Must have large impact sockets

[putergod]

Calling all professional mechanics....
So I am building out my impact socket collection (tired of the risk of shattering an expensive chrome socket).
I am limited on remaining space that I want to do this within, but want to max it out, ensuring I have every size I'll possibly come up against.

So, without further ado:
In metric, size range of 22mm and up, what 5 or so sizes in that range would you say I might encounter?
I currently have the following in that range:
Shallow - 22mm, 23mm, 32mm, 36mm - I have room for about 5 more (depending on diameter)
Deep - 24mm, 27mm, 35mm, 36mm - I have room for 4-5 more (depending on diameter)

In SAE, size range of 1-1/16" and up, what 5 or so sizes in that range would you say I might encounter?
I currently have the following in that range:
Shallow - 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8" - I have room for 4-5 more (depending on diameter)
Deep - 1-1/8", 1-5/16" - I have room for about 5 more (depending on diameter)

I'm pretty much complete below these ranges, hence the ranges.

I work on pretty much anything from a lawn mower up to a 1 ton pickup, and do all my own work whenever possible (up to complete overhaul). Any make or model.

Thanks!

 

[Ton ton]

I use a 24 mm shallow socket on a regular basis basis for taking lawn mower blades on and off.

 

[putergod]

I use a 24 mm shallow socket on a regular basis basis for taking lawn mower blades on and off.

Thanks! I'll mark that one down.

 

[KnurledNut]

Keep in mind, in most cases these sizes are compatible with each other...so you can save space:

7/8″	22mm
29/32″	23mm
15/16″	24mm
1-1/16″	27mm
1-3/16″	30mm
1-1/4″	32mm
1-5/16″	33mm
1-3/8″	35mm
1-1/2″	38mm
1-5/8″	41mm
1-11/16″	43mm
1-3/4″	45mm

 

[2ndGearRubber]

It depends on time required for completion of a repair, and rust in your area. I like 30-38 inclusive because sometimes that 32 is rotted down to a 31 by rust. With your requirements, I don't believe you can have "every socket you'll possibly come against. Toyotas like 12 point axle nuts, and will use 29mm as well, and a dodge truck can have a 44mm axle nut. IMO get a 12 point axle nut socket set, use this as your deeps. Then get 22/24/27 shallow coverage. Buying an axle nut socket set also means they typically include a case, which allows them tp be stored away from the regular sockets, saving space in that area.

That will generally make sure you have what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBNMVHQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr_B]

deep 30 32 34 38
Some deep larger sizes be more versatile capability in 12 point .

 

[KnurledNut]

Ill also add, these arent just sockets, at some point they will be seal/bearing drivers...

 

[CS454]

Up to 1-1/2 or 38mm is trade standard where I am.

 

[Tools4Me]

I'm not a professional mechanic, but I agree with the recommendation of complete sets. I have complete standard and deep sets in 1/2" drive up to 1-1/4 in SAE and 27mm in metric. For larger sizes I prefer to use 3/4" drive whenever possible (I have only shallow 3/4" drive sockets and no skips up to 1-1/2" and 38mm) unless you are talking about an axle nut socket or an oil filter socket. The only large general use deep socket I have is a 1-1/2". I use it for tightening down or removing trailer hitch balls that have a 1" shank (the most common size I encounter). Lots of people probably do that job with a 1-1/2" combo wrench instead, so it might not be a useful socket size for you. My socket is 3/4" drive, but that job could be done using 1/2" drive (torque spec for a 1" shank hitch ball is 250ftlbs). If you ever deal with 2-5/16" hitch balls that have 1-1/4" shanks you might want to buy a 1-7/8" socket. The torque spec for a 1-1/4" shank hitch ball is 450ftlbs, so the socket should be 3/4" drive.

All of my axle nut sockets are 1/2" drive. I buy what I need only, but for general use, something like the HF set of deep axle nut sockets in 6pt ($54 minus any coupons) plus an additional 12pt deep 30mm (Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes mainly) and a 12pt deep 39mm (For larger Toyota's like the Tundra and Sequoia) should cover almost all your bases. I store my axle nut sockets and oil filter sockets separate from my general use impact sockets, so if you do the same that would free you up to fill in more of the sizes not covered by the axle nut sockets in your existing socket racks.

 

[vwpieces]

Ill also add, these arent just sockets, at some point they will be seal/bearing drivers...

My Old 3/4dr horrible freight Metric set in the red case is bolted to the top of my 20T shop press. Still one of my top 5 purchases from HFT. But that was over 20yrs ago and it was $40 back then.

 

[Ton ton]

I would definitely recommend buying a complete set as well.

 

[putergod]

So it sounds like my main concern on these larger sizes is going to be axle nuts (Which is what I figured, but I didn't think there were so many different sizes).
Does anyone know who makes a decent 12pt kit that is Made in USA?
SK has a 4pc 6pt set.
Mac has a 8pc set, but it is also 6pt.
If I get a 12pt axle nut set, are there any 6pt sockets in the above ranges I should seriously consider?

