Who knows Sunex sockets? Need help getting a complete set

[mroneeyedboh]

So this is pretty obvious, but I get confused easily when it comes to getting the whole set. There are a lot of options.

I need a standard and metric set of 1/4 & 3/8" , both shallow and deep.

Plus 1/2" deep in metric and standard.

All impact too.


Side question, are these a lot thicker than standard chrome sockets?I was attracted to the Duo sockets but I've heard a few horror stories on returns. But I like how thin they were. I don't need impacts but I figured I don't want two sets of sockets, so impacts are dual purpose


Side question: why are impact sockets frowned upon when using them with a hand ratchet? Never heard of that..

 

[gdocktor3]

They are a little bit thicker. There are sooo many different sets. Have you been to Sunextools.com?
Here's the 1/4" set http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tool...plYzCbaUU9q7-ppBbQofFNvK1UH-RlTzQUaAkjy8P8HAQ
Here's the 3/8" set http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MVB9Y8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Here's the 1/2" set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MPQ88RY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Then there are set's with universal sockets. Sets without extensions. Sets with torx and hex. There are ton's of possibilities. It all depends what you need and what you want to spend. I will say this. You won't be disappointed. For 1/4" though, I'd recommend going with chrome. Because those are usually small fasteners in tight locations, the chrome sockets are more versatile. Plus, you really don't need 1/4" impact sockets unless you're wailing on them with a really really strong impact gun. I bought this set from Gearwrench and have been thrilled. From this dealer too. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...scVSyZuixlGYLNWmOhliIaI1ZyJQY-tKT8aAoIC8P8HAQ

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Side question: why are impact sockets frowned upon when using them with a hand ratchet? Never heard of that..

 

[T45]

You need a specific mettalurgy and heat treatment to get good thinwall sockets.

Basic story is thin=hard=brittle=no hit with hammer or impact

Impact sockets =soft=thick for strength=no fit lots of places

The grey area is using a long breaker bar on a soft socket. YMMV.

 

[DemoFly]

Side question: why are impact sockets frowned upon when using them with a hand ratchet? Never heard of that..

For low torque is doesn't matter.

For high torque, and especially precision torque scenarios the "soft" material of an impact socket creates torque loss.

Have you ever tried to remove a bolt with an impact gun and impact socket, and you could feel that your impact gun is just a smidge off from having enough power to remove the bolt? Try switching to a chrome socket (with good safety glasses and a face sheild, etc) and the bolt will likely come right out.

Also metallurgy of an impact socket is designed to dampen IMPACTS. Static rotational torque can lead to crumbling an impact socket. (though extremely rare)

Likewise, the hardened metallurgy of a chrome socket is intended for static rotational torque, but the socket is so hard that it cannot dampen impacts from an impact wrench and can/will shatter.

 

[T45]

Side question: why are impact sockets frowned upon when using them with a hand ratchet? Never heard of that..

The metalurgy is elastic and resistant to impact deformation

Its too soft to be resistant to long, slow deformation.

This is {oversimplification} but the crux of the discussion

 

[bcradio]

Side question: why are impact sockets frowned upon when using them with a hand ratchet? Never heard of that..

Not really frowned upon, but it can take a little longer to put an impact socket on a ratchet because there is usually only 1 hole on it whereas chrome has 4 detents and can go on any way.

Certainly nothing to worry about.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Thanks. I may go with Tekton for chrome in 1/4" and 3/8".

Then Sunex for 3/8" and 1/2" impact


So you think Id better off going all chrome and maybe only getting 1/2" impacts?

 

[DemoFly]

Thanks. I may go with Tekton for chrome in 1/4" and 3/8".

Then Sunex for 3/8" and 1/2" impact

I bought this sunex set and they are extremely good quality for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB9Y8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They don't fit on a HF socket tray, though. Socket walls are too thick. They fit on Hansen and Kobalt trays and likely Westling Machine trays...

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Do you think I should go 3/8 & 1/2" impact SAE/metric? Or just 1/2 or 3/8?

I guess Tekton is okay for chrome?

 

[DemoFly]

So you think Id better off going all chrome and maybe only getting 1/2" impacts?

If you're using an impact wrench, you should be using an impact socket with it. No questions asked.

If you don't have a 3/8" impact, then you don't need 3/8" impact sockets.

If you are planning on getting a 3/8" impact down the road, you can get away with using impact sockets in place of chrome unless you are doing work that requires precision torque.

You should still aim to have chrome and impact, or buy GP Duo sockets if you want to try and consolidate.

1/4" impact is totally unnecessary. 1/4" air ratchets don't really impact, and the impacting variety don't impact hard enough to do any harm to a chrome socket.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

I was going to get the duo set but read that they can crack and the warranty process is a pita

 

[Greg85mcss]

I have the sunex 3351 3/8 metric master set & had the same problem with hf trays. The ones below 10mm are too crowded on a hansen tray but then again the 3342 kit doesn't have a 7 so maybe it's not as bad. I got a kobalt tray with the 4 rails & it fits well with room for a few extras. From my research most companies won't warranty impact sockets used on ratchets. Sunex will so I wouldn't worry too much. Like other people said you probably don't need 1/4 impacts. You might not use chrome 3/8 deep either. I have them on my service cart because they fill in empty spots in the tray but I haven't used them since I got the sunex set.


