Buying used impact sockets

[va aviator]

Never owned an impact, so I've never owned impact sockets. However I plan to change this, at first with a cordless impact.

Even then my use will be pretty limited so I'd like to save as much as possible. Is buying them used sight unseen (well, other than pictures, like here or ebay) a big risk? I know they get worn compared to chrome sockets, I just don't have any experience with my own to know their lifespan.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

Just get a cheap set from autozone or HF. They seem to hold up pretty well.

 

[va aviator]

I've read some not so good things about the harbor freight ones. i don't know about the auto zone, do they have the larger sizes?

If i was going to buy new, this would be my first choice given the size of the collection.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRB5W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kartracer55]

You're probably only going to find people selling truck brand (read PRICE) impact sockets on here, for the used price, you can go out and buy new SK. To save even more, you can go get sunex or GP sockets new.

Or you can order HF/Northern generic imports and save even more.

 

[Skin]

I've read some not so good things about the harbor freight ones. i don't know about the auto zone, do they have the larger sizes?

If i was going to buy new, this would be my first choice given the size of the collection.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRB5W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Older HF wasnt too great but would of been fine for someone like yourself, especially where you'll be using a cordless impact which are weaker than pneumatics. Since HF overhauled their impacts are on par with GP/Sunex. Someone like yourself shouldnt be worried about wearing or breaking impacts. I use mine a lot and they really show little wear beyond the coating.

 

[woody 73]

Pick up a set of the chrome Moly impact sockets from HF; use the heck out of them and never look back, if they break which has never happened in all these years then take it back for a new one.

 

[rmsg0040]

If you use is going to being "very limited", I would agree buy a cheap set at Harbor F, lower price and lifetime warranty.

 

[jhn9840]

This isn't a bad set to get you started.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915881000P?mv=rr

jhn9840
John

 

[bobcatdan]

For impact sockets, for the price sunnex is the way to go. I'm not one to push imports, but 1 bought 3/8" and 1/2" sets for home and ended up taking them to work for in the service truck. Three years of using them, have not broke or worn out a single socket. I like sunnex because of the range of their sets. I have heard good things about gp, but don't any. SK or Allen would be the best price USA made impacts.

 

[tkonetzke]

I use HF impact sockets professionally. No problems in 2+ years, even with my mg725 behind them for the last 7-8 months. Pretty hard to mess up impact sockets, especially higher end ones. Would take some serious abuse, which would likely be evident in pics.

 

[Rickster]

Is buying them used sight unseen (well, other than pictures, like here or ebay) a big risk? I know they get worn compared to chrome sockets, I just don't have any experience with my own to know their lifespan.

A good idea is to ask for a pic of the drive end. If you see a lot of hammered edges chances are they've seen a lot of use. Although some manf's have their edges a bit rounded to help with on/off look for the hammered build-up on the edges. Here's a pic that kind of shows it.

 

[Danglerb]

HF are cheap and lifetime, dunno where you saw bad reviews.

Also depends on which cordless you are using, but most are a bit limited on power, which means its IMPORTANT the sockets fit tight on the anvil to transfer all of the impact.

I would not buy used without looking them over. Could be almost new, could be some tire busters worn out junk.

 

[va aviator]

I've always heard that HF sockets were good, but when i went to verify that i searched "harbor freight impact socket reviews" and bought up about a 50/50 mix of good and bad.

FWIW, I'm going to start with an electric, but I'm also on the hunt for a compressor, which I'll probably buy used, reconditioned, or otherwise on sale, so it could be a month, could be a year...

 

[Skin]

Just keep in mind with any reviews on HF hand tools that they completely overhauled their line during late 2011 and most everything improved. In some cases substantially. Point is what may of been the case years ago may not be anymore.

 

[trboxman]

Just keep in mind with any reviews on HF hand tools that they completely overhauled their line during late 2011 and most everything improved. In some cases substantially. Point is what may of been the case years ago may not be anymore.

Add to that the reviews by folks who trashed them just because it was made in China....