Recommend a 3/8 Impact Socket Strategy

[oldschoolcraft]

I never owned a 3/8 impact wrench. My first and only impact is a stubby first gen 1/2" drive M12 and I got it mainly in case I got into doing suspension or drive train work and needed some oomph. I have a set of Sunex 6-point impact sockets in SAE and Metric up to 1 1/2" / 38mm

Only used the 1/2" impact for the first time a few weeks ago, took my car seat out and it zipped through it so quickly that I was impressed. I decided to get a 3/8" set whenever the latest gen model comes out, and Milwaukee leaked a new gen stubby 3/8 M12 impact with 550 pounds of nut busting torque that's smaller than first gen.

I need help devising a socket strategy for general purpose home gamer work. I already bought a set of SAE and Metric Astro universal 3/8" impacts on sale recently. I'd like to get a starter set going, and on the bright side, I think these are speed/efficiency tools, I already have full set of chrome sockets and combination wrenches, so if I am missing something, I can always buy it for later without causing a work stoppage. Here's some options and thoughts I have:

• Dont buy anything else, just run the universal impacts as the only socket, maybe they'll be a little wobbly but as a home gamer not doing much car repair, they'll still probably be faster than chrome sockets by hand, or should these be limited for use in tight angle-restricted spaces?
• Buy 3/8 Nano
• Buy 3/8 Regular
• Buy 3/8 Deep

I'd prefer to limit the ones I buy to just the basics. I wont be using them that much, and I can always buy more later. But if I'm eventually going to want a Nano and Deep, then buying regular now seems wasteful, if a nano + deep pairing is more useful and makes regular unnecessary.

 

[Odd-job]

Nanos and mid depths (Sunex) are what I reach for 95% of the time. I would consider skipping the regular and deeps if I were to do it all over again.

 

[garfunkle24]

My strategy is to buy the ones I need. I know, sheer genius.

I figure out what I need by actually working on ****.

 

[KSJeff]

I don't have a 3/8 impact - not sure what I'd need it for. My 3/8" swivels are impact rated as well, so I like that strategy.

My swivels are my only impact rated 3/8" sockets. Everything else is chrome. I've never thought I needed anything more, but in the spirit of garage journal, you should really buy all the sets and tell me what I'm missing.

 

[dchawk81]

You don't need a strategy to buy tools. It's not minesweeper.

 

[Galvonzo]

My "strategy" is this

Husky 3/8 in. Drive SAE/Metric 6-Point Impact Socket Set (44-Piece) H3D44PCIMPSAS - The Home Depot

The Husky 3/8 in. Drive SAE/MM Impact Set is Husky's most complete selection of 3/8 in. drive Impact Sockets in 1-set, with all 44 pieces conveniently stored in a single, easy to transport case. The 6-point

www.homedepot.com

Here's the spreadsheet for you.

https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/2d/2d9abe76-f3c5-42aa-ac5e-9cfb5750972d.pdf

This will cover your 3/8 usage. And be portable. Size range is just right for 3/8 drive. And you've got the 1/2 drive set already if you need to go bigger.

3/8 impact is nice to be lazy and just pull a trigger.

Don't buy it now though. Cause I only bought it because it was on sale during one of their black friday/christmas periods for like.... $40?

 

[shakenfake]

I prefer a 3/8s impact over my 1/2. 3/8s is pretty powerful now.

 

[M635_Guy]

I only have 1/2" impacts (I have the M12 Stubby and the M18 Mid Gen2). There area couple cars in the fleet that are a bit tight (a Mini and a Mazda 3) and the two impacts are so shallow that it's never been a problem. With 1/2" you've got sockets all the way up to hub/crank bolts with no adapter. And the impacts are both great for tight spaces:

(I think that supposed to be Gen2 - whatever the latest Fuel Mid-Torque is).

FWIW, I got rid of my High Torque as that Mid is plenty grumpy.

 

[vwpieces]

I suggest getting sets that are thin or reduced to a usable size at the hex. Some are only slightly tapered and too fat to use in some circumstances.

