Tool Talk Ep. 8 Just Chrome Sockets or Just Impact Sockets
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Here I am going over my thoughts on just buying one or the other.
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I grew up wrenching with chrome sockets and manual ratchets and never used power tools. I’m slowly starting to see the wisdom of using impact sockets for just about everything, at least if they are good ones (wright). I wrench almost entirely on my own vehicle and equipment and frankly you’ll VERY rarely come across a situatino where the wall thickness matters. The impact sockets won’t have the finish crack and flake off and cut you. The impact sockets are also superior for using with bare fingers as they aren’t nearly as slippery when oily or greasy. If you need to use a vise grip or something on a socket, the pliers can grip the softer sockets where with chrome they will often damage the pliers or just simply slip because they can’t grab it. Finally, when you’re cleaning up the impact socket phosphate finish retains a nice light coat of oil for corrosion prevention. Once the chrome sockets start to peel (and they will) they will rust pretty fast.
Only having one or the other takes away from owning every tool in existence. I am a big believer in using the right tool for the job. I spent my first couple years as a hobby mechanic just getting by with what I had. I spent more time repairing and replacing broken and stripped hardware and chasing down loaner tools than the actual job would have taken. And just like you said, great tools are very affordable and most are guaranteed for life. Buying that $18 or $20 tool now may save you a ton of time and money when the time arises that it is needed. And for beginner techs out there, you could take one or two paychecks and own about every Tekton tool made. You won’t have to hand over your paycheck to a tool truck each week and borrow other tools until you pay off your loan just to start the cycle over again for another handful of tools.
Trucker88 completely agree and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I always enjoy your comments. Thanks for the support 👍🏻
If I were just starting I'd buy the Grey Pneumatic Duo socket sets. They are thin walled impact sockets with a lifetime warranty, so the best of both worlds really.
Hard Knocks Forge ya I have actually heard that from a few people and personally heard good things about them. Thanks for sharing HKF 👍🏻
The Sunex ones are exactly the same
Their warranty sucks, never buy that brand
@@timweb1510 Grey Pneumatic?
I like to have both types of sets, good excuse to have more tools!
Haha no arguments 😂 👍
I have both sets as well. I'm a heavy duty tractor trailer mech.. started in 89. Didn't get my first set of impact 3/8 until about 2011. Used my shallow snap on sae and meric, part of school set, and craftsman and wright deep sockets, both usa made. But back then, a 3/8 impact was not as powerful as they are today. Still using all of them today. Also, metric was not as prevelent as it is now, so the majority of my stuff was sae. You are right, no need to spend 700$ on 1/2 set of deeps, as long as there is a warranty that will replace the socket if it has failed. I learned from our Mac guy that gear wrench will only warranty an impact if it's broken, so if if is loose fitting or opened up and rounds off fasteners, they won't warranty it. I know the big four companies, S-O, Mac,Matco, and Cornwell have better warranties, but, it also depends on your guy. Just food for thought....good vid. I wish we could get it through the young techs heads, you don't need a 10,000 box if you only are doing oil changes. Get that after you've upgraded your most used tools, to whichever tool company you can afford. Otherwise you'll be working to pay off the thing that is supposed to be making you money.........
Yes absolutely agree with you. No need to put yourself in debt or spend your entire paycheck on tools. Play it smart and get them as you grow over the long term. Thanks for sharing your thought
I've only used impact sockets as a Toyota master tech. Find a company that makes thinner walls on them. If you run into a situation where you need a thinner chrome socket, borrow one from a buddy and if it happens more than once, purchase just those sized sockets in chrome. But if you're one of those mechanics that work on multiple manufactures then you may need both. I'm thankful to not even need every socket/wrench size.
I've used regular chrome sockets in my impact. I just cracked the bolt/nut with a breaker bar 1st.
I recon a set of 3/8 chrome and a set of 1/2" impacts. And you can get by pretty well
this is what I do. SK impact on full 1/2 drive met and frac. chrome on 3/8 amd 1/4.
