Murphy4570]

Depends on what you're working on. 1/2" chrome sockets are little used anymore, but they do come in handy for tight access large fasteners.

You already have them, so it costs you nothing to just keep the chrome stuff.

 

[M6erfan]

I'm just a home shop DIY kind of guy. I try to do all the maintenance I can on our family's/ friends cars. I dabble in auto/motorcycle resto too.

 

[Thumper68]

Keep them the thinner wall does come in handy from time to time.

 

[hancock1701]

Unless it's a space issue, but I doubt that a 1/2" chrome socket set would take up that much space at all. There are times you will have an impact on one side, and a socket or wrench on the other side to hold the nut/bolt. I've gone through that before doing suspension. So I think you should keep them.

 

[boro_boy70]

Like the old saying:

"Better to have and not need, than need and not have"

You know the day after you get rid of them you will need to use one.


.

 

[M6erfan]

Like the old saying:

"Better to have and not need, than need and not have"

You know the day after you get rid of them you will need to use one.


.

LOL, true, I can see that happening. Haven't used them in 10 years but will be cursing myself the week after I get rid of them...

They don't take up a ton of room, just trying to consolidate my tools a little.

 

[Adam.C]

Are they 6pts? If the are 6pt, dump em. You MAY someday need some big 12pt sockets. I needed a 21mm 12 pt for a brake job.

So my 1/2" chrome are all 12pts. And they are the only 12pts I own. I recommend not bothering with 1/2" chrome for passenger cars unless you need 12pts like I did.

 

[M6erfan]

Also, my line of thinking is I would use the funds from the chrome set to offset the expense of the impacts...

 

[M6erfan]

Are they 6pts? If the are 6pt, dump em. You MAY someday need some big 12pt sockets. I needed a 21mm 12 pt for a brake job.

So my 1/2" chrome are all 12pts. And they are the only 12pts I own. I recommend not bothering with 1/2" chrome for passenger cars unless you need 12pts like I did.

That's an interesting point, never thought of it that way. Yes they are 6pt.

 

[pi_guy]

My perspective is to keep them.
Some times height and diameter become a factor in bolt removal, this way you have more options.
Often I have turned to sockets to be a press adapter to push in a bushing or bearing.
Plus you often need a back up, socket rolls to somewhere and you can not find it. Are you going to spend hours looking for it?
And even snap on breaks once in a while so having a second try can often help.
I have picked up used sets of 12 point sockets to fill that void, and I have a little room in my socket drawer.

 

[cgv69]

For the longest time I only have 1/2 impacts because I rarely used 1/2 and when I did, it was usually with an impact. Now that I've gotten older and weaker, I prefer to let the tools do the work as much as possible and find myself using 1/2 stuff more often so I added a full set of 1/2 chrome sockets.

In your case, you already have them and you probably won't get that much for them if you sell them so unless you really need to the room in your box or have a buyer already lined up then I'd just keep them.

 

[Frank Dukes]

1/2 deep impacts and 1/2 std height chrome for me.

 

[M6erfan]

1/2 deep impacts and 1/2 std height chrome for me.

This might be the way I go...

 

[PFSard]

Also, my line of thinking is I would use the funds from the chrome set to offset the expense of the impacts...

I would be surprised if this is worthwhile. If they are quality sockets, keep them.

 

[M6erfan]

I would be surprised if this is worthwhile. If they are quality sockets, keep them.

I'm getting that feeling

 

[hangfirew8]

Just last weekend I was removing a bolt that my 13mm 1/2" drive impact socket couldn't reach because it was too thick, the bolt head was too close to a flange. I switched to my 3/8" impact socket and it did the job. I could have switched to my chrome 1/2" drive socket and it would have done the job as well... or my 3/8" drive chrome 13mm socket.

Since it was exhaust work, stuck and rusty, (muffler hanger where it bolts onto the frame) I went with the 3/8" drive impact.

Point being, if I had no 3/8 impacts handy, I would be trying to bust a rusty bolt off using a chrome socket, and I'd rather it be a 6-point 1/2" drive chrome.

1. every single automotive job I've done I run into clearance issues, and
2. every single automotive job I've done there are rust and/or frozen fastener issues.

If you don't have these problems, you don't need as many options as I do.

I agree with Adam that 12 point 1/2" drive chrome sockets are handy. I'm not so sanguine on dumping 6 point 1/2" drive chrome sockets, even if you have impacts, because they are still thinner, and sometimes you need to bust a tough bolt with 1/2", 3 extensions and 2 u-joints and that nun-chuck on the impact is going to injure you when that mess comes apart. With a breaker bar I'll just skin my knuckles.

 

[Zrexxer]

I still don't understand this "getting rid of tools" concept you speak of.

 

[M6erfan]

I still don't understand this "getting rid of tools" concept you speak of.

LOL. I know, it's difficult...

 

[619DioFan]

Feel free to send all your un-needed tools my way. can never , ever , ever have too many tools.

 

[trackwelder]

I still don't understand this "getting rid of tools" concept you speak of.

Right?
I use 1/2" drive quite a bit.

 

[MrGiggles]

1/2 deep impacts and 1/2 std height chrome for me.

I really prefer a shallow impact socket compared to a deep. Deep sockets add length to an already long and clumsy impact wrench. If you use an impact for more than taking wheels off, you'll want the shallow sockets.

If cost is an issue, get Pittsburgh Pro from HF.

