Impact Wrench Socket wear

[FiftyCalAl]

I bought some Snappy extensions for my 1/2 drive impact. One of the them was a brand new impact extension and one was a used impact extension. The 10 inch extension was black but not an impact (must have been industrial). Being new to impact wrenches and applications, could you look at these pics and answer a few questions.

side by side (used-not used) is this kind of metal 'smashing' on the female end 'normal' wear? does it get worse? does this cause the socket or extension to one day be too loose to function properly? should I file down the metal flashing? does it take a lot of use to get this amount of flashing and enlargement of the corners?

the long extension has the same flashing and enlargement of the corners. Since it is black and an industrial version (non chrome), I assume someone thought it was an impact model. Would you agree that the wear is caused from impact wrench use? Could this have caused real damage to the extension? Okay to keep using it as an impact extension or use it only with manual wrenches? Snap on will never replace this if it breaks now due to the fact that it was used on an impact tool-right?

Here's all 3 together.

Thanks for your help and any advice you can provide. I am buying 1/2 impacts-don't plan on working regularly on anything bigger than passenger trucks-lawn tractors. Is there any need to have 3/8s set of impacts as well?

 

[krusty the clown]

it's normal. it will get worse but it will take forever for them to become NON useable.

 

[06wt]

if the tool id # starts with (im) then you got impact tools. Normal wear to me, but if they do decide to give up on you, you wont have any problem with warrenty, but i doubt they will break, i have impact tools that are older then me and they are still fine

 

[FiftyCalAl]

the one extension is not IMpact, but it looks like it has been used with an impact wrench. Is that flashing and the rounded corners the tell-tale indicator that a socket or extension has been used with an impact? Does using a regular socket or extension with and impact 'harm' it?

 

[krusty the clown]

tell tale sign.......yuup. will a regular extension be hurt by an impact........some say yes, but i have the same set of chrome 1/2" extensions i bought in 82 and they have always been used on an impact.

 

[Fedwrench]

the one extension is not IMpact, but it looks like it has been used with an impact wrench. Is that flashing and the rounded corners the tell-tale indicator that a socket or extension has been used with an impact? Does using a regular socket or extension with and impact 'harm' it?

short answer is yes and yes. However, the amount of damage depends on the impact's power, the quality of the non impact tool, and amount of use. I've had a few tool dealers tell me that using non impact tools on a impact is harder on the impact than the tools. They've told me that impact tools are softer to absorb the blows from the impact. Whereas, chrome tools are more brittle and don't cushion the blows damaging the impact anvil. Who knows, I try to use impact stuff with impacts whenever possibe. Sometimes though only a chrome socket will fit and time is money so, you have to do what you have to do.

 

[Merkava_4]

That's normal and if it bugs you, you can take a half-round jeweler's file and file those burs off.

 

[FiftyCalAl]

so impact tools are 'softer' metal than regular tools? I always assumed it was the other way around, that impact sockets and extensions would be "harder-tougher" to stand up to impact (ab)use.

 

[volvo420coupe]

I have never heard of a warranty being refused because a "non impact" tool was used with an impact wrench. (except the sears employee with a chip on his shoulder)

Everyone who has to wrench for a living to make ends meet does not have enough money to have two separate sets, those that do have lots of spending money or OCD.

Just use your tools to turn bolts, and they will serve you well for many years.

I have on many occasions put my "non impact use only" 1/2 to 3/8 adapter on my 1/2 impact wrench, put a chrome extension on that and topped it off with a chrome socket, and believe it or not, I can still sleep at night.

 

[autoace]

tell tale sign.......yuup. will a regular extension be hurt by an impact........some say yes, but i have the same set of chrome 1/2" extensions i bought in 82 and they have always been used on an impact.

According to my Cornwell dealer, there is no difference in strength between regular and impact extensions. The impact ones don't have chrome, because chrome can chip, and sharp damaged chrome, can rip your skin apart if if is rotating and contact is made. Some impact extensions have a lock pin, so the socket doesn't fall off, but otherwise they are the same,supposedly.

I only use "impact" extensions on air tools though.

