Cr-V vs Cr-Mo for impact sockets?

[809]

I thought impact sockets should ideally be made from Cr-Mo because it's a softer steel. But, companies like Tekton make their impact sockets from Cr-V. Are these not as good?

 

[Madjik Man]

Chrome Vanadium Impact Sockets? (specifically Tekton's)

Sorry, I tried searching but didn't see anything relevant... I'm a DIYer and big Tekton fan because they typically find that balance of quality and pricing for me. Plus the customer service is impeccable. That said I already own the old version of Tekton's 1/2" shallow and deep drive impacts...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[dutchgray]

Doesn't really matter, good impact sockets in either material are fine.
Cr-Mo is generally softer so they will probably wear out faster
Cr-V is generally harder but more likely to crack during use.

All impact sockets are a consumable item if used enough.

 

[Zewnten]

Seriously?! There was a thread about this less than a week ago, use the search function or site:garagejournal.com plus whatever you're looking for, if you don't like the site search function. In fact it popped up under this thread it's from Tueday which means it came up as a thread suggestion before you made this stupid post and you ignored it.

 

[Mr_B]

Can't vouch for Tekton directly as don't own and have not used any of them but I use a lot of Taiwan coo Japan Style impact sockets (Same external design as Koken slim range) and extensions all crv and they been A1, holding out better or no worse than any crmo even compared to top dollar truck brands .
Most variation likely all down to heat treatment hardness level and how well they keep that optimum throughout manufacturing rather than if crv or crmo, exact quality/grade of the crv or crmo also highly relevant.
Lot of the silly cheap sets out of china are construction grade steel alloy even if stated otherwise .

 

[lardy1]

Yes. It's not just a matter of CRV versus CRM. There are all sorts of grades, formulas and processes (can you tell I'm not a metallurgist or engineer?) that go into the production. Either could be better or worse than the other depending on many factors.

 

[M635_Guy]

The explanation of the metallurgy makes perfect sense to me. Impact sockets seem like one of the more figured-out area of tools - harder to make a mistake than with many areas.

 

[visionguru]

I thought impact sockets should ideally be made from Cr-Mo because it's a softer steel. But, companies like Tekton make their impact sockets from Cr-V. Are these not as good?

Hint: Cr-Mo is used in all professional grade impact sockets, there must be a good excuse that has been agreed on for decades.
Even Harbor Freight, the Pittsburg "Pro" uses CR-Mo, Pittsburg "non-pro" uses CR-V. CR-V is cheaper.

I do think Cr-V should be ok for smaller sizes (lower impact), but Tekton's use of CR-V clearly identifies itself.

 

[Madjik Man]

but Tekton's use of CR-V clearly identifies itself.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by this?

 

[Ton ton]

Tekton impact sockets tend to crack a bit quicker than some of the other brands. Just my worthless 2 cents of observation. We also use harbor freight's Pittsburgh brand impact sockets with zero breakage thus far. Just speaking from a diy point of view. I'm sure professional mechanics would view this differently. I also like Carlyle brand of impact sockets. The thing that drives me nuts about Pittsburgh the size markings wear off quickly. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[dchawk81]

I wasn't paying attention when I bought my axle nut impact socket set and it's a cheaper "Powerbuilt" set. Cr-V. You can hear the brittleness with every slap of the nut compared to moly.

Wear a cup.