[John Gi]

Do you use impact sockets mostly for suspension work, or are there other automotive uses?

What do you think about saving money and getting 3/8" drive shallow impact sockets instead of 1/2" drive?

Here's a link in particular:

3/8 in. Drive Metric Impact Socket Set, 8 Piece

Amazing deals on this 8Pc 3/8In Dr Metric Impact Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I already have a 1/2" to 3/8" impact adapter to use these sockets with a 1/2" drive impact, but a set of thirteen 1/2" is only $20 at Harbor Freight:

1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Socket Set, 13 Piece

Amazing deals on this 13Pc 1/2In Dr Metric Impact Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Along these lines, what are your thoughts about different brands of impact sockets?

Thanks

 

[John Gi]

Do you mean the current Chinese Craftsman or the classic US Craftsman?

What sort of problems do your friends have with the impact sockets failing, eg splitting in half?

It looks like the HF are Cr-V. It is true that the Cr-V last longer than Cr-Mo?

Also, do chrome, non-impact sockets break only when used with air tools and impact drills, or with other tools, too?

 

[John Gi]

Thanks. The Harbor Freight impacts have dull, matte finishes, unlike the Craftsman which are shiny. Do you have any issues with the impact sockets rusting? Are there things I can do to prevent rust?

 

[John Gi]

CamryFL, you wrote, "don't use 3/8" sockets for high-torque applications."

Do you mean impact or regular chrome?

Another question came to mind, is there a lower-limit for torque with 3/8" impact sockets vs 1/2", both being in 6-point?

Thanks

 

[John Gi]

CamryFL, thanks.

Fortunately, Harbor Freight's impacts are all Cr-Mo.

But I'm confused. Tekton says there's no functional difference between Cr-V and Cr-Mo.

Chromium-Molybdenum or Chromium-Vanadium Steel? | TEKTON® Tools

Can you help me understand why the Cr-Mo is better?

Thanks

 

[John Gi]

I looked at what I have in my tool set. There is a 17mm Lowe's Chinese Craftsman 1/2" shallow impact that has the black shiny finish eroding to bare metal. That socket is maybe 2 months old, never saw use outside my house, and was used minimally. At least I can warranty it at Lowe's. So I guess I have my answer about the current quality Chinese Craftsman impact sockets, LOL.

By the way, what cleaning products are safe to use on impact sockets?

I like the fact that Tekton sells individual sockets (1/2" drive only) and has a carry case. Harbor Freight only has a flimsy rack that will certainly break when going through the rough gravel of junkyards. Both have lifetime warranties.

My concern is Tekton's cost at more than 2x Harbor Freight, which is currently on sale for $20 for the 1/2" shallow or the 1/2" deep.

Thoughts?

 

[John Gi]

AutoMechanic, that's what the website says:

"The chrome molybdenum construction and black phosphate coating make each of the sockets in this deep impact socket set durable and rust-resistant." Source:

1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Deep Socket Set, 13 Piece

Amazing deals on this 13Pc 1/2In Dr Metric Deep Wall Impact Socket at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

"This high quality impact socket set is durably constructed of rugged chromium molybdenum ..." Source:

1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Socket Set, 13 Piece

Amazing deals on this 13Pc 1/2In Dr Metric Impact Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

The Icon line is also Cr-Mo:

1/2 in. Drive Metric Professional Impact Socket Set, 14 Piece

Amazing deals on this 14Pc 1/2In Dr Metric Impact Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Speaking of Icon, is there any practical advantage of the Icon over the Pittsburgh impact sockets?

 

[John Gi]

Because I might be able to get a deal on an incomplete set, I should have asked:

What are all the metric impact socket sizes I need to do any work on a 2000 Camry and 2006 Corolla?

 

[John Gi]

Thanks.

OBwan, do you mean 14mm in chrome or impact as being at risk for snapping?

AutoMechanic, what components need 8 and 10 mm impact sockets?

 

[John Gi]

Old Mechanic, by torque spec to break the bolt loose, is that the same as the spec to tighten the bolt, eg 76 ft-lbs on my Toyota's lug nuts?

 

[John Gi]

norm356, which of those sizes needs deep sockets?

 

[John Gi]

Thanks. For suspension work, such as the bolts that hold the steering knuckle to the struts, what socket sizes should I get?

 

[John Gi]

norm356, on my 1996 Tercel, I was rounding off lug nuts when I used 21mm. 13/16" fit perfectly and I haven't rounded a lug nut in years. My 2000 Camry likes 13/16" sockets, 21mm not so much. However, my 2006 Corolla won't accept 13/16", but 21mm fits perfectly.

 

[John Gi]

Yesterday, OBWan wrote "32mm?? Any 32mm applications on Camrys or Corollas?

 

[John Gi]

Thanks, where can I find the Astro Pneumatics at the best price?