 

[M635_Guy]

My logic in the above (and I say "logic" with a grain of salt) was that most of the reason to have 3/8" impacts was to have access in tight/shallow spaces. The Stubby and Mid are both so shallow they make 1/2" work essentially everywhere that's necessary for me and all the big sockets are a native fit.

 

[GeoBruin]

My take is 3/8 impact sockets are kind of niche, so you might as well lean in to the niche and try to cover those very few scenarios you can't cover with 1/2". To me, that means tight access. So nano's, plus a slim profile impact like the Gray Pneumatic duo sockets, and maybe the Astro painless universal extensions.

 

[JEdiag]

I have the m18 3/8 1/2, and 3/4. Not sure what generations but all 3 are no more than 5 or 6 years old with the 3/4 being the newest. I work on heavy equipment and honestly use the 3/8 quite a bit. I bought my impact sockets from Wright and have been very happy with them. The 3/8 is great for removing panels and the likes in some smaller places, or a place thats high enough you dont want to hold the bigger impacts over your head. Either way is fine but I do find myself using the 3/8 pretty often.

 

[kbeefy]

I do alot of automotive work and find myself using my 3/8 cordless more than anything else.

I have shallow, mid and deep impact sockets.
I also have standard and deep pinless swivel sockets.

I grab the mid length ones 95% of the time. I would say that I grab them every time unless there is a specific need for the others. Be aware that you loose alot of power with the swivels on an impact.

 

[f121]

I mostly use chrome on the 3/8 impact. Just don’t use snap on ones, they crack.

 

[Wamsutta]

I don't have a 3/8 impact - not sure what I'd need it for. My 3/8" swivels are impact rated as well, so I like that strategy.

My swivels are my only impact rated 3/8" sockets. Everything else is chrome. I've never thought I needed anything more, but in the spirit of garage journal, you should really buy all the sets and tell me what I'm missing.

I'm the same way. I like to feel how tight something is before I break it free.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I mostly use chrome on the 3/8 impact. Just don’t use snap on ones, they crack.

I thought about doing that but was worried I'd get attacked by people if I posted it. Since I'm not a professional, and dont turn that many nuts and bolts, I was thinking of just using Tekton chrome sockets and spending the $4 each to replace the ones that break. Not so much to save money but to save space since I will have those sockets on hand even if I do have impact.

But my concern is injury, I think the chrome socket can shatter and the chrome can peel and cut you. Especially if I'm using the higher torque new stubby. If I was using the cordless ratchet then I think it's basically a cordless screwdriver and I think chrome sockets would probably be fine.

 

[Wamsutta]

There's also the likelihood of the chrome socket wearing down the square drive anvil of your impact wrench. Chrome sockets are very hard steel.

 

[f121]

I thought about doing that but was worried I'd get attacked by people if I posted it.

Using chrome on an impact is 100% the wrong thing to do. But I’ve worked mobile a lot over the years and there’s a limit to the amount of stuff I can be bothered to carry. 3/8” impacts are not particularly powerful and Taiwan chrome sockets are very strong. The only socket I’ve broken on an impact is a snap on 13mm undoing a brake slider bolt.

Since I'm not a professional, and dont turn that many nuts and bolts, I was thinking of just using Tekton chrome sockets and spending the $4 each to replace the ones that break. Not so much to save money but to save space since I will have those sockets on hand even if I do have impact.

That’s my approach for mobile work, except bluepoint.

But my concern is injury, I think the chrome socket can shatter and the chrome can peel and cut you. Especially if I'm using the higher torque new stubby. If I was using the cordless ratchet then I think it's basically a cordless screwdriver and I think chrome sockets would probably be fine.

Shattering is a risk, but probably if a socket fails it’ll just crack. In CA you’ll probably be wearing sunglasses anyway, or do a safety squint. Chrome can peel, but that happens in the end anyway and is pretty minor compared to all the cuts you’ll pick up along the way.

 

[kbeefy]

I'd be more concerned with the hog ring on your impact than the socket shatering while useing chrome sockets..

 

[f121]

I'd be more concerned with the hog ring on your impact than the socket shatering while useing chrome sockets..

How concerned should I be? Concerned enough to buy a 5 pack of replacement hog rings, or is one spare enough?

