Impact sockets for axle nuts?

[SK-Mike]

My question

Are standard length impacts (1/2" drive) ok for most axle nuts?

Getting ready to buy a full set of SK 1/2" impacts, the standard length are a lot less $ than the deep set, plus I prefer to use standard length when possible.

 

[Ramblin Man]

In my experience working on domestic and Asian vehicles, most of the time, it takes a deepwell socket for axle nuts.

 

[rmsg0040]

Cheap enough to get it done

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-front-wheel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-7-pc-62842.html

 

[jimindm]

Axle nuts are usually 30mm on up. I would not purchase any set that would include the whole range above 30mm, because every other one will never be used. It also adds a lot to the cost of any set.

Buy the four most popular of what ever brand you prefer, and yes it generally takes a deep well to get the clearance needed for most applications.

Most any general set will only go to 19mm, some up to 24mm. Buy those in you shallow, and supplement the 30mm, 32mm, 34mm, and 36mm with deeps.

 

[mcmtech]

What rambling man said, usuallly need a deep socket. If you're not wrenching on cars for a living, buy the sk set you like and just buy axle nut/deep sockets as needed. They usually can be had for $10-20 a piece, and there are some that are 12point and some that are 6.

 

[kd3pc]

many of the axle nuts are too thick to fit the nut and the surrounding steel lips...I am with the group that suggests getting a set, and then add the correct socket/one that fits perfectly when needed.

light truck and suv axle nuts are often the larger sizes, so add as needed as well.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Years back, I bought a 3/4 shallow set from HF for an axle nut, as it was all I could find on a weekend in metric up to the size I needed. Shallow, but just barely worked on the AZ truck.

Cheap enough to get it done
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-front-wheel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-7-pc-62842.html

Later, I bought these, but for a trans. solenoid and have used them on axle nuts since.

My point to the OP is to buy the axle nut sockets. They'll fit better. And the 7pc. set should cover you for a long time.

The SK set of 4 axle nuts has at least one skip that I would have needed to buy, if I had bought them instead. Deeps are deep, but not as deep as an axle nut socket.

 

[SK-Mike]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have the lisle set. And added a VW set to supplement it

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have a 32mm 1/2 deep I use for Honda and older Chrysler and its been great it was a single from HF. I just use my Wright 3/4 chrome set for everything else no problems with either.

 

[Tallpilot]

That axle nut set with a coupon is probably in the top 10 Harbor Freight items. There are a large number of mechanics using them in shop environments and they are a rediculously good value. If you use one size enough to wear it out then replace it with a high end brand. That will probably cost you at least as much as the set. Pretty sure I paid $29 for my set. They are just a little bigger and deeper than a standard deep impact.

 

[Wamsutta]

I don't know what you'll be working on, but my '03 Buick LeSabre requires a 33mm. I did get by with a 1-5/16" standard from a 3/4" drive MIT (Michigan Industrial Tools - now Tekton) set, but eventually bought a 33mm Axle Nut socket from Auto Zone.
I mentioned this because whatever set you buy may not have 33mm. The linked HF set doesn't, for example.

I didn't know they even made a 33mm. I bought the 1-5/16" because 32mm was too small and 36mm was too big.

 

[md21722]

1/2" drive deeps are the way to go though in some vehicles you can get away with shallow. There are sets made for axle nut sockets, both in 6 and 12 point because some vehicles have 12 point axle nuts. The kits typically go up to 38 mm.

 

[tonyciambrone]

35mm is pretty common too. I would recommend getting the Sunex 1/2 deep Metric Set. If you need 12pt 30 or 32 you can get it individually. If you work on trucks only you may want to find a 3/4 set.

 

[kb1982]

I just picked up the SK 7 piece set recently. Definitely a little overkill for a one time job though. Be aware that replacement axles may require a different size socket than the oem. I have seen that several times. As for the question will shallow sockets work, thats entirely dependent on the specific vehicle, but most will require a deepwell.

 

[turnthewrench]

I own the Tekton 33mm and 34mm and they're great. The picture on Amazon says Cr-V, the sockets I received are marked Cr-Mo.

http://amzn.to/2ty83qw

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have a full set of Grey Pneumatic 1/2" impacts. Both sae and metric standard and deep well. I've noticed the GP deeps are a bit longer than any other 1/2" deep well impacts in the shop. I haven't had any issues with them not working on cars, trucks or tractors. They weren't a terrible price. Plus it covers from 10-36.