 

[krusty the clown]

so impact tools are 'softer' metal than regular tools? I always assumed it was the other way around, that impact sockets and extensions would be "harder-tougher" to stand up to impact (ab)use.

another mystery.....i was told by a higher up at MATCO that the only differece was wall thickness and the finish. was he right? beats me, i've been lied to before

 

[oldtools]

I think impact tools is harder than non-impact tools.

 

[autoace]

How much wear the impact socket or extension gets, is dependent on the condition of the impact gun anvil. If the anvil in in good shape, there will be less deforming of the impact tool drive end. If the anvil is really worn, more damage will occur.

The biggest reason I have designated impact extensions, I like the extensions I put on my ratchets to be snug, and not deformed. hence, no chrome on impacts, keeps the drive end "snug" for hand tool use.

 

[Flash21]

...I only use "impact" extensions on air tools though.

hey ace, does this hold true when you are working with an air ratchet (a non-impact air ratchet)

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I think impact tools is harder than non-impact tools.

no, chrome sockets are hard metal and Impact sockets are soft metal.

that way socket does not crack, break easy when using air tools.

 

[frimann]

I think impact tools is harder than non-impact tools.

Impact tools are actually softer than standard tools because the softer alloy "absorbes" the impact shocks from the power tool.
Its completely different steel in impact tools than standard tools

 

[caper]

I've noticed my newer Snapon impact sockets are mushrooming much more on the drive end than my older ones.I have a new 15/16" that I got last year that is in worse shape than some of my older ones I've had for twenty years.I think Snappy is going the way of craftsman,their tools now aren't as good as their tools 25 yrs ago.I notice the same quality problems with their screwdriver shanks not lasting anywhere near the way the old ones did.The old phillips screwdrivers would get such a bite on the screw I have twisted the tip right off the screwdriver.The last few replacements have stripped the tip within a couple months of use.They don't even stamp their name in the pliers anymore just write it on so it'll wear off with use and then they can try to deny warranty saying its not their pliers.

 

[HandyManny]

so impact tools are 'softer' metal than regular tools? I always assumed it was the other way around, that impact sockets and extensions would be "harder-tougher" to stand up to impact (ab)use.

This has been discussed at great depth before. Many disagree with me, but the truth about impact sockets and extentions is that the steel is NOT softer than regular sockets. Impacts are tougher but more maleable, meaning when they reach their threshold of stress they will deform rather than shatter or crack. This is done for safety to the user, you don't want something spinning at a high rate of speed 2 feet from your face exploding into shrapnel if it was to fail. They are also not chromed for the same reason.

Many sockets and extentions will be non-inpact but finished with a black oxide just like the impact stuff. Most professional or better brands will stamp "FOR HAND USE ONLY" on the tool. Not all Black Oxide finished tools are impact tools. The stamping is how you can tell.

Never use anything but impact tools with impact wrench.

 

[BB26]

Never use anything but impact tools with impact wrench.

Maybe in a perfect world, but sometimes only a chrome socket will fit.

 

[HandyManny]

Maybe in a perfect world, but sometimes only a chrome socket will fit.

If you do, do it at your risk. You may be sorry.

A set of impacts will have the size you need.

You will always be exposed to some danger when working with tools or in any shop environment. But the way I see it is if you have control over something, why add to the risk? Afterall, if you make a living with your tools, you still need your eyes and hands to work. Loose those and you'll be screwed.

 

[35mastr]

Also when the fastener is tight let the trigger go.

If you are using a real good gun and hammer away when tight.

You will eat up the extensions faster over time.

 

[BB26]

I have some SO and Proto chrome extensions that were used daily for 20 years on impact tools. They are mushroomed out pretty bad on the drive end, but still work just fine. The wear in your pics is just the beginning. I will try to take some photos to show you what they will eventually look like.

 

[BB26]

If you do, do it at your risk. You may be sorry.

A set of impacts will have the size you need.

You will always be exposed to some danger when working with tools or in any shop environment. But the way I see it is if you have control over something, why add to the risk? Afterall, if you make a living with your tools, you still need your eyes and hands to work. Loose those and you'll be screwed.

