Fast wearing SO impact sockets or MAC impacts?

[spencerdiesel]

Hey there everyone. I apologize if my question has been answered/stated by many people before me, but I tried with use of the search function and didn't really come to a good conclusion.

I am going to be purchasing impact sockets soon with my student discount, I'll be getting 3/8" and 1/2" drive impact swivels, and deep and shallow impacts as well. Most of the tools I've bought with the discount have been SO, but I've gathered that the newer impact sockets are softer than the earlier vintage? It seems that many people seem to like the USA made MAC impacts and they aren't as quick to wear.

Since an impact socket is considered "consumable" by most, I assume I wouldn't be able to warranty a quickly worn out SO impact socket?

Basically, should I go MAC or SO for impact sockets and why. Thanks everyone

 

[Skin]

For basic sockets either are fine. Snap-On deform a bit more quickly at the drive end but they have better roll stamped sizes.

For swivels its really not wear but pin breakages that kill them. Snap-On impact swivels get a bit tall by comparison to other brands starting around 16mm but they also recently came out with super shallow ones that solve this in 3/8 drive (207RIPFM).

For what its worth Williams USA and Proto deep/shallow impacts are identical to Snap-On/MAC counterparts.

 

[Tom.C]

Sunex is also a professional quality product at a beginner cost

 

[spencerdiesel]

Thank ya'll for the replies. How fast do the SO's start wearing out for you guys? Are there any downsides to the MAC sockets being harder?

 

[Tom.C]

Sorry stupid auto correct I meant to say sunex

 

[1950mercury]

The Mac swivels I get today as replacements last a quarter of the time that they used to 10 years ago. I've been replacing my most common used sizes with matco painless.

If you can get 50℅ off everything I'd buy matco pinless swivels and so regular. If you plan on having a tool truck service.

 

[bob15]

Never heard of an impact socket being considered a consumable........

I have Wright and Snap On impact sets that over over 20 years old and have yet to replace any of their respective sockets......not have I seen any wear to warrant a replacement.

 

[Roberts210]

I have a set of 1/2" S-K impact sockets I've had for many years but the 1/2" hole in my 9/16ths has worn down a lot. It's still usable tho.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Stop listening to the rumor mill ******** like that.

SO impact sockets are just fine I just won't spend my money on their normal impacts because Grey Pneumatic/Sunex/Pittsburgh Pro work just fine.

I do buy truck brand impact swivel sockets because the cheap ones have a collar that I find interfere with access. Plus I have had to warranty three Cornwell Blue Power swivel sockets (same as Sunex looks like) due to one having the pin come loose and the others had the collar come off and the pin walk out.

 

[1950mercury]

Never heard of an impact socket being considered a consumable........

I have Wright and Snap On impact sets that over over 20 years old and have yet to replace any of their respective sockets......not have I seen any wear to warrant a replacement.

I hate to disagree with your avatar....but you're wrong.

 

[stage20]

snap on impacts are SOFT. i use them and buy/sell them on the regular and they get more deformed than any brand i deal with.

if you are buying from a tool truck it doesnt matter, it will be warrantied. you need to buy from a truck that will service you and be there on a regular basis. if the mac man shows up once a month, and snap on comes every week, there is your answer.

if you are buying second hand, i would not go with snap on, you might run into warranty issues.

snap on chrome swivels are the best there is.

 

[Greg85mcss]

My 1/2" matco adv set has held up pretty good after 5 years of use. I got a snap on to fill an empty spot and it's definitely softer. I got the deep set from a dealer that was retiring for $75 & the shallows on a Christmas sale for $80 so not very expensive for what they are. My 3/8 are sunex & I have no complaints about them either. Fwiw I do like the snap on finish the best.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bob15]

I hate to disagree with your avatar....but you're wrong.

How can I be wrong if my Wright (or Snappy) impacts haven't failed me?....nor have I ever heard of impact sockets being consumables similar to a screwdriver bit you stick into a drill/driver?

For me, the Wright impacts are a one-time purchase, with no need to be warrantied socket.

