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Yes, but the impact socket is typically bigger, fatter. This can pose a clearance problem in some cases. In tight areas the thinner the wall of the socket the better, the less bulk the better, and that is where chrome has the advantage.
Yes, that is a "specialty" use on a case by case basis. Didn't say don't own them, but they are definitely not priority.
Outlander, come to the shop with the chrome and see where it gets you. Do I install oil pans with impact [sockets] I certainly do. Lightly ran down with either subcompact 1/4" impactor, hand ratchet, or air ratchet. Don't worry, none produce enough torque to be "tight". Then torque by hand as needed. Oil pan bolts for me are 16mm, cushioned with rubber grommets, and tap into clean iron blocks. Not a hyundai.
Now the kicker? I can go ahead and use that same socket on an impact to back out a starter bolt, pto bolts or numerous other things.
Like I said, occasionally it absolutely won't fit. You definitely don't need some mega300pc sears set to cover those select few cases though.
Guess what? I even included 12pt impact sockets, especially on driveshaft bolts. No, I am not installing them with an impact, but those small 1/2" bolts are torqued to 125ft-lbs and often have red locktite backing them up. Go ahead and use chrome. A lot of guys do (since 12pt impact are somewhat less common) After it splits with hand force on a 24" breaker, they come asking for mine. Never fails. I have no qualms in lending it, and I also have no qualms telling them it was only $6 and saves me the downtime of waiting to warranty, simply because I have less (practically no) warranty claims related to sockets.
this is the diesel world, leave the chrome at home (for the most part). What works on a toyota doesn't necessarily work on a catC15/freightliner with DD15 or something else of the sort.
there are a lot of small "appearing" fasteners which are really high torque/high tensile fasteners. You look at a bolt and say "oh that's easy, 3/8 ratchet no problem" Guess again! Next thing you know, you are using torches, presses, hydraulics, a forklift, or god knows what else.
Example, I learned a trick from crewchief when dealing with hydraulic fittings. Everywhere I have been, they always leak and or are already pretty loose. So when I grab a 1-1/4 and think I will give it a quick yank and it will be free, I was surprised when it didn't happen. Next thing I know, I am fighting with a 24" breaker and a crowfoot to no avail. Then wailing on a wrench with my "small" every day go-to hammer which is 64oz. Nothing. While impact sockets had nothing to do with that fitting, they sure had everything to do with the mounts and adapter fittings afterward.
i stopped breaking chrome sockets (by hand) about the time I stopped using them. It was never a regular occurring issue, but always in the worst possible time.
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wrenches are still chrome unless you want to get industrial finished and loose them in dark places.
