CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

Has anyone ruined good quality 'hand tool' sockets using an impact gun?

I found a good deal on a set of impact sockets, but it is still a hundred bucks and I figure my hand tool set is warrantied for life. Just wondering if I should go for it or not.

Opinions appreciated!

I've personaly returned 4 socket wrenches to sears in one day (one for each wheel) and never had a problem with the sockets themselves. Bent my 4 foot cheater bar though.....

yes i have broken several craftsman sockets with an impact untill i actually bought a set of impact sockets.

I paid a whopping $40 for both sets of my impact sockets about 7 years ago and none have broken. Not comparing them to non impact sockets, but saying you don't have to spend a fortune on them. My 2 sets are both standard deep well and normal depth 1/2" - 1 1/4". Check the surplus stores.

Has anyone ruined good quality 'hand tool' sockets using an impact gun?



I've seen cheap chrome 12 pts round out on an air gun. If the sockets were 6 pt it probably wouldn't be a problem.

ive had 12 points round out and 6 points shatter with my gun, craftsman sockets with an ingersoll rand 2135ti gun, id spend the extra cash to get impact sockets

6 point and impact for safty. chrome will blow with good air and gun. i work with them all day at work.

also thay take bolts and nuts out better as less flex in the socket from thicker wall .

If you have a good impact, yes you will most likely tear them up. I've broke Craftsman and S/K chrome t/w sockets with my IR 244. I bought some cheep impact sockets after that. While they didn't have the best fit or finish, they held up just fine untill I could afford some better ones. That would be about 5 yrs later. If you don't have the cash for quailty now, cheep impact sockets are deffinatly a place where you can cut costs.

Something to look out for; I bought a huge set of S/K impact sockets about 2 yrs ago during a promo sale from an independent tool truck. They are very high quality and cheaper than Sears/Craftsman.

if you're going to use non impact sockets , be sure to use eye protection ..they can split/shatter....

ive split 6 pt craftsman with an impact.

i generally only use impact sockets, even with a ratchet.

i had gotten a 2 sets 1/2 impact sockets(metric and sae) from Harbor Freight for $15 each set for my junkyard box, they actually work pretty good.

Even if you don't crack your chrome hand tool sockets with an impact wrench you will probably wallow out the 1/2" attaching point. I have several sockets that were used on an impact gun that won't stay on a ratchet unless you hold them on. The impact may not ruin them completely but I can tell you from experience that dropping the socket you are trying to work with several times in a row is a PITA and will piss you off after awhile.

Harley

ive split 6 pt craftsman with an impact.

i generally only use impact sockets, even with a ratchet.

i had gotten a 2 sets 1/2 impact sockets(metric and sae) from Harbor Freight for $15 each set for my junkyard box, they actually work pretty good.


I have this same set and can vouch for there durability.

me too, I've been pretty impressed with the harbor freight stuff I've gotten so far. Maybe it's because I went in think everything would be complete crap from their reputation

Amen to that, i fragment standard sockets with the 1,000 lb.ft. IR titanium 1/2". Impact sockets are worth it

ya i have the harbor freight impacts... they are great! i use them by hand too, feel and look better, and are stronger

anyway why use the stupid chrome ones... anti-bling!!!

ive broken more sockets with my 3/8" ratchet than an impact, but i have wore them out. i use MIT impact sockets that i picked up for $20, they even come with a life time warenty :grin:

Amen to that, i fragment standard sockets with the 1,000 lb.ft. IR titanium 1/2". Impact sockets are worth it

The 2135ti doesn't do "1,000 lb-ft". It does 625 in forward, 700 in reverse. IR does claim "the seven vane motor delivers Nut Busting Torque that will loosen a nut tightened to 1,000 ft.-lbs...in 6 seconds!"

That said, I have a 2135ti and love the thing- Only 3.5 lbs. :D

The 2135ti doesn't do "1,000 lb-ft". It does 625 in forward, 700 in reverse. IR does claim "the seven vane motor delivers Nut Busting Torque that will loosen a nut tightened to 1,000 ft.-lbs...in 6 seconds!"

