Lubricate Impact Swivel Sockets?

[The Critic]

Does anyone lubricate their impact swivel sockets? I purchased a few new sets of Snap-On's and noticed that a small squirt of Super Lube helps them rotate a bit more freely. Curious if that is a standard (or suggested) practice.

 

[suburban_dad]

I would say always lubricate ALL tools. Even non moving tools. A coating of oil will stop corrosion. Similar to how metal items are shipped or stored in a warehouse. Always wiped with oil.

 

[redwrench60]

Just use em. It will have plenty of lube once you drop it in a bucket of ATF or a used oil drain.

 

[65ranchero]

Never done it!

 

[jsaw]

I lube them to keep them moving freely, and prevent rust

 

[whitesco]

Everything is better with lube.

 

[dnschmidt]

Can't hurt so why not.

 

[turninwrenches396]

little bit of graphite spray dirt and **** won't stick to it and once dry lasts a long time

 

[Fedwrench]

I've never done it. Perhaps I should especially after a bath in the cuda. However, I haven't experienced any performance issues with my impact swivels either. Perhaps the Astros which are a bit stiff could benefit from a little lube

 

[dnschmidt]

I've never done it. Perhaps I should especially after a bath in the cuda. However, I haven't experienced any performance issues with my impact swivels either. Perhaps the Astros which are a bit stiff could benefit from a little lube

Fed, I've never done it either but here's a little experiment to try. Dunk them, or one of them, in DEXTRON VI, and then put them on a towel and let the excess go into the towel. I like DEXTRON VI or Toyota WS as they are very thin synthetic ATFs and gets into every nook and cranny. I love it for ratchet lube when you've got a ratchet that can't be disassembled easily and it works great. This would seem to be a similar situation. No harm no foul so why not give it a shot.

 

[setfocus]

I don't have 1/2 drive swivel sockets and just make heavy use of 1/2 swivel adaptors. I've worn out matco pinless and snapon and even sheared the pin once on a snappy. I hit them with wheel bearing grease every so often. I'm not sure if it really does much for wear, but makes them move better when stiff. Also fling grease everywhere, right after I grease them, maybe next time I'll try the white lithium grease spray. Should be less messy

I should just break down and buy a set. They never go on sale on tool trucks. Maybe an astro set

 

[The Critic]

I should just break down and buy a set. They never go on sale on tool trucks. Maybe an astro set

The 7-pc 1/2” drive Snap-On sets are/were readily available on eBay for 50% off msrp.

 

[Kenskip1]

I have just recently purchased two sets of impact swivel sockets. One is Astro 3/8 drive metric swivel impact and the second is Gear Wrench 1/2 drive swivel metric. And yes I used lubrication on both sets. I used the grease gun that I use on my chainsaw. It sends a small stream directly where it is required. The swivel sockets now rotate with much smoother action and less effort.

 

[Formula]

I give mine a squirt occasionally when they start to feel a little tight.

 

[Tallpilot]

Fed, I've never done it either but here's a little experiment to try. Dunk them, or one of them, in DEXTRON VI, and then put them on a towel and let the excess go into the towel. I like DEXTRON VI or Toyota WS as they are very thin synthetic ATFs and gets into every nook and cranny. I love it for ratchet lube when you've got a ratchet that can't be disassembled easily and it works great. This would seem to be a similar situation. No harm no foul so why not give it a shot.

It would be an interesting experiment. I am going to try just a little tool box buddy light machine oil on my Astro swivels. It can't hurt and it just might help.