Impact Sockets or Not?

[dan.oneufer]

I'm somewhat new here. I appreciate all the sharing that goes on and I've learned quite a few things.

Here's is my question: Is there any reason I could not use an impact socket for general non-impact use, such as with a ratchet handle? I see plenty of people have both. I guess I'm wondering why...

Thanks!

 

[SKAutomotive]

Because they are much thicker and will not work in some confined areas.

 

[CWP1616L]

Most of the time use can use impact sockets in a 1/2'' drive situation just fine. I wouldn't want them as my only 1/4'' drive set though.

 

[Beam]

I mainly have impact sockets and can't think of a situation I've been in they wouldn't fit but the chrome ones are def thinner. I do have some craftsman chrome 12 point sets if the impacts ever won't fit.

 

[Skep18]

Cuz impacts are way more expensive.

 

[toolstools]

I've read on here that impacts are actually softer then chromies and aren't designed for high torque applications.

 

[Super Sport]

I've read on here that impacts are actually softer then chromies and aren't designed for high torque applications.

It's been debated, with no actual evidence either way. They are not hardened like chrome sockets, but whether or not it limits their use is not clear.

I personally haven't run into many places a chrome socket wouldn't fit with the exception of some lug nut holes on alloy wheels. Only chrome or a thin impact would work with them. I keep a set of 12pt chrome and 6pt impact so that I should have any need covered.

 

[billymade]

If you use impact sockets for hand use; you will be fine, they are made to handle the abuse of the impacting action of a air wrench... so, they can certainly handle the stress of hand tools. As long as you don't run into any access issues; you could just have the impact sockets and not necessarily need chrome (except for special situations; e.g. 12 point fasteners, tight confines etc.). In that way; kill two birds with one stone, save some dough. I guess the question might be; are you going to use air tools in the future? Many import impact sockets are affordable; so, it could be a affordable way to get what you need, in one purchase.

 

[marlinspike]

Assuming equal quality, an impact socket will wear out faster.

 

[diesel research]

chrome sockets are a case by case SPECIALTY tool when others wont fit.

4140 is the common chromoly alloy used. it is used in many other much higher wearing tools.

wear comes mostly from misengagement while using power tools and is practically nonexistent in hand tool use.

certain american impact sockets are known to be a bit soft, even more so on the square drive, but that does not mean all are like this.

I've read on here that impacts are actually softer then chromies and aren't designed for high torque applications.

i've exceeded 3,000ft-lbs in hydraulic non impacting use with impact sockets. how much more do you require?

 

[marlinspike]

chrome sockets are a case by case SPECIALTY tool when others wont fit.

4140 is the common chromoly alloy used. it is used in many other much higher wearing tools.

wear comes mostly from misengagement while using power tools and is practically nonexistent in hand tool use.

certain american impact sockets are known to be a bit soft, even more so on the square drive, but that does not mean all are like this.


i've exceeded 3,000ft-lbs in hydraulic non impacting use with impact sockets. how much more do you require?

Maybe it's from working on what must be smaller things, but every impact I've seen is soft, first to keep from shattering and second to protect the anvil in the gun.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

Impact sockets are thicker than your normal sockets

 

[diesel research]

i used my 13mm 12pt 3/8 drive impact socket A LOT with both impact, torque wrench, and ratchet. socket nor impact shows much of any signs of wear. 125dt-lb install torque, god only knows how much for removal (red locktite)

if you are using craftsman, i am not surprised at your observation, they are soft. if you use snapon with an impact a lot, i am not surprised. if you are using the cheapest import/store brand, results are mixed, as treatment quality varies along with alloy type. many actually being of same alloy as chrome socket, but thicker. chrome vanadium. the gp/sunex/rebrands perform quite excellent in mixed use.

 

[dan.oneufer]

Wow. Thank you all for your responses. I don't foresee air tools in the future. I have a mixed bag of sockets but I was going to get a somewhat good set of 6-point sockets and that's when I started wondering.

Lots to think about!

 

[diesel research]

prefer them even in hand tool usage for sheer strength, no worries about scratched chrome, and easier to handle than slippery chrome.

somewhere around $100 will put you into a 5/16-1" deep and shallow, 7mm-19 deep and shallow, 3/8 drive no holes or skipped sizes. i added various accessories including 12pt metric, adapters, extensions, swivel sockets etc. rarely ever touch my chrome. same with half drive, although not used as often for the types of things you would likely work on. all of the 3/4, 1", 1.5", and #5 spline drive stuff was impact, but most of it was provided. didnt use 1/4 impact, as my cheap junk chrome 1/4 stuff sufficed for both hand and cordless impactor usage.

the increased durability was enough for me. i had cracked several chrome 1/2 drive sockets by leaning on them too hard with breakers/cheaters. lifetime warranty didnt mean squat as far as finishing the job...

 

[Fireball027]

Its much harder to see a black impact socket over a chrome one that you dropped into the engine bay while working.

Although I tend to use what ever I have handy.

 

[Benw455]

I use them all the time. No problems.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i use the hell out of grey pneumatic duo sockets
they are thin walled and have indents so you can use them on any tool without clocking
and so far its been 2 years of hard work on them
i generally buy only impact sockets; if i buy chrome its due to limited accessibility or availibility

 

[hamilton1]

i have 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 gearwrench impact socket sets i use at work. never had a problem with them. i use the 10mm 3/8 socket all day everyday and besides looking beat up works just as new at a fraction of the cost of the truck tools.