That said, I have a 2135ti and love the thing- Only 3.5 lbs. :D
Well while we're being technical, it's 3.95 lbs. Just got mine in the mail today, can't wait to use it!

Well...next time I will be sure to post my entire spec sheet since it seems that important :rolleyes:

Well...next time I will be sure to post my entire spec sheet since it seems that important :rolleyes:

No need to get butthurt dude...I guess I shoulda added a smiley or two... ;)

I stick with the impact sockets when using the impact gun. Years ago, I was using a Craftsman socket with an impact gun. The chrome split on the socket and shredded my fingers. The stuff was so sharp that I didn't even know it was cutting me up until it was too late. It's amazing how fast that stuff can remove your fingerprints.... :o

I'll use a standard socket on the gun when clearance is a problem, but I break it loose with a breaker-bar. then spin it out with the gun. ;)

Right on guys, thanks for the opinions. I guess I'll jump on that deal.

I bought a set of impact sockets from autozone. they were less than $30. Been using them for years

Ive got a set of harbor freight impact sockets too and they've treated me well...

as with most of you im sure, I love high quality, big name, high dollar tools but in reality I cant afford to fill my toolboxes with snap-on and the likes.. sometimes Im on a budget and will buy the cheaper stuff especially if its not used on a regular basis.. my toolbox that I keep in the truck has a bunch of harbor freight stuff in it (wrench sets, allen wrenches, etc) and some cheap ratchets and what not and it all works real well and im not terribly afraid of loaning it out or getting it dirty or breaking it or modifying the tools for special usage.... 3 cheers for harbor freight.

I'd definately go with impact. They're a bit more, but props to the guy who can break one of them... I've shot pieces of socket across my garage when I didn't use impact!

Didn't read whole post but, IF you insist on using chrome sockets on impacts don't hold onto them. If they split and spin they will shred your hand.

You'll acutally find that you can get away with just one set of impact sockets, if you just get the metric set. The larger sizes of metric has worked on every SAE bolt, without rounding or damaging anything. 6 pt metrics will work on SAE's, but not the other way around.

I think however, anything under about 15mm, this doesnt apply.

I bought a set of craftsman metric sockets, and have been impacting away for years. Never a problem.

i'd shy away from using the shiny ones, they dont handle impact stuff very well, and tend to crack. I Didnt know about the hand shredding thing, thats kinda scary.

Using my IR 2135TI on 110psi, I turned a 1/2" drive, 1 1/2" 6-point standard (chrome) socket into something that resembled a .45ACP Hydra-Shok after it's removed from a "victim". Thankfully, I didn't have my off-hand on the socket - otherwise my coworkers probably would've been picking up parts of my fingers while I waited for the meat wagon...

I have a set from Autozone also. Work great, espically for the $.

I also use the HF impact sockets and they have lasted okay. When they wear out I will probably just buy another set since they are so cheap.

Save your money and just get a good impact gun.

Impact sockets are thicker walled because the metal is softer than chrome "hand drive" sockets. The softer metal absorbs the shock of the impacts, and doesn't shatter.

You should never use a chrome socket on an impact, unless you break it loose by hand first and then use the impact simply to spin on and/or off the bolt/stud. Think of new building designs in California that are engineered to flex with earth quakes to absorb and dissipate the energy from the shock waves. This is what the thick walls of your impact sockets will do.

As for clearance issues, you can get some very low clearance impact sockets from reputable dealers. Also, try moving to a smaller gun (IR 2135TI is the shiatsnat). I sell this stuff for a living, so if you have any other questions about tools and what not feel free to ask.

I use to have the same thought. Oh well they break I bring them back. Until the chrome socket broke and a piece hit about 1/4 in from my eye leaveing a scar. Luckily its only a scar and I still have the eye. Spend the extra cake for safety sake.

do a search on harbor frieght tools sells impact sockets for cheap online and they are made by pennsylvnia tool and are lifetime warrantied

I might be wrong but I'll bet you are talking about the "Pittsburb" brand, if so those are imported. They are a great tool for the money, but not made in the USA.

there ya go i was thinkin pennsylvania but yeah as long as they have a warranty i dont really mind