impact or chrome

[srupp]

can someone please explain (for a non wrench)the difference between impact sockets and chrome
not the useage but why you should't use impacts on ratchets

 

[blown94conv]

Chrome sockets are hard, and instead of transmitting the energy to the fastener, they pretty much just bounce off the fastener. A impact socket is soft, and transmits the energy to the fastener, helping it break lose.

 

[shampoop]

There's nothing wrong with using impacts on ratchets.

edit: if you're not going to be using your tools very regularly, never use an impact gun, or your tools stay in a rust promoting environment, chrome sockets are preferable.

 

[Hammer1963]

You can use impact sockets on a ratchet all day long, just avoid using chrome sockets on an impact. The chrome surface makes the socket much harder and puts a huge stress on the anvil of the impact gun.

 

[kyleholmes]

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5701306_can_t-chrome-socket-impact-socket_.html

 

[pipsters]

Ironically the cheaper impact sockets are made out of the same material chrome sockets are made out of in some cases - chrome vanadium.

So I don't believe it will hurt the actual impact gun. Chrome vanadium impact sockets tend to be a lot thicker than the chrome vanadium hand sockets though.

Someone emailed in, check out this post on Garage Journal:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1624

 

[Wakefield]

Impact sockets are fatter,might not fit down in a few deep places. Otherwise as far as I know they are the strongest. (Question:if you have an impact one on a good breaker bar will it stand more pulling against a corroded on hex than a chrome one of the same brand?)
I saw a listing for a "thin wall impact socket" it costs more than the regular one in the same size/drive.