Chrome sockets vs. impact sockets

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996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
5,212
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I'm looking to get a few 1/2" drive sockets to round out my collection, mainly the larger sizes such as 19mm. I already have full metric and SAE sets in 1/4" and 3/8" drive, and they're all of the standard chromed variety.

For the larger socket sizes in 1/2" drive, would it be better to just get 1 set of impact sockets and skip buying the regular chrome sockets altogether? The reason I am thinking about this is because impact sockets can be used in hand tools, but normal chrome sockets aren't recommended to be used on an impact wrench. So I figure 1 set of impact sockets will do double-duty on hand tools and air tools.

Are there any downsides to having only an impact socket set and not 2 sets (impact and regular chromed)?
 
tortillasoup

tortillasoup

Golden Member
Jan 12, 2011
1,977
4
81
Go to harbor freight and get what you need. That shit is more than sufficient for irregular use. One thing I don't like about impact sockets is that they need to be constantly oiled otherwise they're prone to rusting. Yes chrome do rust but they seem to rust less easily, at least in my experience.

If you have a job that you see needing to use impact sockets, go ahead and get the impact sockets. If you see a job that needs chrome sockets (they're thinner and fit into more places) then go get those as well.

Buy what ever is on sale and when you need or anticipate you'll need it (be honest). I like to use the 20% off coupons @ harbor freight.
 
Squisher

Squisher

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
21,204
66
91
Impact sockets have thicker walls and as such cannot fit into the tightest of spots where manufacturers have only allowed for the thinner walls of a standard sockets.

I can't think of a more sure fired way to round off the head of a bolt or nut than to use cheap 12 point sockets.
 
John68040

John68040

Junior Member
Jul 27, 2008
21
0
0
Like said above, the chrome sockets are thinner and will fit into more places. But a majority of the time you need 19mm+ sockets the thicker walls won't be an issue. I'd go with the impact sockets for sure. How large does your 3/8" set go?

If you end up needing thinner wall large sockets than you might as well get a Harbor Freight 6pt set. Chances are if you have that little clearance with large hex sizes, you're dealing with a sensor or something not requiring an immense amount of torque so the cheap set should be fine. Like Squisher said, avoid the 12pt.
 
skyking

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,631
5,740
146
In the bigger sizes the thicker socket is usually not an issue as mentioned above. If you have impact capability then for sure get the socket.
It is not just about breaking a chrome socket with the impact gun. A thin wall socket will often flex without breaking, and you lose a percentage of that hitting power on each blow.
 
9

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
5,212
0
76
John68040 said:
Like said above, the chrome sockets are thinner and will fit into more places. But a majority of the time you need 19mm+ sockets the thicker walls won't be an issue. I'd go with the impact sockets for sure. How large does your 3/8" set go?
Click to expand...

My current sockets are Taiwan-made Kobalt/Gearwrench sockets and are a mix of 6 and 12 point. They go up to 19mm on the metric side, but unfortunately the 14mm+ sockets are 12 point. I wanted to pick up a few 1/2" drive sockets in the larger sizes precisely because I wanted to get them in 6-point.

Besides the fact that impact sockets could potentially do double duty in hand tools and air tools,the other reason I was considering impact sockets was due to the fact that impact sockets are almost all 6-point, whereas chrome sockets these days are mostly 12-point! Whose idea was that?
 
master_shake_

master_shake_

Diamond Member
May 22, 2012
6,425
291
121
i don't use impact sockets ever.

i always use the chrome sockets.

sure they crack and what not but warranty is always honored.

plua as others have said impact sockets on places where they barely fit (especially aftermarket rims) make a mess.

this is my impact.

449e73a9ce8bfb770239e543d0d59f0b.png
 
tortillasoup

tortillasoup

Golden Member
Jan 12, 2011
1,977
4
81
996GT2 said:
My current sockets are Taiwan-made Kobalt/Gearwrench sockets and are a mix of 6 and 12 point. They go up to 19mm on the metric side, but unfortunately the 14mm+ sockets are 12 point. I wanted to pick up a few 1/2" drive sockets in the larger sizes precisely because I wanted to get them in 6-point.

Besides the fact that impact sockets could potentially do double duty in hand tools and air tools,the other reason I was considering impact sockets was due to the fact that impact sockets are almost all 6-point, whereas chrome sockets these days are mostly 12-point! Whose idea was that?
Click to expand...

Yes having 6 point sockets helps reduce likelihood of stripping which is why impact sockets are 6 point and not ever 12 point. As for the popularity of 12 point sockets, it's because if you're working in tight areas and can't rotate the socket too much, a 12 point helps a lot. It's not just getting the socket on but the ratchet or breaker bar as well and having them in a position where you can actually tighten/loosen the bolt.
 
