1/2 inch sockets for weekend warriors.

[boom_bap]

Hey folks,

I have a handful of questions.

Topic #1: Are impact sockets even nessesary for weekend warriors.

After digging around it seems that most folks recommend going impact for their 1/2 inch sockets. I wanted to discuss the need for cordless tools for a shade tree weekend warrior. As someone who has a whole weekend to work on their own cars, is there actually even a need for impact coordless tools? The professional environment is all about getting the job done fast so impact tools are the industry standard for good reason. In theory could someone just use 1/2 breakers and ratchets for the same job and only use chrome. This would eliminate the expense of 1/2 impact tools (coordless etc). I recently was gifted an 1/2 DeWalt DCF889B brushed impact and I have no impact sockets. Should I keep the wrench and just buy impact sockets or sell it and buy chromes. I also have a Milwaukee hex impact that I was also considering 3/8 impacts for but again is it really necessary. I do like building my collection, however this question is mostly a discussion of is it really even worth it for the weekend warrior. Should we even invest in big cordless impacts for occational use (ignoring the gifted tool).

Topic #2: 1/2 socket set size. (metric)

Whether it be chrome or impacts what sizes to folks go for? I seem to see 10mm-24mm, 10-32mm and 10-38mm sets. I'd personally use 3/8 tools up to 15mm, so not sure why they normally even include 10-15 to be real. Would it be better to get the 10-24mm to save some money and buy the bigger ones individually for a specific job or just get the whole shebang and be done with it.

 

[mepstein]

I play around with old cars. Once I discovered impact guns, I wondered how I lived without them. Totally worth the money. Impact sockets are pretty inexpensive. Don’t worry about buying every size made. Just get the common sizes and it will cover 95% of what you do.

I use a 3/8 most of the time.

 

[Fedwrench]

Depending on what tasks you're performing, cordless tools could save you a lot of time allowing you to do more in a weekend, or not wearing you out physically.
As for 1/2 drive impact sockets, i'd try to find a set that runs 13-27 mm depending on what you're doing and what you're working on. Sunex, Grey Pneumatic, Capri, Tekton all have budget friendly sets and most have a wide range of open stock available to expand or replace those that go missing.

 

[General Geoff]

Impacts aren't just about getting work done faster. They legitimately make it waaay easier to break loose those crusty old seized bolts. Particularly if you live in the rust belt.

Can you do almost any job without an impact? Sure. Does an impact wrench make a lot of jobs a zillion times easier and faster? Yes.

 

[finn]

The old pros will tell you not to use chrome sockets on impact guns.

I mostly use 1/2” impacts, but that’s me. Impact sockets are inexpensive. Just buy them and get it behind you. Don’t fret about brand. My 3/8” impacts are the old Sears pieced (not Craftsman) and are still ok after twenty years.

 

[tyyost]

I agree with the above posters, impacts aren’t necessarily for speed. Since your location isn’t obvious I have no idea what kind of rust or corrosion cars by you see. Example, I’m in PA, and we salt brine the roads, it took my Milwaukee high torque to break loose my wife's Subaru caliper bracket bolts a few weeks ago. I have hade these out in the last few years and added anti-seize to them and i could not break them free with a wrench, breaker bar, or a 3/8 impact. If I didn't have the impact it most certainly would have needed to be heated significantly to break it loose.

I have been doing this since the 90’s when air impacts were the only game and most home gamers like us only had chrome sockets. My tool cart has gravitated to 1/4 and 3/8 in chrome and 1/2 in impact with the chromes in the spare drawer in my main box. Very seldom do I need a skinny 1/2 socket, and when I do it’s often for lug nuts which I use special sockets on.

As far as brand, I am partial to Sunex, I just bought a bigger Tekton metric set to replace a stanley one I’ve used for years and I found them to be more like my Hf Pittsburgh than I expected. I got a deal on a Sunex master 3/8 set and am always impressed with it when I use it.

