Using 3/8 sockets on a 1/2" impact gun..

[Jland]

Is this going to be an issue?? My wobble impacts are 3/8 is my IR 231c ok to use with these?

 

[englishsam]

You are more likely to shear off the head off the bolt than damage the socket. I find generally that the 1/2 to 3/8 step down will break before the socket.

It's not ideal but it will probably be fine. If you are using it day in day out as a mechanic then it's a silly idea. For a one-off or for DIY use I'd take the chance.

 

[Shiftless]

What fasteners are you working on? Lug nuts?
The u-joint on the wobble sounds like the weak link once you pull the trigger with up to 600 ft-pounds of torque.
I have used chrome sockets with an electric impact wrench but not an IR 231. That tool hits pretty hard.

 

[englishsam]

What fasteners are you working on? Lug nuts?

Why would he want wobble impacts on lug nuts?

If he needs wobble it's probably for a reason. If it's for something as easy as a lug nut I'm sure he'd use a breaker bar or simply a chrome socket.

 

[Jacobson]

I use my 3/8" gun but most of my impact sockets are 1/2"
I use an adapter
https://www.harborfreight.com/impact-socket-adapter-set-3-pc-61991.html

 

[Jland]

Broken axel on a carter go cart thats benn sitting a couple years..

 

[Shiftless]

Why would he want wobble impacts on lug nuts?

If he needs wobble it's probably for a reason. If it's for something as easy as a lug nut I'm sure he'd use a breaker bar or simply a chrome socket.

I agree.

 

[setfocus]

if the sockets are impact grade, then they should be ok. The reducer that will be needed is the weak spot and will break before you damage the sockets

 

[englishsam]

Broken axel on a carter go cart thats benn sitting a couple years..

Why do you need a wobble? Would a wobble bar give you the clearence?

Contrary to the internet hype a crome will do the job and not kill you. It might kill the socket at some point - in the form of a split but not an explosion.

If you need a wobble impact then just use it. I'd be willing to bet good money the 1/2 to 3/8 step down will shear before anything else breaks. Please don't ask me how i know .

 

[Wrench97]

You'll damage the wobble extension at the ball end or break the adapter before damaging the socket. Wobble extensions in 3/8" are probably not the best choice.

 

[Mr_B]

not that big a deal, i got 3/8 nano air impacts that hit as good as the old 231 .
bit of common sense and be okay but ****** reducing adapters will let you down ...

 

[kbeefy]

I used to use 3/8 flex sockets on a 1/2 impact all the time, before 3/8 impacts got so strong.

I even have several 1/2 to 3/8 extensions. We called it the 'transmission' extension because the 3/8 wobbly sockets were really good at getting to bellhousing bolts from 3' away behind the transmission.

Every adapter or extension you use weakens the torque making it to the fastener.

I have broken several 3/8 wobbly sockets.

 

[kbeefy]

Contrary to the internet hype a crome will do the job and not kill you. It might kill the socket at some point - in the form of a split but not an explosion.

I try to avoid using chrome sockets on my impacts because they tend to mess up the hog ring on the impact.

 

[Jland]

Yea.. i didnt even consider that step down.. ok thanks for the input