Impact sockets.

[GordoSD]

Lanse asked about wrenches, my question is about sockets for impacts. I have two sets for my 1/2 in drive impacts, both the air and the DeWalt 18v Lion. Standard and deep 8 points.
I would consider a handy little 3/8 drive dewalt if I could buy the black, 6 point, impact sockets for it. I don't think I want to use my old S-K 3/8 sockets, some are 12 point on an impact wrench.
 

[Zachary Hoyt]

I got a set of 1/2 drive impact sockets at harbor freight that I use with my makita electric impact. They have held up well so far to use parting out tractors and such, and they were only about $12 for a set from 3/8 to 1".
Zach
 

[John T]

I agree, I sure wouldnt "normally" choose to use a 12 point socket on any of my impact wrenches. In fact I often also use a 6 point regular socket with hand ratchets etc especially on tighter heavier applications. If youre working on newer non rusted machinery its one thing, but if youre working on rusted, older, or heavy machinery I use 6 point sockets, sure saves from rounding off nuts and knuckles grrrrr

But hey, Im all for free choice, if a gent likes to use 12 pointers no skin off my knuckles lol

John T
 

[Jason S.]

Even though they are from harbor freight, if you break one they will replace it. Lifetime replacement on all hand tools unless it has changed. You may not want to tell them you were using it on an impact though...lol
 

[jake2]

Gordo, several years ago I picked up a set of Harborfreight impact sockets. So far, in 13 years, I haven't been able to break one....AND it ain't for lack of tryin'.

This set gives you Metric and SAE in both 3/8" and 1/2"...and ya sure can't beat the price

http://www.harborfreight.com/37-piece-38-and-12-drive-combination-impact-sockets-68011.html
Untitled URL Link

 

[glennster]

my metric sets are snap on in 3/8 drive. they run from 8 to 24 mm all sizes, shallow and deep. . in standard, i have mac 5/16 to 3/4, both shallow and deep. the wall on the better quality impact sockets are thinner to get in to tight places, never broke one yet.
 

[NCWayne]

Chromed sockets aren't made to handle the force of an impact wrench and will often shatter if used that way. Too a twelve point puts the force of the impact on the corners of the hex, not the flats, and can easily round off the head of a fastener.

That said I've got a variety of brands when it comes to sockets for my impacts. MY 1/2 drive stuff is all either MAC or Sunex. The two brands are a long ways apart in their pricing but I use both almost daily and have never had a problm out of either. My larger stuff is a mix of MAC, Snap-On, Proto, IR, Williams, Armstrong, and a few others. Over the years I've worn a few out but the only one's I've ver broke were 1 7/16 and a socket for the square parts of a Bud nut. Both sockets were 3/4 drive, but I was using an adapter an a 1' drive impact with both when they broke, so I can't really complain about that.
 

[mkirsch]

Harbor Freight has impact sockets in 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" drive. Shallow and deep well.

Dad's got a Harbor Freight set that is easily 30 years old. Abused since day one. Only broke one socket, and even a Snap-On would've broken in that situation.
 

[Dick2]

I bought HF black impact sockets about 25 years ago. Did crack one of the deep sockets but HF replaced it and haven't cracked any of the others. Have both 1/2 & 3/8" in one set, plus a separate set of 1/2" deep sockets.
 

[Ken Combs]

I picked up a set of 3/8 drive impact swivel sockets. Most used sockets in my kit!
Good ones are expensive but well worth it.
Got these in addition to regular impacts and use them a lot.
 

[ASEguy]

In the last 20 years, with only two exceptions, I buy six point sockets and twelve point wrenches. Ratchets give you the swing room so you can buy six point, wrenches don't so you buy twelve point. I don't know how powerful the electric impacts are, but for air tools it's impact sockets only. Tool truck guys can tell if you broke a chrome socket that was used on an impact. It rounds the corners and they won't warranty them.
 

[DiyDave]

With HF, the lifetime warranty is only on their pittsburgh line. All other hand tools are caveat emptor.
 

[GordoSD]

Individual 3/8 sets, plus other items on the way from HF for 7 bucks shipping. Thanks