Using Impact Sockets only for 3/8” and 1/2” dr

[Tempest1]

I picked up a 3/8" and 1/2" set of stubby 18v impacts from Ridgid a couple of years ago and am using chrome sockets less and less. Cheap set of Quinn 3/8" impacts has worked well for me so far. Still grab mostly chrome for 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets.

Can't remember the last time I used a chrome 1/2" socket, but I have them from back in the USA Craftsman days.

 

[RyanY]

I am not a pro so take this with a grain of salt.

I usually carry both impact and chrome sockets from the toolbox to the car. I use the impact sockets to remove and loosely tighten the nuts/bolts. I use chrome sockets on the torque wrench for the final turn. In reality I could switch the socket between the impact and torque wrench, but I prefer not to.

 

[Tundragod]

As the title states, is it sensible for a tech to only use impact sockets for the 3/8” and 1/2 dr sizes?

This was a recent discussion over on GJ:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-away-with-impact-only-and-not-chrome.526700/

I have found impact sockets from Sunex, Snap-On and Koken to be fairly thin-walled. I cannot remember a recent situation where I had to use a chrome socket due to an issue with the impact socket’s wall thickness. However, I do prefer the feel of chrome sockets (over impact) with manual ratchets.

As someone who is currently outfitting the essentials for a daily-use roll cart, I am very tempted to only keep impact sockets for the 3/8 and 1/2” dr sizes. Thoughts?

You read my thought.

 

[Spring Break '92]

Impact sockets shouldn't be used to tighten high-torque fasteners, like a crank pulley bolt. I used them to loosen bolts and nuts only. They are made to have some 'give' in them as to where a CRV socket does not, and is a better choice for tightening. A set of 6-point chrome 3/8 and 1/2 shallow sockets go a long way, and at least one flexhead ratchet. 1/4 drive sockets aren't a necessity, but are a very nice thing to have.

 

[DCDG]

Impact sockets shouldn't be used to tighten high-torque fasteners, like a crank pulley bolt. I used them to loosen bolts and nuts only. They are made to have some 'give' in them as to where a CRV socket does not, and is a better choice for tightening. A set of 6-point chrome 3/8 and 1/2 shallow sockets go a long way, and at least one flexhead ratchet. 1/4 drive sockets aren't a necessity, but are a very nice thing to have.

You're right I cant remember the last time that I used a 1/4" drive ratchet. I do use 1/4 sockets that I keep in my work tool bag cause they take up little space I just use them with a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter. They aren't high stressed, use them for tightening and loosening plumbing fixtures mostly.