 

[boom_bap]

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think its safe to say that the answer is not needed but recommended for quality of life. Since I've already got the cordless tools, may as well pick up a set in 3/8 and 1/2inch when I see a deal.

I'm currently in Idaho, but have lived on the west coast most of my life so my 03 truck is pretty clean, which I suppose is why I've never found the immediate need for impacts. I'll have to fix that location, I'm new to posting around here after years of creeping.

 

[General Geoff]

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think its safe to say that the answer is not needed but recommended for quality of life. Since I've already got the cordless tools, may as well pick up a set in 3/8 and 1/2inch when I see a deal.

I'm currently in Idaho, but have lived on the west coast most of my life so my 03 truck is pretty clean, which I suppose is why I've never found the immediate need for impacts. I'll have to fix that location, I'm new to posting around here after years of creeping.

If Idaho salts and brines the roads in winter, yeah you'll definitely want an impact

 

[Alpine4x4]

Washington guy here. I only use 1/2" chrome when my impact walls are too thick to get into the fastener, specifically on the lugs of my aftermarket wheels. Otherwise its all impacts. I also invested in a 1/2 cordless impact years ago and honestly dont even own an air gun now. I only use hand tools as necessary, my cordless impacts and ratchets do all the heavy lifting. The cordless ratchet is a godsend when working with long fasteners. They're using more and more salt up this way now, I wouldnt be caught dead without an impact. They're also really nice for running lag screws in wood if you run into that situation. For me the last time was hanging a wall mount TV.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have 1/2" impact sockets because they go to sizes that 3/8" doesn't - useful for axle nuts/etc. I didn't want more than one set of impact sockets, so I standardized on 1/2". As the owner of a Mini Cooper that is apparently designed by origami artists, the additional size of 1/2" impact sockets vs. 3/8" hasn't bitten me yet, and having done the full suspension and brakes on that car I can say I feel pretty safe that I don't have any need for a 3/8" impact (the extremely compact size of my M12 Stubby and M18 Gen2 Mid Torque are as responsible as anything for that) for the five family cars I maintain.

I have almost never touched my breaker bars or my 1/2" chrome sockets since getting my cordless impacts. I'm pretty sure I could do entirely without them if I was in a pinch for space for some reason. 3/8" and 1/4" are what gets the work.

 

[cjarvis]

Keep the impact and buy yourself some impact sockets. Since you only have the one impact, I’d go for a 6 point impact socket set that goes from 10-24mm. That will cover the majority of your bases. You can add individual sockets in other sizes as needed. Even back when wrenching paid my bills, using 1/2” chrome sockets was rarer than using my impact sockets. Now that I’m a home-gamer, I rarely use the chrome at all.

Fedwrench made good suggestions both in sizes and sources. Personally, my impact sockets are almost ALL made in Taiwan (25 yrs ago at that) and I have never damaged one, much less broken one. Many of them are “Pro-Mate”, and some have nothing more than Taiwan and the size stamped on them.

 

[bscman]

For metric I'd want to go to at least 32mm. I bought the 10-38 tekton set for my home. Buying a larger set is usually more affordable than buying a smaller set plus 2 or 3 large sockets later when you need them--and if you buy all at once your OCD won't get to you.

As for impacts, I've added shallow and deep 1/2" sets to my collection in the last couple years. My Milwaukee 1/2" m18 impact has saved my **** a few times working on stuff around the house.
The impact isn't just about saving time, it's about saving your bacon when things get rusted or seized.

PS I've definitely had times where a 1/2" impact socket was too thick to get the job done.

I probably wrench a little less often than most on this forum, but having both chrome and impact is still worth the expense for me.

 

[visionguru]

Topic #1: Are impact sockets even nessesary for weekend warriors.
Topic #2: 1/2 socket set size. (metric)

Yes, impact sockets/impact tools are necessary.
Reason: You are 1/2 way into the job, then you meet with a stubborn bolt. What would you do?