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[mroneeyedboh]

You grab the 3/8 impacts over the Chromes?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You grab the 3/8 impacts over the Chromes?

If an impact fits? 100% of the time.


The only time for chrome is for when impacts don't fit, or it's torque sensitive. Most days, my chrome stuff is used for oil changes..... and that's basically it. I've changed more than a few batteries with my 3/8 impact, terminals and all.



You need chrome deep sockets for access, usually over a stud, or as the lazy mans extension. 9/10 times, if a chrome socket fits clearance wise, impact will too. I use them interchangeably on hand ratchets.

 

[not-required]

You grab the 3/8 impacts over the Chromes?

My cart for work has 3/8 impacts shallow and deep only. I only use chrome when impact doesn't fit or needs a precise torque.

My 3/8" impacts are sunex. They've held up great working on heavy trucks everyday. Haven't broken any so far.

 

[gdocktor3]

Do you think I should go 3/8 & 1/2" impact SAE/metric? Or just 1/2 or 3/8?

I guess Tekton is okay for chrome?

Can you tell us what you do or plan on doing? This will make things much easier. I myself am a "heavy" DIYer. Cars, trucks, landscape equipment, harley, and farm tractor are my most common repairs. I don't wrench every day, but multiple times a week. I don't own a 1/4" impact or 1/4" & 3/8" impact sockets. I do have an old 3/8" Craftsman impact wrench, but its nothing crazy and never use it. All my 1/4" and 3/8" sockets are chrome because that's all I need. Then I have 1/2" impact, as well as chrome. I also have some 3/4" stuff, but that's another topic. If you're on a budget, I'd buy chrome 1/4" and 3/8" and impact 1/2". Later fill in chrome 1/2" and impact 3/8" if necessary. Although I have never used Tekton and hear good things, I prefer a more "professional grade" brand of tools. I like quality stuff and though I may not need it everyday, I know it will perform when I do need it. A lot of my stuff was bought used or new old stock. I bought a 4 month old Snap On MG725 impact wrench and 1/2" shallow metric/sae impact sockets for $200. I found N.O.S. Blackhawk USA deep chrome sockets on Mactools.com closeout section for like $15 a set. Don't jump on stuff just to have it. Get what you need now, then fill in the rest when you find a deal.

 

[jn50308401]

I have bothered to collect both impact and chrome, and it depends is pretty much the operative phrase. I feel better using impact sockets on impact tools. Chrome tools take a beating on impacts, so as my shop teacher told me, don't do it. In a pinch, all sockets be come impact ready when it comes down to getting a job done.

Overall, I have almost all my 1/2 sockets are impact, 3/8 I have both.
If I need to manually turn a fastener, the ratchet/breaker bar doesn't seem to care if it's chrome or impact. I

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[bobcatdan]

I have chrome cornwell 1/4" sockets and 3/8 and 1/2" are all sunnex impact at work. The sunnex do everything I need with zero need for comparable chrome. I like chrome 1/4" because I see no need for 1/4" impacts sunnex impacts are pretty thin for impacts and very tough. I have owned them for over 10 years and my only failure was a 1/2" 18mm deep that split taking way over tight lug bolts off a forklift. Zero issues using them on ratchets.

 

[bobcatdan]

Picture of my work sockets.

 

[GTA Matt]

Fairly certain I own nearly every sunex socket made. From 1/4 to 1/2, deep, shallow and swivel in all drive sizes. Broken 2 in 14 years of daily abuse, one 3/4 deep 3/8 drive, and one driveline socket. I got the 1/4 impacts because air and battery ratchet use was spreading the ends of my chrome sockets causing poor fitment on the smaller sizes.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Thanks y'all.

I have snap on at work as I work on trains. But at home it'll be just cars and trucks. And that's not all the time.neither.

I have 1/2" and 3/8" impacts ( snap on ) at home that I'll be using.

I'm at the point where I want to have stuff when I need it. At work I have pretty much all I need but I don't know what all is needed at home for normal work/repairs.

And when you guys say critical torque. Are you talking like torque on brake calipers or like critical as in head gaskets?

Should I be getting 1/2" in both shallow and deep? Id think I'd use the deeps more than the shallows?

 

[Greg85mcss]

You grab the 3/8 impacts over the Chromes?

I usually have a shallow when I'm using a ratchet & I'll reach for chrome. For impact it's usually deep or universal but nice to have shallow for tight spaces. My 1/2 are all impact but I do have the 3 main drive sizes in chrome 6 & 12 points in my big box. Maybe it's just me but I don't like using impacts for messy jobs like if they'd get covered in oil.


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[gdocktor3]

Should I be getting 1/2" in both shallow and deep? Id think I'd use the deeps more than the shallows?

Absolutely. There's nothing worse then not having a deep or shallow when you need it most.