Shallow or deep 1/2 drive impact sockets?

[m6z]

Which do you use the most of?

I'm looking to pick up a complete set of the Sunex deep 1/2 drive impacts.

Just curios if your shallow 1/2 drive impacts gets any use. I don't want to buy the shallows if they're just going to collect dust.

 

[Wood_Guy]

Interesting thing about impacts. The less weight you're trying to turn on the anvil, the harder the impact actually hits. For example, shallow sockets direct on the impact put out more torque than a shallow socket on a 3" extension, or just a deep socket.

I mostly use shallows for this reason.

 

[superduty1]

Interesting thing about impacts. The less weight you're trying to turn on the anvil, the harder the impact actually hits. For example, shallow sockets direct on the impact put out more torque than a shallow socket on a 3" extension, or just a deep socket.

I mostly use shallows for this reason.

This is totally accurate. Every so often switching to a shorter impact or getting rid of extension will put you over the edge to break a bolt or not loose.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[plinker]

Most of the time (90%) I only use deep sockets in 1/2 drive (impact use), extra shallows get quite a bit of use but mainly with a ratchet.

A deep socket is preferable to a shallow socket & extension for reasons as mentioned, adding an extension will drop the torque by a good bit. Example, a flip socket w/ 3" extension wouldnt remove a particular lug nut but a regular deep socket would.

All this said you really need both shallow & deep sockets. Get the deep sockets first though. Sunex sockets are very good.

 

[Two Door]

Interesting thing about impacts. The less weight you're trying to turn on the anvil, the harder the impact actually hits. For example, shallow sockets direct on the impact put out more torque than a shallow socket on a 3" extension, or just a deep socket.
.

Heavy Honda crankbolt sockets fly in the face of that. The less length, the less possibility for torsion and loss. Likewise with more mass at a given length.

 

[Wood_Guy]

Heavy Honda crankbolt sockets fly in the face of that. The less length, the less possibility for torsion and loss. Likewise with more mass at a given length.

It's simple physics. You can argue against it if you like, but the physics remain exactly the same.

Deep sockets are more convenient to be sure. I prefer them for general use on my 3/8, but on that drive size I am not going for straight up torque.

It pays to have both, as plinker mentioned above. I second his recommendation for Sunex. I use them above my 36mm and 1-3/8" because they have them in 1/2" drive, and Snap-on does not.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Interesting thing about impacts. The less weight you're trying to turn on the anvil, the harder the impact actually hits. For example, shallow sockets direct on the impact put out more torque than a shallow socket on a 3" extension, or just a deep socket.

I mostly use shallows for this reason.

+1 Pretty much. Also a longer impact socket is going to be more prone to flex and twisting forces = less power transferred.

 

[bob15]

I use shallow impacts 99% of the time. I only use deep sockets if the shallow won't work.

 

[visionguru]

Which do you use the most of?

I'm looking to pick up a complete set of the Sunex deep 1/2 drive impacts.

Just curios if your shallow 1/2 drive impacts gets any use. I don't want to buy the shallows if they're just going to collect dust.

You need both shallow and deep, because there will be situations with limited access. I use deep much more than shallow, unless the space doesn't allow it.

 

[BrandoJames]

When someone mentions "impact sockets", I automatically think "lug nuts". For most DIY'ers, removing lug nuts will be your primary use for an impact wrench.

I recommend deep impact sockets, since lug nuts are often deeply recessed on a wheel. But impact sockets are relatively inexpensive--you should be able to afford both shallow & deep. Make sure you get 6 point sockets.

 

[Wamsutta]

Deep impacts are primarily used for nuts on studs, but you can use them for bolt heads too. Shallow impacts are for bolt heads only.

 

[ex-x-fire]

both

 

[jimmyin3D]

Deeps if used infrequently but if you work on cars or whatever pretty often then get both. It’s worth it to have your options be more open .

 

[DFB]

both

X2

 

[Yarpo]

Both for sure, but I do use my deeps probably 80% of the time.

 

[mbshop]

Both. But deeps were used most often. I didnt have to deal with really tight big stuff. One reminder, never put your hand on a socket while using it.

 

[md21722]

I find I use metric deep and shallow SAE the most...