Regular or Deep Wall sockets?

[Mathelo]

Hey Guys,

I'm new to this forum and have what I think is a simple question. Hope you can help.

I've just bought an IR 1/2 impact driver and I need to purchase some sockets to get started. I've looked at a variety of different kits from small to comprehensive. Given that I'm not really sure how much I'll use this beyond rotating tires and brake work I'm hesitant to get carried away.

So, starting with regular and deep wall sockets, which do you use the most? I'm thinking I'll just start with a small metric deep wall socket set and grow from there.

What do you think?

Louis

 

[Tony N.]

Start with the deep for impacts. You'll be using the deep more for rotating tires. Brake work will probably require regular sockets since space clearance may be tight on some cars.

1/2" drive are usually beefy. You should get 3/8" drive for small fasteners.

 

[Mathelo]

Start with the deep for impacts. You'll be using the deep more for rotating tires. Brake work will probably require regular sockets since space clearance may be tight on some cars.

1/2" drive are usually beefy. You should get 3/8" drive for small fasteners.

Tony,

Thanks for the note. I'm actually planning a brake job in the next couple of weeks but I'm just changing pads so I wouldn't expect much use for impact drivers.

On the other hand, I've a rear axle that I need to pull and rebuild because the boots are split. This means removing the axle nut - 32 mm.

Louis

 

[mdnelson86]

I opted for deep sockets. I've come across a lot of fasteners where a standard socket won't quite reach all the way in so the deeps have come in very handy.

I've yet to do a job where I really need the standard depth sockets, but I'm sure that will come. Chances are I'll just use a standard socket rather than an impact for the first few times I find myself in that situation.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

The deep sockets are more useful with an impact gun. as far as the 32mm axle nut I'd look at buying that individually or as part of the HF Axle Nut Set.

 

[Tony N.]

Tony,

Thanks for the note. I'm actually planning a brake job in the next couple of weeks but I'm just changing pads so I wouldn't expect much use for impact drivers.

On the other hand, I've a rear axle that I need to pull and rebuild because the boots are split. This means removing the axle nut - 32 mm.

Louis

32mm axle nut comes off easily with a fat breaker bar + cheater bar over it.

 

[Mathelo]

Thanks guys. I'll start with the deep sockets and go from there.

Louis

 

[PinkLinc]

...Given that I'm not really sure how much I'll use this beyond rotating tires and brake work I'm hesitant to get carried away.

Stick around this forum for a while and that attitude will change!

 

[Mathelo]

Stick around this forum for a while and that attitude will change!

Yea, I know how that works.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For tire removal/rotation you will probably need special thin wall impact sockets.

I like this set from Sunex

 

[keithwvd]

deep first, then short with a quality universal so you can get them into tight spaces

 

[Mathelo]

For tire removal/rotation you will probably need special thin wall impact sockets.

I like this set from Sunex

I ended up getting the IR, which were less expensive than the Sunex and I think equally thin wall. I'll know soon.

 

[Tony N.]

Thin walls are necessary for lug nuts unless you want the impact to wobble around in there and scratch your rims.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

This subject every week......come on.