impact socket with hand tool.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
impact socket with hand tool.
Any reason to not use an impact socket with a hand tool? I'm taking a trip soon, and my 3/4 impact socket works well on the lug nuts, so I thought that I'd take it and my breaker bar in case of emergency.
I wouldn't think that it would be an issue, but I've found out a lot of stuff at fte.
Thanks,
I wouldn't think that it would be an issue, but I've found out a lot of stuff at fte.
Thanks,
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,564
Likes: 5,601
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
the only problem with using impact sockets with a ratchet is that they have a much thicker sidewall to withstand the torque of the gun. so when trying to use them as a regular socker they may not fit in tighter places due to their extra thickness.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Yep- What Tom said.
And what Jim said.
What Tom said is typically not relevant in the situation Jim describes.
Now, if you were trying to remove some starter bolts with a 1/2 in impact socket on a hand ratchet, that might be different and the socket might not fit in the space allotted.
But for big nuts, it usually is not an issue. In fact, I think a 6-point impact socket is probably better for breaking loose some tight and rusted lug nuts than a 12 point standard socket. Less chance of stripping the nut or cracking the socket when you really bear down on it to bust it loose.
And what Jim said.
What Tom said is typically not relevant in the situation Jim describes.
Now, if you were trying to remove some starter bolts with a 1/2 in impact socket on a hand ratchet, that might be different and the socket might not fit in the space allotted.
But for big nuts, it usually is not an issue. In fact, I think a 6-point impact socket is probably better for breaking loose some tight and rusted lug nuts than a 12 point standard socket. Less chance of stripping the nut or cracking the socket when you really bear down on it to bust it loose.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,564
Likes: 5,601
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
actually Kal, what i was referring to was using only impact sockets in your emergency kit to conserve space.
have you ever tried changing a water pump with impact sockets?? i can tell you from experience, it don't work all the time. that is why i have a cheapo socket set in the trunk of my falcon.
have you ever tried changing a water pump with impact sockets?? i can tell you from experience, it don't work all the time. that is why i have a cheapo socket set in the trunk of my falcon.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
In this situation, you're fine. At higher torques, it's not a good idea though. Impact sockets are designed to take a hammering, not a constant application of torque, and can fail when used with a breaker bar and cheater pipe.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
Impact sockets do wear out, and when they do, they usually split. They'll split on an impact tool or on the end of a breaker bar, doesn't matter. A new impact socket will last longer on a breaker bar than on an impact gun.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,460
Likes: 0
From: carter lake ia.
i have split chrome sockets but not impact. i have wornout impacts. they will spread open. and trust me my 1/2" drive monster it has broken its share. my old boss used to get mad at me for twisting studs off with it. but he used to borrow my tools all the time. go figure. i 've have had the airhose rapped around my arm once. and that was it hang on with both hands.
if you use them right they will last you years. mine have!
if you use them right they will last you years. mine have!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
If you buy top quality impact sockets they will not have extra thick walls. Cheap sockets use the extra bulk to gain strength. Top quality sockets are made out of good steel and do not need extra bulk hence they are lighter too. I bought a set of 1/2" drive I/R impact sockets thirty years ago and have had to replace only the 3/4" and 15/16" due to wear
And I am a full time mechanic working on industrial machinery. I use them every day.
And I am a full time mechanic working on industrial machinery. I use them every day.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
actually Kal, what i was referring to was using only impact sockets in your emergency kit to conserve space.
have you ever tried changing a water pump with impact sockets?? i can tell you from experience, it don't work all the time. that is why i have a cheapo socket set in the trunk of my falcon.
have you ever tried changing a water pump with impact sockets?? i can tell you from experience, it don't work all the time. that is why i have a cheapo socket set in the trunk of my falcon.
I wish I had a cheapo set in my truck a couple of months ago on a Sunday afternoon a hundred miles from home when one of my idler pulleys on the serpentine gave out. Learned my lesson: I have one now. Just have to get some spare idlers in the box and that ugly scenario will not happen again.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,460
Likes: 0
From: carter lake ia.
i have sockets bigger than that. i had to have quality tools when i worked at the diesel shop and the tranny shop. pittsburg forge is the old tools that have been good too.
i have never broken a socket in that set not in 20 years. my wife bought me 2 sets of craftsman wrenchs that i use.
i have never broken a socket in that set not in 20 years. my wife bought me 2 sets of craftsman wrenchs that i use.