 

[krzyimprt]

Use safety glasses. I have no issues using tekton chrome sockets on my 1/4 and 1/2in impacts. YMMV depending on the torque application. The drive side will get pretty beat up.

 

[LWB]

If you have 3/8" wobblies you probably don't need anything. If you only using them periodically I'm sure you could get away with just them.

That said, I have wobblies, shallows and mids in 3/8" and 1/2" deeps. 1/2" deeps because they're vintage. They rarely get used.

 

[john.k]

Used to use 9/16 Sidchrome sockets with a 3/4 impact all the time on the 12 pt bolts in Rockwell truck diffs .....generally the sockets will swell out till they are no good ,and you dump them........never had one split or break,just swell out.

 

[908Jim]

I mostly use chrome on the 3/8 impact. Just don’t use snap on ones, they crack.

I don't recommend this. Great way to end up with wallowed out sloppy fitting sockets (best case) or injured (worst case). When those sockets crack the torque of the impact can flare the cracked portion out, catch your skin and rip you up. Watched a guy go off to get stitches to put his finger back together and it was convincing enough for me.

I thought about doing that but was worried I'd get attacked by people if I posted it. Since I'm not a professional, and dont turn that many nuts and bolts, I was thinking of just using Tekton chrome sockets and spending the $4 each to replace the ones that break. Not so much to save money but to save space since I will have those sockets on hand even if I do have impact.

But my concern is injury, I think the chrome socket can shatter and the chrome can peel and cut you. Especially if I'm using the higher torque new stubby. If I was using the cordless ratchet then I think it's basically a cordless screwdriver and I think chrome sockets would probably be fine.

See above.

I use 3/8 deep impacts most of the time unless Im tight on space. I like the extra clearance between the gun and the work for my hand to grab the fastener on the way out.

Impact universals break relatively often and I would not use them as your primary impact socket.

If the tool isn't earning a living, you can afford to grab a ratchet and breaker bar if your socket combo doesn't fit worst case so if cash is right buy deeps first. If not, Capri makes shallow/mid/deep impact sets that look pretty nice.

 

[cherrybomb]

3/8 Midlength impact sockets for a home gamer will get most of your situations covered at a resonable cost.Then expand cautiously as needed.Your overthinking this,Professional techs,especially those that do the mobile work have to have a greater selection

 

[rust in the eye]

3/8" impact sockets are a waste in my opinion unless you have repetive job that will hammer the chrome off a regular socket.
Anything tight or rusted enough to need an impact can be addressed with a 1/2" drive tool. Few fasteners in the 3/8" dr size range that can't be freed (or broken) by hand.
Having said that I DO own a set of 3/8" dr. impact sockets. I don't believe I have ever used even one of them in the 15 or years they lived in my tool box.

 

[john.k]

Do the 'Tool Police' check the squares in your sockets ?............then have a set of old rusty ones for impact use ..........every swapmeet I been to ,theres a dozen guys selling hundreds of sockets for $1 each...or less if you buy 10.

 

[Hohn]

Nanos and mid depths (Sunex) are what I reach for 95% of the time. I would consider skipping the regular and deeps if I were to do it all over again.

The Astro Nanos are the only 3/8 impacts I have right now. I'll be adding the Sunex mids because I have them in 1/2 and they work great and the price/value is excellent.

I'm ok with 3/8 sets topping out at 19mm, that's proven to be plenty in my experience.

 

[AJHD]

If you literally don't own any 3/8" drive impact sockets and you want some, I would say just buy a basic shallow and deep set, something like this; https://a.co/d/09dcFlAb

If you own chrome 3/8" drive sockets and shallow/deep work, then impacts should not be any different. However...

I personally like mid-length/semi-deep sockets. I find they are usually shallow enough to fit and deep enough when you need it. Something like this; https://a.co/d/01JC4hP5

Capri also makes stubby 3/8" drive should you need them...

Amazon.com

 

[shakenfake]

@GeoBruin

3/8" impact sockets are a waste in my opinion unless you have repetive job that will hammer the chrome off a regular socket.
Anything tight or rusted enough to need an impact can be addressed with a 1/2" drive tool. Few fasteners in the 3/8" dr size range that can't be freed (or broken) by hand.

