GearWrench Impact Sockets

[detn8r]

Guys I'm looking for a full set of impact sockets, 1/2 drive, metric & fractional. I'm close to pulling the trigger on the Grey Pneumatic's (1324D, 1326MD). But I'm curious about the GearWrench sets (84934, 84935)? If they're both equal quality and warranty, I'd probably just spend a few bucks more and and get the GW's which have a few more sockets.

I've been reading a lot threads here, but just can't find anyone using the GW impact sockets. Anyone actually use them yet?

 

[turbochabot]

I have a set of GearWrench metrics but in shallow and they have been great. I have Grey Pneumatics as well but only in swivel, also great. Do not think you can go wrong with either brand.

 

[rj-oz]

Best to use only chrome moly for impacts (no shrapnel)

 

[Farmer Joe]

I like GP. They're my back up sockets to my SK's. Although I have the 3/8" swivel set of GP and I have been happy with them. I also have a metric 3/8" duo-socket set by GP. I love that set! Has been very useful for times at work when when some wheels have very limited access for a socket to get lug nuts off. Plus I use it as my set of choice for side work on my days off

 

[Honda guy]

I've heard lots of good things about GP. I didn't even know that GW had impact sockets.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i have a duo set of Grey pneumatic and they are great; skinny, light and tough as nails

 

[GrizzlyAdams]

i have a duo set of Grey pneumatic and they are great; skinny, light and tough as nails

Ive been eyeing these for months. Do you have them in 1/2 or 3/8. I have owned many grey pneumatic sets and loved them. How do the depths compare to a standard chrome like a snap on or mac?

Also interested in GW impacts noticed they state they have surface drive

 

[greasemonkey44]

mine are 3/8; deep and shallow metric
the deep well recess, where the nut can slide 1/2" or so into the socket
they are like a chrome socket that takes the abuse of an impact while having very thin side walls, the duo are no thicker than the cman chrome i was using before

 

[GrizzlyAdams]

mine are 3/8; deep and shallow metric
the deep well recess, where the nut can slide 1/2" or so into the socket
they are like a chrome socket that takes the abuse of an impact while having very thin side walls, the duo are no thicker than the cman chrome i was using before

Thanks for the info. I believe they are going on the shopping list.

 

[hammergodthor]

I have a full set of 1/4 drive, including universal sockets, they have been fine, held up to my 1/4 impact driver without breaking a sweat. Fit and finish has been fine also. No complaints.

 

[Fedwrench]

I own both brands. The Gearwrench I have have better markings than Grey Pneumatic. Gearwrench has stamped and large gold high vis markings whereas, Grey Pneumatic only has small gold size markings. I think Gearwrench also has a better off corner engagment design in their sockets. Both brands are from Taiwan and will serve you well. Shop around for the best price though.

 

[Matt018]

I have grey pneumatic 3/8 sockets. When I get the money I am going to get the 1/2 sets. I love my grey pneumatic sockets. I think they are as thin as chrome sockets and I sometimes beat on my sockets like punches and they havnt missed a beat.

 

[rj-oz]

I'll bet my left nut driver these are all inferior chrome vanadium oxide coated impacts instead of chrome moly, try using these on a job and get hurt-you will have no insurance cover, these things are for as they say "hand use only"

 

[franzdom]

Where is the best place to get GP now? Tooltopia raised their prices at least 10% since I last ordered in November.

 

[sk farmer]

I'll bet my left nut driver these are all inferior chrome vanadium oxide coated impacts instead of chrome moly, try using these on a job and get hurt-you will have no insurance cover, these things are for as they say "hand use only"

i have not run down the rabbit trail and looked all of these numbers up but i am about 99% sure they are all the real deal impact sockets. even more sure on the grey sockets. grey does not make anything but impact sockets to the best of my knowledge. they do have a "duo" lineup that is supposed to cross the line between normal chrome or hand sockets and impacts. they are also advertised to be fully capable of impact use afaik. you may be confusing them with "gray", a canadian brand that is a full line tool mfg.

 

[diesel research]

I'll bet my left nut driver these are all inferior chrome vanadium oxide coated impacts instead of chrome moly, try using these on a job and get hurt-you will have no insurance cover, these things are for as they say "hand use only"

You should be careful before wagering your testicles, you may limp singing soprano.

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/GW_ImpactSockets.pdf

Chrome Molyebdenum Alloy Steel
(CR-MO) for exceptional strength
and long lasting durability

http://www.gpsocket.com/

Grey Pneumatic Impact Sockets are manufactured in Taiwan using top quality Chrome-Molybdenum alloy steel. Thorough and exact heat treatment insures the correct balance of strength and durability. They carry our Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

 

[rj-oz]

Impact sockets are just that and should not be confused with the "hand use only", these sockets are chrome moly-not oxide coated chrome vanadium--they should be marked as such too--cro-mo or similar--bet you don't see it printed on these cheap clones

 

[rj-oz]

You should be careful before wagering your testicles, you may limp singing soprano.

Yah, lol's, I hear you, but there's plenty of these black painted sockets out there now.
If the socket dosen't state composition you can bet it's cr-v

 

[diesel research]

Impact sockets are just that and should not be confused with the "hand use only", these sockets are chrome moly-not oxide coated chrome vanadium--they should be marked as such too--cro-mo or similar--bet you don't see it printed on these cheap clones

Yah, lol's, I hear you, but there's plenty of these black painted sockets out there now.
If the socket dosen't state composition you can bet it's cr-v

I am a little confused. What exactly are you going on about? I mean I know what crv is. Both of the brands mentioned, specifically state chrome molybdenum, and are impact specific.

Not sure about cheap clones or not either. The 2 gear wrench sets he mentioned have a combined msrp of a little more than $600. The grey pneumatics msrp(s) is around ~$350.

