do i need impact sockets?

[young_buck]

I am looking at buying a 1/4 and 3/8 drive air ratchet but want to know if I need to use impacts sockets with them as I don't really have room in my toolbox to put another set of sockets.

So do I NEED them?

Thanks in advance

 

[gsmornot]

Not with an air ratchet. Impact sockets are meant for impact tools. (impact gun)

 

[young_buck]

Not with an air ratchet. Impact sockets are meant for impact tools. (impact gun)

Thats what I had thought but wanted to be sure before I made the purchase, I thought you needed them for any pneumatic tools

Thanks

 

[Rezeppa]

The tools say to use only with impact socket but in my experience I believe that is only for legal reasons. I have Never seen an air ratchet break a quality chrome socket. The other techs where I work use them all the time I have an pretty good assortment of impact sockets so I just use them (except with 1/4"). I would say your good to go.

 

[toolstools]

I wouldn't waste my time

 

[joedodge]

Nah just use chromes it'll be fine. No reason to waste money and clog ur box up with doubles of stuff that's why a lot of guys have huge boxes doubles and dumb plastic trays and such . I prefer metric 3/8 drive mid length impacts they cover about all jobs

 

[CWP1616L]

You don't need impact sockets for use with an air ratchet. You only need them when using an impact wrench (AKA impact gun).

 

[billymade]

Get the right tool for the job; a high end air ratchet will enlarge the drive end, cause the chrome to peel, cut you and prematurely wear out, eventually crack the chrome socket. Check out some Williams, Grey Pneumatic, Sunex or other imports for affordable sets. While the ratchets may not "impact" the force they exert when loosening and tightening fasteners will shock, deform the metal. There is a reason; that impact sockets are included with air ratchet sets, such as those from ingersoll rand. Remember just because "everybody does it"; does not mean it is the correct tool for the job.

There is a reason that chrome sockets are not included in the sets: google search "107XPAK"

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.co...-of-using-impact-sockets-with-impact-wrenches

 

[I van putski]

Get the right tool for the job; a high end air ratchet will enlarge the drive end, cause the chrome to peel, cut you and prematurely wear out, eventually crack the chrome socket. Check out some Williams, Grey Pneumatic, Sunex or other imports for affordable sets. While the ratchets may not "impact" the force they exert when loosening and tightening fasteners will shock, deform the metal. There is a reason; that impact sockets are included with air ratchet sets, such as those from ingersoll rand. Remember just because "everybody does it"; does not mean it is the correct tool for the job.

There is a reason that chrome sockets are not included in the sets: google search "107XPAK"

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.co...-of-using-impact-sockets-with-impact-wrenches

Sound advice right here. I'd recommend a 3/8 impact gun over an air ratchet too. Hello busted knuckles.

 

[young_buck]

I may get a 3/8 impact, in which case I will buy a full set of impacts (3/8" drive metric and SAE regular and deep)

 

[NathanC]

if it's an impacting air ratchet than you will need impact sockets if not than no chrome will be fine. its the hammering effect that makes the chrome peal and sockets to crack and explode, an air ratchet is no different than a hand ratchet just quicker!

 

[shurik06_83]

if you turn wrenches for a living or starting in the field then the first thing you should have is a good impact gun and a set of impact sockets .
impact sockets don't have to be snap on or mac
if you buy a set of craftsman impacts they will look and feel similar to matco but 1/4 of the price

if you buy a set of Stanly impacts they will look and feel like mac
1/4 of the price as well

I started with a set of craftsman sockets and they been going 5 yrs+ i have some snappy impacts but those I either found inside the engine bay while working or replacements for my missing c-man

i have a set of deep stanly impacts and they have been going strong for 5+yrs as well and one guy i work with has a matching mac set I paid 60$ for my set he let go around 200$


as for air ratchet no point to buy impact as u can never get as much torque with air as you can by hand so i cant see it ever snapping

unless u go out and get a hammer head IR then u need a set of impacts for it

 

[NHBandit]

billymade is right of course.. but... in case you can't afford both right now, Do you already own sets of sockets ? If not and money is tight I would say get impact sockets instead of chrome. They are good for everything and you can always get some chrome sets later. If you have chrome already and want to save a few bucks I wouldn't buy the impacts if they are only going to be used with an air ratchet occasionally. Upgrade later to better quality stuff, impact as well as regular duty.

 

[young_buck]

billymade is right of course.. but... in case you can't afford both right now, Do you already own sets of sockets ? If not and money is tight I would say get impact sockets instead of chrome. They are good for everything and you can always get some chrome sets later. If you have chrome already and want to save a few bucks I wouldn't buy the impacts if they are only going to be used with an air ratchet occasionally. Upgrade later to better quality stuff, impact as well as regular duty.

I have a set of deep and standard, metric and SAE 3/8" and 1/4" drive sockets in chrome, had 'em for about 3 years now, and a set of 1/2" drive standard and deep metric and SAE impact sockets. It's not that money is tight it is that there are many other tools I would like to purchase to make my job easier. I appreciate the thorough answer