Sunex impact sockets have pretty thin walls and Sunex explicitly allows their use with both hand tools and impact tools with their lifetime warranty. If you only get one set, this is the set I'd recommend
Jon Faulkenberry very nice. Thanks for sharing that information 👍🏻
@Johny Harbinger One of the reasons I didn't look too much into those when I was looking is that it seems their sets always include ratchets. I ended up buying Sunex 2645 which is a metric set that contains 10mm to 36mm, no skips, no extras, for around $80. With their warranty and reviews, I'm very happy.
Sunex impacts are great and no need for the gp duo set as extra money for a socket set that is no better than sunex impacts. They are just as thin as chrome and sunex says to be used with impacts and hand tools so makes them the same as the duo for less momey
I love my sunex sockets and im hoping to test out neiko sockets next the sunex fit in all kinds on places they are fantastic
I like impact sockets much more for bigger jobs they never break, very reliable and I could save space just to have them. But sometimes I need something more compact where impact sockets don't feet then I need chrome sockets
I bought the metric 1/2 impact set of Tecton and was very suprised. Will be buying more and the price was very affordable.
John Erickson very true and glad you think the same. Really good sockets for the price 👍🏻
Yes both. If money is a issue, hf for impact and kobalt for chrome. Replace the most used with a higher end brand if they break
David Walle very true and an easy way to go about it 👍🏻
I have been a h d truck mechanic for more than 35 years and I have both chrome and impact sockets shallow and deep from 1/4 inch to 2 inches and it's nice to know you have whatever you may need,only problem is if you are starting in the field it's a huge outlay of cash especially on a snap on truck,but retired now and still using them on friends cars or trucks
I bought 1/2 drive impact sockets only when I worked at Sears Automotive. Didn't really have a need for both for oil/lube tech. At home I have more chrome than impact.
When I was working in the dealership my Forman would encourage new guys to get just tool truck chrome because thin wall and life time our tool truck guys wouldn’t care how it broke they would warranty it.
Since I'm learning my mechanical skills by wrenching on my old honda shadow I think I'll stick with good old chrome.
Growing up I used the tools in my grandads workshop. He had SK chromes and a mix of mac and snap on impact sockets. When it was time to get out on my own and start furnishing my own tools, oh good lord, those are expensive for a young man. I eventually bought a master set of regular + deep sae and metric 1/2" AND 3/8" impact sockets from tekton and one of those briefcase style set of chromes from harbor frieight, one of the Quinn branded sets. I use the impact sockets for everything until they dont fit somewhere, theres been maybe 10 times in these past years I've had to dig out a chrome socket because of clearance issues. I think this is the way to go, but I may be a little biased 😉
I recently cracked an OLD chrome USA Craftsman 19mm deep and took it into Ace Hardware to compare and the guy took one out of the display case, compared side by side to my old one then led me to the cashier and told them to warranty it out. Not even what l was trying to do, but it was cool of that Ace store to honor lifetime warranty. Even if the old socket was at least as old as l am. Lol I agree that people should have both impact and chrome. Harbor Freight impact set for $25.00 cant go wrong. Beat the living hell out of mine and no issues.
Biggie Fitz that’s awesome and ya I agree. It’s cheap enough now adays to just have both
i work at an ace hardware, and you better believe that i eat, sleep, and breathe our tools and automotive aisles 😂
This is one of those topics that can, and will be, discussed forever. Viewers should note that when he refers to those that are starting out, he’s talking about new mechanics. Eg; trade school graduates.
Paul Beach very true. Thanks 👍🏻
The main difference between high end impact sockets as far as I've seen is the wall thickness. My sk impact sockets have much thinner walls than my harbor freight. Great video!
Very true. Alot of different thicknesses. Thank you 👍
One truck shop I worked at mostly used impact sockets for even ratchets. I noticed on semis you dont hardly need chrome sockets. But cars ,pickups is another story
Mark Armstrong very true 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Why do you use chrome, because it is usually slimmer than impacts in the same size?
