Impact sockets or not...

So what's the deal. Most of us started with non impact rated sockets and slowly added impact rated ones to our list of tools. I have 1/2" normal and deep size impact sockets plus some normal size 3/8" impacts ones. I was thinking about getting some 3/8" deep impact ones as well.

I know I used regular sockets with impacts before but do you guys really notice the difference? Or does the impact rated sockets really only make a difference in specific scenarios?

Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks.

 

If you wrench on vehicles regularly,
1/4" drive & 3/8" drive impact wobble sockets are where its at....
It was the first investment I made as an apprentice...
I bought snap-on but im not suggesting that, theres plenty of good cheap stuff too thats a quality product.
sunex, tekton, etc...

$94 SUNEX TOOLS 3657, 3/8" Drive Universal Impact Socket Set, 10-Piece, Metric, 10mm - 19mm, Cr-Mo Alloy Steel, Radius Corner Design, Dual Size Markings, Heavy Duty Storage Case, Meets ANSI Standards

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-3657-U...&sprefix=sunex+3/8+imact+wobbl,aps,448&sr=8-3

 

My current 1/2" impacts are made by Ingersol Rand (normal depth) and some Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight) deep ones. This about the only tools I have from Harbor Freight. I currently have some Makita 3/8" normal depth impact sockets.

I just got the following ones from Home Depot during a special they had going on.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRE...p-Impact-Socket-Set-13-Piece-84914N/303160885

 

If the space is really tight sometimes impact sockets won't fit because they tend to be thicker. On the other hand if the nut or bolt is really tight oftentimes a regular socket with an impact wrench will just spin on the nut or bolt, because regular sockets tend to be 12 point. Impact sockets will fit it better because they are six point. At least all the ones I've seen. So I guess you really should have both

 

I’ve never broken a chrome socket on any bolt with a 1/2” (13mm) head.
I have broken (cracked) a 9/16 and a 17mm.

If the head is larger than 14mm or 9/16”, I go for the 1/2” drive impacts.

That said, anything in the 3/8 lineup that I typically work on you either can’t get an impact on it, or it’s “not stuck that tight”. I do live in the south, so we don’t see too many “rusted stuck” bolts and nuts.

 

As a professional, I also have some Pittsburgh/harbor freight brand impact sockets..

 

It’s not just a marketing term if that’s what you’re asking.

Axle nuts definitely require impact sockets. Coil pack bolt, nah.

It’s one of those things you have to use your noodle about. If it’s hammering, you should probably be using an impact socket (it’s for your safety).

 

Don’t waste money on 12 point sockets, no need…
Easy way to destroy fasteners.

 

Grey pneumatic has some quality sockets that i have been using professionally for a long time and have held up great. Impact sockets are just thicker and some are a softer metal to help prevent the socket from cracking prematurely and they wont splinter like chrome sockets can.

 

Impact sockets carry extra weight which help with momentum when breaking nuts loose. Yes, they're more robust too so they'll tend to withstand the extra impact but having quality impact sockets with weight behind them will help loosen nuts more effectively.

 

If Freiburger and Dulcich don't need 'em, I don't need 'em.

 

A lot of responses here. Some are mixed on whether they are needed or not. I currently have Craftsman sockets in all sizes from 1/4" to 1/2" in normal and deep well. I also have them in 6 point and 12 point versions. I have had this set forever (over 20 years) and it has served me well.

Recently I have added the 1/2" impacts in 6 point form in both normal and deep well. I also already have the Makita 3/8" normal ones.

So the reality is the only thing I just purchased was the 3/8" Gearwrench deep sockets. I suppose the reason I just purchased these was that I just picked up the infamous M12 right angle impact ratchet. I chose the 3/8" version just because I figured I would to be using it in tight places where my M12 3/8 stubby would not fit. The M12 right angle ratchet might even be a waste of money considering I already have the 3/8 stubby and larger Makita 1/2" impact for larger and tougher bolts.

 

I only have 1/2" and 3/4" impact sockets.

I've no need for small impact sockets and not sure why they exist (well in my tiny world). For breaking loose or tightening something that small, hardly ever need a breaker bar. Save your money.

And yes I have a cordless 3/8" impact. Never broken a socket or stripped a head. I use 6 pt almost exclusively. I do have some 12 pts, just because I bought long ago. Tiny 12 points are a joke, IMHO.

 

I’ve seen a chrome socket shatter on an impact gun. I won’t take the chance.

 

I got the Gear Wrench 3/8” deep impact sockets for $38 so I’m probably just gonna keep them at this point considering what I paid.

I did get a good deal on the M12 3/8” right angle impact, but we’ll see if it turns to be useful or not. The jury is still out as they say.

 

I've used non-impact sockets on an impact gun (turned way down) cautiously. I've seen what they looked like after shattering, wouldn't want to be near that when it happens.

 

Unlikely an M12 3/8" right angle will shatter any sockets...........just saying.

 

Echoing what others have said in this thread.

Impact sockets are definitely different from plain chrome sockets. Beefier & designed to take the extreme beating an electric or air impact gun delivers.

No matter the size I only use impact sockets with an impact wrench.

 

+1.

i work on mostly new semi trucks. just about any fastener under 1/2", i use standard sockets on a 1/4" hex impact with an adapter. i've got a few impact-rated sockets in those sizes, but it was only from other purchases that happened to add those. i've never used them.

once i get above 1/2" and especially any fastener around 3/4" or larger, all i have are impact sockets up to 2", and i won't use anything less. important here is the usage. under 1/2" is typically holding on fenders, headlights, grilles, dash parts, etc. non-structural, aesthetic, or lightweight parts.

9/16" and above starts getting into the structural parts that not only uses heavier duty hardware, but also see's higher torque and vibrational forces. my m12 surge works fine for the small stuff, but i go right past it to a 1/2" square full-size m18 impact for bolts like this. and most times, it hammers on them hard. not something i want a normal chrome socket to deal with if i can help it.

 

Thanks. Would you consider 1/2" wobble sockets as well?
Also what about wobble impact u-joints like the following?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-Drive-Impact-U-Joint-H2DIMPUNIV/301175144
Too bulky?