Why buy chrome sockets when you can just get impact sockets ?
- Thread starter BOG
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Impact sockets are generally thicker than regular sockets. Which can make it difficult, if not impossible to use, in certain situations.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
There's no law that says you can't.
They just rust a lot easier, are frequently longer than chrome sockets, and are often too chunky to fit in places.
They just rust a lot easier, are frequently longer than chrome sockets, and are often too chunky to fit in places.
exactly this .
impacts also harder find when dropped and when you see prices for half decent chrome sockets in rail sets it not a massive saving .
I never use impact sockets on hand tools but that partly habit and preference as lot of times you could and more so if buy decent stepped. shouldered slimmer design impact sockets .
Koken do thin walled impact sockets are these about the same size as chrome sockets?
https://palmac.net/koken-rs13401m-9-3-8-sq-drive-6-point-socket-set-thin-walled/
https://palmac.net/koken-rs13401m-9-3-8-sq-drive-6-point-socket-set-thin-walled/
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Koken do thin walled impact sockets are these about the same size as chrome sockets?
https://palmac.net/koken-rs13401m-9-3-8-sq-drive-6-point-socket-set-thin-walled/
Those impact sockets are in general larger than the chrome sockets from the same brand. Look at d1 and d2 measurements in the Koken catalog. Whether or not they are "about the same size" depends on what brand you compare and how big of a difference matters to you. The catalog is available on their website. No need to ask since the measurements are in the catalog.
I didn't know impact sockets were a different size as I never had any and was just curious why the need for both ....now it makes sense
BrandoJames
Well-known member
There's an episode of South Main Auto where Eric O has to switch from an impact socket to chrome due to tight clearance while removing a starter. So there are practical reasons for having both impact & chrome sets.
I remember Eric the car guy only uses a set of grey pneumatic thin wall impact sockets. So you don't NEED chrome sockets.
I LIKE chrome ones because they are pretty to look at and easy to clean. Also impact sockets are soft and can be deformed by powerful guns. I don't like deformed tools.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app
I LIKE chrome ones because they are pretty to look at and easy to clean. Also impact sockets are soft and can be deformed by powerful guns. I don't like deformed tools.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app
n8n
Well-known member
The one job that I commonly do that I simply cannot do with impacts is removing the wheels on my BMW. (oddly, a job that most mechanics would in fact try to do with impact sockets) A Snap-On impact will just barely fit the wheel recess but unless you have a steady hand you will mar the wheel finish.
SeisMec
Well-known member
Q: If X works 99.9% of the time Y does, why do you need Y.
A: Because 0.1% of the time Y works and X does not.
PS Percentages were pulled directly from my rear end - handle with care.
A: Because 0.1% of the time Y works and X does not.
PS Percentages were pulled directly from my rear end - handle with care.
Bsimster
Well-known member
PWC Repair
Well-known member
The real reason is because we're MEN with TOOLS and we MUST have at least 2 sets of everything!!
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Chrome is shinny, I like shinny. Actually I use TOPTUL sockets so my chrome is satin finished which I like even more than shinny.
while it makes sense have both you certainly could dual use them most of the time if want to .
When I first started out I had shallow chrome but not deeps but did have deep impacts that covered me in most scenarios .
If buying impacts with intention use with ratchets be sure choose ones stepped like koken image and with ball lock retention on all 4 sides of the drive end as they make dual usability better ...
I much prefer chromed sockets for general ratchet use though .
Jersey Drew
Well-known member
It actually has more to due with the hardening process. Impact sockets are softer and will wallow out with repeated use and the softness allows for the hammering effect created by the impact gun. While chromes are hardened so they can handle higher stress on a steady basis. Meaning a chrome socket will take a higher load with consistent pressure. But a chrome socket can and will crack and or self destruct when used with an impact gun.
ssdave
Banned
....
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JRC3
Well-known member
Impact sockets are hard to polish too.
ludakris04
Well-known member
I have recently been pondering this same question.
I finally organized my sockets, and quickly came to the conclusion that I am missing a ton of 1/2" and some 3/8 sockets. The chrome on the 25 yo craftsmans are also pealing pretty badly. So I would like to just get a good set. I will probably end up with chromes.. as I dont use impacts much, and I have only broken a couple sockets in my life...
I finally organized my sockets, and quickly came to the conclusion that I am missing a ton of 1/2" and some 3/8 sockets. The chrome on the 25 yo craftsmans are also pealing pretty badly. So I would like to just get a good set. I will probably end up with chromes.. as I dont use impacts much, and I have only broken a couple sockets in my life...