There are some instances where the thick wall of an impact socket can be a hindrance, but they are few and far between.

 

[davethorik]

Just a couple weeks ago I was doing rear brakes on my '11 Honda Accord and you can't get to the upper caliper bolt with a 1/2 drive shallow impact socket because it's too large in diameter and too long. At least, the Wright socket I was using was. I used a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer with a 3/8 chrome socket to get the job done.

That being said I'd keep both sets.

 

[BK13]

I still don't understand this "getting rid of tools" concept you speak of.

'Getting rid of tools': what happens when I upgrade my CM stuff and it ends up in my 6 year old's tool box...

 

[shoggoth80]

I can understand the desire for compactness. I am currently dealing with this issue. Part of my solution was to build a junkyard kit with the cheaper stuff. I have some cheaper SAE, and metric... I've been meaning to toss. Nope, still got it. Lol.

Space concerns when wrenching can be a factor in grabbing a chromie over an impact. It happens. Organization helps. This is something that I am currently trying to figure out.

When I first started buying tools for tech school, I grabbed a set of 3/8" impacts, and still have them. They worked, and rarely did I have to use thinner stuff. However, the work I was doing with those was very basic at that time.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I've switched over to all impact for 1/2" drive at work. Realized I never used my chrome 1/2" sockets since I have up to 22mm and 1" in 3/8" drive (both chrome 12pt and impact 6pt). Sold my Metric 1/2" chromes, and still keep my old mix and match of 1/2" SAEs in the home box.

If you don't use them, get some money selling them that you can put towards tools you will use and get to enjoy.

 

[Gary in NY]

I think I would find someplace in my shop to keep them. You never know when you might need them, and you would be pretty mad when you didn't have it!

 

[shoggoth80]

If you don't use them, get some money selling them that you can put towards tools you will use and get to enjoy.

This does have merit, I have to admit.

 

[techenthusiast]

I have 1/2 impact in shallow, deep, metric, standard, swivel standard, and oversized standard with a set of extensions and swivels - I have never needed 1/2 chromes in neary two years working at a fleet truck shop - any time I need thin or low profile in 1/2 drive I just throw on my 1/2 to 3/8 adapter (although I have broke two of these in the two years, generic Chinese adapters though, that's probably why)

My 1/2 drive goes up to 32 metric and 1 1/2 standard

My 3/8 drive goes up to 19 metric and 1 inch standard

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

I work as a light duty diesel tech. I only have Impact rated sockets in 1/2. chrome i have 3/8 and 1/4

 

[theoldwizard1]

After almost 50 years of DIY, I have acquired a full set of both 1/2" drive SAE and Metric, standard and deep sockets and a full set of 1/2" drive SAE and Metric deep impact sockets. I RARELY USE ANY OF THEM !

Buy a set of double ended, thin wall, impact lug nut sockets. (Mine are Sunex.)

Then buy a full set of standard and deep, 6 point, 3/8" drive SAE and Metric sockets along with a standard and flex head ratchet, a universal and various length extensions.

 

[Ratchet Guy]

I have a set of 1/2" chrome sockets, don't think I've ever used them. I do however use 1/2" impacts from time to time. So, I'm thinking about getting rid of the chromes and going to only impacts for my 1/2" set.

Any reason why this is a bad idea?

Not really, If you find that you'll get a peace of mind then get rid of it, I have a set of deep impact in half inch and I usually use my 3/8 chrome, the impact comes out only when I need the power and removing rusted bolts, I mostly use the 3/8 chrome on anything and sometimes use my 3/8 electric impact on it.

 

[M6erfan]

OK, so I decided that I'll just keep my 1/2" shallow chromes and add a set of 1/2" deep impacts. Thanks for all the input

 

[jvitez]

Good idea. As soon you get the new set you'll need two sockets of the same size and go "Yeah, this is awesome!"

You avatar is also awesome.........

 

[1950mercury]

Check out the sunex deal in the hot deal section. I got the master kit with shorts,deeps (up to 30mm)extensions and a swivel for less than 40 bucks after the rebate

 

[darkside91]

Yeah. I wouldn't get rid of perfectly good chrome sockets either unless I already had a set or 2 of better chrome sockets. They come in handy in tight places as already mentioned because of their generally thinner walls. I do probably grab impact sockets before chrome sockets by preference. Still wouldn't get rid of them for equivalent 12 point sockets either as both are handy to have. Six point sockets usually grip the bolt heads better, especially some of the nicer 6 points, so they will be a little less prone to rounding off corners of bolt heads.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

Yep, now the only decision is Sunex or Grey...

 

[BK13]

I've never had any Grey, in fact the only GP stupp I've p;ayed with were the DuoSocket stuff. Seemed pretty nice. I sure do like my Sunex 3/8" stuff, though...

 

[ibedayank]

I use deep impacts most of the time as I put a wrench on the head and spin the nut off with the impact as it take less Tourqe as your not trying to spin the bolt in all the parts that may be rusted. I really bad will put a 6point on a breaker bar and use the impact and deep on the nut... work smarter not harder

 

[Mikerodrig27]

Impacts are bulky and chrome sockets aren't. If you haven't used them in 10 years It's likely your not working on anything with tight clearances.

12 points are bulkier than 6 pts. They're nice to 12 point fasteners and fasteners that can no longer accept a 6 point, as in the surface is screwed up.