 

[md21722]

How can I be wrong if my Wright (or Snappy) impacts haven't failed me?....nor have I ever heard of impact sockets being consumables similar to a screwdriver bit you stick into a drill/driver?

For me, the Wright impacts are a one-time purchase, with no need to be warrantied socket.

You don't use them enough. There are plenty of stories on here where people who use the same sizes all the time wear them out to the point they no longer stay on the impact. I suppose at that point you could use a pinned anvil rather than a hog ring anvil...

 

[stage20]

How can I be wrong if my Wright (or Snappy) impacts haven't failed me?....nor have I ever heard of impact sockets being consumables similar to a screwdriver bit you stick into a drill/driver?

For me, the Wright impacts are a one-time purchase, with no need to be warrantied socket.

are you a full time mechanic?
the wrights probably are a one and done. different metal and they are also thicker. similar to the protos(mac)

 

[md21722]

Sunex impacts work OK, but they are definitely not professional grade. I have never talked to a pro who didn't have a story about breaking them. I've seen Snap On chome sockets break on a hand ratchet but they were also used with air ratchets daily for 30 years. The power tool manuals say specifically to only use power/impact sockets. Haven't heard or seen any stories about Snap On / tool truck brand impacts breaking but others who see more than I do may have experience with that.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I can break them all. I've broke stuff my drivers have never seen break

 

[md21722]

To the OP, just be aware that MAC and Matco both have high grade and lower grade impacts at a lower price. Matco calls the lower grade ADV. I think the lower grade Mac's are called Precision Torque. They will have V or PT in the part number. Snap On is more clear and generally calls them Blue Point. The Snap On's have large numbers that won't wear off. The Matco's have nice bright laser markings but they are not on the drive end and will wear off with use, leaving you with the smaller size markings on drive end.

 

[bob15]

are you a full time mechanic?
the wrights probably are a one and done. different metal and they are also thicker. similar to the protos(mac)

I was for a good many years.

I am just telling the OP my experiences. Other people's mileage might vary, but the Wright's have served me very well.

 

[1950mercury]

How can I be wrong if my Wright (or Snappy) impacts haven't failed me?....nor have I ever heard of impact sockets being consumables similar to a screwdriver bit you stick into a drill/driver?

For me, the Wright impacts are a one-time purchase, with no need to be warrantied socket.

Uh huh

 

[Fedwrench]

Snap on or MAC will serve you well. which is cheaper with your student discount? Do you know if you will have both brands servicing where you'll work after school?

There are many schools of thought about tool life in these pages. Some feel that they should only have to buy a tool once, and that it should never wear out and if it does, it should be replaced under warranty. To me, this is unrealistic and that even great tools wear out and that, tool wear in itself isn't a manufacturing defect. I don't think impact sockets are consumables like razor blades. However, they're designed to absorb hammering instead of simply shattering and they will wear out after a few years of sustained daily use especially on the end of today's more powerful impact wrenches.

I'm ok with replacing common sizes when they're worn too much.

 

[DetroitDIESEL444]

I have snap on, mac, cornwell, proto, craftsman and harbor freight. All used in a pro setting. Wish I would have went sunex/gp/ harbor freight and saved the money early on. As long as the size is stamped, not laser only, you should be good. For what its worth, the cornwell set seems to hold up way better.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I don't know how your student discount compares, but the Sunex 3580 master 3/8" set is good for the money.

It includes shallows, deeps, swivels, torx, e-torx, and extensions for around $178. I've used mine and like it a lot.

 

[Wesley B]

Normally I would suggest sunex, like others already have. But since you have the student discount, I would highly suggest buying all the snap on hand tools you can afford. Snap on tools hold their value like crazy and things like sockets will wear out no matter the brand. It will be a couple years until they do, and most likely your dealer will warranty them out then. Also, 1/2 swivels are rarely used/needed. I wouldn't buy a whole kit of 1/2 swivels unless I had plenty of extra money. Instead of those I'd buy the 3/8 deep swivels or 3/8 mid length sockets.

