What size impact sockets are needed?

[Tinhack]

Hence the title " What size impact sockets are needed?".
My new impact wrench, DEWALT DCF900P1, specs up to 1400 breakout.

That impact wrench is 1/2" drive so buy 1/2" drive sockets. It's cheaper to buy the sets but you'll find that you'll only use a couple of sizes on that monster. It's too big and heavy to get it into tight spaces. Great for pulling wheels but not the right tool for changing spark plugs on a lawnmower. I have the same one and use it on wheels mostly. I have an 13/16 and 3/4 flip socket with a short extension. That fits most lug nuts around here.

I also have the 3/8 drive compact version as well as the 1/4 hex driver. I find myself using the 1/4 hex driver for most everything. Adapters are plentiful so I can use a variety of bits and sockets with it. I've got a few battery rachets too. No single tool is good for all uses.

 

[WinterDeere]

...you'll find that you'll only use a couple of sizes on that monster. It's too big and heavy to get it into tight spaces.

I also have the 3/8 drive compact version as well as the 1/4 hex driver. I find myself using the 1/4 hex driver for most everything.

Ditto. My 1/4" hex 18V driver is like a third hand, always by my side, I don't use the 1/2" for nearly as much. But when it does come out of the drawer, it's always for a worthy cause.

 

[Deleted member 371759]

Ditto. My 1/4" hex 18V driver is like a third hand, always by my side, I don't use the 1/2" for nearly as much. But when it does come out of the drawer, it's always for a worthy cause.

Pressing out ball joints, ujoints, engine mounts, lag bolts, large tapcons. I have done a few jobs that would still need to be done if I didnt have a torch and a high torque impact.

 

[4570Man]

If it's branded 'Milwaukee', I run away quick. 'Milwaukee' stuff is over priced generally.

I don’t disagree but Milwaukee has it going on with the packet cases. Most other cheaper sockets have seriously lacking containers.

 

[4570Man]

That case would be broken in 3 days in our work environment. lol

Anything can be broken but the packout cases are pretty good.

 

[Tinhack]

Anything can be broken but the packout cases are pretty good.

I've got three of the DeWalt T-Stak II cases. The price fluctuates. I don't think I paid more than $17 for them. During COVID I saw them as high as $29. They're strong and stackable. You can even latch them together. And you can get a foam insert for them too to customize for various tools.

 

[coast40]

I have gotten impact sockets at the local Habitat For Humanity stores. They range from 6/$1 to $1 each. Many are US made and some are Chinese. At those prices I have backups for my backups. My monster Makita 1/2" impact hasn't broken one yet. Tekton and Gearwrench will warranty their stuff with a picture in an email. I do have a 3/4" set for the big stuff.

 

[kenhar]

Any tool will break. They are no better than the guarantee and who you bought them from. Try taking a broke Craftsman tool to Lowes or Ace Hardware without the receipt from 10 years ago.

 

[newbury]

Yup, axle nuts are bigger for sure. My Dodge transfer cases have had 30 and 32 mm plugs. I just buy the bigger ones as needed.
Also have some over 1 1/4 on the tractors...

My regular socket set goes to 1.5” which is usually good enough.

Goes from 15/16 up to 2".

So it's been about a week and there doesn't seem to be much mention of size needed above 1.5.
So thanks guys, I'll just buy some adapters and get the larger size sockets when I need them.
I found a Torque Test Channel video on adapters which indicated going up or down 1 size in adapter only gave a 7% hit to the torque.

 

[ddgood]

I have a Capri tools 1/2” impact set from Amazon. It has deep and shallow sockets 7/16 to 1-1/4 and 10-24 mm and some extensions. Decent quality, made in Tawain. The set covers most of my uses except for a few larger sizes that I get in 3/4 from Northern Tool. I use the 3/4 drive ones with an adapter on my Dewalt impact or with a 40” breaker bar with what ever length of cheater pipe is needed to get the job done.

 

[m7040]

I was digging up the impacts from random storage to see what I have missing. Have a lot of metrics and still have to find a few boxes with more impacts. Some duplicates and some gaps.

