Breaker bar + pipe + (chrome or impact) socket

[bw77]

I have only used chrome sockets, do not have an impact wrench, so
this is my question:

Let's say I am trying to remove a very tight bolt, without an impact wrench.
I've got a 4 ft pipe on a 1/2" breaker bar, with a long extension, 3/4" socket.

If the impact socket fits, will it take more torque and be less likely to
break than a chrome socket from the same manufacturer?

 

[mrpizza]

The chrome socket will go before the impact socket will IME. Probably the extension, too.

 

[scylla]

I'm only half awake and this may be some kind of odd brain teaser, but I'll take the bait.

I would say the impact socket is stronger because the metal it is made from and it's generally thicker sidewalls.

Then again, you could be having a brain fart on the job right now and actually trying to remove a stuck bolt. In that case I would say, apply some heat to the job or borrow an impact wrench.

 

[DTB]

Only sockets I've ever broke with a cheater bar were chrome,but if you use the impact socket,and something has to give,if it isn't the bolt or the socket,It will be the breaker bar,and probably end up badly..

 

[scylla]

Only sockets I've ever broke with a cheater bar were chrome,but if you use the impact socket,and something has to give,if it isn't the bolt or the socket,It will be the breaker bar,and probably end up badly..

Now YOU have opened a new can of worms. Not only does the OP have to figure out the relative strength differences between the two sockets, but now, thanks to you, he has to factor in the breaker bar AND bolt!

Where's my coffee....... !

 

[DTB]

Just speaking from experience.Had to use a 3/4 drive socket with a 1/2" adapter and a breaker bar and cheater pipe on the nut for a disc gang.First time the socket cracked,the next time the drive on the breaker bar went.Luckily,being in the open working on the outside of the implement,there wasn't much to fall in to except the dirt

But it is all based on what we are trying to break free.If it is just a 3/4 inch socket,I can't imagine we are talking that much torque anyway,atleast enough to crack a decent socket.But if you're scared,use a impact socket.

 

[Wakefield]

Or a 3/4" drive breaker bar and 3/4" drive impact socket. Or a 1" drive--!!

 

[Robbie UK]

I've always presumed that impact sockets can take more torque but I have no evidence that this is so as my elbow calibration is not reliable enough.

What I can say with certainty (and much personal experience) is that impact sockets fail in a much more controllable and pleasant way than chrome sockets. I've had chrome sockets spit bits off the side or even big chunks when they fail but not with impact sockets.

The thing I never do is use a cheater bar. I do have some pretty long breaker bars but they are designed for the job and the replaceable black knuckle at the end is designed to fail in a predictable way should I go a little postal on the errant fastener.

So the British way is:

- Impact socket
- Proper breaker bar
- No chrome
- No cheater
- Plan your landing/fall should something fail and you go ****-up (as there is nothing worse than impaling yourself on another favourite tool when your socket breaks!)

 

[ptschram]

Just this morning, I blew a universal socket into bits. I'll post pics later.

It was chrome.

I've never had a Snap-On impact socket explode like this one did. I rounded one once, but broken-not yet.

 

[Danglerb]

First try some decent penetrating oil and maybe some heat. Kroil, PBblaster, even Liquid Wrench and let it soak.

Otherwise the next question you will have is how do I remove this broken bolt.

 

[sdguy55]

Heres a dumb one for ya. Snap on sells a 1" t-handle breaker bar...its shorter than the 3/4 one. When asked about the snap-on guy shrugs and says 'they must assume your gonna use a cheater pipe anyways' said he would warranty it under any circumstance. Couldnt believe it.

 

[scylla]

First try some decent penetrating oil and maybe some heat. Kroil, PBblaster, even Liquid Wrench and let it soak.

Otherwise the next question you will have is how do I remove this broken bolt.

Not to take it too far off topic, but.. I can assume by your phrase "even Liquid Wrench" that you consider Liquid Wrench to be somehow inferior to PB Blaster.


http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1433151

 

[SINISTER]

Depending on the size socket either way, the bolt or head of the bar where the socket snaps in, or if you have an extension on is likely to break before the actual socket. That is if you socket is of decent quality not some HF ****.