Sockets: Chrome vs Impact (Flat Rate Master)

[BrandoJames]

A YouTube mechanic describes why he buys impact sockets only. I'm kind of the same way, my new sets are all impact. Haven't had a problem yet with clearance issues.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Chrome Vs Impact Sockets-What to Buy?
32,028 views
•Jun 23, 2017



You aren't taking off head bolts with impacts. Hell my 1/2 drive proto 14mm was too thick to get at subaru head bolts. I ended up 3/8 chrome and a step-up adapter, as is my usual method. My most frequent requirement for chrome is for one is working on disassembly out of sequence. FRM is in the south (Atlanta?), I frequently must make repairs while leaving an obviously in-the-way part in place since removal will destroy said part. Any little bit of clearance or size reduction helps. The other main clearance issue is when it is a tight area, and the factory didn't bother removing casting flash and other **** from nearby parts.


Yes, most cases impacts are fine. The fast majority of the time, I'm using power tools for turning anything.

 

[DFB]

I use impact grade more often than chrome but ya there are A LOT of applications where impact sockets are just too thick and won't fit.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I use 1/4" chrome, 3/8" chrome, and 1/2" impact for hand usage, and I use 3/8" and 1/2" impacts on my impact guns.

I know a lot of people use chrome on impact, but I don't want to unnecessarily tear up/wear out my chrome sockets.

 

[BrandoJames]

I know a lot of people use chrome on impact, but I don't want to unnecessarily tear up/wear out my chrome sockets.

Using chrome sockets on an impact wrench is dangerous; but a lot of guys do it. I see Eric O. do this a lot. However, I think the risk is a lot lower when using a chrome on a 3/8" cordless Milwaukee rated at 32 ft/lbs vs removing lug nuts with a big AirCat rated at 300 ft/lbs (or more).

 

[nieuport17]

This is GJ. It is automatic sin to have only impact set and not chrome.

Jokes aside, I have encountered a couple times in my life where impact wall is too large for a bolt or bolt screw. Very rare, but it happens.

 

[Mr_B]

This is GJ. It is automatic sin to have only impact set and not chrome.

Jokes aside, I have encountered a couple times in my life where impact wall is too large for a bolt or bolt screw. Very rare, but it happens.

I woudn't say that rare, I do auto repair as a living and I could have an issue dailly if relying on impact sockets only .
Lot of bolts on engine components/brackets and transmissions that only thin chromes fit easily .

 

[Professional Tool User]

When comparing wall thickness between two impact and chrome, unless you are dealing with very small sizes, it doesn't make that big of a difference. And even then I've got 1/4 dr chrome and impact sockets and I can't tell the difference.

 

[Mikeske]

I really never thought about and I have been a mechanic for 45+ years and always used chrome sockets for hand tools and impact sockets for my impact guns. I just do it as I have always done it. I also never gave it much thought as the chrome sockets are harden differently then the impacts sockets. Whether I agree or not with what is said by flat rate master does not matter as everybody has a opinion and it works for him fine

 

[Mr_John]

A lot of engine work is done with 1/4 sockets as well - and not many people own a 1/4 impact set. There are plenty of places where at least one of the bolts is right next to something else, and a thick walled socket just will not fit. Besides, what's the fun of only owning flack black sets of sockets, esp when you consider most of the major competitors offer lifetime warranties on the chrome sockets.

 

[The Fall]

I always use chrome except when using an impact. Occasionally you need to run chrome on the impact due to clearance issues. That's when I break out the USA CMan (G2 series).

 

[Wood_Guy]

I really don't mind having both. There's a lot of times I want a second socket for some reason, and then I automatically have it.

 

[rijndael]

A friend of mine was a Mercedes tech. His vehicle was up in the air and the one next to him was just pulled in. He was using a chrome socket on an impact and it split/flung the socket right in to the door of the neighboring S500, which was practically brand new. It was not a good day.

 

[Farmall450]

I woudn't say that rare, I do auto repair as a living and I could have an issue dailly if relying on impact sockets only .
Lot of bolts on engine components/brackets and transmissions that only thin chromes fit easily .

Hell, I've had rims on a forklift too snug to get the lugs off with an impact socket.

 

[BrandoJames]

A friend of mine was a Mercedes tech. His vehicle was up in the air and the one next to him was just pulled in. He was using a chrome socket on an impact and it split/flung the socket right in to the door of the neighboring S500, which was practically brand new. It was not a good day.

Yep, that does happen. Some people think that the "exploding chrome socket on impact wrench" is an urban myth. As cheap as impact sockets are, I don't know why anyone would run that risk.

 

[giants]

A YouTube mechanic describes why he buys impact sockets only. I'm kind of the same way, my new sets are all impact. Haven't had a problem yet with clearance issues.

One of my auto instructors suggested the same thing.

Do you use Cr-V, Cr-Mo, or both?

What brand of impact sockets do you have and for how long?

Any brands you don't recommend?

Would you recommend buying used impact sockets?

I can't find the comment, but someone recently said that chrome sockets will last only 4 years under heavy, daily use. Have you noticed a life-span on your impacts?

Thanks for the thought-provoking post.