 

[Nekittine]

If you're using a 1/2" impact wrench, a good set of deep and shallow impact sockets in both SAE and metric covers most needs. Common sizes like 3/4", 15/16", and 1-1/8" come up often for equipment. A power socket with a strong grip is a game changer for stubborn bolts, especially in older or rusted parts. If you're working on heavier machinery, a 3/4" drive set might be worth considering.

 

[kenhar]

I have a set of cheap 3/4" drive sockets. Not harbor freight, but on par quality wise. I think the brand was "grip".

Bought the set years ago at a discount store before HF's became popular. Like $40 or something. Not even impact grade. Goes from 15/16 up to 2".

In the larger sizes like this.....6-point sockets.....I have yet to even find a metric nut that one of the SAE sockets wouldnt work on. ANd in 20 years, with breaker bars, 6' cheater pipes, and an IR 2145ti impact.....havent broke a single one.

 

[kenhar]

Have a set of 6 point 3/4 drive sockets from TSC. Changed the sprockets on the bulldozer. Had to use a 3' breakover and actually had to stand on it to break the bolts loose. 10 bolts on one sprocket literally wore the socket out. Went to TSC to buy another, all they had was 12 point individually. Told them 12 point wouldn't work. They said the 6 point only came in the complete set and to bring it back and they would exchange to complete set. Did that. Changed the other sprocket, same deal. Wore the new socket out. Took the new set back the next day, they exchanged it for a new set. TSC tools probably don't compare with Snap On or Mac but their guarantee is just as good. Any tool will break or wear out and is no better than the guarantee.

 

[kenhar]

If it's branded 'Milwaukee', I run away quick. 'Milwaukee' stuff is over priced generally.

Milwaukee costs more but you get what you pay for.

 

[oldtimer 66]

Try Grey Pneumatics for your impact sockets, AKA/ GP. I have a set of the below sockets for my aftermarket wheels. We also purchased GP tools for the shop. Good quality and reasonable priced.

1511TP​

1/2" Drive Impact Socket Sets | Grey Pneumatic

See our entire stock of Impact Socket Sets as well as impact socket sets and Duo-Socket Ratchets.

www.gpsocket.com

​

 

[SPYDERLK]

That's one way to do it.
But I'm often knee deep in other problems and I think the largest I have may be 30mm.
And with supply-chain problems delivery may be problematic and the Harbor Freight is almost 100 miles, round trip when I'm in Mississippi

Ive bought by the piece from McCarr. If you only need 2 or 3 its not bad. Except shipping ~$12 on small order.

 

[WinterDeere]

Ive bought by the piece from McCarr. If you only need 2 or 3 its not bad. Except shipping ~$12 on small order.

I buy a lot from McMaster-Carr, to the tune of a $10k - $30k per year. Their prices run 2x - 5x what you'll pay elsewhere, but you always know what you're getting (their downloadable CAD models are invaluable), and you always get it same-day or next day.

I use them more for hardware than for tools. Shipping is usually more like $8-$9, unless you're ordering something big and heavy. Then again, if you have a commercial UPS account, they make it easy to ship on your own account.

My one gripe with McMaster is their policy of hiding the manufacturer information, which competitor MSC does not do. But McMaster shipments arrive 4 hours after placing the order, and MSC takes nearly a week to do anything, so there's that.

 

[5030]

Probably mentioned it before but try as I may, I've never had any of the Harbor Freight impact sockets fail me (black oxide ones) and I've tried hard to break them. I've driven their 1/2" drive sockets with my 1" drive IR air impact which I have for mounting and dismounting 10 hole Bud wheels and they stand up to that abuse, no issue.

I've split MAC, Snap-On and SK in the past, but never the HF ones.

I like their lifetime replacement guarantee and the convenience of buying them, not that I've ever split on because I have not...I've tried.

 

[kenhar]

So it's been about a week and there doesn't seem to be much mention of size needed above 1
So thanks guys, I'll just buy some adapters and get the larger size sockets when I need them.
I found a Torque Test Channel video on adapters which indicated going up or down 1 size in adapter only gave a 7% hit to the torque.

Asking what size sockets do I need is like asking how long is a rope. Nut size varies just like a woman's mood. LOL