Universal Impact Sockets

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Looking to buy my first set of universal impact sockets. I don't want to spend snap on money on a set, but i'd like it to not explode on me. What i'm looking for is a metric set with at least 10mm-19mm, the more the better. I've been looking at grey pneumatics offerings but don't know if i should go for the shallow, semi deep or deep for my first set. Do the deep not contort to as steep an angle as the shallow? What other brands should i consider? I would think semi deep would be the "best" of both worlds, but would hate to lose some of the angle i would get with the shallow, if that's the case. I hope i explained well enough! Should i do shallow for now and buy deep at a later date, or buy semi deep and i would be fine for most everything? I've used them a few times, but at the shop i worked at we had both deep and shallow, so i never really paid attention or kept note on which i used.

Also, if i were to buy chromes, do the u joints on them bind like the style which you add a socket to?

 

[chrisnazzy]

I would go for these. All things considered: price, value, build quality, warranty and included blow molded box, you probably can't do better. I also know there are a ton of guys on here, myself included, who will attest to Sunex being excellent quality impact sockets.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRAO4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[gdocktor3]

Swivel and universal sockets are two different things. For impact you want swivel. I have a few sets of chrome universal sockets, but never use them. Allegedly, pinless impact sockets are the cats ***, but I wouldn't know because I don't own any. Actually, the swivel impacts I do own are 3/8" Sunex and I never use them either. Instead I use my 1/2" Sunex impacts with a Proto swivel adapter. This way I can use deep or shallow as I need. I already have shallow, deep, metric and sae. Why add deep and shallow, metric and sae swivel impacts as well? I don't have the money or room for them anyways. Right now, I would say go with Sunex because they have the mail in rebate. Whether to get deep or shallow largely depends on the type of work you do.

Here is the Sunex mail in rebate info, but remember you must buy them from a licensed Sunex dealer. http://www.sunextools.com/rebates/Q3_Industrial_flyerForm_2016.pdf

 

[48548]

That is a nice set and a good price. Another option is a truck brand used... I bought 1/2 snapon used and 1/4 snapon used. Looking at the price above you might be better off buying it. Also I like grey. I have a few adapters from them.

 

[gdocktor3]

That is a nice set and a good price. Another option is a truck brand used... I bought 1/2 snapon used and 1/4 snapon used. Looking at the price above you might be better off buying it. Also I like grey. I have a few adapters from them.

I agree with this 100%. Since we're on the used topic... Right after I bought my 1/2" Sunex shallow sets (mm/sae) I found a smoking deal on a set of 4 month old, barely used Snappy mg725 and 1/2" Snap On shallow metric and sae sets for $200. I couldn't say no. So now I have two sets of each in shallow and actually the Sunex are more complete. They also appear to be the exact same.

Can you tell which is which?

 

[KMdef9]

I'd only get them in shallow if you need them in very tight areas.. Otherwise, I'd use an adapter like gdoktor said. Saves you a lot of money for other tools.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Good thinking guys. I do have those adapters you speak of, grey pneumatic ones. I will go with shallow. Now to find a set.

 

[jn50308401]

I would go for these. All things considered: price, value, build quality, warranty and included blow molded box, you probably can't do better. I also know there are a ton of guys on here, myself included, who will attest to Sunex being excellent quality impact sockets.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRAO4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've had this set for a few months now, they are nice tools for a good price. The blow molded case is even pretty nice.

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[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I ended up buying the sunex set, added 20,21 and 22 as well. Picked up a socket rail to go with them.

 

[gdocktor3]

You bought a rail for the 3 sockets you purchased or for all of them? I keep all my socket sets in their plastic cases because they're neater and its easier to take on the road if needed.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

You bought a rail for the 3 sockets you purchased or for all of them? I keep all my socket sets in their plastic cases because they're neater and its easier to take on the road if needed.

All of them of course. I have Hansen trays so they will sit nicely between the 3/8 and 1/2 trays.

 

[ScottsGT]

I've been running the Harbor Freight ones pretty hard for the past two years as a DIY weekend driveway mechanic. Using an IR impact gun, yet to crack, split or break one.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Good choice. I have been happy with mine. Before that I used my 1/2 deep & shallow with an impact swivel. That should cover anything else you need them for.