It's all about weight and speed. My 3/8s ratchet isn't a nut buster so I use the impact to just zip everything out. Honestly I don't even have a 3/8s impact wrench I just have an impact driver. That is what all my maintenance crew use day in and day out.
My 1/2 gun just gets too heavy or awkward especially since it is so large.

 

[GeoBruin]

@GeoBruin

It's all about weight and speed. My 3/8s ratchet isn't a nut buster so I use the impact to just zip everything out. Honestly I don't even have a 3/8s impact wrench I just have an impact driver. That is what all my maintenance crew use day in and day out.
My 1/2 gun just gets too heavy or awkward especially since it is so large.

Was this directed at me? I like/use 3/8 impact sockets

 

[shakenfake]

@GeoBruin Nope sorry! I had typed out a response to you earlier about how weight plays a nice role in 3/8s impacts and then deleted it LOL

 

[GeoBruin]

@GeoBruin Nope sorry! I had typed out a response to you earlier about how weight plays a nice role in 3/8s impacts and then deleted it LOL

Here's the top compartment of my mobile kit. All 3/8 impacts only!

 

[Hakeem]

Count me in on not seeing the need for 3/8” impact as a hobbyist. For a pro who is always racing to beat the clock, different story.

If it’s about zipping long fasteners off, get a 3/8” cordless ratchet or even a socket adapter for a driver.

 

[shakenfake]

@Hakeem My 3/8s ratchet doesn't have the same grunt as a 3/8s impact. I don't want a socket adapter when I can get a lighter, smaller tool.

 

[f121]

Count me in on not seeing the need for 3/8” impact as a hobbyist. For a pro who is always racing to beat the clock, different story.

If it’s about zipping long fasteners off, get a 3/8” cordless ratchet or even a socket adapter for a driver.

My 3/8 impact gets used basically anywhere it will fit for undoing and gets used a lot when assembling. Saves lots of time versus a ratchet. Not a fan of the cordless ratchet because of how they will lock up and spin the body of the tool around.

 

[Hohn]

I use a 3/8 air ratchet a lot-- a 3/8 impact, very little.

Mostly it tends to depend on whether I'm tearing apart or putting together. I don't use impacts for assembly because I'm most working with small little fasteners that are M6, M8, or M10 at most under the hood of either a Honda or Toyota. The air ratchet gives some speed here, fits where an air gun will not, and wont break off a bolt and cause massive delay. The low torque of the air ratchets (typically 50lb-ft or less) is a good thing because I they are easy to control and I rarely worry about breakage. Then I can just hit it manually or follow up with an actual torque tool if needed.

For suspension work and such with bigger fasteners, I'll use an impact for assembly. But then it will tend to be 1/2" because I'm going to be seeing lots of 17mm and larger heads.

That new little Astro air ratchet in 3/8 is super slick. At 700rpm it really leaves most air ratchets in the dust.

 

[kbeefy]

How concerned should I be? Concerned enough to buy a 5 pack of replacement hog rings, or is one spare enough?

Honestly I'm not to sure as I avoid chrome after having a socket get stuck on my impact.
I probably need to replace mine as I do occasionally need to use a chrome socket that I don't have in impact and they get stuck more than 1/2 the time. I've only seen the hog ring get bent enough to come off a couple times when using chrome extensively.

 

[BombShelter]

I had to think about it but I don't think I have more than a few random 3/8" impact sockets. I'm not a professional user but I use sockets at least once a week. I've got a full set of 1/4" and bought the Craftsman 1/2" Set a few years ago when they used to blow them out at 1/2 price.

I don't worry about breaking chrome sockets with an impact, I usually strip them out first.

 

[LopezBart]

Use safety glasses. I have no issues using tekton chrome sockets on my 1/4 and 1/2in impacts. YMMV depending on the torque application. The drive side will get pretty beat up.

Be careful. While working in a tire shop long ago I had an impact-rated socket explode. Impressive how far and hard the pieces went; the foreman told me this happened perhaps once a year.