It's not about sizes. Chrome sockets have thinner walls which allow them to get into tighter spaces. Most of the time, impacts fit just fine, but once in a while they are too thick. And when I have used a chrome socket on an impact, it has always been a top quality socket (SO, Proto, Mac, etc.).

Given the choice of disassembling everything around the fastener to get an impact on there or getting the job done with a chrome socket – I will choose the chrome socket every time. I think this is particularly true in a shop environment where time is money. But that is just my opinion and has worked for me; others will surely disagree or have different experiences.

 

[HandyManny]

Sure there are times when you have to improvise. All I'm saying is beware of the possible risk, that's all.

Where abouts in Oregon are you BB26?

 

[BB26]

Sure there are times when you have to improvise. All I'm saying is beware of the possible risk, that's all.

Where abouts in Oregon are you BB26?

Understood.

I live in Salem and work in Corvallis. Are you familiar with the area?

 

[HandyManny]

Understood.

I live in Salem and work in Corvallis. Are you familiar with the area?

The wife's more familliar with Corvallis than me. I've only passed through a few times. I was just in Corvallis in early July, passing through on our way down from Astoria to the Applegate Valley. Wife graduated from OSU a long time ago. Maybe one day we'll move out there. I love Oregon.

 

[cruiser808]

The wife's more familliar with Corvallis than me. I've only passed through a few times. I was just in Corvallis in early July, passing through on our way down from Astoria to the Applegate Valley. Wife graduated from OSU a long time ago. Maybe one day we'll move out there. I love Oregon.

+1 on "I love Oregon." I spent two years at Linfield College in McMinnville. Being a young kid from Hawaii, I'd never seen snow, large evergreen forests and huge mountains. Those two years bring back fond memories of many good times. I even learned to ski when I was there.

BB - I heard the "Spruce Goose" was moved to McMinnville. Is this true?

 

[BB26]

BB - I heard the "Spruce Goose" was moved to McMinnville. Is this true?

Yeah, I believe it came over in the early 90s. I have not been into the museum to see it up close yet, but it is very impressive from the road. I plan on taking the kids to check it out from inside the museum next month.

 

[cruiser808]

Yeah, I believe it came over in the early 90s. I have not been into the museum to see it up close yet, but it is very impressive from the road. I plan on taking the kids to check it out from inside the museum next month.

Sweet!

 

[Garage_Mahal]

I think one of us MEs needs to write a tutorial on the technical definitions of strength, durability, ductility and toughness when it comes to steel. They are interrelated but the relationships can vary widely based on the types alloying materials and heat processes chosen for the alloy. I don't have time right now . . .

 

[autoace]

hey ace, does this hold true when you are working with an air ratchet (a non-impact air ratchet)

I use impact extensions, universals, and sockets on all air tools. It may not be necessary to use impact extensions and sockets on air ratchets but I feel the final torque of the air ratchets wears the drive end of the extension or socket alot more than hand tools. That is just my preference.

 

[FiftyCalAl]

well, while I am being educated...

are impact air ratchets primarily designed to remove fasteners instead of apply? air ratchets (not impact) are used simply because it minimizes human force, no other real reason-right?

 

[autoace]

well, while I am being educated...

are impact air ratchets primarily designed to remove fasteners instead of apply? air ratchets (not impact) are used simply because it minimizes human force, no other real reason-right?

Speed, I don't like air ratchets really, no good feedback to your hand IMHO.......I use them, but not on "delicate" work. The more powerful the air ratchet, the more you can get yourself in trouble with fastener breakage, and or skinned knuckles.

 

[FiftyCalAl]

also, what are the best applications for using and impact air ratchet. I know lug nots, but can you use it for just about anything? Do you have to have an impact to remove those fasteners aplied with an impact (or a breaker bar)?

Which leads me back to another question I asked- if I have 1/2 drive, is there any real need/application for 3/8s? (average use around house with 3/4 ton Suburban largets vehicle)

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

I don't like air ratchets that much either,unless i've got a bunch of fasteners to loosen.
plus they're noisy.