Impact Sockets going double duty

[earlthegoat2]

I was a boat mechanic for a long time and the only times I needed 1/2" drive sockets were for putting on and taking off props and a very few other things. So I only got a few 1/2" sockets for the specific fasteners since we only worked on Mercury and Mercruiser so they were all the same.

I used my 3/8 drive about 70% of the time and my 1/4" drive about 25% of the time.

Now I have switched jobs to a golf course where we work on anything from blowers, chainsaws, and weed eaters all the way up to midsize tractors and all the equipment they are needed to operate. I am finding I need 1/2" drive (and breaker bars) quite a bit.

My problem I am running into is there just are not that many options out there for 6 point 1/2" sockets that go past 22mm and 1 1/8". I would like them to go up to about 30mm and 1 1/2". I dont see why this is not possible since my 3/8 drive will go up to 22mm and 1" so it would seem 1/2 drive should be capable of this.

I hate 12 point sockets. I am thinking I need to buy a big set of impacts to use on my ratchets as well as my impacts. What are some good options?

I want them to go as big as they can with minimal overlap into my 3/8" drive. I know Sunex sells a good set but they have been bought out or something right? I am really trying to avoid having to go 3/4 drive. That is just a pain in the ****.

 

[back2class]

I never purchased 1/2 deep sockets in chrome. Impact work frine as I seldom find large fasteners where wall thickness is an issue for getting the socket on.

 

[wheats71]

genius sells a metric set to 36 mm and 1 1/2" in standard in impact sockets
i have used them for years with no issues

 

[CLee0507]

I got the Sunex sets of 1/2" drive standard size both SAE and metric. I think I have 3/8" through 1-1/2" without skipping anything and the metric's are 10mm through 36mm, skipping 31mm. They are a good buy and I seldom use any of my chrome 1/2" drive since owning them. The only problem I've ran into with space is lugnuts on my Toyota.

 

[richfinn]

Most auto mechanics use these larger impact sizes on hub nuts

 

[chewy7]

some grey pneumatic 1/2" impact sets up to 1 1/2" and 36mm

deep http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1319d.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1326md.aspx

shallow http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1319.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/search.aspx?find=1326m

and some extensions adapters etc.http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-2200.aspx

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I never purchased 1/2 deep sockets in chrome. Impact work frine as I seldom find large fasteners where wall thickness is an issue for getting the socket on.

+1.

I hardly ever use my 1/2" chrome sockets. And when i do, it's only for the sake of using them. I can't remember the last time i used a shallow 1/2" chrome socket.

Mine are rebranded Genius sockets, they hold up really well. Been rattled on 2135s for 4 years and shown no mercy, they don't show any wear. Really good sockets and great value.

 

[Buckgnarly]

If you really want 6pt 1/2 Cman has the 1/2 drive set for 107 marked down from 150. I picked those up last week mainly after rebuilding a dana 60 two weeks ago.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935745000P

Been watching this set for a LONG time, never saw them this cheap, plus don't forget the SEARS5OFF50 code.

Needed a thin wall to do the pinion nut and the carrier bearing caps. Impact walls were to thick to get a good bite with the torque wrench. Not too many cases where impacts don't work, but for about 100 bucks I'd rather have them in the future.

 

[Racr350]

I got the Sunex sets of 1/2" drive standard size both SAE and metric. I think I have 3/8" through 1-1/2" without skipping anything and the metric's are 10mm through 36mm, skipping 31mm. They are a good buy and I seldom use any of my chrome 1/2" drive since owning them. The only problem I've ran into with space is lugnuts on my Toyota.

what model toyota??

 

[dwm]

Just to add to what chewy7 said, the Grey Pneumatic Duo-Sockets go up to 36mm and 1.5" too, with a thinner wall than their impacts. I like them a lot, I've been replacing all of my chrome with them (have 5 sets so far, many more to go). For 1/2" drive I have the 82629MD and 82629M right now, and the 82622 and 82622D are next on my list.

So far, the Duo-Sockets work fine on my impacts but they haven't seen many miles yet. The ratchets that come with the 1/2" sets aren't fine tooth, but they seem to be built very well. The cases are pretty nice for blow-molded cases, I haven't had issues with one yet.

 

[jhelrey]

My 1/2 deep is all impact. My 1/2 shallow is all chrome. I don't think I have used a chrome one yet.

 

[csmitty]

If you really want 6pt 1/2 Cman has the 1/2 drive set for 107 marked down from 150. I picked those up last week mainly after rebuilding a dana 60 two weeks ago.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935745000P

Been watching this set for a LONG time, never saw them this cheap, plus don't forget the SEARS5OFF50 code.

Needed a thin wall to do the pinion nut and the carrier bearing caps. Impact walls were to thick to get a good bite with the torque wrench. Not too many cases where impacts don't work, but for about 100 bucks I'd rather have them in the future.

Thin wall for the pinion nut on a D60? What year? I guess you had something to hold the yoke while you used a ratchet?

My 1/2" chrome is very limited and so is my impacts besides one deep sae set. I was going to go with some Proto's so maybe I'll start there and see what needs I have as far as chrome goes. I kinda like the deep impact and shallow chrome approach.

 

[diggerrick]

When I replaced the anode rod in my water heater, NFW was I getting a 1-1/16" impact socket in that small pocket. I had to use a chrome socket & breaker bar. I was afraid to use my impact for fear of cracking the tank lining - maybe not an issue, but my way worked fine.

Also NFW are you getting an impact socket on the head bolts between valvesprings on a roler-cammed small block Chevy.

If you never have those types of issues, then you may be ok with only impact sockets.

 

[pdizzleinmt]

Just to add to what chewy7 said, the Grey Pneumatic Duo-Sockets go up to 36mm and 1.5" too, with a thinner wall than their impacts. I like them a lot, I've been replacing all of my chrome with them (have 5 sets so far, many more to go). For 1/2" drive I have the 82629MD and 82629M right now, and the 82622 and 82622D are next on my list.

So far, the Duo-Sockets work fine on my impacts but they haven't seen many miles yet. The ratchets that come with the 1/2" sets aren't fine tooth, but they seem to be built very well. The cases are pretty nice for blow-molded cases, I haven't had issues with one yet.

i only have the 3/8 duo sockets. i have only had them for a couple months now but i like them so far

 

[CLee0507]

what model toyota??

Its a 95 Tercel with aftermarket rims. Size 19mm lugs but they are inset and the Sunex work but rub the inside...I'm going to get a set of the thin walled ones.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Thin wall for the pinion nut on a D60? What year? I guess you had something to hold the yoke while you used a ratchet?

My 1/2" chrome is very limited and so is my impacts besides one deep sae set. I was going to go with some Proto's so maybe I'll start there and see what needs I have as far as chrome goes. I kinda like the deep impact and shallow chrome approach.

89 F350.....there was a ton of ****, rust, who the hell knows what else. The impact fit, but did not get the full nut on it. Felt much better with a chrome. As for the carrier bearing bolts, no way with a thick walled impact.