Chilliwack Murray
Well-known member
I've only ever use craftsman chrome sockets on impacts and only when I couldn't fit or didn't have the right size impact socket but using tools and impacts for a living on heavy equipment I've broken dozens both with impact guns and bars. All have split and would've caused injury if you were holding them tightly with a bare hand but I've yet to see anything fly apart but CM are the cheapest I've used. They do become sharp as the chrome peels.
All sockets including impact wear out on an impact and won't stay on the gun or round out... With daily use it can be just a few months. Snap On and Mac won't warranty worn sockets so there has always been a selection of ball bearings in my top drawer to ensure they break when they are worn out with a little help from a press. Mac impacts are a little softer and wear out quicker than Snap On in my experience saving the anvil on your impact gun. Guys I've seen use only Snap-On impact sockets repair or replace their impact guns much more frequently because the anvil is worn out.
I will also add that I've never broken a Snap-On wrench or prybar and only a couple of sockets in 30 years and I've used massive leverage, hammers and chain blocks on them to get things to move. Most of the time other decent quality tools will work but when the chips are down and it's your last chance, there's no substitute for the best.
All sockets including impact wear out on an impact and won't stay on the gun or round out... With daily use it can be just a few months. Snap On and Mac won't warranty worn sockets so there has always been a selection of ball bearings in my top drawer to ensure they break when they are worn out with a little help from a press. Mac impacts are a little softer and wear out quicker than Snap On in my experience saving the anvil on your impact gun. Guys I've seen use only Snap-On impact sockets repair or replace their impact guns much more frequently because the anvil is worn out.
I will also add that I've never broken a Snap-On wrench or prybar and only a couple of sockets in 30 years and I've used massive leverage, hammers and chain blocks on them to get things to move. Most of the time other decent quality tools will work but when the chips are down and it's your last chance, there's no substitute for the best.