Chrome VS Impact sockets

[IMStuner]

I stop buying chrome sockets because I didn't see the advantage of them anymore. A lot of member seem to think you need them in tight spaces and they are thinner. On rare occasion that is true. It's like 2% of the time. I went out into the garage and measure up 2 17mm sockets and didn't see much difference.

Both in 17mm 3/8 drive

Snap-On Chrome FSM171

Wide 22.80mm Long 27.90

Sunex Impact 317M

Wide 23.85mm

Long 30.24mm

I think impact sockets are the best bang for the buck and they are a lot stronger plus you can use them with a impact gun or not. Most of my impact are Snap-On and Sunex. How do you guys feel about just purchasing impact sockets only?

 

[bcradio]

I would say much less than 2% of the time Chrome sockets are needed for the extra clearance. Probably like 0.05% of the time you might need them which is Almost Never.

 

[packet]

Impact sockets aren't really stronger, they're just more ductile to handle the impact wrench. Chrome are actually harder.

That said, yeah impact can be used 99% of the time. I like to use chrome more simply because the finish is nicer to handle and my chrome sockets have knurling on them which makes them a bit easier to use.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have both kinds, I guess I am just old fashioned, use them as they are intended to be used for.

 

[jumbojak]

I've found that chrome sockets are less likely to fall off the ratchet. I tend to miss the hole in impacts. That's not such a big deal but it does get annoying.

 

[Farmall450]

I have both kinds, I guess I am just old fashioned, use them as they are intended to be used for.

Yeah, same. But if I were on a tight budget I agree OP - I'd only get impacts until I could shell out the dough for chrome.

 

[Mr_B]

I certainly wouldn't want use impact sockets all day long on ratchets etc .
If wanting dual purpose then duo sockets best match for the task .

 

[stercorarius]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364250

 

[IMStuner]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364250

I guess when you work on really nice finished hardware and you don’t want to mar them up. I use to have a plastic lined socket set but I lost them.


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[Fedwrench]

Considering that time is money in the flat rate world so, most of the time your sockets are going to be attached to a power tool of some type, impact works for me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have had a full set of Craftsman 3/8" chrome sockets for years (standard, tall, SAE and metric). I got a Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" impact for last Christmas so I "treated" myself to a full set of Sunex 3/8" impacts.

 

[Jtels85]

Not to hijack your thread, but I’ve always wondered why most tool companies that sell socket sets have more sizes in chrome than impact?

For example, a tool company will sell a set of 3/8” drive metric chrome sockets, 6-19 mm, but only sell 10-19 mm in impact and skip 11 or 16mm. Impact sets always seem to have fewer sockets.

As for your original question... I see your point regarding impacts doing 98% of the jobs. For me, it’s more relaxing to turn a ratchet than zip them off with an impact. Of course, I don’t make my money using tools so there’s no real benefit of doing one rather than the other.

My first set of impacts were a Christmas gift. Craftsman 1/2” drive deeps (Made In PRC) which have served me well. I was considering getting the 1/2” shallows and all of the 3/8” drive impacts through Craftsman... but I seen the Carlyle impacts and even the DeWalts have caught my attention.

 

[IMStuner]

Not to hijack your thread, but I’ve always wondered why most tool companies that sell socket sets have more sizes in chrome than impact?

For example, a tool company will sell a set of 3/8” drive metric chrome sockets, 6-19 mm, but only sell 10-19 mm in impact and skip 11 or 16mm. Impact sets always seem to have fewer sockets.

As for your original question... I see your point regarding impacts doing 98% of the jobs. For me, it’s more relaxing to turn a ratchet than zip them off with an impact. Of course, I don’t make my money using tools so there’s no real benefit of doing one rather than the other.

My first set of impacts were a Christmas gift. Craftsman 1/2” drive deeps (Made In PRC) which have served me well. I was considering getting the 1/2” shallows and all of the 3/8” drive impacts through Craftsman... but I seen the Carlyle impacts and even the DeWalts have caught my attention.

Look at the Sunex and Greys impact sockets. That have a complete set at a very reasonable price. I really haven’t seen any sets that would skip 11.


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[ssdave]

I stopped using impact sockets when I could afford chrome, and because I hated the extra weight, harder to clean up, and rusting tendencies of the impacts. I use impacts only on an impact now, or occasionally when I think I need extra strength provided by the heavier design. I also use 12 point in preference to 6 point unless I really need the 6 point strength.

Boils down to preference. Or finances.

If you can only afford one set of sockets, 6 point impact will get almost everything done, and are the least expensive option.

 

[Jtels85]

Look at the Sunex and Greys impact sockets. That have a complete set at a very reasonable price. I really haven’t seen any sets that would skip 11.


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Thanks! I’ve read good things about both brands on here. Do you know of any retailers who carry them or is online the best bet?

 

[IMStuner]

I stopped using impact sockets when I could afford chrome, and because I hated the extra weight, harder to clean up, and rusting tendencies of the impacts. I use impacts only on an impact now, or occasionally when I think I need extra strength provided by the heavier design. I also use 12 point in preference to 6 point unless I really need the 6 point strength.

Boils down to preference. Or finances.

If you can only afford one set of sockets, 6 point impact will get almost everything done, and are the least expensive option.

I sold all my 12 points since most of the bolts/nuts here in MA are rusty. You are correct about the clean up part.


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[IMStuner]

I order all my sets from Amazon since I have prime. You can find some cheaper online dealers but they charge for shipping and it comes out being the same with amazon. If you buy over $100 you can get free shipping from a lot of online dealers and the pricing would be better.


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[fordnut85]

As a full time tech I use impacts 99.9% of the time I have keep my 3/8 and 1/2 chrome sockets in a bottom drawer and they only come out once every couple a months when space is a real concern. If I had to start over I would probly get the grey pneumatic duo sockets.

