I'll probably realize what a dumb question this is...

[RiverRider]

...when I see a few answers.

I've often wondered why we buy special sockets for use exclusively with impact wrenches. Why in heck not just buy impact sockets and extensions in the first place and use them all the time? I can't imagine them not holding up when used with a ratchet or breaker.

 

[The Cobbler]

size of the socket ( thickness of the wall)

 

[RiverRider]

Well that makes sense. I guess if I'd worked as a mechanic I'd know that...but no, and no know. But now I do.

I guess it wasn't that dumb of a question after all, and I'd rather have asked it than just buy a bunch of impact sockets only to discover there'd be many tight spots where I couldn't use them.

Thanks for the answer.

 

[G_P]

Most of the time you can use impact sockets. But in tight spaces you will run into situations where an impact just wont fit. Especially in cases where the bolt head is recessed down in a hole.

 

[devoncoolman]

Like said above clearence is the biggest concern. Impacts are thicker and clearence is a big issue on todays cars.

 

[kctyphoon]

its because years ago, you didnt have these to pick up instead, but now you can. (enter the grey pneumatic "duo" socket set)

 

[kramarj]

Milwaukee makes some impact sockets that are thin walled. They aren't thin all the way down, but towards the end they are, and they may be thinner than a standard impact socket, but I don't have anything to compare it to. I don't know how well they would hold up as far as mechanic work goes, but I use one on my impact for installing garage doors and it has held up very well compared to the standard chrome sockets that I used to break all the time. I use it on my 1/2" drive(reduced to 3/8) M18 impact, so I don't know how long they would hold up on an air powered impact. Just another option if you are looking to only buy one set of sockets.

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessories/fastening/49-66-4419

 

[Kirbot]

its because years ago, you didnt have these to pick up instead, but now you can. (enter the grey pneumatic "duo" socket set)

If I was starting over, that's probably all I would buy.

Now I have chrome everything, and 1/2" deep impact.

 

[thightower]

I use my impacts most of the time. But I do keep a set of 12 points for those tight places.

 

[Holt]

I always though impact sockets where softer so they can flex during impact. In turn they are more prone to cracking while a constant force is applied to them like on a breaker bar or ratchet. This is just what I thought. Nothing to back it up though.

 

[CJM8515]

I always though impact sockets where softer so they can flex during impact. In turn they are more prone to cracking while a constant force is applied to them like on a breaker bar or ratchet. This is just what I thought. Nothing to back it up though.

No thats the truth, they are softer so they dont crack. Chrome sockets are prone to cracking when used with an impact gun.

In reality you can get away with using impacts only, but sometimes you need the thinner walled chrome sockets. I wanted to like the grey pneumatic setup but read they dont like to stay on ratchets and tended to rust on the untreated part.

 

[kctyphoon]

If I was starting over, that's probably all I would buy.

Now I have chrome everything, and 1/2" deep impact.

me too.. makes more sense, esp for someone thats just a hobby guy.. less expensive then buying both, alot less room to store and move around.. you can take out that one box, and have every socket you could need if your car is all metric or all standard... not even worth having 12pts anymore either for 95% of what most normal people need. i have way too much **** already, otherwise id be interested in buying those just to "simplify". at this point, it would just be more unused stuff laying around...

 

[jsaw]

All of my sockets are impact sockets. I do have a few odd sizes that are chrome.