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Why so few 1/2" drive 6-point metric sockets?

hscai

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Jan 13, 2017
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I was looking for some 1/2" 6-point sockets, when I noticed a lack of products. Couldn't find anything by Proto, Williams, or SK. Very few with Wright, and only non-deep with Armstrong. Of course, Snap-On has a full catalog of them...

Any reason for why 6-point 1/2" drive sockets are so unavailable?

EDIT: Made a mistake!
 
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cliftonbros89

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I'm pretty certain all those brands have 1/2" drive metric in 6 point. I know for a fact that SK does. You can get them in multiple sets. Are you looking for a full set of 1/2" metric? Deepwell and standard?
 

md21722

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hscai

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lol thanks guys, I feel like an idiot. I was looking for individual sockets and didn't check for socket sets. Also didn't check stores.
 

PJNJ

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hscai

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Yeah, SK has a full line of 6 point sockets in 1/2 drive and they also have individual part numbers for each socket. I wouldn't buy singles in 1/2 though - much more cost effective to buy sets.

But why don't you look at impact sets in 1/2. Here's a metric shallow and deep set I would consider by SK -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRB84/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And the SAE set -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRB8O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

:beer:

Thanks! Total newbie here, so correct me if I'm wrong. Aren't impact sockets not suitable as hand tools? Something about the impact sockets being harder than hand sockets? I don't plan to use these sockets with an impact ratchet.
 
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ssdave

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Impact sockets will work fine with hand tools, the opposite is true: Chrome sockets are harder than impacts, and cannot be safely used on impacts as they can shatter.

The drawback to using impacts as hand sockets are two fold: One is that they aren't as rust resistant, and seem to get grimier (chrome wipes clean easily) and they are slightly heavier/thicker so tight clearance areas can be a problem. The benefit is that they are stronger because of thickness, and are cheaper. A lot of guys that use an impact keep their costs down by buying impacts only, or impacts first before they get chrome. Others just buy impacts to get their acquisition costs down.

Adding a postscript: I personally use chrome sockets always unless I'm using an impact. I just prefer the lighter weight, thinner clearance, and easier to clean up. But, I'm in a different circumstance than some; I've acquired my tools over many years and don't have to worry about initial cost anymore. I already own both impact and chrome, so can pick from what I have, I don't have to consider what to buy.
 
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Infinia

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12 point chrome sockets are fine for most every fasteners. Now if you have damaged or really soft fasteners then a 6 point is better. The only socket I ever broke was an 1/2 in impact deep using a breaker bar. I'm pretty sure most impact sockets aren't designed for heavy duty non-impacted torque applications. AFAIK CrMo impacts may take more abuse than plain Vanadium. I wouldn't rely just on using impact sockets over shiny CrV....
The smaller socket sizes are more liable to come across to cheap soft fasteners so a 1/4 or 3/8 drive 6 point for breaking these free.
 
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PJNJ

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Thanks! Total newbie here, so correct me if I'm wrong. Aren't impact sockets not suitable as hand tools? Something about the impact sockets being harder than hand sockets? I don't plan to use these sockets with an impact ratchet.

I've used 1/2 impact sockets on many occasions with my ratchets and breaker bars. Haven't broken any yet. In fact, I usually reach for the impacts first whether I'm using a ratchet or impact gun. I also have a number of 12 point 1/2 chrome sockets and they too have worked well. I feel once you get to 1/2 sockets, clearance usually isn't an issue though I'm sure it does happen.

When I first started getting socket sets, I concentrated on chrome sockets. If I had it all to do over, I would have gotten impact sockets in 1/2 first leaving chrome to 1/4 and 3/8. I have a good set of air impacts and tools but I picked up a Ryobi 1/2 18v impact a few months ago - it actually works pretty well. And as the costs have come down and the ft. lb. power has gone up, I think many DIY'ers will be getting cordless impacts and ratchets in the future.

:beer:
 

sselander

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A few years back I purchased a Genius set. goes from 8-36 I believe.
It was just the sockets with no skips. Nothing fancy, but it works.

geniustoolsusa.com
 
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