Impact vs. Regular Sockets?

[ckadams00]

This has probably been asked before but I am new to impacts - I get that they are built stronger so they don't shatter, so . . . .if I am putting together a set of 1/2 sockets couldn't I just go ALL impact and use the impacts as regular sockets as well?

Why have both if the impacts are stronger and I won't be using 1/2 all that often?

Forgive an obviously idiotic question if I am missing something completely basic.

 

[vartz04]

the only time youll have an issue doing that is in tight places because impact sockets are usually a tiny bit longer and wider than a standard socket. (thicker walls)

otherwise its fine to do so.

I have impact shallows and chrome deep/shallows in 1/2" i rarely use a deep well socket on the impact but ive used chrome ones without an issue from time to time.

 

[gsmornot]

My first reply. Main reason to have chrome versus impact when using as a hand tool is wall thickness of the socket. There may be cases where the thicker wall of the impact socket is too much to fit the application. Other than that, I can't see any reason not use use impact sockets in place of chrome.

 

[Hawk321]

Good Idea...do it that with 1/2" nobody opens a 27mm nut with a ratchet...

 

[vartz04]

Good Idea...do it that with 1/2" nobody opens a 27mm nut with a ratchet...

not without a 48" cheater pipe haha

 

[Black89LX]

well if I had to do it over again and could only afford one set, I'd get deep impact sockets. I use deep most often as shallow sockets are only for clearance issues.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Good Idea...do it that with 1/2" nobody opens a 27mm nut with a ratchet...

Pinion bearings/tcase flanges/etc. are places where wall thickness counts....

 

[BajaBound]

I use both on my impact but like everyone has mentioned it's the side wall thickness.

 

[cgv69]

So far, I've kind of done the same thing in that I don't use 1/2 sockets that often and most of the time when I do, it's on an impact wrench. Can't really afford or justify having 2 complete sets of 1/2 sockets, both chrome and impact so I've only bought impact style so far and use them with a ratchet when need be.

As pointed out, impact sockets are generally a little bigger and thicker then their chrome equivalents which could lead to a clearance issue at some point but I haven't run into it that issue yet?

That said, I've been looking to expand my selection of 1/2 sockets and while looking around trying to decide what brand to go with, I came across the Grey Pneumatic line of "Duo Sockets". They are thin wall design like standard chrome sockets but they claim to be strong enough for impact driver use which may be the ideal solution?

These tools are made in Taiwan, as are all of Grey Pneumatic's tools. In generally, Grey Pneumatic seem to have a pretty good reputation but I haven't seen much in the way of first hand reports on the Duo line sockets so I remain curious but skeptical.

 

[billymade]

I have some Grey Pneumatic 1/4" impact sockets; I haven't broken any yet but their warranty looks to be a pain to claim. In the warranty dept; looks like sunex is better and easier to deal with . Grey's warranty is through dealers only; no direct warranty service. The sockets are pretty reasonable cost for a replacement but in this day/age; a lifetime warranty and good customer service, should be part of the deal.

http://www.gpsocket.com/index.cfm?event=pageview&contentPieceID=807

 

[LGMechanical]

The impact socket steel(cr-moly) is much softer than your regular chrome (cr-v). This allows the socket to take a beating without cracking. That being said, the wall has to be thicker, and may cause clearance issues in certain situations.

 

[wreckercologist]

I'm in general agreement with the group, but one little detail no one ever mentions is, impact sockets tend to lack the undercut in the drive end for a detent ball to snap into, making them far more likely to fall off of a ratchet or chrome extension. Most impact sockets rely on the friction ring (hog ring) of the impact to retain them to the tool, where most modern chrome sockets have the undercuts for the ratchet detent ball. Lining the ratchet detent ball with the sidelock hole found on most impact sockets is a solution, but takes a little more time. just something to think about.

 

[snmfffrogel]

impact sockets become wallored out after they get some miles on them also. They can damage fastners if not replaced.

 

[Humble Mechanic]

The impact socket steel(cr-moly) is much softer than your regular chrome (cr-v). This allows the socket to take a beating without cracking. That being said, the wall has to be thicker, and may cause clearance issues in certain situations.

THIS!!!! ^^^^^^^

I use chrome almost all the time. I only use impact on wheel bolts.

 

[pipsters]

I keep my impacts oiled so they don't rust. So I prefer chrome when I can, and use the impacts if I need to.

 

[greasemonkey44]

THIS!!!! ^^^^^^^

I use chrome almost all the time. I only use impact on wheel bolts.

you would really like these sockets http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-81635mrd.aspx
strong like a bull(impact rated), but thin like a chrome
ive been using them everyday for over a year and they are still performing great

 

[chris142]

I'm in general agreement with the group, but one little detail no one ever mentions is, impact sockets tend to lack the undercut in the drive end for a detent ball to snap into, making them far more likely to fall off of a ratchet or chrome extension. Most impact sockets rely on the friction ring (hog ring) of the impact to retain them to the tool, where most modern chrome sockets have the undercuts for the ratchet detent ball. Lining the ratchet detent ball with the sidelock hole found on most impact sockets is a solution, but takes a little more time. just something to think about.

Hmmmm. Every Impact socket I have From the HF to SO have a detent or a hole drilled in them for a spring loaded ball to fall into which will hold them on.

 

[Jawn]

All my impacts have a hole for pins or ball detents.

 

[bcradio]

Hmmmm. Every Impact socket I have From the HF to SO have a detent or a hole drilled in them for a spring loaded ball to fall into which will hold them on.

Yup... Thats why he mentioned it in his post

 

[Brad54]

I've got three sets of 1/2-inch drive sockets:
Deep well impact, shallow impact, and chrome.
I use the deep impacts as my go-to 1/2-drive deep sockets. For those times when clearance (wall thickness) is an issue, I use a 3/8-inch deep chrome socket. It's almost never an issue.
For the 1/2-inch shallow, I grab either one... I have two sets so when I'm working on something with a friend or my son, we both have the socket we need.

-Brad

 

[Skin]

Pros
-Cheaper to get one set of sockets

Cons
-Wall thickness
-1 detent hole that you must line up or your sockets can drop into the unknown. Have this happen once into a fender that cant be accessed without taking more stuff apart and you'll never use them again.
-Harder to notice under the hood. One by one they'll start disappearing in customers vehicles.

Honestly i'd use chrome on both impact and hand tools before i'd just buy impact sockets. Or just buy both...Provided you dont mind imports sockets are cheap, no reason not to have both.