Maximum Torque for 1/2" Drive Impact Sockets

[Beltzington]

I'm sure there are variances between manufacturers but how many ft-lbs should you reasonably expect before the failure? If it matters I would like to use my 1/2" drive Kobalt socket with reducer and a 40" 3/4" breaker bar to remove my rotary cutter blades @ 550 Ft-lbs.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Any reasonable hex size - say 3/4 and up should take 1000 ftlb or more.
larry

 

[Scooby074]

I'm sure there are variances between manufacturers but how many ft-lbs should you reasonably expect before the failure? If it matters I would like to use my 1/2" drive Kobalt socket with reducer and a 40" 3/4" breaker bar to remove my rotary cutter blades @ 550 Ft-lbs.

Depends.

Some brands are better than others. Older Kobalt was Snapon (williams). Newer stuff isnt. All you can do is try it. May break. Then you get to check out their warranty

 

[Buckgnarly]

what size socket? The adapter may break before larger socket walls.

 

[Beltzington]

Don't know the socket size for sure which is one of the reasons I want to use my 1/2" drive set. My guess is the nut is 11/4". Mower is 50-miles from my house or I would find the size and buy the correct size 3/4" drive socket. Breaking the 1/2" socket results in another 100-mile round trip.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Don't know the socket size for sure which is one of the reasons I want to use my 1/2" drive set. My guess is the nut is 11/4". Mower is 50-miles from my house or I would find the size and buy the correct size 3/4" drive socket. Breaking the 1/2" socket results in another 100-mile round trip.

1 1/4" socket, I think male 1/2" drive end of the adaptor is going to be your weak link for sure.

 

[sox3]

1 1/4" socket, I think male 1/2" drive end of the adaptor is going to be your weak link for sure.

I agree, the adapter will most likely be the weak link., I use 3/4 drive for the larger nuts that are tight. I have also seen cheap 1/2 drive sockets shatter / explode so I use good impact sockets.

 

[Egon]

Coralate the cost to the source of manufacture and there may be be some indications of what's possible.:thumbsup:

 

[Coyote machine]

Can you find out nut size from cutter manufacturer? I think there must be adapters that are impact strength? Autozone and maybe others loan tools for jobs- maybe a 3/4 " socket or set?

 

[Beltzington]

1 1/4" socket, I think male 1/2" drive end of the adaptor is going to be your weak link for sure.

Agreed - Thinking back many years I broke a Craftsman 1/2 to 3/8 adapter beneath a 24" breaker bar. Appreciate all the input, we have had so much rain in the last 3-days I will not be mowing for awhile so I will have the opportunity to determine the nut size and buy the correct 3/4" socket and extension.

 

[crazyal]

If you have the time you could look at getting a set of 3/4" drive sockets. I bought this set of IR sockets off of Amazon for about what you'll pay for two Craftsman 3/4" sockets.

Ingersoll Rand SK6H8L 3/4-Inch Drive 8-Piece SAE Deep Impact Socket Set - Amazon.com

 

[Beltzington]

Crazyal - Thanks, great price on the sockets, just placed my order.

 

[CliffordK]

HF
Heaven Forbid
Also has 3/4" 6pt impact sockets which probably would be good for occasional use.
8 Piece 3/4 in. Drive SAE Impact Socket Set
Snag a 20% off coupon, and it will be even less.
http://images.harborfreight.com/hftweb/newhome11/images/20off912-aff17547.jpg

Are you sure the size is between 1" and 1.5", and USA Standard sizes (although with that big of a socket, you could probably fudge and use either standard or Metric on either bolt.

Do you have a plan to keep everything from turning? Wedging a board in somewhere?

 

[olegar]

what size socket? The adapter may break before larger socket walls.

Yep. That is exactly what happens to the 3/4 -1/2 adapters when excessive leverage is used. Your best bet is to find the right size 3/4 drive socket - - even better a 6 point impact 3/4 drive socket. . .:banghead:

 

[crazyal]

Crazyal - Thanks, great price on the sockets, just placed my order.

How can you beat Ingersoll Rand brand sockets for cheaper than Harbor freight price. I have an adapter so I can use a 1/2" ratchet. I use a 3/4" breaker bar to get the bolt or nut loose then the 1/2" ratchet or impact to remove it.

 

[CliffordK]

Your weakest link may not be your tools, assuming you have reasonable quality tools.

I just sheared a 9/16" (hardened?) bolt using a 2' breaker bar and no cheaters.

You can generate some pretty wicked force with a 40" breaker bar. No doubt you could break a 5/8", or perhaps even larger bolt.

Double and triple check you are turning your nuts and bolts in the right direction.