Using only impact sockets

[King Nothing]

So I’m thinking, what’s the point in having a set of chrome sockets and a set of impact sockets? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to have a full set of impact sockets? It’s not lIke they wouldn’t work with your ratchets. Am I missing something or is having full sets of impact sockets AND chrome sockets just redundant?

 

[mike93lx]

Impacts are heavier, softer and thicker wall

 

[Shop-hound]

Impacts are Softer and wear faster, they rust easier so I like to keep some oil on them. I prefer my chrome when working by hand (ie not impact), near interior parts, in the house etc. to keep stuff from getting oil/dirt on it. Also a lot easier to clean, and see in an engine bay/on the floor. Access can also be a thing with the thinner wall.

If you could only have one set, impact for sure, but both have their place in my shop.

 

[King Nothing]

Impacts are Softer and wear faster, they rust easier so I like to keep some oil on them. I prefer my chrome when working by hand (ie not impact), near interior parts, in the house etc. to keep stuff from getting oil/dirt on it. Also a lot easier to clean, and see in an engine bay/on the floor. Access can also be a thing with the thinner wall.

If you could only have one set, impact for sure, but both have their place in my shop.

Great answer, thank you. I’m getting a little older and considering replacing my old USA Craftsman sockets. The eyes aren’t what they used to be and I’m having a hell of a time seeing the size markings on them. Thinking about replacing with something that has easier to see sizes and thought it might make sense to save some space and just invest in some nice impact sockets

 

[benny27]

Great answer, thank you. I’m getting a little older and considering replacing my old USA Craftsman sockets. The eyes aren’t what they used to be and I’m having a hell of a time seeing the size markings on them. Thinking about replacing with something that has easier to see sizes and thought it might make sense to save some space and just invest in some nice impact sockets

Paint the size markings might help a bit.

 

[AJHD]

I actually don't own any chrome sockets except an Astro universal set and a handful of singles (extra 10mm's).

I've personally never had an issue with the wall thickness, weight, softness, or rust on impact sockets. But that's just me.

 

[unslow1]

Impact sockets are often tough to work with in tight quarters.

 

[Zewnten]

So starting out all I had was impacts. Occasionally I needed a very thin wall socket for an oddball situation. But now that we don't have a parts washer to throw geasy sockets in I have started buying chrome and using it for assembly as they're kept clean.

 

[Badgerstate]

So I’m thinking, what’s the point in having a set of chrome sockets and a set of impact sockets? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to have a full set of impact sockets? It’s not lIke they wouldn’t work with your ratchets. Am I missing something or is having full sets of impact sockets AND chrome sockets just redundant?

For the most part, if you use impact tools, it is better to just have impact sockets because having both is kind of redundant. Ive got chrome sockets in 3/8" for my manual ratchet, cordless ratchet and air ratchet and I have a set of 1/2" impact sockets that I use with my impact wrench for remove lawn mower blade bolts, lug nuts and anything else that needs a bit of extra persuasion.

 

[General Geoff]

So I’m thinking, what’s the point in having a set of chrome sockets and a set of impact sockets? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to have a full set of impact sockets? It’s not lIke they wouldn’t work with your ratchets. Am I missing something or is having full sets of impact sockets AND chrome sockets just redundant?

Good way to save money and space is to go chrome 1/4" and 3/8" drive, and impact 1/2". Or if you want to be real fancy, get Grey Pneumatic Duo socket sets in 1/4" and 3/8" which are similar in dimensions to chrome sockets but are rated for impact use.

 

[isb cornbinder]

So I’m thinking, what’s the point in having a set of chrome sockets and a set of impact sockets? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to have a full set of impact sockets? It’s not lIke they wouldn’t work with your ratchets. Am I missing something or is having full sets of impact sockets AND chrome sockets just redundant?

My first set of sockets was from the MAC truck. These 1/2" sockets are all impact. The walls are thin enough to work almost as well as chrome thin-wall., I bought SUNEX for my other size impact sockets. All of my chrome sockets are SK. I am retired, now.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

There are times where chrome is required due to space constraints. Universal sockets between chrome and impact are two entirely different tools. If you are not in a situation where the advantages of chrome immediately come to mind, I would say you are capable of being impact only.

I inherently use chrome by hand, impact on impacts. Just my nature.

 

[mepstein]

I'm not a pro wrench but I find each type serve their purpose best. Impacts for removing hardware with my impact wrench and chrome for fitting hardware back and with a torque wrench. Sure, either one will work but ...

 

[CS454]

Only chrome I run is 1/4" plus my 3/8" 12 point sockets. Tend to grab impact extensions even with a hand ratchet, habit.

 

[KariFS]

I use impact tool very rarely on anything except wheel lugs. Hence, my socket sets are ”chrome”. For the impact use I have the 17 and 19 mm sockets that I need for wheel changes, plus a couple of others that came with my el cheapo electric impact.