They are discounted on various online vendors, quite steeply.


(to the op) The SAE grey set is "excessive". A 5/16 or 3/8 1/2 drive impact is a bit far fetched. The typical 19pc sets (no extensions/universals) or 39/40pc sets (deep and shallow) are plenty sufficient.

 

[amolaver]

i've got a bunch of the GW, some GP, a ton of sunex, a few craftsman, and a wright set (probably others as well). the wright has a different finish and 'seems' to be of nicer quality - it damn well better be as it costs at least 2x GW or GP. the GW / GP / Sunex have all been great, no complaints. the craftsman set is available a couple of times a year at half price (1/2" drive, deeps and shallow, not sure about other drives) and has also been great although they are pretty thick walled.

the GP duosockets look great for a hobbyist. i don't mean that as a back handed compliment - i expect they'll be a great way to get a big variety of sockets w/o buying chrome+impacts. i do wonder if they'd survive pro-quantities of usage on one of the modern big boy impacts, but i've not heard a single bad thing said about them.

i've got a TON of GW stuff - sockets / wrenches / pliers - and all has been of excellent quality. GP really focuses on impact sockets. i doubt you'd go wrong with either.

ahm

 

[CLee0507]

Don't forget to check out Sunex too.

 

[rj-oz]

Sockets not stamped cr-mo are for hand use only-end of story,-try claiming for your empty eye socket after using anything else on a rattle gun

 

[diesel research]

Sockets not stamped cr-mo are for hand use only-end of story,-try claiming for your empty eye socket after using anything else on a rattle gun

Seriously what are you going on about? Which one of those is not cr-mo? Is happy hour running a little late in Oz?


(on a side note)
Most impact sockets made in the USA by industrial companies do not have a alloy marking. Snap on, Wright, Williams, Armstrong, Proto, etc. I used to use a 4-5/8" socket, 1-1/2" drive (that's 117mm for those who are fractionally challenged). It didn't say cr-mo on it, it just had to be assumed.

 

[greasemonkey44]

btw my sockets are used every workday in a professional setting
they turn 90% of the fasteners there
when i say tough i mean it; im a full time mechanic
ive used them to turn over engines and with a 1/2" adapter and a fullsize gun
they are cro-mo; marked on every socket

 

[JMorrison4371]

I didn't know GearWrench made impact sockets either....or even sockets for that matter. Ingersoll Rand makes really great sets for a pretty good price. They have one huge set that constains 1/2" metric & standard deep & short, 3/8 metric and standard deep & short with a nice rugged case all for about $260.00 total 86 pieces

 

[FergusonTO35]

I have the 1/4 metric shallow and deep sets. They are surprisingly nice, I use an air ratchet and a little Cornwell air impact on them.

 

[Farmer Joe]

Like someone else said, GREY Pneumatic only makes Impact sockets, I don't see where you're getting your info from that even hints at them being unsafe for impact use. I'm sure the same goes for the GW sockets. The Duo-Sockets are specifically made for both hand and impact use. I admit I don't use them for impact use too much, I have the 3/8" set. I try to use them mostly for hand tool purposes, but sometimes I have to get the 1/2" adapter on them for those fancy cars with very little room for a socket on the lug nuts, and I don't doubt their durability at all.
Like I said before, my main impacts (1/2") are SK, but I have a GP set as a back up if needed, and I'm confident in their quality.

 

[Virgil Cain]

Seriously what are you going on about? Which one of those is not cr-mo? Is happy hour running a little late in Oz?


(on a side note)
Most impact sockets made in the USA by industrial companies do not have a alloy marking. Snap on, Wright, Williams, Armstrong, Proto, etc. I used to use a 4-5/8" socket, 1-1/2" drive (that's 117mm for those who are fractionally challenged). It didn't say cr-mo on it, it just had to be assumed.

I don't think he even read the link that was posted. The sockets are chrome moly. End of story.

 

[detn8r]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm certainly going to get CR-MO sets. I'll probably order a couple common GW pieces (for dups) just to test them out before buying a full set of deep 1/2 driver metric/sae.

detn8r

 

[bobcatdan]

I wonder in Rj-oz is think of those black chrome sets from Stanley.

 

[GSMotorrad]

http://www.gpsocket.com/

Grey Pneumatic Impact Sockets are manufactured in Taiwan using top quality Chrome-Molybdenum alloy steel. Thorough and exact heat treatment insures the correct balance of strength and durability. They carry our Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Does that include their "DUO" sockets as well?

 

[3/4 drive]

You won't be disapointed with either.

 

[GSMotorrad]

Does that include their "DUO" sockets as well?

Yes, I called today to verify that even the DUO sockets are full chromoly.

I prefer how the Grey P's are skinnier, for a longer part of the socket in the smaller sizes.

The GW only tapers down at the end, while the Grey P's are tapered about half its length. The Grey P's seem like they'd fit into more tight spots, but I guess deep impacts don't usually find themselves in many tight spots, and I guess the GW's less taper seem inherently stronger.

I do love how the GW Metrics include 8, 9, and 31mm though. That right there is what I live for. I like the Grey P's case better though.

I went with the Grey P's: 82629M (26), 1412MD (14), 82622 (19), 1312D (13) and a 1/2" dr 3/8" Deep to finish the set (1) = 73 sockets in total to save some money forgoing the largest deeps.

 

[GearHeadPanda1777]

I am about to pull the plug on some gearwrench 84935 deep 1/2 set . Waiting on my king tony metric shallow sockets and 4232q to come in ^_^ . Also looking at the wright tool 952 wrench set there not long patter but look long enough will be d doing reviews on one at a time after some time in the shop.