BTW, I am NOT a mechanic... I am an IT guy. I just like to have the tool I need when I need it, and happen to work on my entire family's fleet of vehicles.

 

[Tools4Me]

Larger 12pt deep sockets are going to be quite expensive in USA brands unless you can find them used from a place like Ebay. In general, I don't recommend USA sockets for the large sizes. USA sockets go up in price with size faster than Taiwan sockets, so the larger the socket is the greater the relative price difference becomes. If you want to make sure the sockets you get are good quality, look to brands like Sunex or Grey Pneumatic. There are other good Taiwan brands out there too. Use the money you save on the larger sockets to buy better quality versions of the tools you will be using more regularly.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Larger 12pt deep sockets are going to be quite expensive in USA brands unless you can find them used from a place like Ebay. In general, I don't recommend USA sockets for the large sizes. USA sockets go up in price with size faster than Taiwan sockets, so the larger the socket is the greater the relative price difference becomes. If you want to make sure the sockets you get are good quality, look to brands like Sunex or Grey Pneumatic. There are other good Taiwan brands out there too. Use the money you save on the larger sockets to buy better quality versions of the tools you will be using more regularly.

I agree. These are not sockets that will be used on a daily basis, so I think it's fine to go with a Taiwan brand.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The 30mm is the socket for 20mm bolts on machinery. Think of how often things are bolted together with 3/4" bolts and you get an idea of how common they are on metric machinery. I got by for 25 years repairing wire drawing machinery with just 15/16" ,it served as 24mm as well, 1 1/8" and 30mm impact sockets. Our machines were mostly Japanese and German. I had smaller impact sockets as well.

 

[Metallitubby]

If you ever have to work on a Honda/Acura vehicle, then consider an Ingersoll 17mm or 19mm torque multiplying impact socket. They zip off crank bolts like no other.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CVAG1SG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Kscardsfan]

If you ever have to work on a Honda/Acura vehicle, then consider an Ingersoll 17mm or 19mm torque multiplying impact socket. They zip off crank bolts like no other.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CVAG1SG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You like that flywheel socket they have?

 

[Metallitubby]

You like that flywheel socket they have?

If you are referring to the one I posted, then absolutely. I worked in a Honda/Acura shop for 20yrs and we had a 3/4 impact that was shared between 20+ techs for crank bolts. Once I bought the Ingersoll Power Socket, no one used the 3/4 impact anymore. About half the shop bought their own power sockets and the other half borrowed theirs/ours.

 

[putergod]

I agree. These are not sockets that will be used on a daily basis, so I think it's fine to go with a Taiwan brand.

While I don't disagree with y'all, and it makes perfect financial sense, my take on it, beyond the obvious quality differences, is that American manufacturing, in pretty much all industries, tools included, has been serious hurt by companies looking to profit more.... Sending manufacturing overseas for less cost - but prices of their products have not been reduced to reflect this reduction in manufacturing costs (referring only to companies that used to make their products here, but do not any longer). Therefore, I try to buy American in everything I possibly can, to help keep American companies keep their manufacturing here.

My current "go-to" brands for new sockets (and most hand tools in general) are Wright and Proto. I do look for NOS Armstrong when I can find it, because of cost. I also have a lot of newer SK tools, but every since they sold the company to the Chinese, I've started shying away from them for new purchases.

Now I know there's non-Americans in this forum, and they likely could care less about American products, and I totally get that. This is just my stance.

This is not to say that I do not have any foreign tools, because I do. They are just few and far between in the grand scheme of things. I would say that greater than 90% of my, very large - especially for someone that is not a professional mechanic, tool collection is American made.

 

[putergod]

If you ever have to work on a Honda/Acura vehicle, then consider an Ingersoll 17mm or 19mm torque multiplying impact socket. They zip off crank bolts like no other.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CVAG1SG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That looks intriguing... I haven't needed something like that yet, but I'm sure the time will come. Can you get these in a set, or only individually?

 

[Metallitubby]

That looks intriguing... I haven't needed something like that yet, but I'm sure the time will come. Can you get these in a set, or only individually?

I've only seen them sold individually. They are really expensive though, so I bought only the 17 and 19mm versions.

 

[Bighead38]

I got a gear wrench set in 1/2” drive that goes from 8mm-36mm with no skips and takes up very little room in its case.

 

[m6z]

Sunex has no skip 1/2" drive sets that go up to 1 1/2" / 36mm. They also offer a 12 point set for axles.

 

[FMB4]

Also consider renting or 'borrowing' such impact sockets, as needed, from one or more local auto parts stores.

 

[putergod]

Also consider renting or 'borrowing' such impact sockets, as needed, from one or more local auto parts stores.

I try to avoid that if I can help it. There's some cases where something I likely wont use again for years, or ever, and is a little expensive, I'll "rent". If I rent it twice in just a year or two, it's something I should buy.