 

[mbshop]

I used both so and mac impacts. I used them rarely. Most I used was the 17mm deep socket. They all wear. But be carefull when they ard worn as I hsd one split. My fault because it was rather worn. So if you are not gojng to use them much then just about anything will work. Just keep yer hands off the socket.

 

[stage20]

I was for a good many years.

I am just telling the OP my experiences. Other people's mileage might vary, but the Wright's have served me very well.

No qualms on the wrights they are auperior

 

[spencerdiesel]

Thanks for all this info guys, keep it coming. I haven't got a price on the MAC sockets yet because my MAC guy just started and he's in the process of getting my papers.

If in fact I can warranty impacts because of wear then I'll probably go the SO route. I like the brownish color for some odd reason

I'll be buying all the pro tools I possibly can while I got the discount.

How are SO punch/chisels vs MAC? I was really wanting Cornwell punches but sadly the Cornwell student discount seems to only be about 20-30%

 

[md21722]

I have never used MAC punches/chisels but I can tell you that the Snap On ones are top notch. They are always the right length and get the job done versus the stuff you can get at Sears which I have new, because they're almost never the right length or type. I firmly believe this is one reason you pay the truck. They sell you stuff that works and you don't have to spend hours figuring it out. And, when it breaks, they warranty it.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for all this info guys, keep it coming. I haven't got a price on the MAC sockets yet because my MAC guy just started and he's in the process of getting my papers.

If in fact I can warranty impacts because of wear then I'll probably go the SO route. I like the brownish color for some odd reason

I'll be buying all the pro tools I possibly can while I got the discount.

Don't go broke, but get what you can and what you want to try out with the student discount. I paid some bills while in school buying, trying and reselling tools through my SEP and Matco discount (didn't have a MAC dealer to work with).

Sign up for the Matco TechEd as well, they offer 50% on everything through the site, and free shipping.
http://www.matcotools.com/tech-ed/

Sears and NAPA also offer student discounts, as well as Amazon Prime Student ($50 a year with an .edu email address).

Here's a thread I've been working on for a couple of years to help save folks some funds:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851

Speaking to your original question, I absolutely LOVE MAC sockets (chrome and impact), but can't justify the cost of new, and even the cost of full sets used. Love the stepped down drive ends, and how solid but thin walled the misc impacts I've owned have been. I bought a new Snap-on impact to replace a Gearwrench I lost, and it visibly deformed on both ends in a week of use as the any of the Gearwrench impacts had over a period of years. It still works fine though, just softer material I guess.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Sunex impacts work OK, but they are definitely not professional grade. I have never talked to a pro who didn't have a story about breaking them. I've seen Snap On chome sockets break on a hand ratchet but they were also used with air ratchets daily for 30 years. The power tool manuals say specifically to only use power/impact sockets. Haven't heard or seen any stories about Snap On / tool truck brand impacts breaking but others who see more than I do may have experience with that.

Odd, I've broken a half dozen snap on 8mm semi-deep sockets, in the last few years. Probably less than 5 actually. Always with hand tools, I'm not sure if I've ever put a 3/8 drive 8mm on an air ratchet.

Odd too, my sunex impacts hold up great. The 1/2 drive universals aren't quite up to snuff compared to snap on or matco/GW/CM pinless, mainly because they end up locked and deformed. 3/8 guns don't seem to put out the same punishing torque to do so. I consider sunex the beginning and end of impact discussions (regular deep/shallow)

I can break them all. I've broke stuff my drivers have never seen break

Yup. I blew up the head on a 3/8 drive SK round head. Literally shattered into 2 pieces, one of which landed about 20ft away in the parking lot. Too much pull for a 3/8 drive I suppose, but no pipes/cheaters were involved.

It failed on the 4th bolt of 4, and did break it free a bit. It did well.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Speaking to your original question, I absolutely LOVE MAC sockets (chrome and impact), but can't justify the cost of new, and even the cost of full sets used. Love the stepped down drive ends, and how solid but thin walled the misc impacts I've owned have been. I bought a new Snap-on impact to replace a Gearwrench I lost, and it visibly deformed on both ends in a week of use as the any of the Gearwrench impacts had over a period of years. It still works fine though, just softer material I guess.