Raizinman

Raizinman

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2007
2,355
75
91
meettomy.site
Non Impact sockets can and do crack when used with an impact wrench. Snap-On, Matco and other tool drivers will not always honor their lifetime warranty on sockets or any tool when they are used in a way not designed. Yes, if you buy lots of tools from Snap On they often replace a cracked socket, but you won't get away with it all the time. The driver will be charged back for the cracked socket from the factory. It will come out of their pocket. Use the tool as it is designed to be used.



master_shake_ said:
i don't use impact sockets ever.

i always use the chrome sockets.

sure they crack and what not but warranty is always honored.

plua as others have said impact sockets on places where they barely fit (especially aftermarket rims) make a mess.

this is my impact.

449e73a9ce8bfb770239e543d0d59f0b.png
Click to expand...
 
master_shake_

master_shake_

Diamond Member
May 22, 2012
6,425
291
121
Raizinman said:
Non Impact sockets can and do crack when used with an impact wrench. Snap-On, Matco and other tool drivers will not always honor their lifetime warranty on sockets or any tool when they are used in a way not designed. Yes, if you buy lots of tools from Snap On they often replace a cracked socket, but you won't get away with it all the time. The driver will be charged back for the cracked socket from the factory. It will come out of their pocket. Use the tool as it is designed to be used.
Click to expand...

then you change socket manufacturers.

sears honors them, canadian tire honors them, hell princess auto honors them.

true story: a guy i work with has had a 13/16 socket from snap-off for years. the 1/2 inch drive hole wore out to the point of not spinning at all.

no warranty. buy a new one.
 
thescreensavers

thescreensavers

Diamond Member
Aug 3, 2005
9,916
2
81
Use of non impact rated sockets on an impact gun is extremely stupid. I have two friends that had the exact same injury when the socket exploded it sliced up their fingers really bad like had to go to the ER room bad..
 
skyking

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,631
5,740
146
twinrider1 said:
bold added

They make them. I'd never buy them. But they make them.

sbpm132v.jpg
Click to expand...
sometimes you have no choice in the matter. There are many applications with 12 point bolts so I have to keep a set of 12 points around for that.
 
PottedMeat

PottedMeat

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
12,363
475
126
Squisher said:
I can't think of a more sure fired way to round off the head of a bolt or nut than to use cheap 12 point sockets.
Click to expand...

i prefer to round my hex bolts with a loose adjustable wrench

996GT2 said:
Have you guys ever ordered from Cripe Distributing? They have an eBay store with 99.9% positive feedback, and their prices seem to be very good on USA-made sockets from reputable brands like Armstrong.

$1.85 for a 1/2" drive Armstrong 19mm socket:

http://www.cripedistributing.com/armstrong-47-019a-1-2-dr-6pt-19mm-impact-socket-usa.html
Click to expand...

at ~$5 shipped and if that's the only one you need you don't have much to lose
 
9

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
5,212
0
76
IHateMyJob2004 said:
I just use a set of lock pliers to loosen and tighten nuts. It's the cheapest way to go and chromed!
Click to expand...

I hope you're kidding :biggrin:

I went ahead and ordered a few 6-point impact sockets. Besides the possible fitment issue due to impact sockets being thick-walled (which I doubt will be an issue for my uses), there's no reason to not use impact sockets on hand tools, right?
 
twinrider1

twinrider1

Diamond Member
Sep 28, 2003
4,096
64
91
skyking said:
sometimes you have no choice in the matter. There are many applications with 12 point bolts so I have to keep a set of 12 points around for that.
Click to expand...

You are correct. I was thinking from the narrow perspective of people using 12 pt sockets on 6 pt nut/bolts. I can't imagine things being so tight I couldn't get a 6 pt socket on there.

But yep, any application where they determined a 12 point nut/bolt was needed, I'd want to have the right socket/wrench for it.
I would figure 12 points of contact are more effective than 6, the same was all wheel drive is more effective than the 1 or 2
wheel drive.

Cripe rocks. Hit or miss, but if they have what you need it's usually at an awesome price. Dangerous place to browse at their prices.
 
Last edited:
jlee

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
996GT2 said:
I hope you're kidding :biggrin:

I went ahead and ordered a few 6-point impact sockets. Besides the possible fitment issue due to impact sockets being thick-walled (which I doubt will be an issue for my uses), there's no reason to not use impact sockets on hand tools, right?
Click to expand...

Nope, they're fine to use with hand tools (just heavier/thicker).
 
Wuzup101

Wuzup101

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2002
2,334
37
91
I have a full set of 3/8 and 1/2 impact sockets from like 6 or 8 mm up to 25 mm / 1inch (-ish as I can't for the life of me remember lol). Most of the larger bolts on my car are 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 22mm. For smaller stuff I typically use 1/4 and 3/8 drive chrome sockets.

There is certainly a place for both of them. But I would always go with the impact sockets in the larger sizes because I have an impact gun. Yeah once in a while you'll find something that you might not be able to tighten or loosen with an impact socket, but it's not super common in the larger sizes (as others have said). I also have gear wrenches in the common sizes for working on my cars. They can come in super handy on hard to reach bolts. They certainly aren't a replacement for an impact wrench / socket though.

Fake edit: I have these and they have worked just great for my casual use. My chrome sockets are almost 100% craftsman because sears is local and great on warranty. http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-4888-8...=1428292515&sr=8-2&keywords=impact+socket+set
 
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