I already had my manual socket sets when I bought the impact tool, so no money saving opportunity there, but if I would start over again, I would get the same stuff. But I am just a hobby mechanic, I don’t work on any heavy equipment. Just cars, motorcycles, lawnmower, around the house etc. My go-to socket set is a 3/8” Bahco, I also have a 1/2” and 1/4” sets for ”big” and ”small” stuff respectively.

 

[Mr_B]

Obviously you can use impacts for most scenarios that you would chrome but it not going fit in everywhere and pending on impact design you may not like the drive detent .
Seems the OP need large sizing he going have choice limitations as very few manufacturers making most of easy read large size markings .
Could also try paint in the stamp markings on some of your existing sockets, acid etching larger sizes is possible but quite a time consuming process do neatly with masking transfers .
Be careful buying just laser etched marked sockets as etching fades/wears especially on impact sockets.
Brands like Matco and Tekton have made good effort in readable printing .

 

[zendriver]

My black Harbor freight impact sockets are my go to’s for 1/2 inch drive. Deep and shallow I have another six point set of “whatever” brand in SAE

I have a small set of craftsman 1/2 inch drive metric but they’re 12 point, so generally I just use the ratchet and extension with the impact sockets

Sometimes I think about buying chrome but they I figure why bother?

 

[King Nothing]

Good way to save money and space is to go chrome 1/4" and 3/8" drive, and impact 1/2". Or if you want to be real fancy, get Grey Pneumatic Duo socket sets in 1/4" and 3/8" which are similar in dimensions to chrome sockets but are rated for impact use.

Those are spendy

 

[jsaw]

I only use impact sockets 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" The only chromed I have are 1/4" drive but I very seldom use them. . Very seldom that I have any clearance issues.

 

[Dave455]

I’ve got a mate, works away from his shop a lot, who does exactly as suggested above - regular sockets in 3/8 drive, and only carries impacts in 1/2” drive. He drives the impacts with either his impact wrench, or a regular ratchet (big old black oxide Proto).

Seems to work o.k. for him. I don’t think the socket to ratchet fit is as good as with regular sockets, but it works. I’m sure there are times when the impacts are a bit bulky too, but again, he manages.

In my own place I use these KoKen impacts. They’ve worn well, and I like the bold size markings. Not just beneficial with old eyes, but also in dim workshops!

KoKen also offer a thin walled impact socket, which might be a better ”dual purpose” tool, but obviously it won’t have such a long life.

I like the look of these Wera Impacts. Bold size marks and colour coding. Taiwan made, but if they are as durable as other Wera sockets, I would have no complaints. Reasonably priced, at least where I am.

 

[MooseCustomMotors]

I am 99% impact sockets. I have shallow, semi deep and deep and universals of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2. Very very rarely does an impact socket not fit somewhere, I have some chrome sockets but it’s just a few and they are all pretty much 1/4 drive and 12 point stuff. Impact will wear out faster but lifetime warranty’s solve that problem.

As far as reading the sizes, Matco does a good job of having big numbers on them. Both ADV and Opti Torque are very visible. One thing that could also help is use the post style socket trays, those can help making a grab for the right size pretty easy.

 

[Citation]

Great answer, thank you. I’m getting a little older and considering replacing my old USA Craftsman sockets. The eyes aren’t what they used to be and I’m having a hell of a time seeing the size markings on them. Thinking about replacing with something that has easier to see sizes and thought it might make sense to save some space and just invest in some nice impact sockets

Why not do something like this

Size Markings for Wrenches and Sockets

Size Markings for Wrenches and Sockets: I did this on Craftsman wrenches and socket sets of various vintages ranging from my father and grandfather's to current. Most had deep engravings of the tool sizes. It was more difficult to get it to work with very fine markings found on some of th…

www.instructables.com

Basically get an oil based paint marker and mark the numbers. I've done something similar with blow mold cases and it makes a huge difference.

 

[kbeefy]

My 1/4 drive metrics have the 10mm very clearly marked. When I need a different size it's easy to count up or down a few to get whichever size I need.
The larger sets I know what size they start and end at, and grab what I need based on that. I very rarely read the markings.

They are marked in so many different ways, I've spent a fair amount of time trying to read the size on the base only to realize that set has it printed near the top. Some standardized marking would probably make things easier for my ageing eyes.

As far as impact vs chrome, I have and use both. Usually chrome 1/4 and impact 3/8 - 1/2, but some situations call for something specific.
My most used are 3/8 mid depth impacts and 1/2 deep impacts.

 

[svhamelly]

Impacts are Softer and wear faster, they rust easier so I like to keep some oil on them. I prefer my chrome when working by hand (ie not impact), near interior parts, in the house etc. to keep stuff from getting oil/dirt on it. Also a lot easier to clean, and see in an engine bay/on the floor. Access can also be a thing with the thinner wall.

