Impact socket set
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
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Impact socket set
I am considering an entry -level auto tech work and while I have most tools, I have no impact sockets. Which kind do I need, metric and SAE? Do I need a complete set of deep also? I want to get the most useful first.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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I find my impact sockets to be extremely useful, so I would say buy as complete a set as you can. The deep set is a good idea if you have to limit spending, because they can usually do the job of the shallow as King Triton said. A good place to look is harborfreight.com They have name brands such as Ingersoll Rand, and they also have their own Pittsburgh brand. I have tried the Pittsburgh sockets, as far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong for what they cost(about $40 for an extensive set).
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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I have complete Metric and SAE deep sets from Harbor Freight that have been augmented with a few sockets that did not come in the sets. I use the metric set most and have never had a failure. I also have a SAE std depth set that gets used every once in a while.
Ford is real fond of using 18MM bolts which nothing fits but an 18MM.
Ford is real fond of using 18MM bolts which nothing fits but an 18MM.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Personally, I hate tools from Harbor Freight.
I've had impact sockets break on the the very first use. The HF by my house offers a Lifetime type of warrantee, but it's very frustrating when the tools keep breaking and you have to keep going back.
As far as sockets and most other handtools are concerened, look for brand name - much less hassle.
I've had impact sockets break on the the very first use. The HF by my house offers a Lifetime type of warrantee, but it's very frustrating when the tools keep breaking and you have to keep going back.
As far as sockets and most other handtools are concerened, look for brand name - much less hassle.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
I have had Craftsman tool break on the very first use also, some have injured me. It only pays to depend on the real name brand tools like SK and a few others that actually make their own tools for the most part.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: NW
Originally Posted by King Triton
I would say get the metric deep set first,they will work on most of the areas where a shallow will and if they are impact they wont be very easy to break anyway.
However any mechanic will tell you, that at times, there is not enough clearance around a bolt, and a thin wall socket is needed, both standard or deep. I have been buying the 6 point open end / box end combo wrenches as well Sure like them , too.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: NW
Originally Posted by MuscleMachine
Personally, I hate tools from Harbor Freight.
I've had impact sockets break on the the very first use. The HF by my house offers a Lifetime type of warrantee, but it's very frustrating when the tools keep breaking and you have to keep going back.
As far as sockets and most other handtools are concerened, look for brand name - much less hassle.
I've had impact sockets break on the the very first use. The HF by my house offers a Lifetime type of warrantee, but it's very frustrating when the tools keep breaking and you have to keep going back.
As far as sockets and most other handtools are concerened, look for brand name - much less hassle.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
We found out something that I can't quite explain(maybe some one else knows the theory), but we tried taking lug nuts off with one of those lower quality impact air guns and a 12 point socket, and it would not remove them. We thought "Oh well, chalk it up to not spending enough on the air impact", but later we did buy a set of 6 point impact sockets, and found out the air impact would take them off. It will not take them off with the 12 point chrome socket, but take that off and put on the black impact socket, and it will take the lug nuts off. Curious ain't it?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Michigan
I have almost all snap-on tools, that said I think the 1/2drive Craftsman Impact sockets in the sets for $75 are pretty good, six point flank drive and very strong, but also very thick. I have used SK for many years and they make good products as well. 
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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I have cummins impact sockets. I paid $20 for a set (I have both SAE and Metric deep well). I run 175 PSI to my 1/2 inch impact and never had a problem with any of their sockets. They travel the country in trucks selling tools. I think they are based in Kansas or Nebraska. I think they are online too. I just use standard sockets for the smaller impacts and air ratchets, never had a socket break yet.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 355
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From: Oregon
Originally Posted by Franklin2
We found out something that I can't quite explain(maybe some one else knows the theory), but we tried taking lug nuts off with one of those lower quality impact air guns and a 12 point socket, and it would not remove them. We thought "Oh well, chalk it up to not spending enough on the air impact", but later we did buy a set of 6 point impact sockets, and found out the air impact would take them off. It will not take them off with the 12 point chrome socket, but take that off and put on the black impact socket, and it will take the lug nuts off. Curious ain't it?
A six point has more flank area, so it will transfer more torque to the fastener. Not to mention that they slip less, and the thicker impact sockets don't distort like a thin-wall chrome socket.
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