Impact sockets
- Thread starter emery432
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jtrux
Active member
Might look at Proto. Can get them on Zoro with a discount code and they are reasonable.
We used them when I worked at the railroad and they held up very well.
We used them when I worked at the railroad and they held up very well.
Last I heard Grey Pneumatic was still Taiwan, while Sunex has shifted current production to West Taiwan (aka China). That may or may not matter to you.
Grey Pneumatic warranty is not as easy as Sunex, GP wants you to buy through authorized retailers and have a receipt for warranty where Sunex doesn't do that.
2 other brands to look at would be Tekton and Capri.
Grey Pneumatic warranty is not as easy as Sunex, GP wants you to buy through authorized retailers and have a receipt for warranty where Sunex doesn't do that.
2 other brands to look at would be Tekton and Capri.
Impact sockets are strong. Alot of mine are cheap never had issues. That said my 22, 21mm deeps have cracked (lowes craftsman)
so tekton is what I would go with currently. Warranty is easy, photo send email they ship out replacement. Or local icon open 7days a week for warranty etc
so tekton is what I would go with currently. Warranty is easy, photo send email they ship out replacement. Or local icon open 7days a week for warranty etc
shoggoth80
Well-known member
Hop on down to HF and snag a set of Pittsburgh, Quinn, or Icon. Price is right. I can say from experience that the Pittsburgh impacts actually hold up well.
I've seen SK and Proto both split. More than just a couple times.
Tekton also seems to make good impacts. We have a few sets in the shop. Time hasn't determined their longevity, but I see no reason to doubt them.
Get something easy to warranty, that carries a lifetime warranty.
I've seen SK and Proto both split. More than just a couple times.
Tekton also seems to make good impacts. We have a few sets in the shop. Time hasn't determined their longevity, but I see no reason to doubt them.
Get something easy to warranty, that carries a lifetime warranty.
shoggoth80
Well-known member
shoggoth80
Well-known member
Impacts spend their life getting the snot hammered out of them. One area where it doesn't really pay to overthink it is run of the mill impacts.
Deep, mid, or shallow... That depends on what kind of work you expect to be doing. I've gotten by for years with just deeps. Recently changed that because, well, I wanted to. Lol. You could go a step further and do stubby/nano impacts if you expect rather cramped spaces.
If you aren't sure what you'll be running into, I'd say get a set of deep and shallows as that's kinda the standard.
Impacts spend their life getting the snot hammered out of them. One area where it doesn't really pay to overthink it is run of the mill impacts.
Deep, mid, or shallow... That depends on what kind of work you expect to be doing. I've gotten by for years with just deeps. Recently changed that because, well, I wanted to. Lol. You could go a step further and do stubby/nano impacts if you expect rather cramped spaces.
If you aren't sure what you'll be running into, I'd say get a set of deep and shallows as that's kinda the standard.
Honestly, kind of a refreshing change from the mushroomed out impacts that "have held up great!" and absolutely mutilated whatever fastener they touch because they're soft and end up like a full size bigger than when they were new. I've got the mangled lug nuts to prove it.
My hot take is cheap impacts don't fracture because they're soft, but they wear poorly because of it. If you're not going to proactively replace them, you'll see the contact points just move closer and closer to the hex points over time. This might be fine if you're the tech, but it annoys me as the owner.
Theronswanson
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My SK deep set is more of a mid/semi deep. It's rare I need a deeper socket. The sockets I need more depth, I just buy as singles.
Depends, ADV was mostly Sunex now it's moving towards mostly Steelman. The also have some USA examples as well though
I have a set of Tektons (deep standard 1/2), Pittsburgh's (deep metric 1/2), and SK universals (standard depth Metric 3/8).
Tektons are nicer then the PBurghs for sure.
Tektons are still made in Tiwan, but they moved most of their Chinese manufacturing to either Tiwan or US.
If you buy through their website instead of Amazon you get 10% cash back, pretty significant.
I would get a couple sets of deep and then buy the shorts later if you find you need them. I find I need the deep more often then not, and if space it tight my 1/2 impact it probably too large to fit anyway.