If you could only have one set, impact for sure, but both have their place in my shop.

+1 on the access with thinner wall.

 

[VolvoRyan]

The higher end impact sockets are a bit thinner than the cheaper stuff. SK and Snap-On will fit where the Tekton or older Craftsman would not. That may have changed in the last few years. This was over 20mm, so not threading a needle.

I'm all impact sockets when it comes to 1/2" All chrome elsewhere.

Visibility is a real problem. Snap-On uses a stupid thin, hollow Nascar font on the impact sockets I have. Now that I'm becoming an old fart, I can't read them with my glasses on. So I lift my glasses up with greasy hands.... confirm what socket I have.... and now I cant see with my now greasy glasses. I've tried the paint marker trick, but that only lasts until the next job dirty enough to wipe down the tools with solvent.

-Ryan

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I only use grey pneumatic impacts personally. Both on ratchets and impact stuff. They’re the same or close to the same as chrome and haven’t wore down on me yet.

 

[speed bump]

I mostly use impacts in 3/8 and 1/2 anymore, every once in a while I need the clearance of a chrome socket but not often enough that I think about it.

 

[n8n]

Great answer, thank you. I’m getting a little older and considering replacing my old USA Craftsman sockets. The eyes aren’t what they used to be and I’m having a hell of a time seeing the size markings on them. Thinking about replacing with something that has easier to see sizes and thought it might make sense to save some space and just invest in some nice impact sockets

Make sure the sockets you're looking at have stamped sizes, not all do.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Assume you have an impact wrench and you are not a professional I guess it is ok to go all impact sockets. I prefer chrome sockets with breaker bar to break loose the nut/liquid wrench/big red not in a hurry. Use combo wrench first if possible. If needed use Dewalt impact wrench with Craftsman 1/2 drive impacts sockets.

 

[webscrounger]

Not a pro, but I do have both GP Duo and Sunex sets in all drive sizes. Both brands are very thin for impact rated sockets. The 1/4 & 3/8 drive sets are close to (or depending on mfr, maybe the same as) some chrome sockets thickness. The 1 /2" sets are pretty good too. I use an impact or hand wrench with either brand. No issues. The Sunex sets will be more wallet friendly, especially on sale. Both brands clearly labeled, color etched and stamped/roll marked.

 

[King Nothing]

Thank you all for the insights. I think what I will do is attempt to color fill the markings on my current sockets and see how much that helps. I do want to pick up impact sockets in 3/8 and 1/2 drive but it’s not pressing so I’ll wait for them to go on sale

 

[Shoreline_]

I find that with my poor low light sight, chrome is easier to see what I'm doing in a tight engine bay. Plus on many cars, I can't fit an impact socket where I need to be. Like today changing out a cam timing spool, the space between the fastener and solenoid body would only allow a chrome socket.

 

[javyLSU]

There are times where chrome is required due to space constraints. Universal sockets between chrome and impact are two entirely different tools. If you are not in a situation where the advantages of chrome immediately come to mind, I would say you are capable of being impact only.

I inherently use chrome by hand, impact on impacts. Just my nature.

I’m with you 100%, I use impact and chrome the same way.

Earlier this year I picked up some of the new Milwaukee impact sockets, and I really like them - SUPER easy to read, with proper necking for good access.

 

[Old Donn]

Great answer, thank you. I’m getting a little older and considering replacing my old USA Craftsman sockets. The eyes aren’t what they used to be and I’m having a hell of a time seeing the size markings on them. Thinking about replacing with something that has easier to see sizes and thought it might make sense to save some space and just invest in some nice impact sockets

I used Socket Labels on my chrome sockets that aren't laser etched. They're available on Amazon. I'm an amateur, so I don't know how they'd hold up under every day hard use, but for my needs, so far so good.

 

[ecotec]

There are certain things that an impact socket will just not work. A 9/16” deep chrome for tightening nuts inside the channel of Unistrut… there are many examples. This is something that I need often.

For my everyday deeps for work, I have a set of deep impacts. I have to supplement them with a deep chrome 9/16”.

 

[Ton ton]

Maybe keep some thinwall impact sockets around, just in case.

 

[wafrederick]

My 3/8 drive sockets are the grey pnuematic duo sockets.Look like a chrome socket made for impact and chrome use.The sockets are good and the ratchet in the set is ok.The 8mm deep has saved my **** a lot,one is for access to the bolts in Chrysler driveshafts with the cv axle style ends

 

[RedneckWelder]

Clearance is the big reason to still own chromes.

 

[JeepYJ]

I’m curious why being able to read the size on the socket is so important? If you can look at the bolt or nut and know what size you need you should be able to look at the socket and know what size it is too. Arrange them by size and if one is too small go to the next size.

 

[wafrederick]

Clearance is the big reason to still own chromes.

Not true,Grey Pnuematic has the duo sockets made for hand and impact use.Look like a chrome socket that is impact grade