@@connor3288 yes alot slimmer. Why buy both ? I have both all the way up to 3/4"
Now I see it as a big waste of money
Only cars I work on is my personal.
@@markarmstrong3394 I have heard Sunex and Grey Pnuematic impact sockets are thinwall, same size as chrome. I will never use chrome on impact guns if i can avoid it, cracks sockets and wears out anvils on gun. I think i have only run into one situation so far where a regular impact socket was too big to use, pinion nut on a differential. I do use 1/4 and 3/8 drive chrome sockets with a hex drive dewalt driver, with the hex to 1/4, 3/8 adaptors. Only using on low torque stuff, not concerned. I dont have any 3/8dr impact sockets atm. I suppose they might have a place, but usually using impact guns you are using 1/2dr, and they have very short 1/2dr impact sockets now for tight spots, check out Astro Nano sockets, very short.
@@connor3288 ohhhhh I got them Astros in 1/2" and 3/8" their the SH!+ !!!!!!!
I do use alot of deep 1/2" but rarely deep in 3/8"
Yeah them crome sockets on impacts can EXPLODE LOL 😆
A lifetime warranty can still be junk. For example, most companies make you ship the broken socket to them and pay for it to get shipped back.. thats usually around 10 bucks plus the trip to the post office. Where as Tekton,Sunex, and Capri just make you send them a pic of the broken part and they ship you a new part. It makes a difference in the lifetime of a set if you ask me.
Absolutely I completely agree. That's why I mainly own tekton now. Bc it is the easiest warranty possible for me
Dry true man, this is something most diy or homeowners forget. I had that problem with broken channel locks, cost more than half the price of the tool to mail it back and wait a month. Would not have that problem with a few other brands.
Grey Pnuematic makes the duo sockets,can be used on impact and hand use.There are thinwall impact sockets out there,I have a set for access to lug nuts if the vehicle has aftermarket wheels
Love my 6 point Duo sockets! All sizes with no skips, regular and deep. Same thickness as chrome, but they are safe for impacts. I'll probably pick up a set of 12 point chrome sockets at some point, but the Duo's are great all around if you're just starting out or are budget minded.
Interesting about the Duo's.
I'm interested in the idea of thin walled ones I could use with hand tools too.
I hear Sunex has some thin walled ones too.
I like the dual use aspect not just to save money but space and weight...
I have both but own way more impact sockets than chrome. I haven't had trouble with the socket walls being too thick but I know I'll run into it eventually. I will invest in more chrome because I feel that no matter what, you will always find a need for both and since not everyone is on a race team and pressed for time, there's that benefit of changing out sockets as you need.
Absolutely thanks for sharing your thoughts
@@TonyTheTechnician now as far as you saying for someone starting out, like budget wise and maybe being their first tools, I'd say chrome until you actually need impact sockets and need an impact gun. By then you should be graduated from sweeping the floor and oil changes to swapping parts and taking off wheels and suspension components.
I use the Duo sockets from Grey Pneumatic. I can do everything with one set.
I have both but my chrome sockets are craftsman, and i find myself using my 3/8 impact set 99% of the time cause its easier to read, and also grab quicker, and the set i have is almost the same thickness as the chromes, so it doesn’t make much difference, if it doesn’t quite fit where i need it to, i reach for the 1/4” drive. So basically my 3/8” chromes hardly ever get used.
I'm a lubetech at dealership. I think most of our master technicians have black impact sockets in their tool cart (not the main box)
I would buy a good brand impact socket and the cheapest chrome harbor freight sockets. I'm using harbor freight sockets with an impact driver all the time, but no problem at all. And if it breaks, easy swap with new sockets.