FuzzyTiger
Well-known member
I can't really explain it but I just like working with a nice set of chrome sockets when I'm using hand tools. They're slender, light and beautiful. I've also noticed that my chrome sockets seem to have a better fit on the fasteners which helps prevent the socket from slipping off when I'm using hand tools. Its not an issue with an impact sockets used with an impact wrench though since it only applies rotational force.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
My 1/2" deeps are impact and shallows are chrome. It just ended up that way, when buying what I needed, when I needed it.
There are a number of experts in tool polishing who post here regularly. Next time you see a thread about cosmetic issues and warranty, watch and learn.
pepi
Well-known member
Chrome: thin walled get into tighter spaces
The same things could be said about deep vs shallow sockets. There comes times when you will need all the varieties if you do enough work. Then there comes the times when a large selection still doesn't cover a need. Then you start getting custom made obstruction tools. Personally it bring a little smile when I run into something and I have just the tool for that. Usually never used before and probably never again.
My next impact set will likely be these - low profile and can be used with ratcheting/combo/open wrenches as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Spareparts
Well-known member
Don't use chrome sockets on an impact, they are harder and will beat the anvil on the impact so the sockets fall off, on my service truck I don't even keep impact sockets in my main tool box, they are kept in a sepatate compartment with the impacts. They always seem to fall off when you are in a redicolus position over a mud pit or 2' deep puddle.
richfinn
Well-known member
Impact sockets are really a consumable tool, soft so they wont shatter on impact tools, they do wear out eventually but in a shop or pro use you have to have them for safety reasons.
Chrome sockets should really last a lifetime if not abused or run on power tools.
Typically impact sockets are 6 point (but not always) and the walls are thicker (unless you buy really good ones)
Good Chrome sockets can be much smaller and thinner which helps in tight spots
Chrome sockets should really last a lifetime if not abused or run on power tools.
Typically impact sockets are 6 point (but not always) and the walls are thicker (unless you buy really good ones)
Good Chrome sockets can be much smaller and thinner which helps in tight spots
Al Borland
Well-known member
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- Jan 20, 2016
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Soak them in Vinegar to get the black **** off, then spin them on a drill/driver while holding them against sandpaper. Even Pittsbugh Pro will polish up nicely.
A little wax seals the deal.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Another question, why buy black ones when you can get shiny ones ? At work I think I was the only one who used impact sockets,
JRC3
Well-known member
Will bikini wax do? Asking for a friend.Soak them in Vinegar to get the black **** off, then spin them on a drill/driver while holding them against sandpaper. Even Pittsbugh Pro will polish up nicely.
A little wax seals the deal.
ex-x-fire
Well-known member
Most techs I know do just that, most just buy impacts in 3/8 & 1/2. 1/4 is usually chrome.
n8n
Well-known member
Soak them in Vinegar to get the black **** off, then spin them on a drill/driver while holding them against sandpaper. Even Pittsbugh Pro will polish up nicely.
A little wax seals the deal.
AH yes the mystery set LOL
DFB
Well-known member
Yup this pretty much says it all
I have to say I have full chrome sets shallow and deep but lately its almost exclusively impact style sockets I grab. Of course I most use a battery powered tool over a hand ratchet these days...well just because
I agree about that "polishing impacts" recommendation thing. Read about that here a long while ago, Oily rag and spin those puppies shiny
Badgerstate
Well-known member
Non impact sockets are thinner and fit where impact sockets cant and they just look better. Impact sockets are great if you need the impact aspect but I dont often use an impact, so I dont really need it.
If I cant get it out with the 3/8, I get out the 1/2" wrench with an adaptor. If I cant get it out with that, I get out the breaker bar. If I cant get it out with that, I get out the cheater bar.
As much as Id love to own a Milwaukee M18 impact but I just dont think Id use it much.
If I cant get it out with the 3/8, I get out the 1/2" wrench with an adaptor. If I cant get it out with that, I get out the breaker bar. If I cant get it out with that, I get out the cheater bar.
As much as Id love to own a Milwaukee M18 impact but I just dont think Id use it much.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I call it "crow syndrome". People like shiny things.
Snap-On used to market a non-impact line of tools that had black oxide finish. Meant for assembly line worker because they were less likely to be stolen.
Snap-On used to market a non-impact line of tools that had black oxide finish. Meant for assembly line worker because they were less likely to be stolen.
JRC3
Well-known member
I was making a joke about polishing impacts...But I did wire wheel mine around the number stampings to apply paint. I wish mine were that clean all over but I have many other things to apply that effort to.
