rick carpenter
Well-known member
What distinguishes a good vs a not-so-good impact socket? I've seen many responses here recommending a non-pro go with HF or Sunex impact sockets.
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What qualities make a good impact socket?
- Thread starter rick carpenter
- Start date
As long as it's not cracked I'll use any impact socket.
AndrewH
Well-known member
I have the HF 1/2 Pittsburgh PRO (get the pro because they're molybdenum not chrome vanadium) and so far they've been great. Until I can afford to get the Gearwrench master sets in 1/2 and 3/8 standard / deep to match all my GW chrome sockets I'll continue to use them.
I have the HF 1/2 Pittsburgh PRO (get the pro because they're molybdenum not chrome vanadium) and so far they've been great. Until I can afford to get the Gearwrench master sets in 1/2 and 3/8 standard / deep to match all my GW chrome sockets I'll continue to use them.
This!
soulstryke
Well-known member
I like my Grey Pnuematics...they are around the same price point as Sunex i believe.
I was not going to dish out top $ for impact sockets as they are softer and will round anyways (or so this forum advised me)
I was not going to dish out top $ for impact sockets as they are softer and will round anyways (or so this forum advised me)
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
What distinguishes a good vs a not-so-good impact socket? I've seen many responses here recommending a non-pro go with HF or Sunex impact sockets.
1. Cheap.
2. Doesn't explode.
Crmo (chrome moly) sockets are better for impact but a lot of the retail stuff is cr-v made different than regular sockets. Most of what I own is cr-v across brands. Haven't had any issues. Wear safety glasses if you're using lots of torque.
I have a single sunex socket, not that impressive fit & finish wise for the price I paid. Compared to kobalt singles (taiwan) or craftsman singles (china), I'd be more likely to buy them. Kobalt impact is real good (like most of their stuff) in my opinion but not that cheap. Some guys won't touch it but I think they're better made than craftsman impact (china), I have a couple of those as well. Even the evolv impacts (taiwan) are pretty good, I use those all the time to torque. Those are dirt cheap (20 bucks a set), cheaper than harbor freight regular pittsburgh I think.
If you have a Northern Tool nearby, they have chro-moly sets on clearance. They're made in Taiwan which the same can be said for the HFs and Kobalts. If you want USA, there's some being found for cheap on Cripes eBay listings.
I like my Grey Pnuematics...they are around the same price point as Sunex i believe.
I was not going to dish out top $ for impact sockets as they are softer and will round anyways (or so this forum advised me)
If you have a Northern Tool nearby, they have chro-moly sets on clearance. They're made in Taiwan which the same can be said for the HFs and Kobalts. If you want USA, there's some being found for cheap on Cripes eBay listings.
I have a set of grey pneumatics and a set of Northern Tool Brand impact sockets. I have been happy with them for basic use.
The advantage with grey pneumatic is the same as with Northern Tool. If you have a dealer nearby or not.
Two of the small parts stores close to me carry grey pneumatic so I can warranty them if they break.
Same with Northern Tool, if you have one near by, you can warranty the house brand if one breaks.
They are a decent set for a fair price if you have a dealer near by for warranty purposes.