Why not always use impact sockets?

[JerryK]

Larger chunks of cardboard (like from appliance boxes) are my go-to. Make halfway decent knee padding too.

Sometimes [ sometimes ] it is better to be elevated above the floor, at least high enough that 'most' of the oil you are draining stays a little farther under you..... you know, the stuff that you don't seem to be able to get in the pan.

 

[tjkubota93]

While working as a auto mechanic I ended up using my 3/8" metric impact sockets most often. That way I could use them on air wrench or by hand without breaking them. The times I needed the thinner ones were very few.

 

[kenlip]

Impact sockets have thicker walls which can be a problem in tight areas. Also, quality impact sockets also only come in 6 point (as a general rule) whereas 12 point chrome is often very helpful.

So, it depends on your use. If clearance and 6/12 pint doesn't bother you, go for it.

I was thinking about the number of points and you make a good point I bought a new torque wrench, which a deflecting beam model and has no ratchet. I can see now, that the lack of ratchet might be problematic, given that some bolts are in areas where there is inadequate swing to go from one hex to the next.

The store had the 12-point only with 3/8" drive. Both the standard and impact versions with 1/2" drive were 6-point.

Ken

 

[kenlip]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys.

At the moment, with a brand new tractor and only an FEL with a bucket and forks, my need for sockets is primarily to keep the various bolts torqued.

As time goes on, and I get more into servicing the tractor, my needs will change a bit. I have a couple of 1/2" drive socket sets but might also invest in a 3/8" set when the servicing requirements start.

 

[LD1]

As others said, impacts are often thicker and don't always fit.

Chrome are easier to wipe clean.

6 vs 12 point.....good to have both. If you are into actually rebuilding things...lots of 12 pt fastners. EOD and main caps, head bolts, etc.

And haust manifolds are usually one of the times you struggle to fit a thicker impact socket

 

[ovrszd]

While working as a auto mechanic I ended up using my 3/8" metric impact sockets most often. That way I could use them on air wrench or by hand without breaking them. The times I needed the thinner ones were very few.

Yep. And 3/8 is preferred over 1/2. My 3/8 air impact is used 5 times as much as my 1/2. The rechargeables have advanced leaps and bounds as well.

 

[crazyal]

Moral of the story is you need more tools. Don't question it, just keep buying more until you start having difficulty finding a tool on the store shelf you don't already own. At that point in time it's time to start getting a second one of each.

 

[JerryK]

Moral of the story is you need more tools. Don't question it, just keep buying more until you start having difficulty finding a tool on the store shelf you don't already own. At that point in time it's time to start getting a second one of each.

PLUS, you can give your Son all your mostly worn out stuff and buy new...... takes him a while to catch on.