Impact sockets

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Mar 23, 2010 | 06:59 PM

ford2go

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 3,476

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From: Frequently frozen MN

Impact sockets

Sears has an IR 1/2 " (19274) on sale for 159 ( members price), and I'm thinking of getting one. I think that it's an updated version of an IR classic.

Question is what about sockets? I've heard that IR sockets are NOT the way to go, but I can't recall what brands were recommended. (don't remember where I read that -- I visit several forums)

Anyway, I'd appreciate comments on what sockets might work out.

Thanks,

Mar 24, 2010 | 09:17 AM

RJR99SS

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 576

Likes: 0

I have mostly craftsman impact sockets, never had a problem with any of them. I'm not a big craftsman guy anymore, but they're built pretty well.

Some people have a lot of luck with harbor freight impacts too. I only have a 3/4" drive set that i used when i was working on diesel trucks, but they worked pretty well.

Mar 24, 2010 | 03:34 PM

*2fords*

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,672

Likes: 20

From: Nixa

I'm quite happy with my HF impact sockets. I think all of my sets are around 20 years old and still going strong, never had a problem with any of them.

Mar 24, 2010 | 05:36 PM

oldgoat49

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 963

Likes: 1

From: wichita kansas

the only problem I have with HF sockets are that they are thick walled so I couldn't get them into some places. Other than that I have no problem at all with them.

Mar 24, 2010 | 10:53 PM

Ford_Six

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 18,488

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From: The Big, Oregon

I have a set of Husky ones about ten years old that still work great.

Mar 27, 2010 | 09:23 PM

Phinxter

Posting Guru

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,388

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From: Saratoga, NY

The IR impact looks like is a discontinued item, but is still a pretty good deal. I have a set of regular Crapsman impact sockets and a set of deep HF $17 specials. Both work great and have used and abused (mainly the HF) them daily for 5 years. I even beat them with hammers, and sometimes use them in a 40 ton press for bearings and such, never broke one yet, but.... I bought a set of 3/8 HF for a whopping $5 and they sucked!! I recently bought a set of 3/8 Sunex for about $25 and I'm very happy with them.

Mar 29, 2010 | 08:28 AM

MisterCMK

Fleet Owner

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 24,724

Likes: 74

From: Blue Hill Township

I really like my IR2135 1/2" impact wrench. I have a set of Craftsman impact sockets and also a set of the HF impacts. The HF variety has two different flavors IIRC. One has a thicker wall than the other. Mine are the thick wall and have worked very well for me.