harbor freight flip impact socket set same as IR set?

[Conor]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93149 $12.99

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGKR5K/?tag=atomicindus08-20 $23.88

looks similar to me? with the exception the HF set has 1 extra socket

 

[brian90505]

I doubt it. But I will never know since I never shop harborfreight.

 

[sk farmer]

similar yes, the same no. i see some very distinct differances. occasional use hf. more often the ir. some hf impacts have gotten rave reveiws. some have been known to fail quickly. myself for a few extra dollars get a full set of deep impacts and be done with it. an impact always works better without an extension.

 

[toolnut]

I can see using the flip sockets if you had a space or cash limitation. I have to agree with sk that the deeps are by far the beast way to go.

 

[stock z/28]

I have IR 1/4 shallow sockets that came with an IR 1/4 impact, that look just like some of the HF sockets.


For whats it worth I bought some HF 3/8 impact flex sockets to use outside and Im surprised as to their quality. Especially for $20. They work great with cordless impacts.

 

[toolnut]

If you didn't already drop a reply on the HF thread for a pass.

 

[Joe B.]

Does anyone know who actually makes the IR sockets?

 

[BUBJEL]

I'm sure who ever makes them IR sockets, also makes them for HF. And by the way I love my flip sockets for removing tires.

 

[rhandwor]

I've found these type of sockets work good on a 1/2 drive impact with an extended shaft.
Using an extension cuts power probably around 50% so unless you have the correct impact your waisting your money.

 

[alex71]

I've found these type of sockets work good on a 1/2 drive impact with an extended shaft.
Using an extension cuts power probably around 50% so unless you have the correct impact your waisting your money.

Please explain how you came to that conclusion.

 

[stock z/28]

I think using the extension would cost some power over an extended shaft impact.

I like the extended impact for some general use as well.


I prefer the IR2131s with the extented shaft.

 

[alex71]

again, why?

 

[bhays]

similar yes, the same no. i see some very distinct differances.

illuminate us, they look identical to me.

 

[krusty the clown]

illuminate us, they look identical to me.

look closely.....the extensions are very different and the sockts are slightly different.

 

[bgott]

Please explain how you came to that conclusion.

again, why?

Because the extension acts like a torsion bar, a spring, as you will, and it absorbs energy when the impacts hit it. That short extension shown with those sockets won't absorb much, if any, energy. A long extension will eat it up. I have a 3' or so 3/8" drive extension that takes all the impact out of the input, I have to use a 1/2" impact with an adaptor or a breaker bar to break loose tight bell housing bolts when using it, the 3/8" impact just won't do it.

 

[sk farmer]

the finish yes, looks very close. the sockets on the hf sockets have a rib on either side of the center portion. the ir sockets have a portion of the center machined smaller than the ends. the hf extension has a sloped neck on the male end an the ir has a squared shoulder. the female end has an angled neck on the ir while the hf appears to have a radius. those are the differances i can see without seeing them in person. if one cannot see those differances you may need an eye exam.

 

[stock z/28]

again, why?

Well, my "theory" is that an impact with an integral long shank has less flex and one less "connection" to absorb impact deflection. I guess the long shaft is (in my opinion) more rigid than a short shaft and extension combination.

 

[alex71]

Because the extension acts like a torsion bar, a spring, as you will, and it absorbs energy when the impacts hit it. Thse short extension shown with those sockets won't absorb much, if any, energy. A long extension will eat it up. I have a 3' or so 3/8" drive extension that takes all the impact out of the input, I have to use a 1/2" impact with an adaptor or a breaker bar to break loose tight bell housing bolts when using it, the 3/8" impact just won't do it.

Well sure, a 3 foot long, 3/8" extension will do that... which is why extensions designed for trans work like that are 1/2" drive on the female end and 3/8" drive on the male end...but I thought we were talking about a short, 1/2" extension... like the one shown in the OP or one about the length of an extended anvil on a 1/2" drive impact gun...


Sorry I guess I'm just in an argumentative sort of mood tonight

 

[oldtools]

I think they are the same. All IR impact sockets are made oversea.

 

[sberry]

If I was in a speed lane doing constant wheel work I might be tempted to find some hot setup. For most guys the extra junk isn't worth it, common sockets and in our case if we finish with a 3/4 which is about 3/4 of the work it seems with 1/2 drive we leave the socket on the gun and have some extra in common sizes.
I need to buy another gun, I am getting CP 727 or 47, what ever the last new one I bought is. We were one short and my neighbor brought over an old IR with extended anvil and socket. They are really worn beyond their years, the work but are sloppy and the gun is really hot, sounds like some Nascar outfit. New it would likely be better but the CP has nice settings and you can feather the speed better. We dont burn bolts on at blazing speeds, they get oiled (pen spray) run of slowly then tightened.

 

[sberry]

I see or regulator on one line snuck up to 140, way too hot. Even with low settings its just too easy to over tight wheels. Slow is good, watch the socket rotation. I have done a lot of comparing with torque wrench, some guys have trouble, but I use air gun on wheels.
Hi power is great for ripping apart equipment but for putting back together not always so good. Thats where the quick shops have manpower issues, no training, go wild with the impact, ha