Purpose of 1/2" Chrome?

[tbm5690]

I have a set of metric and SAE 1/2" drive chrome sockets. I've got a few impact sockets in the same drive size, really for use with lug nuts primarily. I need to work on getting more impact sockets in additional sizes, but does anyone actually use chrome 1/2" drive sockets with a ratchet for anything? Obviously I see their purpose with a torque wrench, but in that case is is easier to just use the impact sockets with the torque wrench anyways for tightening. I have a plethora of 3/8" and 1/4" chrome with ratchets, but in what case would you need a 1/2" with a ratchet instead of using 3/8"?

 

[Astro14]

I use 1/2” Chrome with a 1/2” breaker bar or ratchet when the torque needed is high, and I can’t or don’t want to use an impact. I suppose I could use one of the impact sockets with the ratchet, but the chrome are slightly smaller in diameter and have 12 points for better fitting in tight spaces and where there are 12 point fasteners involved.

You can’t use a 6 point impact on a rod bolt, for example, it just won’t fit. So, 12 point, and use a hand tool to drive it.

 

[Arc]

I still use them but just because I bought so many in the past. All new ones I buy in impact not chrome. Most of my chrome 1/2" have been broken.

 

[CleanSump]

All the time. Some stuff is just too big for a 3/8" ratchet to handle.

 

[The_Jeff]

They're good for stuff like lug nuts when used with torque wrenches. Some rims have smaller holes and can't fit a fat CR-V impact.

 

[CleanSump]

Head bolts, suspension, motor mounts, brake brackets, shocks........

 

[Professor Gascan]

Wheel nuts and bolts, axle nuts, suspension, crank bolts, and engine mounts are the ones that immediately come to mind. I also own a VW that is absolutely filthy with torque to yield one time use fasteners, the 1/2 inch breaker bar and sockets get used every time I'm dealing with those.

The cars I work on are old and have lived there whole life in the rust belt. If I can fit a 1/2 socket and ratchet it's the first setup I'm using to try and break fasteners loose.

 

[PontiacHO]

I/2 drive sockets are typically more robust than 3/8 and can withstand more torque. Chrome sockets of any size will wear very quickly when used with an impact wrench.

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

Honestly, I don’t pay attention to chrome vs impact when I pick a socket from my chest drawer. I have a good amount of both and have yet to break a socket or even wear one out. However, I have broken quite a few 1/4 to 3/8 adapters that are chrome, have not broken an impact one.

I use my 1/2” chrome sockets for flywheel bolts, mainly. I think I have those ranging from 1” to 2 1/4”.

 

[burbguy82]

I use 1/2” Chrome with a 1/2” breaker bar or ratchet when the torque needed is high, and I can’t or don’t want to use an impact. I suppose I could use one of the impact sockets with the ratchet, but the chrome are slightly smaller in diameter and have 12 points for better fitting in tight spaces and where there are 12 point fasteners involved.

You can’t use a 6 point impact on a rod bolt, for example, it just won’t fit. So, 12 point, and use a hand tool to drive it.

right.....sometimes impact rated sockets wont fit.....and breaker bars are not as position-able, so you need a 12 point...100%

really the only time I bust out the 1\2 inch drive is for suspension stuff, other than that, I go 3\8.

A lot of the budget minded sets on Amazon are impact rated, black oxide finish, likely for cost savings in manufacture...

 

[MNgopher]

Ditto a poster above - anything suspension related in the rust belt and I'm not using the impact wrench for some reason - breaker bars and Chrome 1/2" 12 points are the ticket... And then since I have it out, I grab the 1/2" ratchet to finish...

 

[The Critic]

If my 12” long 3/8” drive ratchet does not provide enough leverage to remove a fastener, I move up to my 18” long 1/2” drive ratchet. In those situations, I use a shallow set of 1/2” drive chrome sockets. Although impact sockets could do the job here, the chrome sockets are slightly slimmer and also come in handy for aftermarket wheels with absurdly small lug holes.

P.S. 1/2” dr shallow sockets almost the same bolt clearance depth as 3/8” dr semi-deep sockets.

 

[JohnnyG]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand the issue here. Are you all talking about the chrome finish on the sockets and ratchets? It's there because not every mechanic has time to wipe their tools down with oil after every job. It's also way more resistant to corrosion of any kind, and it feels good too.
Before they started putting those plastic grips on tools, chrome was the only finish that lasted. I suppose some hands are more delicate these days, hence the plastic/rubber nonsense.

1/2" drive ratchets and sockets have there purpose as well. Before the advent of cordless impact wrenches and gobs of money to spend, they were the only tool that could do certain jobs.

 

[Rmay635703]

I have a set of metric and SAE 1/2" drive chrome sockets. I've got a few impact sockets in the same drive size, really for use with lug nuts primarily. I need to work on getting more impact sockets in additional sizes, but does anyone actually use chrome 1/2" drive sockets with a ratchet for anything? Obviously I see their purpose with a torque wrench, but in that case is is easier to just use the impact sockets with the torque wrench anyways for tightening. I have a plethora of 3/8" and 1/4" chrome with ratchets, but in what case would you need a 1/2" with a ratchet instead of using 3/8"?

Some sizes and lengths are only available in chrome, 1/2” determines how much force you can apply.

There are many cases where the 1/2” chrome is thin walled enough to fit and needed for the amount of force, they break easier than impact but unless you mill and lathe your impact to fit it won’t matter

 

[JWC86]

I use them with a 1/2 ratchet often. I’m also not above using the impact with chrome sockets if I don’t have that size in a impact socket… or if the chrome one is already out lol

 

[The Critic]

I use them with a 1/2 ratchet often. I’m also not above using the impact with chrome sockets if I don’t have that size in a impact socket… or if the chrome one is already out lol

Although I rarely do it, I personally feel less bad about using chrome with an impact wrench if the chrome socket is attached to an impact rated extension. That way, the drive end of my impact wrench doesn’t get worn by the chrome socket.

 

[JWC86]

Although I rarely do it, I personally feel less bad about using chrome with an impact wrench if the chrome socket is attached to an impact rated extension. That way, the drive end of my impact wrench doesn’t get worn by the chrome socket.

Good call.

 

[Lenny5160]

The only 1/2” deep sockets I have are impact, but I have shallow 6 and 12 point in chrome.

 

[TacoFergie]

I have a variety of 1/2" chrome (mostly craftsman) and impact (snap on and others). Most I have had for over 20yrs. I use my chrome with my Milwaukee high torque and Matco 1/2" impact at 120-150psi shop air. I have a couple 12pt chrome sockets that are flaking, but I have yet to crack one. Heck, I even have a set of 22-42mm chrome sockets that are used for axle nuts that hold up just fine. I do prefer impact socket for lugnuts as it seems to mar them less than chrome 6pt though. I worked as a toyota tech for about 7yrs and independent for a few years.

Where I find chrome sockets useful is tight clearance areas like head bolts. Personally though, I rarely get out a 1/2 ratchet unless it's a lugnut, requires breaker bar or requires a socket too large for 3/8. I much prefer the ergonomics of 3/8 ratchets over bulky and nose heavy 1/2" ratchets/sockets.

 

[cptbarkey]

You can never have enough different types of sockets when doing a job. The moment you are blocked removing a fastener you are losing time and possibility money.

1/2 chrome are thinner walled vs impact, someone mentioned head bolts. I have run across several times when thin walled and or 12 point mattered in these situations.