Tektons are nicer then the PBurghs for sure.
Tektons are still made in Tiwan, but they moved most of their Chinese manufacturing to either Tiwan or US.
If you buy through their website instead of Amazon you get 10% cash back, pretty significant.
I would get a couple sets of deep and then buy the shorts later if you find you need them. I find I need the deep more often then not, and if space it tight my 1/2 impact it probably too large to fit anyway.
The Critic
Well-known member
ADV line is either Sunex or PTP, no one really knows.
Matco "main line" is an unknown manufacturer but are made in taiwan now.
roofdweller49
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USA Williams?
As the Matco OEM? Nope.
Williams is owned by Snap On. Sockets are also different than anything Williams or Snap On makes/sells.
roofdweller49
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No, I just mentioned it as a brand OP should look into, sorry
thool
Well-known member
I'm still using a set of Pittsburgh deep socket impacts just like you showed. They hold up well and were priced right. I still use the plastic holder thing they came on. Recommended!
Tekton sockets have stupid simple warranty, e-mail picture of broken tool, they put another in the mail and go on with your day. I've had pretty good luck beating on them.
GP you might as well just buy another instead of trying to warranty. I've never tried to warranty a sunex. What's your time worth to deal with going to harbor freight to warranty a socket?
I have a mixed set of older metric deep 1/2" drive husky and Pittsburgh sockets that are holding up well.
Snapon on e-bay is another option. The common sized sets can be had pretty reasonably, warranty at the tool truck when one goes.
GP you might as well just buy another instead of trying to warranty. I've never tried to warranty a sunex. What's your time worth to deal with going to harbor freight to warranty a socket?
I have a mixed set of older metric deep 1/2" drive husky and Pittsburgh sockets that are holding up well.
Snapon on e-bay is another option. The common sized sets can be had pretty reasonably, warranty at the tool truck when one goes.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
I bought SUNEX 30+ years ago. I used them at my mechanics job and now I use them at home. The Sunex are very much like the MAC I bought full sets if 3/8" and 1/2" deep and regular. They have performed perfectly. In fact, the impact sockets are thin enough to work as regular sockets.
The Sunex universal impact joints operate smoothly. Size adapters are well made as are the extensions.
Sunex offers high quality with savings over the big brands.
But are now being made in China and they have clearly changed. But what's unknown is if the quality has also changed.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Buy a basic set like those, tekton, HF, etc. You want no-skips. When you break/wear-out a size, and if you intend to stay in the field, buy a single from the tool truck.
My last set of impact sockets I bought were Capri I believe, which have been fine. It's hard to buy complete losers now. Tekton probably has the easiest warranty.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Check out Astro Pneumatic Nano sockets for shallow.
I have been using Pittsburgh and Capri at work in a semi truck/trailer & equipment shop. The Pittsburgh set I have been using for about 10 years and have broke 3 of them now in the last 2 years. But considering they have been used daily for that long, I would say they definitely don't owe me anything.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I probably use my semi deep sockets more than my deep or shallow sockets. I have them in 3/8 & 1/2 drive. My 3/8 semi deep set is made by Sunex and runs to 22 mm. I think Capri runs out to 24mm. My 1/2 drive semi deep set is from Genius tools. Neither set is expensive but, have served me well for a number of years. The Torque Test Channel just released a video testing impact swivel sockets. Although Tekton hasn't released their impact swivel sockets yet, Astro Pneumatic did quite well especially when you consider their price. As a new tech, wheels off an on will be a common task, don't overlook the benefits and value of a flip socket set for lug nuts. there's no reason to spend crazy money for impact sockets just starting out.
Stick-man
Well-known member
If you have the money, buy CAT which are Snap-on. If not, I would go with Tekton. I bought all Sunex, but then I dealt with Tekton and their cust service is awesome. Now, I look to see if they have it before I look at other non USA brands. But, I like Snappy.
Steel_Rain
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If I was starting out all over again, TEKTON.