I was in situations that the project couldn't be done without impact guns/sockets. For example,

• Honda crank pulley bolt, it's extremely hard and dangerous to use break bar with cheater pipe, but it's a piece of cake with impact.
• 1x 19mm (M14) bolt that seized in low control arm bushing. I used impact to beat it back and forth for almost 20 minutes, plus some penetrating oil. Sometimes, you just can't do it with hand tools.

Actually, I think weekend warriors can skip the chrome sockets.

I'd use 1/2 drive for anything above 19mm, up to 36mm.

 

[Kscardsfan]

The harbor freight 1/2 impact set is about $20-25 and it’s guaranteed for life. A good impact gun is a night and day difference in your life and work. They’re worth every penny, and I’m a long ways from being a professional.

 

[Duster346]

Weekend warrior, I'd consider the icon, or I've heard good things about tekton (although I've yet to use any of them). Did buy some icon sockets to see what all the hype was about, and they certainly look decent, but I've yet to really use them, either.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I play around with old cars. Once I discovered impact guns, I wondered how I lived without them. Totally worth the money. Impact sockets are pretty inexpensive. Don’t worry about buying every size made. Just get the common sizes and it will cover 95% of what you do.

I use a 3/8 most of the time.

I quit using impacts when I started restoration and maintenance on old cars. In my youth, when those cars were common, I did use impacts, but I now torque everything and prefer to feel what it takes to remove nuts and bolts. For the original poster’s question, no more than he needs it, I’d recommend going to a pawn shop and buying any old socket to use on the impact. You can get a handful at a quarter apiece, usually, and if they break, no big deal.

 

[f121]

You will probably find an old brushed impact to be fairly underwhelming.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a full set of 1/2" sockets, SAE and metric chrome standard and deep as well as impact SAE and metric standard and deep). They are now in my bottom drawer in the back. 3/8" is the way to go ! Chrome standard an impact deep. You MAY have to buy a few outside of the set you buy so choose a brand that has extended range.

 

[CS454]

Only chrome sockets I run are my 3/8" drive 12 points. Diesel tech in Canada, eh.

 

[demarpaint]

You can't go wrong with Tekton Impact or regular sockets, and their CS and warranty is great.

 

[02camaro86]

many people i know only use impact sockets they say no need for chrome when starting out the minor size difference isnt noticable. yes their will be the odd chance you need something lower profile but for someone that is just trying to build a good starter set id buy the impacts first. you will never break them as hobbiest but a hobbiest will break chrome sockets on cheater bars and impact guns especially the lower end stuff.

keep the guns you have, once you start working on stuff youll see they are extremely valuable.

on a car or truck you rarely if ever need anything past 24mm unless its an axle nut. they sell axle nut sets 32, 34, 36, 38

 

[BDT/NWMN]

The harbor freight 1/2 impact set is about $20-25 and it’s guaranteed for life. A good impact gun is a night and day difference in your life and work. They’re worth every penny, and I’m a long ways from being a professional.

I am a "retired" Pro that agrees with buying a set of Harbor Freight impact sockets. My multiples of 1/2", 3/4", and 1" drive Pittsburgh impact sets share drawers with Proto, Blackhawk, Snap-On, Duro, USA Craftsman, SK, and other brands. I simply have no complaints and consider Pittsburgh a good bargain.

 

[seber]

I sold my Snap-on impacts years ago. For my occasional use, HF are more than good enough. In fact if there is a difference, I haven't noticed it.

 

[FMB4]

Don't bother with impact sockets unless you have, or plan to have, an impact gun. Regular non impact sockets are typically made of Chrome Vanadium while impact sockets are made of Chrome Molybdenum. Chrome moly steel is far better at withstanding the shock of an impact gun but less resident in withstanding non-impact forces of hand tool use (which Chrome Vanadium excels at).

