Impact vs. non-impact sockets | FerrariChat
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Impact vs. non-impact sockets

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Scotty, Nov 21, 2005.

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  1. Scotty

    Scotty F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    10,550
    Oregon
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    Scotty Ferrari
    #1 Scotty, Nov 21, 2005
    I just got in a 3/8" drive impact ratchet, and used it to remove my old exhaust on my M3 daily driver. I have a 1/2" impact driver, and 1/2" impact sockets. I don't have 3/8" impact sockets. The standard caution is not to use non-impact sockets on impact tools because they may shatter.

    But, given that I always were saftey glasses when using impact tools, and given that my ratchet only develops 50 foot pounds of torque (versus 600 for my driver) how important is buying a full set of 3/8" impact sockets--given that I will use them only rarely?

    Same question for 3/8" extension bars and 3/8" universal joints.
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Nov 21, 2005
    If they are high quality sockets I do it all the time. I have a very high output 3/8 gun and I have been doing it to std sockets, the same ones, for decades.
    They are Snap On sockets.

    Do not use a std universal joint. Eye protection or not you will hurt yourself.

    Use only inpact universal sockets. It is not a breakage issue, they will come off and anything in their path will get hurt.
     
  3. SpannerMan

    SpannerMan Karting

    Nov 7, 2005
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    San Diego
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    Erik Rathmann
    #3 SpannerMan, Nov 21, 2005
    When they break, they usually just crack. No real drama. Just use common sense and don't expect them to last through the abuse.
    As a mechanic, I can't waste time replacing broken sockets, so I have bought the right ones for the jobs I do.
     
  4. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
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    May 5, 2001
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    Verell Boaen
    #4 Verell, Dec 4, 2005
    I've been using 1/2" & 3/8" Craftsman 6-point sockets with my impact gun & butterfly wrench for years. The square holes have gotten pretty beaten up, but have never had one break.

    However, impact sockets have gotten very cheap from Harbor Freight, so I broke down & got a set of them last year.

    I 2nd Rifledriver on using flex joints!!! Those things can sling a socket off like a rifle bullett! (Been There, Wish I hadn't...)
     

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