Impact Socket question - any issues with ratchets?

[jp_over]

Friends,

Any issues or "pro/cons" with using impact sockets with a hand ratchet? Specifically, I have these from years ago (2007):
Ingersoll-Rand Impact Socket Set

• 13 Pieces, 1/2in. Drive, SAE, Model# SK4H13
• 14 Piece, 1/2in. Drive, Metric, Model# SK4M14

My hand ratchet sets are 3/8" so I've been looking to upgrade to 1/2" but wasn't sure if there would be any issues or concerns with simply getting a few 1/2" ratchets and a breaker bar. I also have an electric impact wrench (Kawasaki, 7 Amp, 1/2", Model# 840017).

I don't work with my tools for a living/professionally but I do maintenance the mower and other things around the house/farm. I've recently retired so I'm still figuring out quite a bit of the DIY stuff.

Thanks!

 

[Nthill93]

Only issue I run into is the impact sockets are usually a lot thicker than chromes. Makes it harder in tight spaces

 

[American Locomotive]

The only "cons" with using impact sockets with hands tools is that they're typically heavier and bulkier. There may be some places they just don't fit very well because of that.

Most impact sockets also use a black oxide coating, and that typically leaves a black residue on anything the socket touches. May or may not be a problem depending on what you're doing. Definitely not ideal for interior car work.

In my experience, chrome sockets usually tolerate most impacts just fine. I wouldn't put a big 2000 lb-ft 3/4" gun on one but...

 

[jp_over]

Nthill93 & American Locomotive,

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I'd likely benefit from a 1/2" set of non-impact sockets to give me a bit of flexibility with the smaller stuff and interior jobs.

 

[Stadger]

My neighbor runs a lawnmower repair business out of his garage and all he has are impact sockets. Odd part is that he doesn't even own an impact gun.

 

[zendriver]

HF impacts are all I use with my 1/2" Cman ratchet, which is part of a set, but of 12pt sockets, which I almost never use.

They are not chrome, but life does go on.

 

[bcradio]

Nthill93 & American Locomotive,

Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like I'd likely benefit from a 1/2" set of non-impact sockets to give me a bit of flexibility with the smaller stuff and interior jobs.

If you are doing interior stuff or small stuff, you probably would be better off with a quarter inch set or 3/8 inch set rather than 1/2 inch set

 

[Professional Tool User]

For me, chrome sockets are a waste of money, especially for 1/2" dr. They only make a slight difference for very small sizes when it comes to wall thickness.

 

[Kent_B]

I have most of the same impact sockets in 1/2" drive that I've had for 40 years. I use them both with ratchets and impact guns. No problems whatever.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Bolts big enough to require a 1/2 inch drive aren't going to be in places where socket wall thickness matters. Just get yourself a 1/2 ratchet or two and call it a day.

 

[Mr_B]

you will find quite a few scenarios on engines, gearboxes and suspensions where a thinner walled chrome is a must ,
you can go a long way with just impacts but they won't be ideal for everything .

You could get oem chromes for like 15bucks a set or some GW when half price or buy1get1free deal so not much expense get some chromes if find needed .

 

[abachman]

Since you already have the impact sockets go ahead and use them. If after awhile you decide they are too bulky/thick get some chrome sockets. Just start with what you already have. They will be fine.

 

[Wamsutta]

You'll have to remember to line up the friction ball with the side lock hole of the impacts if you want the socket to stay on there.

 

[vavet]

I wouldn’t be in any rush to buy things you might need.

 

[KBigg]

Look into grey pneumatics duo-sockets.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Biggest problem I have with impact sockets is they're easier to lose track of in dim light.

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

I have 3/8 and 1/2 drive shallow and deep impact sets from the tool sale at the Holiday Inn 40 years ago and have never broken one in my DIY home wrenching with ratchets, breaker bars and impact drivers. Only issue has been wall thickness clearance issues a few times as has been mentioned. I later bought used SK to make shallow and deep thinner walled sets. My vote is use what you have and fill in with other socket styles as needed.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Not at all

Only issues are clearance in some cases

 

[rick carpenter]

The only 1/2" socket sets for ratchets I've bought have been cheap impacts. I bought a few chromes here and there when the needs arose, mainly metric for when I had my VW.

 

[jp_over]

I appreciate all the replies and good info. Sounds like I'll go with what I have for now and maybe pick up a couple of 1/2" ratchets.

 

[mde8965]

No issues if you've got the clearance and don't mind the weight. For years I only had chrome sockets. Then in about 2005 I decided to use a 3/4 Craftsman chrome socket on my B&D electric impact to tighten some lugs. Socket broke, shards hit me in the arm and the impact wrench ended up gouging the wheel.

Immediately bought a small crappy set of HF impact sockets for such uses.

Fast forward to today. I have full sets of both chrome and impact sockets in 1/2, 3/8 and yes, even 1/4. Why? Because I have OCD, or is it GJ disease? No longer have any Harbor Freight sockets either. But for your average DIYer, totally unnecessary. Chrome is fine for 3/8 and 1/4. Maybe a set of less expensive impacts (Harbor Freight is fine) to go with your chrome set for 1/2...

 

[bubinga]

you will find quite a few scenarios on engines, gearboxes and suspensions where a thinner walled chrome is a must ,
you can go a long way with just impacts but they won't be ideal for everything .

You could get oem chromes for like 15bucks a set or some GW when half price or buy1get1free deal so not much expense get some chromes if find needed .

Yeah, I have the GW 1/2" drive short well socket set. It's quite nice.