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[Finky198]

I have that sunex set as well as the sae set both great and for the money there hard to beat... if you use one all the time like 10,13,19 ect and you need mid or deep you could always by a single later from sunex, ebay, snap on...

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Good choice. I have been happy with mine. Before that I used my 1/2 deep & shallow with an impact swivel. That should cover anything else you need them for.


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I have that sunex set as well as the sae set both great and for the money there hard to beat... if you use one all the time like 10,13,19 ect and you need mid or deep you could always by a single later from sunex, ebay, snap on...

Yes, i do have a sunex 3/8 swivel universal as well, so i was planning on using the regular shallow with it for a poor mans "mid" socket and the regular deep sockets for a deep swivel. I think i should be covered.

 

[gdocktor3]

Yes, i do have a sunex 3/8 swivel universal as well, so i was planning on using the regular shallow with it for a poor mans "mid" socket and the regular deep sockets for a deep swivel. I think i should be covered.

Well, unfortunately a shallow socket on a swivel is still a shallow socket. The shallow, mid, deep designation is determined by the depth of the broach. Shallow sockets are mostly used on the head of the bolt, while the mid and deep are for the opposite end to accept the length of the bolt threads protruding through the nut. Depending on obstructions and clearance issues, a deep socket may be preferred over an extension due to the loss of torque from the joints. Each time you ad an adapter, swivel, extension, etc the torque output from the air tool is reduced because of the movement between socket/adapter. This is why they offer impact wrenches with 3" or 6" anvils.

 

[ken w.]

I lucked out and got my SO 3/8 metric impact swivel sockets off CL for $ 125.00. It goes from 8mm - 19mm. Then I traded on here for a Cornwell ASE set from 3/8 - 3/4. Both sets are shallow. I bought others as I needed them. I have 4 in 1/2" drive for alignment / suspension. I never really had a need for any others. For deep , I use a deep socket and a impact swivel. However , If I come across any that are really cheap , I may pick up a few more.

 

[90zcar]

I have a couple 1/2" drive snap on swivels I got used for next to nothing. The rest I just use a universal 1/2" snap on impact swivel and put on whatever impact socket I need


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[cgrutt]

I lucked out and got my SO 3/8 metric impact swivel sockets off CL for $ 125.00.

I just sold a 7 pc Snap On set for $75 Happen to have a very nice 12 PC set in 1/2" (11-19, 21-22 & 24mm) up now for $300 if anybody is looking for one. Another steal but I'd rather see it go to a Garage Journal member, LOL...

 

[90zcar]

Here's an example of 2 snap on ones I got ....other than that I toss an impact socket on the end of that snap back n swivel joint socket on the right and call it a day. I don't use these everyday or are working for speed so I don't need the shortest combination.


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[90zcar]

Here's an example of 2 snap on ones I got ....other than that I toss an impact socket on the end of that snap back n swivel joint socket on the right and call it a day. I don't use these everyday or are working for speed so I don't need the shortest combination


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I just got the individual sunex 21mm that i ordered to complete the set and it's very nice. I think i will really enjoy them when i have to do brakes or anything under the car where i can eliminate an extension to get the angle. Brake caliper bolts are the ones that come to mind most. I actually used them a lot when working in the shop for most anything. Easier to keep tools out of the way of other objects rather than laid up against them or scraping them.

 

[Alchymist]

I use the swivel adapter for 1/2". Most of my deep sockets are Proto, however I had just 1 metric socket to my name, so I thought I'd rectify this, and ordered a set of the Craftsman Evolve series. With points and free shipping, $14.61 delivered. Some people were dissing the warranty, but at that price, If one breaks, it goes into the scrap barrel.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-evol...ockets/p-00916887000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

What tickled me was this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G8MGA48/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[gdocktor3]

I saw them on sale at Sears a few weeks ago for like $12 and I considered buying them just to see how well they hold up, but didn't. On another note, some one mentioned using an Evolve tool on here today and it broke the second he put it to use. I can't for the life of me remember what it was though...

Also, since you paid with a credit card online, you will always have the records or "receipt" for warranty purposes. I was told you only needed to have the complete set because they do not sell them individually.

Found the link to the broken Evolve tool. Not an impact socket though.. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335570