Posted 2/18/2013 21:43 (#2909226 - in reply to #2909213) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
NO. You get what you pay for. I learned the hard way. That means don't buy the cheap imports, but a medium priced set. I have just picked up some GP sets form Buzzard Gulch and they seem pretty good. The ones Lowe's sells are pretty good. I also bought a cheap set from Northern Tools and they weren't so great. Duo Sockets, while are expensive are really nice because they are impact rated, but thin walled like chrome sockets and have a lifetime warranty.
Posted 2/18/2013 21:51 (#2909254 - in reply to #2909213) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
NE Indiana
If you ever saw a guys hand that was around a cheap impact socket when it exploded you would only buy SnapOn or the like. SnapOn will crack and spin on the nut, not explode.
Posted 2/19/2013 05:45 (#2909572 - in reply to #2909474) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
Chebanse, IL.....
I thought impact (non-chrome) sockets did not explode, only cracked, vs non-impact sockets which are thinner & could explode, though I've never seen this happen. I have seen chrome sockets w/cracks in them, but not explode.
Posted 2/19/2013 08:59 (#2909931 - in reply to #2909572) Subject: Same here
Manitoba, Canada
I also thought that the impact sockets are made of a softer steel so that they do not expode. I would have thought that making softer steel would be cheaper to make so I didn't think they could screw us by making them too hard and brittle. I was thinking the only way they could make them inferior was to make them too soft. Go figure.
Posted 2/19/2013 10:03 (#2910085 - in reply to #2909958) Subject: RE: Same here
Manitoba, Canada
Ok, that makes sense, thanks. If I had a nickle for every dumb thing I have done I would be retired on a beach somewhere now instead of working in -30 weather so your not alone if that is any consolation LOL. Thanks and take care.
Posted 2/18/2013 22:26 (#2909332 - in reply to #2909282) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
Western WI
Never heard of Grey Pnuematics Duo sockets before. I see they are made in my town! Small world!! I will have to check them out as I need some 12 point metrics for those darn rod bolts.
Posted 2/18/2013 22:28 (#2909336 - in reply to #2909213) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
West Ky
No get some good ones if you use every day. I got some good deals on mac & snapon on ebay. i have had good luck with chrome craftsman 1/2" on impacts usally wore them out, i have mac impacts now. My ir 3/8 has to have impact sockets split's craftsman. i have cheap 3/8 impact swivel sockets that have worked good. im not a fan of hf. some are ok some pure junk. i buy decent tools
Posted 2/19/2013 08:02 (#2909802 - in reply to #2909475) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
We like the Protos. They are reasonably priced & so far have never had a problem with them. All our 1/2" & 3/4" impact sockets are Proto. IIRC, our smaller sets are Wrights. Good sets but are higher priced.
Posted 2/19/2013 09:14 (#2909962 - in reply to #2909903) Subject: RE: are all impact sockets made the same?
Iowa
are they Napa or Evercraft brand. I am betting evercraft for that kind of money. if they are napa brand that is cheap and i will be buying 10 sets. let me know
Posted 2/19/2013 15:12 (#2910609 - in reply to #2909213) Subject: RE: are all impact sockets made the same?
Shaftsbury, Vermont (SW VT)
MAC impact sockets have lasted me for many years of hard work. Got Craftsman in my service truck, and they have stayed in better shape, and don't pound out. I have split one or two.The WORST ones I have is a set of 1/2" drive Snap-On metric impact sockets. They will never "explode", but they are so rounded out that they spin really easily on any kind of rusty bolt head. I reach for the Craftsman ones if I have any doubt.
Posted 2/19/2013 18:26 (#2910969 - in reply to #2909213) Subject: Re: are all impact sockets made the same?
Missouri
No, they are not the same.
CR-MO are better than CR-V.
There are cheap ones that are junk, but there are also expensive ones that are not much better. Here is a cheap set http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-12-drive-metric-impact-socket... that is pretty good. They are imported, but they're Taiwan, not China, and they are not bad. They're CR-MO, and mine have taken a beating daily for 3 years now without a single sign of trouble. Some have seen abuse (adapter to 3/4 impact, or the business end of a sledgehammer when used as a driving punch) and haven't shown any signs of problems. A few of them have worn the lettering off the sides, but I've learned to identify them without it.