3/8" impact sockets or not ?

[theoldwizard1]

I'm going to be buying an M12 Fuel 3/8" impact and am wondering what I should do for sockets. I have a full set of SAE and Metric standard and deep chrome sockets.

If I buy more sockets, I will probably just buy Metrics to start with.

 

[toddacimer]

I'd start by buying either deep or shallow impact sockets and eventually buying more as you find yourself needing them. I tend to grab my deep impact sockets first as I almost always put an impact on the nut rather than bolt. Often times a shallow socket can't fully engage the nut. Semi deep impact swivel sockets work equally well and allow of a bit of offset in tight places.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Start out with a mix of standard and deeps. Gearwrench, Sunex, Ingersoll Rand, SK, etc. will all do you right.

 

[jrobb316]

The real answer is you need all of the above. A universal is not a substitute in many situations to real swivel sockets. And of course you need shallow and deep at a minimum, semi-deeps are also very useful.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

What's your question? Are you asking if it's worth getting a second set of impact sockets? I'd say not only should you get impact sockets but extensions as well. Anything you find yourself needing when using hand sockets you should acquire. That's what I did anyway.

Sent from my 0PCV1 using Tapatalk

 

[theoldwizard1]

Sidenote - I have 1/2" drive SAE standard and deep impact sockets and Metric deep impact socket (no standard depth Metric sockets). Admittedly, for the types of repairs I do, I do not use my 1/2" Chicago Pneumatic impact very much (except for lug nuts for which I have a Sunex flip lug nut set).

I'm getting old and I hope to use a 3/8" cordless impact a LOT more (my 3/8" pneumatic ratchet is gutless !) because I have a bad elbow and it pops out every once in awhile.

 

[Finky198]

Sunex 3/8 master set is pretty good and would probably cover everything you could need

 

[Wamsutta]

That thing is pretty strong. Puts out 200 ft/lbs. I think. You should probably have impact sockets for that thing.

 

[zkling]

Start with metric shallows, IMHO a 3/8" impact is for tight spaces and thus deep sockets kinda defeat that. Now granted there are cases where you need a deep 3/8 socket, but majority of general work will be taken care of with a standard depth 6pt set.

Now granted both of my 3/8" impacts are air and pretty stout, they will destroy a chrome 3/8" socket. Just ask my friend that put his 19mm 12pt craftsman USA on my MG325.

 

[BK13]

Sunex 3/8 master set is pretty good and would probably cover everything you could need

Yep, bought the SAE set when I bought my M12 impact wrench (and the semi deep as well). Shoulda done the same thing with metric set, but I bought Gearwrench shallows instead. Probably going to move up to KoKen deeps and Sunex semi deeps and probably some GW or CM unis....

 

[Finky198]

It's sunex 3342 42 piece set
It includes metric std/deep 8-19mm
standard std/deep 5/16-3/4in 1 universal 1 extension

That really should cover everything in one nice organize case

They also sell and 80pc set with swivels and bits not sure what you need

 

[Kensgarage]

If I have room to use my M12 I have room to use a deep socket. Gray, Sunex,Tekton.
Any of those will serve you well. I bought Tektons because they're easy to find and they have lots of reps to harass , if needed.
You go look at Amazoon reviews for anything Tekton and when someone posts a problem, a support person from Tekton is on it VERY quickly.
No way to beat that sort of response. Tekton actually gives a damn about the folks paying their bills.

I wonder when my 1/2x24" ratt will get here ?

 

[NUTTSGT]

By all means, in typical GJ fashion, buy the sockets, Metric/SAE in shallow and deepwell.


Honestly, I used my chrome stuff when I would need a socket for my Dewalt 18V. Once I bought an air 3/8" impact, I bought 3/8" impact sockets as well. It just gave me a reason to buy more tools.

 

[BFHtime]

Get swivel shallow metrics first if you are doing automotive work. They can reach into more tighter places, than a universal on a shallow. I tried to do the universal thing with shallow sockets, and once I borrowed my friend's swivels for some tight work, it was faster, easier, and able to get into tighter spots.

If you have room for a deep socket then usually you will have room for a deep socket with a swivel if needed.

It really depends on what you plan to use them on, but for modern automotive, I wish I had just bought these first. You will probably find you only use chrome, when your swivels won't fit.

 

[Wakefield]

So a Professional Mechanic probably needs e selection of either or both of impact swivels and hand universal sockets universal socket driver hex bits?

 

[bimmerZ5]

if you buy the Pittsburgh Pro (Cr-Mo) sets from Harbor Freight, I think you can just buy everything without worrying about how much you spend.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Grey Pnuematic has you covered. I wish this had been out when I started buying 3/8 impact sockets.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IE9BRTM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 impact sockets, Try to use the correct socket for the job

 

[creativecars]

Why no "All the Above?"

I started with using chrome sockets (Pittsburgh), impact extensions and (Mac) universal and never broke anything. I still use them today. I then added the HF deep impacts first SAE then Metric. Most recently I picked up the Sunex 3580 master set. Still waiting for my $100. card.

 

[Tenex]

Why no "All the Above?"

I started with using chrome sockets (Pittsburgh), impact extensions and (Mac) universal and never broke anything. I still use them today. I then added the HF deep impacts first SAE then Metric. Most recently I picked up the Sunex 3580 master set. Still waiting for my $100. card.

I bought the same set and received my prepaid card about 2 weeks after I sent it in. All together I ended up paying $105 so I'm excited to put it to use. Now I'm on the lookout for a Milwaukee M12 2454-22.

 

[KineticDissent]

I made the switch to the GP duo sockets and haven't looked back. One of my better tool decisions I have made. Tooltopia has good deals on complete sets. I use them in a professional setting all day everyday.

 

[winlinmac]

Very True

if you buy the Pittsburgh Pro (Cr-Mo) sets from Harbor Freight, I think you can just buy everything without worrying about how much you spend.

 

[sammons]

Get swivel shallow metrics first if you are doing automotive work. They can reach into more tighter places, than a universal on a shallow. I tried to do the universal thing with shallow sockets, and once I borrowed my friend's swivels for some tight work, it was faster, easier, and able to get into tighter spots.

If you have room for a deep socket then usually you will have room for a deep socket with a swivel if needed.

It really depends on what you plan to use them on, but for modern automotive, I wish I had just bought these first. You will probably find you only use chrome, when your swivels won't fit.

could not agree more. once you can afford to get a good set, you'll never go without.