1/4 swivel impact/ chrome sockets?

[joedodge]

Hey I was on the truck today and was thinking of getting a set of 1/4 swivel impacts or chromes. As I use my 1/4 impact swivel and chrome sockets a lot thought it would be nice to have a set of them. My question is do the other techs out there use the, enough to justify it. And do you prefer chrome or impact

 

[V70R]

6, 8 and 10mm are used almost daily by me, chrome universals. I debated this too, figured if I needed a swivel socket in this drive size most of my use would be by hand and requiring more than a 30 degree pivot.

 

[joedodge]

Ya the most I'd use is Mikita electric impact or air ratchet but prolly hand tool like u said. I'm torn on what to do lol

 

[Deafautotech]

Hell yeah! I use a lot of impact swivel sockets!!! Even I had to warranted few since pins got worn out or shear off..

But I still has chrome flex sockets to do where impact swivel won't do..

 

[joedodge]

I have 3/8 and 1/2 do you use 1/4 inch though Andy and which ones doyou like chrome or impact

 

[kmoon]

I just bought a IR 1/4 drive air ratchet and some cheap swivels. I love them but you will need to know the limits on 1/4" extensions I broke 2 craftsman I will look for some snap on or Mac extensions. The cheap sockets are still running strong and they are chrome not impact as they are smaller and will fit almost any where.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-18409-12-piece-14-inch-drive-6-point-metric-flex-socket-set.aspx

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

chrome 1/4 drive UJ socket for oil pans.

 

[joedodge]

Wow my snappy air tools never break extensions lol your strong

 

[billymade]

It depends on what the application is; how much access you have to the fasteners you are trying to remove. As with all specialty tools; chrome and impact both have their unique uses, characteristics, benefits.

Chrome: typically, articulate at a wider range and angle then impact, are thinner, but usually are more "floppy" then the equivalent impact versions. Many times; just like 1/4" universal sockets; they aren't stiff enough and many people add tape to make them stiffer. These can be the only thing that will work in special; unique and super tight engine compartment situations.... now becoming all to common on newer modern cars.

Impacts: Are stronger (handle air impacts, more abuse), stiffer flexing at the universal joint but don't have the articulation, angle range as the chrome's!

Bottom line: both serve their purpose but neither can do everything the other can do! Access and durability are the primary problem; being able to use a air tool without breaking or prematurely wearing out the universal joint being another issue. If you are working flat rate and see the use of a 1/4" impact or even a 1/4" air ratchet; I would recommend you getting a 1/4" impact set, I noticed my 1/4" sockets were getting deformed even by the use of the air ratchet!

I have a Grey tool 1/4" impact set; which is pretty reasonable and provides allot of 1/4" impact sockets for the money! Metric/Standard: short, deep, swivel, extensions, adapters, etc.


Grey Pneumatic 9771 1/4 Surface Drive 71 Piece Complete

https://www.google.com/search?q=Gre...44,d.aWM&fp=dfd1b788fe5f0707&biw=1280&bih=899

just the universals by themselves:

Grey Pneumatic 9706U

https://www.google.com/search?q=Gre...44,d.aWM&fp=dfd1b788fe5f0707&biw=1280&bih=899

"Grey Pneumatic 71 Pc 1/4"" Surface Drive Master Set (9771) "

https://www.google.com/search?q=Gre...44,d.aWM&fp=dfd1b788fe5f0707&biw=1280&bih=899

Also, check out Sunex, KD, etc.

 

[wafrederick]

I don't like using chrome sockets on air tools,the 1/4 drive sockets get wore out this way easily.I have a chrome swivels,a 10mm for doing intake manifold gasket jobs on GM 3100s and 3400s since it is the only way to get to 2 of the corner bolts for the intake manifold.

 

[blacK20]

I have several 1/4" chrome swivels. They are a real time saver in confined spaces. Just buy the ones you needs. For me it's 8,10,13mm

 

[joedodge]

Ya I'm leaning real hard towards the chromes

 

[Hayzuse]

They are a must for me 5.5mm or 7mm for a lot of blower motor resistors

 

[amlv20]

I use chrome mostly, but I like the impact.chrome can fit in where impact can't always, but at times chromes universal joint can bind and pop off the bolt. While the ball swivle in impact will try to rotate before it falls off.

 

[Roland-5.0]

I bought the metric gearwrench 1/4 swivel sockets. I think they are almost as good as the snap on but only cost me 76 bucks new. I think they list at 125ish.