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[Empty Pockets]

I have both kinds, I guess I am just old fashioned, use them as they are intended to be used for.

^^^^^ What he said. Using a tool as intended extends it's life and in the end is safer for the user.

 

[Snakebyt]

the only chrome sockets i have in my work toolbox are 1/4, everything else is impact

 

[kythri]

Thanks! I’ve read good things about both brands on here. Do you know of any retailers who carry them or is online the best bet?

Amazon for Sunex is usually the best deal.

If you care about the warranty, then avoid Amazon for Grey Pneumatic. While Amazon is an authorized dealer for Sunex, Grey Pneumatic is very adamant that they will not warranty their sockets if you don't buy from an authorized dealer, and Amazon is not one of them. Grey Pneumatic does not offer warranty service directly, it's only via those authorized dealers.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I am with you, I have chrome 3/8 set that only sees the ratchet. While all my 1/2 is impact. I figure if dealing in 1/2 drive clearance is usually adequate.

 

[IMStuner]

Thanks! I’ve read good things about both brands on here. Do you know of any retailers who carry them or is online the best bet?

I order theis set recenetly and figured you might be interested.

Sunex 3351 3/8-Inch Drive Metric Impact Socket Set, Metric, Shallow/Deep, Universal Joint, 6-Point, Cr-Mo, 7mm - 22mm, 51-Piece

$114.99 shipped and sold from Amazon.

 

[Jtels85]

I order theis set recenetly and figured you might be interested.

Sunex 3351 3/8-Inch Drive Metric Impact Socket Set, Metric, Shallow/Deep, Universal Joint, 6-Point, Cr-Mo, 7mm - 22mm, 51-Piece

$114.99 shipped and sold from Amazon.

Holy cow!! They even put wobble impacts in with the set. At that price, that’s a steal! I went from “meh” to very interested. So how would you rate the quality of these compared to other brands you may have owned or used?

 

[Jtels85]

Amazon for Sunex is usually the best deal.

If you care about the warranty, then avoid Amazon for Grey Pneumatic. While Amazon is an authorized dealer for Sunex, Grey Pneumatic is very adamant that they will not warranty their sockets if you don't buy from an authorized dealer, and Amazon is not one of them. Grey Pneumatic does not offer warranty service directly, it's only via those authorized dealers.

Thank you for the info! Sunex looks like an amazing deal for what you’re getting for the price. I like the fact that it comes in a blow mold storage case with wobbles. I don’t think Harbor Freight can beat that.

I need 142,149 more steps and I’ll have (2) $25 Amazon gift cards through work. 1 point for every 1,000 steps we take on a daily basis. I usually average 25-40k depending on the day. It looks like I’m putting them towards the 51 piece Sunex set.

 

[rmsg0040]

Most of my sockets at home are impact, never had a clearance issue. On the other hand my toolbag at work has 10 chrome sockets which do get used with an impact driver at times, oh no!

 

[lilscorpion]

Holy cow!! They even put wobble impacts in with the set. At that price, that’s a steal! I went from “meh” to very interested. So how would you rate the quality of these compared to other brands you may have owned or used?

Though not necessarily aimed at me, here’s my .02...

I’ve had a variety of tools and a variety of brands. The Sunex impacts are good stuff. I️’be been so impressed that as I’ve expanded or replaced, Ive done so with Sunex. To level set, I’m not a pro wrench so they’re not getting daily (hourly) use bit I️ do wrench every weekend on machines and/or projects so they do get a fair amount of use. The few SO impact sockets I️ have rarely get used now but that’s another Oprah. I’m sure I️ have a couple grand in Sunex and I’ve yet to regret a purchase.

Ironically I️ have not yet tried any of their other stuff.


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[Ji m]

I order theis set recenetly and figured you might be interested.

Sunex 3351 3/8-Inch Drive Metric Impact Socket Set, Metric, Shallow/Deep, Universal Joint, 6-Point, Cr-Mo, 7mm - 22mm, 51-Piece

$114.99 shipped and sold from Amazon.

Nice that it has the swivels & goes to 22mm
Amazon lists it as out of stock right now

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JO1BO1K/?tag=atomicindus08-20



But Summit says it will be in stock Monday 12/18 for $108 free shipping:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sxt-3351

 

[Ji m]

^I would buy if I didn't just order Gearwrench for 1/2 the price (w/ no swivels & only goes to 21mm in deep sockets)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UM688Z6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'd say for $108 or $115, Sunex is the better deal
(tho the GW comes with SAE's too)

 

[jsaw]

the only chrome sockets i have in my work toolbox are 1/4, everything else is impact

Same here

 

[hangfirew8]

If someone wants to avoid paying for a new quality 1/2 chrome set, and can get by with impacts, I have no problem with that. Big tools can cost big money, at least at retail. If your work is limited to maintenance- oil changes, tire rotations, sure.

If I didn't already have 1/2" set, sooner or later I'd come across a good deal at a yard sale or flea market. They really don't take up that much room in a box, and sooner or later I'll need it. Suspension work is expensive at the shop and cheap at home. No way I'd deny myself a tool that might save the day... but I could wait for a good deal, too.

 

[kblee27]

I thought I like impact sockets. Bought quite a few.
Then I realized my work is mostly with small sockets.
Switched back to chrome bcuz they were lighter to carry around in a toolbag.
Even then, I've never broken any chrome socket with an impact wrench.

But then, they were just small sockets.
What's the point of impact for small sockets ?

 

[MN_Runner]

If you are a non-professional and DIYer without an impact gun like myself then chrome sockets are the way to go. I have a few inherited impact sockets but would not buy any given my usage.