Nuff said.
micromind
Well-known member
Take a look at Wright.
Not the cheapest but pretty much indestructible.
Also, look at overall outside diameter, larger sockets are usually tougher but might not fit in tight places.
Not the cheapest but pretty much indestructible.
Also, look at overall outside diameter, larger sockets are usually tougher but might not fit in tight places.
ihateminimumwage
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I'll parrot everyone else saying Tekton makes some solid impacts. Order from their site directly rather than Amazon to get rewards cash back.
Williams USA are also excellent for the money. Rebranded Snap-on with no warranty. Had mine for over 10 years now with no failures, lost a couple and they're cheap enough to just replace and not worry about. Again, better to shop around than assume Amazon has the best price.
I went a little over the top just starting out (thanks to this site). At this point 1/2" deep impacts, 3/8" shallow/deep/swivel impacts and a set of 1/4" chromes will get you plenty far.
If you're getting the 50% student discount, take advantage of it. I paid some bills flipping tools from that.
Williams USA are also excellent for the money. Rebranded Snap-on with no warranty. Had mine for over 10 years now with no failures, lost a couple and they're cheap enough to just replace and not worry about. Again, better to shop around than assume Amazon has the best price.
I went a little over the top just starting out (thanks to this site). At this point 1/2" deep impacts, 3/8" shallow/deep/swivel impacts and a set of 1/4" chromes will get you plenty far.
If you're getting the 50% student discount, take advantage of it. I paid some bills flipping tools from that.
IRQVET
Well-known member
Hindsight 20/20- I would have not gone Tekton. I think the new ones are better than the ones I bought 3 years ago. It's not the sockets itself, they're fine. But the etching that fades off causing you play that game, "What size is this." Why they weren't stamped is totally beyond me. Like I said, if I had to do it all over again, I'd get the Pittsburg. Cause based on the money I spent for these, it pretty unimpressed. 
I wonder how those Milwaukee impacts compare with all the others. The 3/8" set for $99 at Home Depot seems pretty cheap. Super obvious markings.
I admit that squinting at socket sets, and all of mine are pretty bad for visibility, is kind of old.
IRQVET
Well-known member
These started to show wear within 6 months, and I'm not making my living with them everyday, just occasional use. Which is why I don't recommend the Tekton. Regular chrome sockets, Tekton is fantastic- but not for this kind of stuff.
Steel_Rain
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This is a valid point.
They must have changed to both laser etched and roll stamped in the last few years. I bought the 3/8” and 1/2” sets in the last 2ish (maybe) years:
I can definitely see why just laser etching could be frustrating, but Im glad they learned from it.
Wait until Black Friday Tekton will give an extra 5% in rewards that weekend
lotta years ago I bought 1/2' impacts for $5 a set ,metric and AF ,deep and std .........toughest steel ever ......I tried to drill one for a stud clearance ,simply stripped a HSS drilbit...........impacts should be very cheap as they are unfinished except for a size marking.
Steel_Rain
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Looks like Tekton is gearing up to release their 3/8th impact swivels this week:
www.tekton.com
From the chat support this morning (10/28/2024 @ 11AM EST):
$240 for the combo SAE/Metric set.
3/8 Inch Drive Shallow 6pt U-Joint Impact Socket Set, 21-pc. | TEKTON
21-piece set includes 5/16 - 3/4 inch (SAE) and 8 - 19 mm (metric) shallow 6-point universal joint impact sockets with rails and tray. No skipped sizes. SID97200.
From the chat support this morning (10/28/2024 @ 11AM EST):
$240 for the combo SAE/Metric set.
meistermash
Member
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- Nov 29, 2015
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I have a set a set of those. Very handy.
I bought Icon deepwells to replace the skippa size not the right size threw hole shitsburgs.
Just got done with a project last week where I tried to use a smallish boxed set of shitsburg regulars.
I was so mad I didn't even pick the box up hoping someone would steal them.
The process of plating tools makes them sensitive to impact stresses. That is why impacts are not all prettied up and why you should not just chuck up a regular plated socket.