Best 1/4" hex to socket adapters.

[LD1]

Really don't want to buy another $100 tool if the impact adaptor bits were actually good for the torque claimed.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Yep I agree with that. The 1/4" adapters I used were all fine for running up nuts but not much more than that.

 

[Ford850]

Are you talking about one of these? Milwaukee 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. Steel Square Socket Adapter-48-32-5030 - The Home Depot
I read some great reviews on that Milwaukee adapter.

 

[LD1]

Yep, that's what I'm talking about. But they make the hex to 3/8 square and hex to 1/2 square also

 

[Ford850]

Yep, that's what I'm talking about. But they make the hex to 3/8 square and hex to 1/2 square also

I first saw this Milwaukee recommended by a full time mechanic. I haven't picked one up yet though so I can't say if they are as good as the reviews. They might be worth a shot if you haven't tried that brand yet.

 

[DFB]

You have to wonder if a shorter length adapter is better or does really make no difference? The Bosch and the Milwaukee Shockwave 1/2 drive adapters are only 2 inches in overall length and the Milwaukee 3/8 shockwave is just 1.85. And both the Milwaukee 1/4" and 3/8" adapters leave just 3/4" of shank between the collet and the bottom of the socket. I don't have the 1/2 inch Shockwave to measure

The Titan and TSC ones are longer so both those have 1-1/4" of shank exposed.


Not many seem to advertise a specific torque value but I see the Dewalt 1/4 inch drive adapter list a 2000 in/lb (166 ftlbs) rating on both the 3/8 and 1/2 size. Doesn't give an overall length though that I can see

So is there a specific spot adapters usually break or is it just a random thing.

I'm guessing for the price of most 1/4 hex socket adapters you have to pretty much consider them as a disposable wear item if they do break. :confused3:

I have a 6 inch long Milwaukee quick load extension not exactly designed for square drive sockets but can always jury rig something up in a pinch with an adapter. But I don't care to break it either its easy to wreck a spring loaded quick release holder using an impact driver. And at $10.00 each they are not all that cheap. That one came as part of Shockwave bit kit. There are also a 3inch and a 12 inch available.

So while working on my riding mower recently using a socket with short adapter on my impact driver (seems that I never grab a ratchet anymore :laughing: ) I began to realize I just couldn't easily reach what I needed to. Got me started thinking maybe having something x-tra long like these 6 inch socket extension just to have around or put in my work tool bag if needed. No clue how they might hold up. I also looked at some wobble extensions but reviews were pretty mixed on those. :confused2:


I read some where that using long extensions and drive adapters actually reduce the power load to the fastener.

 

[SPYDERLK]

You have to wonder if a shorter length adapter is better or does really make no difference? The Bosch and the Milwaukee Shockwave 1/2 drive adapters are only 2 inches in overall length and the Milwaukee 3/8 shockwave is just 1.85. And both the Milwaukee 1/4" and 3/8" adapters leave just 3/4" of shank between the collet and the bottom of the socket. I don't have the 1/2 inch Shockwave to measure

The Titan and TSC ones are longer so both those have 1-1/4" of shank exposed.


Not many seem to advertise a specific torque value but I see the Dewalt 1/4 inch drive adapter list a 2000 in/lb (166 ftlbs) rating on both the 3/8 and 1/2 size. Doesn't give an overall length though that I can see

So is there a specific spot adapters usually break or is it just a random thing.

I'm guessing for the price of most 1/4 hex socket adapters you have to pretty much consider them as a disposable wear item if they do break. :confused3:

I have a 6 inch long Milwaukee quick load extension not exactly designed for square drive sockets but can always jury rig something up in a pinch with an adapter. But I don't care to break it either its easy to wreck a spring loaded quick release holder using an impact driver. And at $10.00 each they are not all that cheap. That one came as part of Shockwave bit kit. There are also a 3inch and a 12 inch available.

So while working on my riding mower recently using a socket with short adapter on my impact driver (seems that I never grab a ratchet anymore :laughing: ) I began to realize I just couldn't easily reach what I needed to. Got me started thinking maybe having something x-tra long like these 6 inch socket extension just to have around or put in my work tool bag if needed. No clue how they might hold up. I also looked at some wobble extensions but reviews were pretty mixed on those. :confused2:


I read some where that using long extensions and drive adapters actually reduce the power load to the fastener.

Torsional windup on the longer ones limits torque. ... So the longer ones should be more durable. :confused3:

 

[Rustyiron]

After a while when they are stressed enough times I think the metal just fatigues and breaks

This ^^ you can't expect that little 1/4" shank to take too much for too long.
I view them just like a phillips head bit, desposable.

 

[bcp]

If your impact driver is breaking adapters running loose nuts and bolts, use a drill instead.

Bruce

 

[LD1]

Not many seem to advertise a specific torque value but I see the Dewalt 1/4 inch drive adapter list a 2000 in/lb (166 ftlbs) rating on both the 3/8 and 1/2 size. Doesn't give an overall length though that I can see

I would expect something with a 2000 in/lb rating to last a very long time on a impact with 1600in/lbs torque.

If your impact driver is breaking adapters running loose nuts and bolts, use a drill instead.

Bruce

Dont want to have that wrist breaking jolt when the nut snugs down. and the drill is not nearly as light or compact