 

[BrandoJames]

One of my auto instructors suggested the same thing. Do you use Cr-V, Cr-Mo, or both? What brand of impact sockets do you have and for how long? Any brands you don't recommend? Would you recommend buying used impact sockets? I can't find the comment, but someone recently said that chrome sockets will last only 4 years under heavy, daily use. Have you noticed a life-span on your impacts?

Thanks for the thought-provoking post.

I'm a DIYer: in chrome sockets, I have very few. My primary set is my old man's Craftsman USA 6 pt. I'm guessing that's Cr-V but not sure.

I primarily use impact sockets, even on hand tools. I really like Matco's ADV impact sockets, made in Taiwan and reasonably priced at $69 for a 13 pc Metric set. I only use 6 point sockets, whether it's impact or chrome. You're much less likely to strip a fastener with 6 pt sockets.

As an Auto Tech student, you'll put a lot more wear on all of your tools than I will. As a DIYer, I'm probably not the right person to advise you, but there are techs on this board who can. As a father, I'm going to tell you to avoid debt as much as you can. Good luck.

 

[giants]

I'm a DIYer: in chrome sockets, I have very few. My primary set is my old man's Craftsman USA 6 pt. I'm guessing that's Cr-V but not sure.

I primarily use impact sockets, even on hand tools. I really like Matco's ADV impact sockets, made in Taiwan and reasonably priced at $69 for a 13 pc Metric set. I only use 6 point sockets, whether it's impact or chrome. You're much less likely to strip a fastener with 6 pt sockets.

As an Auto Tech student, you'll put a lot more wear on all of your tools than I will. As a DIYer, I'm probably not the right person to advise you, but there are techs on this board who can. As a father, I'm going to tell you to avoid debt as much as you can. Good luck.

Thank you.

What features do you like about the Matco ADV impact sockets?

I have a set of tools that I keep just at school. They're low-end, on sale, eg Husky, so that if they walk away, I won't feel too badly. When I need to use a good tool, I bring it for that day and watch it like a hawk.

By the way, you're interested in US General. A few months back, I bought my first cart, a US General, for use at home (we have lockers at school). Three instructors at school have them and swear by them.

Here it is:

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-4-drawer-black-tech-cart-64096.html

I upgraded the two fixed wheels to swivel wheels (from Home Depot?). I really like it and have no complaints.

I read comments that the upper lid should be opened and closed frequently to protect the shocks, which I do a couple of times a week.

 

[BrandoJames]

What features do you like about the Matco ADV impact sockets? I have a set of tools that I keep just at school. They're low-end, on sale, eg Husky, so that if they walk away, I won't feel too badly. A few months back, I bought my first cart, a US General, for use at home

My Matco socket set is quite new, but I like them because they’re lightweight but solid. I just removed a motor mount with them and they worked really well. I bought them new off eBay—you can often find new tools out there for really good prices. This summer I picked up a new Snap-On Dual 80 3/8” ratchet for $99.

In regard to your low end stuff, if you feel confident with those tools, then use them. That’s a nice cart that you bought. It looks a lot like my rolling cabinet, which is also black.

 

[brooktre]

As a father, I'm going to tell you to avoid debt as much as you can. Good luck.

Outstanding advice for anyone.

 

[neophyte]

Yep, that does happen. Some people think that the "exploding chrome socket on impact wrench" is an urban myth. As cheap as impact sockets are, I don't know why anyone would run that risk.

Mythbusters thinks that hitting two hammers together and having the face of one fracture is a myth.

 

[seber]

My problem with impact sockets is rust. After all, that is why sockets are chromed. I try to keep a light coat of oil on all unplated tools but impact sockets rust anyway. It might be because they are used so seldom.

 

[Mr_John]

A friend of mine was a Mercedes tech. His vehicle was up in the air and the one next to him was just pulled in. He was using a chrome socket on an impact and it split/flung the socket right in to the door of the neighboring S500, which was practically brand new. It was not a good day.

Was it an ICON socket, by chance?

 

[rijndael]

Was it an ICON socket, by chance?

Craftsman, USA.

 

[m6z]

What are you guys oiling your impact sockets with? I've got a Sunex set to arrive and I'd like to keep them looking nice for as long as possible.

 

[rijndael]

Crc 6-56
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M8Q02M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mfewtrail]

What are you guys oiling your impact sockets with? I've got a Sunex set to arrive and I'd like to keep them looking nice for as long as possible.

Practically any oil will keep them looking good. Sunex sets arrive absolutely bathed in oil, so much that you're going to sling it on stuff if you don't wipe them down with a cloth or paper towel before using them. I usually wipe my down on occasion with air tool oil or atf. I only handle them when wearing nitrile gloves, so the chemicals in oil aren't really a concern...

 

[VinceG]

well Snap-on impact sockets have a thinner wall than some cheap brands. but still wont work on a Detroit Diesel DD15 rear water manifold bolt. there are a lot of other places on trucks you cant get thicker sockets including some electrical components. but buy what you need when you run into a issue.

 

[zendriver]

Years ago I bought a craftsman socket set in half-inch metric. That was pretty much all I had at half inch.

Years later I bought some harbor freight half-inch impact sockets - deep metric, SAE and short.

Now those are all I use for heavier socket needs.










Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[dimichele]

Mythbusters thinks that hitting two hammers together and having the face of one fracture is a myth.

A guy I worked with ended up with a chunk of one in his chest. I believe it was a craftsman.