 

[Zewnten]

Well I like having 1/2 drive metric deep and shallow up to 21mm no skips, and then up to 1-1/2 in the same. Above 21mm I can usually use an SAE equivalent.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

As others have mentioned 30mm 12 point for Toyota. I’ve done a few Ram trucks and used a 29MM on those. It seems I’ve used 28 on an axle nut too but can’t remember what it was on. I have every size from 5-36 with the exception of a 26mm deep and 31,34 and 35mm which I plan to pick up soon. Mine are all just a mix of whatever was at the pawn shop mostly AmPro. The 30mm 12 point I got an OEM Tools one from Auto Zone.

 

[Ign]

If you ever touch 2nd Gen Dodges, 1-11/16" for the front stub shaft nuts. Very few sets include this

 

[CS454]

If you ever touch 2nd Gen Dodges, 1-11/16" for the front stub shaft nuts. Very few sets include this

Run into it on -20 AN fittings as well.

 

[Mr_B]

^ 27mm

 

[VolvoRyan]

My thoughts are to buy only what you need in the big sizes. No-skip sets are nice, but sooo expensive above 24mm.

I save space by only running impact sockets in 1/2" drive, unless I've a known reason for keeping chrome around in a given size.

-Ryan

 

[FuzzyTiger]

$325 and call it done: https://www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-dri...t-set-78-piece-5-16-1-1-2-in-8-39-mm-sid92408

They also have a 6 point variant of that set.

Though personally I wouldn't bother with the imperial sizes at all. In my experience, bigger stuff 30mm+ usually doesn't care as much about a super precise fit. Saves a bit of money.

 

[m6z]

Sunex has no skip 1/2" drive sets that go up to 1 1/2" / 36mm. They also offer a 12 point set for axles.

Sunex 2835 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Spindle Nut Impact Socket Set, Metric, Standard, 12-Point, Cr-Mo, 29mm - 39mm, 8-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IKPST6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Sneezer]

I had to get a 38mm recently for trailer hitches. Most 2" balls and some 2 5/16" balls use a 1 1/2"/38mm not to secure the ball onto the mount. Troop got a new trailer, and we had to go up to a 2 5/16" ball as a result.

 

[JradM]

Those IR power sockets look neat. Is there a reason they couldn't have just made a stubby extension with that weight on it instead?

That way you'd just need a 1/2" or a 3/4" extension and could use your existing sockets. I'm sure the one piece design is superior, but I'm not terribly likely to buy them at those prices.

 

[putergod]

Those IR power sockets look neat. Is there a reason they couldn't have just made a stubby extension with that weight on it instead?

That way you'd just need a 1/2" or a 3/4" extension and could use your existing sockets. I'm sure the one piece design is superior, but I'm not terribly likely to buy them at those prices.

Agreed. They do look intriguing, and I'd love to have a set of them, but at $70+ a pop? I don't think I can stomach it. Even if they were made in USA, that would still be a tough sell at those prices, though I might be a little more inclined; but made in Taiwan? Definitely a tough one...

 

[sk farmer]

Those IR power sockets look neat. Is there a reason they couldn't have just made a stubby extension with that weight on it instead?

That way you'd just need a 1/2" or a 3/4" extension and could use your existing sockets. I'm sure the one piece design is superior, but I'm not terribly likely to buy them at those prices.

defeats the purpose. any time you add a connection you lose torque or power. the benefit is the weight on the socket, not on the extension or the driver.

 

[JradM]

Agreed. They do look intriguing, and I'd love to have a set of them, but at $70+ a pop? I don't think I can stomach it. Even if they were made in USA, that would still be a tough sell at those prices, though I might be a little more inclined; but made in Taiwan? Definitely a tough one...

I'm thinking I might try making one out of an extension to see if it works.

It just looks like a metal weight wrapped around a socket after all. I'm sure mine won't look near as nice, but how tough could it be to find a thick piece of steel, cut it into a circle, drill an extension-sized hole through the middle and weld it to a short extension?

I'm sure there could be some power losses to due to the extension and extra moving parts - plus added length. Nevertheless, if it's a legitimate way to boost my impact driver power I'm game to try.

 

[JradM]

defeats the purpose. any time you add a connection you lose torque or power. the benefit is the weight on the socket, not on the extension or the driver.

I get that. I understand the socket-weight approach is superior. IR is claiming up to a 50% power boost though - I'm still wondering if you could get some of the effect with a short weighted extension. Maybe I'll try a bigger weight too.

 

[putergod]

I'm thinking I might try making one out of an extension to see if it works.

It just looks like a metal weight wrapped around a socket after all. I'm sure mine won't look near as nice, but how tough could it be to find a thick piece of steel, cut it into a circle, drill an extension-sized hole through the middle and weld it to a short extension?

I'm sure there could be some power losses to due to the extension and extra moving parts - plus added length. Nevertheless, if it's a legitimate way to boost my impact driver power I'm game to try.

Make sure you balance it, or it could get ugly really quickly, lol.