 

[Fly YX]

Home Depot has a set of sae and metric on sale for $30 each. I got them last year for home but some of them have migrated to my work box some how. Don’t really have one brand of sockets but I prefer Wright tools. I would just get the Husky set from Home Depot and build from there if you need more.

 

[kody1234]

I agree with the above posters, impacts aren’t necessarily for speed. Since your location isn’t obvious I have no idea what kind of rust or corrosion cars by you see. Example, I’m in PA, and we salt brine the roads, it took my Milwaukee high torque to break loose my wife's Subaru caliper bracket bolts a few weeks ago. I have hade these out in the last few years and added anti-seize to them and i could not break them free with a wrench, breaker bar, or a 3/8 impact. If I didn't have the impact it most certainly would have needed to be heated significantly to break it loose.

I have been doing this since the 90’s when air impacts were the only game and most home gamers like us only had chrome sockets. My tool cart has gravitated to 1/4 and 3/8 in chrome and 1/2 in impact with the chromes in the spare drawer in my main box. Very seldom do I need a skinny 1/2 socket, and when I do it’s often for lug nuts which I use special sockets on.

As far as brand, I am partial to Sunex, I just bought a bigger Tekton metric set to replace a stanley one I’ve used for years and I found them to be more like my Hf Pittsburgh than I expected. I got a deal on a Sunex master 3/8 set and am always impressed with it when I use it.

Tekton don`t skip sizes like Pittsburgh sockets.

 

[Bucko]

Its kinda like a Coke vs. Pepsi argument as you can see by the above posts going both ways. The few things I will say is if you use a chrome socket as an impact (which I will say is a no-no but most do it), if its from a decent manufacturer it will be guaranteed and you can swap it out. I am not saying you need snap-on quality but craftsman, husky, icon, etc. I don't care much for the bulk of the impact sockets so I just use them for my impacts and like the above poster I like to feel what the tool and bolt are doing as I'm not in a mad hurry as I'm on my clock in my garage so I don't use them unless needed.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’d say it is needed. Though I’m a professional I still do a significant amount of work on the side and at home and if you have ever tried breaking an axle nut loose by hand yeah you’ll need that impact for that because most of the time they aren’t coming off with anything other than an impact. And I have a hard time breaking loose caliper bolts by hand too unless it’s an extra long ratchet. I’ve cracked chrome sockets with impacts before so I never use chrome on impact. I have both at work and I have mostly chrome at home except the axle nut and lug nut sockets I use with my air stuff at home. So I’d say it’s worth having both. As for sizes I do have 10-36 in half inch drive and have used all of them pretty much somewhere along the lines. I’d rather have and not need that need and not have.

 

[rcbk00]

When I was younger, I used to get frustrated when I'd be working on a project and I'd get stuck because I couldn't get something apart using hand tools. Now that I'm older and wiser, I have the right tools, and I never get stuck anymore. If you're going to be doing any kind of work with rusty cars, suspensions, or high torque crank bolts, get yourself the most powerful impact gun you can afford and a set of impact sockets from Harbor Freight or similar. It can make the difference between getting the job done and not getting the job done.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

with how cheap you can get a set of decent impact sockets for, there really isn't any reason NOT to get a set.

 

[CS454]

I’d say it is needed. Though I’m a professional I still do a significant amount of work on the side and at home and if you have ever tried breaking an axle nut loose by hand yeah you’ll need that impact for that because most of the time they aren’t coming off with anything other than an impact.

we have axle locknuts on our equipment that torque to 885 Lb Ft, your choices for taking it apart are the 1" drive, 4' long breaker bar with an 8' piece of pipe on the end making a smiley face.....or 3 ugga 2 dugga with a 3/4" gun and get a new one from parts.

Guess what happens.

 

[u2slow]

I have one strip of 1/2" impacts from Sears from 25 years ago when they still had tools and those 50% off sales. The rest (also 1/2") are later acquisitions from Canadian Tire with their 40-50% off sales.