Comparing snap on/matco/mac/cornwell impacts, to my sunex, the truck stuff ALL deforms faster. That said, they (truck brands) seem to reach an equilibrium point, where they no longer deform. They look ratty and loose, but they still can grab, it's the drive end that gets all loose and worthless


The sunex usually end up with micro-cracks at the fastener end. Drive ends don't get at loose though, which is nice.


If you use any tool ALL day, every day, it's a consumable. Hell, I wear out my snap-on chrome sockets. They get loose open ends. Everything will eventually.

 

[spencerdiesel]

I'll probably be going with a matco-rebranded IR 2235 for my 1/2" gun. I've got the matco 2220 for the 3/8" gun and love it.

I imagine the 2235 will put whatever impact sockets I get to the test

 

[md21722]

I'll probably be going with a matco-rebranded IR 2235 for my 1/2" gun. I've got the matco 2220 for the 3/8" gun and love it.

I imagine the 2235 will put whatever impact sockets I get to the test

Probably so. The reason I like my Snap On impacts is that I can flick from forward to reverse relatively easily with the impact still in my hand. I tried that with an IR and needed two hands to do flick from forward to reverse. I minute detail to be sure, but that's where Snap On wins, in ergonomics. When you're already holding an assembly together needing one less hand is a big win, at least for me.

 

[md21722]

Odd too, my sunex impacts hold up great. The 1/2 drive universals aren't quite up to snuff compared to snap on or matco/GW/CM pinless, mainly because they end up locked and deformed. 3/8 guns don't seem to put out the same punishing torque to do so. I consider sunex the beginning and end of impact discussions (regular deep/shallow)

Kinds of interesting. I've accidentally left Snap On sockets on distributors, and when I couldn't find them I went looking in the engine bay and they were still attached to the bolt after a 20 mile interstate/residential w speed bumps/tiles ride back... They were hot to the touch I have used Sunex and they don't fit nearly as well as the the Snappy's. Whether or not that's important is up to the individual.

 

[Skin]

I'll probably be going with a matco-rebranded IR 2235 for my 1/2" gun. I've got the matco 2220 for the 3/8" gun and love it.

I imagine the 2235 will put whatever impact sockets I get to the test

Matco doesn't rebrand the 2235, they seem to of cut ties with IR a few years ago for future releases. MT2220 and MT2769 are made specifically for Matco by PTP as are many of their other air and cordless tools. Been that way since around 2013. The housings of the PTP impacts feel a bit cheap compared to IR stuff but solid impact wrenches non the less.

Probably so. The reason I like my Snap On impacts is that I can flick from forward to reverse relatively easily with the impact still in my hand. I tried that with an IR and needed two hands to do flick from forward to reverse. I minute detail to be sure, but that's where Snap On wins, in ergonomics. When you're already holding an assembly together needing one less hand is a big win, at least for me.

Guessing you haven't used an IR impact in a long time. They switched to two buttons over 15 years ago, all you need is the thumb of whichever hand your holding it with.

 

[spencerdiesel]

So how does a mt2769 compare to the IR?

 

[md21722]

Guessing you haven't used an IR impact in a long time. They switched to two buttons over 15 years ago, all you need is the thumb of whichever hand your holding it with.

I've tried the new IR models, I still prefer the Snap On design. To each his own.

 

[Skin]

So how does a mt2769 compare to the IR?

Very comparable. Like I said the IR feels a bit more solid in the hand but performance is almost identical. The Matco also has a customizable muffler with removal of the snap ring. IR is either blow out your eardrums or pay extra for the dedicated quiet model.

 

[spencerdiesel]

Have the mg725's changes any in the past few years?

 

[gdocktor3]

Have the mg725's changes any in the past few years?

If you're asking because you're thinking about buying one, don't. Buy an IR, Aircat, or even an Earthquake from HF. I have an MG and it has never impressed me. Haven't touched it in a loong time.