I like the deep impact sockets for the 10mm-24mm socket sizes. Anything smaller, I just use the chrome ones. I do have a 35 impact (specifically for an axel nut) and 32mm sockets for my oil filter. I have a cheap set from harbor freight that are impact rated, and they’re nice for my use case scenario. They’re a lot better quality that chrome in my opinion
Very nice and that's a smart route to go as well 👍
I wear eyepro all the time when I work, and I've been using the same 90's harbor freight impact gun since my father gave it to me in 2011, so when one explodes/cracks I just replace it with an impact socket in my set and roll on with my day.
I started just buying impact sockets since the now everyone is using cordless ratchets and impact guns.
Now I'm learning to repair Hybrids so I started adding the insulated tools to my arsenal in my toolbox.
RoCas Cords very true and good thinking 👍🏻
In a harbor freight world, you could probably get everything you need for starters for under $300 in hand tools with lifetime warranty and decent quality. $300 in snap on will get you 1 ratchet, 2 sockets and 3 1/2 screw drivers.
Lmao that's the truth
My goto is a 3/8 chrome set by tekton (own 3 full kits) it has all sizes up to 19mm. But then my socket drawer is pretty much all impacts. Full set of 3/8 tekton impacts and 1/2 mastercraft impacts. I can't remember the last time I used a chrome 1/2 drive. I have them but just never need them.I also got rid of all my 1/4 other than a small kit.
Jeeping.Net ya same here. I have chrome 1/2 but rarely ever use them
I feel like you could get by with either in at least 80 percent of the situations you will run into. That being said, there are times when you will want one or the other. I've used chromies on an impact many times. I would not recommend it. I've used impacts on a ratchet. They are noticably heavier. Sunnex and Tekton are both great sources for reasonably priced, quality sockets. I have found no matter how many sockets I own, and trust me it's a lot, there is always a different set you need. Mid length, low profile, wobble, thin wall,12 point,six point it goes on and on. I've never heard anyone say, well that's it, I got every socket I need.
Great video thanks brother. I have used impact sockets for years 1/2 in drive and up. I have until last year just had chrome in the rest except one set. I have a set that was for u joints only 3/8 drive. I would recommend like you said both in today's world. I didn't because I was heavy equipment and semi trucks and trailers. Back then you could get away with just impact sockets. Keeping in mind if you can't do it with your 3/8 by hand your getting the 1/2 in impact. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother.
I believe time's have changed since then.
Scott Pearson TOOLS &MORE thank you and ya I completely agree. Ya things have changed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as well
I use both. Cheap ones but all work pretty good
For 6 point I have chrome and impact because the warranty like Snap-on for smaller sizes have a longer neck then say sunex. But for 12 point I bought gn duo sockets. For the rare times I need them. Not having to worry about using impact and there thin.
But as you know there warranty there is no warranty unless you buy official. I don’t mind buying a broken single vs having chrome and impact. For a rare use
VENOMVETTE I can understand that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on how you go about it and ya that is one downside to that warranty
🙂 Mostly chrome here, i dont even have an impact gun its been a while ☺️
MrSammy whatever works best for you. That’s all that matters 👍🏻👍🏻
Awesome and informative videos! I think I will start with Impact sockets for my 1/2 inch stuff.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed
Great Topic Tony. I have a mixture of both, but am unwilling to own two set's of everything. Shi*t's still expensive. lol
Justin Dow lmao that’s understandable. Thanks man 👍🏻
Good video Tony with a nice breakdown. I have both and use impact sockets in my air impact but chrome sometimes on my cordless impact as it is not as powerful.
Mark Hetzer thanks you and thanks for sharing how you go about it 👍🏻
Fun fact: sockets have a hole down the center for the same reason as Lego heads... In case they're swallowed, and trapped in the throat, the hole allows air for the person to breath.
Tool In Hand interesting. I’m still glad I haven’t accidentally swallowed any.
@@TonyTheTechnician Lucky
Tool In Hand haha the socket survived but I accidentally swallowed the ratchet 😂
@@TonyTheTechnician that could end up being a pain in the..
