3/8" vs. 1/2" Impact question

[K5blazer83]

I have both guns...a 3/8" and a 1/2" drive impact wrench but I only have 1/2" impact sockets.
How econmical or practical is it to just keep using the 1/2" impacts and use an impact adapter from 1/2" to 3/8" in order to keep from buying a whole set of SAE and metric 3/8" impacts and still use my 3/8 impact??

 

[wreckercologist]

Every once in a while you might find a job where the thickness of a 1/2" is too great or the height is too tall. That's when it's nice to have the 3/8" stuff. Also lighter and easier to get into places over the 1/2" sometimes.

If the 1/2" stuff works for you, maybe just continue to use it? Personally, I love using a 3/8" drive impact just for the size and weight savings.......

I picked up two sets of Cornwell 3/8" drive impact sockets in shallow and deep on ebay for roughly $45 each. Might be an option too.

 

[Black89LX]

It works fine, I'm the exact opposite though... I've got 3/8" sockets, no point in spending the money on a set of impacts in the same sizes just so I can put them on my 1/2" impact without an adaptor... If you want a set of 3/8, look for used

 

[_CY_]

got both 3/8 and 1/2 impacts sockets in Snap-on, but almost never use the 3/8 impact set. it's the 3/8 or 1/4 chrome set that get used.

for torque levels seen by 3/8 or 1/4 in sockets. for the rare times 3/8 impact drivers are used, it's fine to use chrome sockets.

vs 1/2 in impact sockets which are used all the time.

 

[briggsguy17]

got both 3/8 and 1/2 impacts sockets in Snap-on, but almost never use the 3/8 impact set. it's the 3/8 or 1/4 chrome set that get used.

for torque levels seen by 3/8 or 1/4 in sockets. for the rare times 3/8 impact drivers are used, it's fine to use chrome sockets.

vs 1/2 in impact sockets which are used all the time.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Every once in a while you might find a job where the thickness of a 1/2" is too great or the height is too tall. That's when it's nice to have the 3/8" stuff. Also lighter and easier to get into places over the 1/2" sometimes.

If the 1/2" stuff works for you, maybe just continue to use it? Personally, I love using a 3/8" drive impact just for the size and weight savings....

this is my thought too. the 1/2'' stuff handles the tourqe of the 1/2''gun, but can't always fit in the tight spots. for this i keep a set of taiwan 3/8'' impacts to use on either the 3/8'' or 1/2''. the size and weight savings of the 3/8'' gun makes it nicer to use too.