Snap On impact sockets - are they "really" too soft?

[md21722]

Hey all,

I have seen a bunch of threads where people say that Snap On impacts are too soft & that the drive end wears quickly and in some cases both ends.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39390

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333332

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237939

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27404&page=3

are a few of the threads.

I am wondering for those that have used them long term, how many "wear out" to the point they fall off sockets or start rounding bolts?

I'm more interested in function rather than cosmetics.

Threads have also said that all the tool truck brands are softer than they used to be. Speculating, I am wondering if that's because today's impacts are more powerful so they make them softer so they don't crack or explode as easily?

And, has anyone noticed a difference between 3/8 and 1/2" in this regard? Maybe the Snap On's do OK in 3/8" but are too soft for the big 1/2" guns?

 

[Jliddle]

Was told by my rep that they make them softer than the chrome ones intentionally because when used on an impact, the harder chrome sockets wear out the friction ring and anvils quicker than a softer impact socket will.

 

[rlitman]

With enough use, impact sockets do wear out. That much is a fact of life. Though outside of a tire shop that uses 19mm and 21mm ALL day long, I wouldn't expect to see impacts wearing out before decades of use.

Anyway, why would you care if Snap On impacts are wearing out? If they don't fit right, get them replaced.

 

[Tim37]

Was told by my rep that they make them softer than the chrome ones intentionally because when used on an impact, the harder chrome sockets wear out the friction ring and anvils quicker than a softer impact socket will.

That's pretty much what my so guy told me.

 

[md21722]

With enough use, impact sockets do wear out. That much is a fact of life. Though outside of a tire shop that uses 19mm and 21mm ALL day long, I wouldn't expect to see impacts wearing out before decades of use.

Anyway, why would you care if Snap On impacts are wearing out? If they don't fit right, get them replaced.

I figure any tool used enough wears out. I was wondering if the drive end comments are by "tool polishers" who need their tools to look pretty or if its more of a functional thing with sockets really falling off impacts long before they 'should' in normal use.

 

[Gmonkee]

In the street in front of the shop I found an import 13/16" socket that had stayed on the lug nut from a tire shop.

Obviously beat to hell visually but once pressed into service again it has proven to be within a tolerable wear limit.

My own impact sockets went six years on impacts and long bars showing wear on key sizes but still resold at more than my cost after six years of six days a week abuse without thought of saving the sockets.

I would have to agree its the loss of the sixing on either end that would determine when they are really done for.

 

[md21722]

Was told by my rep that they make them softer than the chrome ones intentionally because when used on an impact, the harder chrome sockets wear out the friction ring and anvils quicker than a softer impact socket will.

That's pretty much what my so guy told me.

It's logical that they are softer, but I've also read that MAC or Matco, while still softer than chrome, hold up better than Snap On impact sockets.

So are the Snap On users needing to replace their sockets more often, or is it just cosmetics that has people saying this? Are the MAC and Matco users having to repair their impact guns more? ;-)

 

[rlitman]

The few worn out impact sockets I've had replaced (which were USA made Craftsman BTW, and NOT Snap On) were kind of beat on both ends equally.
A worn tool end is hard on your circlip, and when your circlip wears out, the sockets fall off. But replacement retainer rings aren't all that expensive. They too are a wear item.