Tool In Hand 😂😂😂
Hey tony, great video like always! Every time I see one of your videos I learn something new man. I have a quick question where did you get that summit racing mat?!! I like it a lot and been looking for one but no luck. Well anyways thanks for all the hard work and time you put in all your videos!!
Moises Bishop thank you I really appreciate that. And I’m glad you enjoy. www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-900237/
What about GP’s duo sockets thats rated for impact and as thin as a chrome socket
ty mor I have heard a lot of good things about the duos
They both have a place at work, just like a standard wrench and a ratchet wrench.
Stacy Cornett completely agree. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Only get lug nut( impact sockets), tool truck brands and Carlyle
17,19,21,27,32,3l4,13l16,15l16,1-1l4,
(Chrome )deep 10mm: snap on, Matco, mac tools, cornwell, Carlyle
(Chrome) spark plug socket: Carlyle, cornwell, matco,mac tools, snap on
Chrome with thinner walls are lighter in weight. Remember, a heavier socket for impacts hits much harder. Some get the Lisle 77080 19mm socket (very heavy walled) to get the Honda V6 crank bolt off. Chrome robs you of some power.
Right tool, Right job plus impacts are just too inexpensive making the same rebranded impact sockets with the opti corners. Do you use carlyle sockets at work?
Yota Doug's Tool Collecting Channel ya so many different brands and prices out there now. It’s inexpensive enough to own both and be able to do jobs the right way
I use carlyle chrome daily, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 full sets, love the shit out of them. Highly recommend.
For impacts I have Matco.
Grey pneumatic makes a really good duo socket, give them a look maybe make a video with your opinion on them. Would be nice to see.
weazel14ls ya I have heard a lot of good things about that set
Tony the grey pneumatic duo sockets cover both
John Gibson ya I have heard great things about that set
im starting out and i have skipped the half inch chrome right now, im doing mainly suspension so everytime i grab a 1/2 its an impact, i have a few 1/2 chrome hand me downs I plan on getting tekton set (their stuff is good for the price they are a michigan based company so being close to them i get my stuff within a day or sometimes 2 so getting new tools or warranty takes zero time
If you work on enough cars/trucks/equipment you’ll soon find out why you will never stop having to buy tools lol. My KOKEN chrome deeps have saved my butt in many cases where no impact socket would fit!
What's the point of carrying spares instead of just carrying impact sockets? Is it just to avoid having to swap them during a rebuild? Also, what kind of rigs do you work on? Top fuel or funny car??
We do carry impact sockets as well but in alot of situations the chrome fit better bc of tight spaces we need the thinner walls. Nitro funny car 👍
I have snapped 2 snap on chrome sockets and one sk tool socket and one Craftsman
92 camaro Drag car damn you just be snappin Tools lol. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
You said it get both sets if your a mechanic you're going to be needing them anyway thanks for the video
Great explanation.. 🙏
Glad you liked it. thank you
been waiting for this video thank you brother
Carlos Fh glad you enjoyed. Thank you 👍🏻
Id say get the better quality chrome sockets, and the cheapo $20 harbor freight impact sockets.
The thick wall Harbor freight impact sockets dont break. The cheapest thickest ones. Ive tried to break them and the tool breaks first.
Hi Tony, Do you think it's worth having a 1/4 impact socket set?
If quarter inch is what you used most then yes. But if it's just occasional then I just use chrome on my impact driver. Not enough torque to damage them
Sunex thin walled Impacts would be plenty. If you bought every variation of them, you wouldn't need CR-V sockets. Impacts can safely be used in any application. Buying a bunch of duplicates is unnecessary.
1/2 just impact sockets 3/8 chrome socket if want to spend more money you can buy impact sockets or just get sockets you use the most impact and 1/4 no impact just chrome...
Nothing on wearing the anvil on the impact out
Why dont they just make Chrome sockets with the same wall thickness as impact sockets so you can use either (ignoring difficult areas a thin wall is needed)?