I also got into a good air compressor and impact gun some 22 years ago, and both get used regularly. I use a small/cheap battery impact as a speed wrench only.

These are all home tools for DIY.

Edit: I have chrome sockets too (1/2, 3/8, 1/4 drives); but impact is usually my first approach at a rusty fastener.

 

[iagsxr]

The only chrome 1/2" drive sockets I have are singles that I've actually ran into a situation where an impact socket was too thick to fit. Bought whatever was quickest to get right at the time, so they're a mishmash of brands.

Have both impact and chrome in 3/8". They get used about equally.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have both chrome and impact 1/2" sockets and 99% of the time if I need a 1/2" I will reach for the impact first. Mostly because if I am using a 1/2" then I am also going to use an impact gun. If it is easy to get off I use the 3/8" that I probably already had out and might even be in my hand.

 

[CJM8515]

The harbor freight 1/2 impact set is about $20-25 and it’s guaranteed for life. A good impact gun is a night and day difference in your life and work. They’re worth every penny, and I’m a long ways from being a professional.

yup the HF stuff is good for the weekend warrior or shade tree. I have no qualms about any of the impacts I have from them. The thing I like about impact sockets is they are heavier and that mass added with an impact gun makes breaking free fasteners much easier. I have chrome sockets to and use them with my impacts, only ever broke one cheap one.

If your not going for harbor freight for impact sockets, sunex or tekton is a step above consumer quality for the price. I have the sunex master 3/8 set and its my fav to grab. For lighter duty stuff there is also the grey pneumatic duo sockets as well

 

[Relax]

Any chrome sockets I've used with my impact gun have developed wear marks on edges of the drive side. Not cracks, more like hammer marks, which is essentially what the impact driver is doing to it. Since I noticed that, I only use impact sockets with my impact gun when I can, and if I don't have the right size and need to use chome, I make damn sure I'm wearing safety glasses.

 

[Relax]

It's not just the torque of the impact gun, the impact action itself shocks and vibrates the fastener to break any corrosion bonds. If you deicide to go without one, you should at least have an air hammer that would do sort of the same thing.

 

[Wrench97]

The old pros will tell you not to use chrome sockets on impact guns.

I mostly use 1/2” impacts, but that’s me. Impact sockets are inexpensive. Just buy them and get it behind you. Don’t fret about brand. My 3/8” impacts are the old Sears pieced (not Craftsman) and are still ok after twenty years.

Impact sockets are "softer" they do not shatter when they break just crack(no flying debris to hit you) they also do not wear out the impact gun anvil as fast as hardened chrome sockets will.

 

[Mr_B]

Don't bother with impact sockets unless you have, or plan to have, an impact gun. Regular non impact sockets are typically made of Chrome Vanadium while impact sockets are made of Chrome Molybdenum. Chrome moly steel is far better at withstanding the shock of an impact gun but less resident in withstanding non-impact forces of hand tool use (which Chrome Vanadium excels at).

impact sockets can be crv too, critical factor is heat treatment and actual quality of the grade alloy steel used .
i've got many good crv impact sockets doing daily work no issues and in some instances they stay in better shape than crmo .

 

[VolvoRyan]

Topic #1: Are impact sockets even nessesary for weekend warriors.

I just go impact for all my 1/2" drive sockets. Less stuff to store.

As someone who has a whole weekend to work on their own cars, is there actually even a need for impact coordless tools?

Impact tools are simply a must. It's not about making money through saving time (though you will find that your time has a value). There's ergonomics to consider, as working under a car on jack stands makes it harder to gain leverage on fasteners. Also, "impact" is a magical force. Some things come apart through the sharp, rattling impact, where they would simply break with a hard long pull with a beaker bar.

Topic #2: 1/2 socket set size. (metric)

10-19mm, and then get what you need above that. 10-24mm is probably a safer bet, though 23mm is a throwaway. Sets with big sockets get real expensive real fast.

-Ryan