 

[joedodge]

8,10,12,13 would prolly do it for me. Duramax diesels have some funky bolts in odd places. I use a impact swivel and a chrome socket where my 3/8 swivel impacts won't fit but don't like doing that I always seem to lose the socket

 

[blacK20]

Get the chromes. Most the time you'll be using the 1/4" drive swivels due to space restrictions and not after the power of an impact. You can get more angle out of chromes.

 

[pipsters]

I had a 1/4" metric set of impact swivels from Gearwrench and sold them off and kept my chrome swivels. I use them on an air ratchet FWIW.

I'm not a tech just a guy keeping his cars going.

I bought Craftsman because they were cheap! But obviously doing it for a living you'd need to step it up. The difference in "bend" between the chrome and impacts is significant.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Just bought this kit, being someone that never thought I've have a use for 1/4" drive impacts, I have been using this set everyday since I got it. Works great with my Dewalt electric impact and my Snap-On T72. Favorite purchase in the last year by far. The swivels are excellent.
GearWrench 84903 1/4-Inch Drive Impact Socket Set SAE/Metric, 71-Piece

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IQHWLC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MartinTech]

Get both. It doesn't have to happen in one day.

I think they are almost as good as the snap on.

'Almost' is a long way...

Gearwrench u-joint sockets are almost exactly like their craftsman counterparts.

Buy one SO in your favorite size, and you'll understand.

 

[FiendFX]

i work imports so i got 8,10,12 craftsman chrome. made in usa.

 

[joedodge]

Thanks a lot guys ill prolly get the few I need in chrome to start with

 

[bcradio]

Just bought this kit, being someone that never thought I've have a use for 1/4" drive impacts, I have been using this set everyday since I got it. Works great with my Dewalt electric impact and my Snap-On T72. Favorite purchase in the last year by far. The swivels are excellent.
GearWrench 84903 1/4-Inch Drive Impact Socket Set SAE/Metric, 71-Piece

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IQHWLC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I am TOTALLY with you on these... They are awesome. For the life of me, I can't understand why pipsters would get rid of this set. It rocks. I use it with my IR 1/4" impact all the time. If you get this and another chrome swivel set, that would be the same $ as one snap on set.


Ps. These are exactly the same thickness as chrome sockets... I measured

 

[Deafautotech]

I have 3/8 and 1/2 do you use 1/4 inch though Andy and which ones doyou like chrome or impact

About 75% of times I has use impact swivel... Other 25% I had to use chrome swivel as tighter space..

Hell, power stroke diesel techs has all impact swivels to do those..

 

[CORTEZSS69]

I use chrome,my metrics are Gearwrench and my SAE are S&K. And I use my metrics all the time. They were worth every penny.

 

[ol'Red]

Chrome are not only slimmer but usually lower profile. For 10 plus years I have been a tech both auto and heavy equipment. I have yet to break a 1/4 socket. I have striped out a couple 12pt 1/4 but never cracked the wall. 1/4 air ratchets and guns don't really have a ton of "impact". JMO everybody has toolbox is different.

 

[MattPersman]

I use impact ones every day. The chrome get little use but I do have them just in case

 

[Deafautotech]

I use impact ones every day. The chrome get little use but I do have them just in case

Same with me!!

 

[tube_guy]

Can anyone tell me where the Gearwrench chrome metric set is made? I've searched all over the place and cannot find any mention of their COO. China or Taiwan?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Can anyone tell me where the Gearwrench chrome metric set is made? I've searched all over the place and cannot find any mention of their COO. China or Taiwan?

Made in Taiwan, says it right on the box.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

but I think they are switching to China. I think Taiwanese ratcheting wrenches were better.

 

[Fedwrench]

You need both chrome and impact. There are times when a only a chrome swivel will fit. Start out with only the sizes you use most and build slowly, watch for truck sales, or ebay used.

In chrome, I use 5.5, 7, 8, 10 ,13 the most and 7, 8, 10, and 13 mm impact.

A word on 1/4 drive impact sockets. Avoid the brands having collars and pay extra for the pinless or collarless type. It's worth the money in the long run as those collars take up a lot room in a crowded engine compartment.

 

[KnurledNut]

Heres a cheap set (12 pc @ $30.60) with decent reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-7412-4-Inch-Socket/dp/B0040Y62HC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_3

 

[pipsters]

I am TOTALLY with you on these... They are awesome. For the life of me, I can't understand why pipsters would get rid of this set. It rocks. I use it with my IR 1/4" impact all the time. If you get this and another chrome swivel set, that would be the same $ as one snap on set.


Ps. These are exactly the same thickness as chrome sockets... I measured

Got rid of it because the swivels are wider due to their base and won't swivel as much as my chrome. I tried using them removing a radiator (specific purpose I bought them for) and my chromes worked, the Gearwrench impacts didn't even come close.