Impact sockets are heavy to carry in a tool bag. They add more weight to the already heavy tool bag
What chrome socket brand you guys use for racing?
Depends on the team. We use Carlyle
In your industry, do your impact wrenches use hog ring anvils, or pin detents? I've heard that hog rings break or "fuse" to repeated use of vanadium sockets
We use the hog ring and we haven't had any issues like that.
Any tips for finding sets that aren't 12pt? Anytime I shop for a socket set, it seems they slip in some 12 pt nonsense.
I worked in a workshop that used a 19mm deep chrome socket on impact all day long, we did break a couple of impact guns over the years but the socket was solid much better shape than any cheese impacts, which made me think are they telling us to use impact sockets to actually stop the impact wrench from being damaged? It could be that the cushioning effect of the impact socket was created to protect the gun from damage and they kept that one quiet from us.
As a technician or mechanic you definitely need both
What are your thoughts on swivel sockets and low profile sockets?
Swivel sockets have been amazing. Low profile sounded useful but really aren't necessary.
Hey Tony, what kind of Drag racing car does your team race ? NHRA, Top Fuel, FC, Pro Stock etc ? Just curious
Rick Pennington for the nhra. We run a nitro funny car.
Which team, if you can say ? Tony Pedregon and I grew up together from about 8th grade and were really into our hot rods back in the day. I missed Phoenix but might go to Vegas 1.
Rick Pennington very nice. That’s awesome. I’m on Ron capps Napa funny car. Stop by next time you get the chance.
NICE ! I sure will....Good luck this season, oh and.....nice socket overview !
Rick Pennington sounds good. Look forward to seeing you at the races. Thank you and have a great night
What about the Grey Pneumatic dual sockets that’s what I use
SUBI 13 ya those have been mentioned a lot. I have heard great things about them but never actually used them
Eric the Car Guy made a video about years ago ad he still uses them today
Should I buy deep sockets or standard if I’m changing oil and taking off skid plate on 4 runner
Either should work well although I would personally get deep wells.
I meant to add that both sets are impact rated
Tbh I'm lazy and only own chrome sockets. I haven't cracked a chrome socket and they are cheap as I'll just buy another one
Nothing wrong with that. As long as it works for you.
What field of drag racing do you work in (pro stock,pro mod,top fuel etc)?
Paul Bailey nitro top fuel funny car.
TonyTheTechnician bet it’s a fun job
Paul Bailey ya it can be for sure
How often do you crack chrome sockets? 1%? 0.01% of the time?
In my field of work probably once every 2 weeks if not more
TonyTheTechnician 😩god a chrome set for Xmas and planning on getting a Milwaukee set
My question is, why would you ever need chrome sockets????
Can you recommend a reasonable 1/4” impact socket set? And a 3-8” set..
sunex mid length 3/8 impact on amazon..
Tightspot for 3/8 on Amazon, Sunex 1/4 on Amazon, and Neiko 1/2 [n Amazon I have all 3 and the quality is outstanding!
Thin wall impact sockets, problem solved.
I wish we had lifetime warranty in germany...
I didn't know you didn't have lifetime warranty
Harbor Freight has there 1/2" shallow chrome vanadium 13 piece sets for $14.99...or should I purchase the Chrome Moly for $20 per set with coupon? I have a mixture of both in other brands..The difference out the door for an sae and metric set is $11...any thoughts?
Sorry Tony, i am a tool junkie period, i cant help it, and tools are my chrome crack 🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧
Haha nothing wrong with that 👍
you definitely need both. and you are definitely not building an entire race car in 40min either lmfao.
You obviously don't watch much professional racing. You ever watch a rebuild on a nitro funny car?? Bc that's exactly what we do going into the final round. Lmao 👋
No you do need both🤷🏻♂️ just buy impacts lol
I think tekton is a good choice for affordable tools