 

[dclassical]

Keep in mind the HF ones are 6pts, which is not going to work on a lot of Toyotas. Ask me how I know!

 

[Monte]

Here´s a Hazet axle nut socket set. Regular length. But it works for the cars i had in the shop so far:

 

[Olafur]

These Hazet seem to have generous recess at the bottom?

Not sure, but I recall several 12 point axle nuts on cars. Toyota as mentioned above...

 

[bcradio]

Not sure, but I recall several 12 point axle nuts on cars. Toyota as mentioned above...

Some Toyotas have the 12pt, but certainly not all and certainly not the majority of other manufacturers. You are better off getting 6pt impact sockets for this application unless you know your vehicles will have a 12pt nut on them.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

33 is also a common MD truck and RV lug nut size.

 

[anndel]

Some Toyotas have the 12pt, but certainly not all and certainly not the majority of other manufacturers. You are better off getting 6pt impact sockets for this application unless you know your vehicles will have a 12pt nut on them.

I just did a Camry 3 years ago, it's 12 point and I think it was 30mm or was it 32mm? When I needed a set I bought sunex from Amazon.

 

[Olafur]

Some Toyotas have the 12pt, but certainly not all and certainly not the majority of other manufacturers. You are better off getting 6pt impact sockets for this application unless you know your vehicles will have a 12pt nut on them.

You are probably right, I rarely work on cars.

However - in these sizes, 6 point offers little advantage over 12 point. Decent 12 point sockets will remove them all.

 

[DFB]

I own the Tekton 33mm and 34mm and they're great. The picture on Amazon says Cr-V, the sockets I received are marked Cr-Mo.

http://amzn.to/2ty83qw

Ya I have a quite a few older import deep impact sockets (both MIT early Tekton and Cal Hawk) all 1/2" drive in larger sizes 30-38 and SAE up to 1-1/2 and those all are also stamped Cro-Mo.


The older Klutch combination impact set starter set I have also has Cro-Mo sockets in sizes over 1" till it tops out at 1-1/4"

I bought all the larger deep ones individually packaged mostly as I needed them and probably averaged around $10 a piece way back then. I have hammered hard on a few for farm equipment using a Milwaukee 2763 cordless impact too. Haven't broke one or had any problems and none them seem any worse for wear either.

Was no HF axle nut set option around in those days. It is a pretty decent buy though for starter set Can use a standard 20% off coupon too.


Just to note ls also have 3/4" drive import 6 pt shallow impact set in a red steel box but they are CRV. I happily did buy a Sunex impact socket (in the same configuration 3/4" shallow) for special job I had and it turned it wouldn't fit with the thicker sidewalls. Nice socket though. I eventually purchased a 12 pt chromed socket in the same size to get the job done.

 

[SK-Mike]

I ended up ordering this set of SK impacts from Circle C Supply

http://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-30-piece-1-2-drive-6-point-standard-deep-metric-impact-socket-set.html


8-24MM in both standard and deep.

I also ordered a 30MM Impact socket to get me through until I can buy a set of Alxe Nut impacts.

One other tool I ordered with this order that I can't wait to try is the SK 30" breaker bar, been needing a good 1/2" breaker bar for a while, decided to go with the longer 30" model (SK 41659). Can't wait to try it out.

 

[Monte]

These Hazet seem to have generous recess at the bottom?

enough recess...

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Our 12pt axle sockets are the bees knees. Forged in Taiwan out of 4140 CRMO.

http://www.astrotools.com/8pc-12-point-axle-nut-socket-set.html

 

[joel63]

I just did a Camry 3 years ago, it's 12 point and I think it was 30mm or was it 32mm?

30 mm 12 point on a 2010 Yaris.

 

[wafrederick]

These Hazet seem to have generous recess at the bottom?

Not sure, but I recall several 12 point axle nuts on cars. Toyota as mentioned above...

VW and Audi as well including the Pontiac Vibe which is a Toyota Matrix.BMW too

 

[Tonyuk]

12 point and invert hex are common on most VAG cars.

For the cost of a set of decent impacts i would buy both standard and deep, and a set of deep 12 points.

Anything else buy as required.