Impact gun buying questions

[Robert_in_NY]

Different topic, same general area - is there much difference between the socket sets (SK vs SnapOn vs Craftsman vs Generic)? Is there any advantage to standard depth sockets as opposed to deep sockets (you could always use a deep socket on a nut, but may not always be able to use a standard - so why even buy standard depth sockets and just get deep)? How often do sockets break?

Deep well sockets may be too tall for some situations. Just read up on what Eddie wrote where he had to buy a standard socket and grind it down in order for it to fit in the area he was working. They make both types (and other types also) because they all have a purpose.

 

[Bird]

Chris, I know there's a lot of different opinions, and I've heard stories of impact sockets shattering, but I've had the cheap generic impact sockets for years and have never broken one. And I used to have both deep and shallow sockets; almost never used a shallow one, and now all I have are deep well sockets. I have one set of half inch drive deep impact sockets from Walmart and I have one set of 3/8" drive SAE sockets and one set of 3/8" drive metric sockets; all deep well.

 

[EddieWalker]

Chris,

My set of impact sockets is the standard depth and I've never needed deep sockets for it's use. I have deep sockets for my 3/8 drive ratchets that I use from time to time, but I can't think of a time that I've needed a deep socket with the impact. It just have happened, but it's so rare that I don't remember it. I've found that I need thinner walled sockets from time to time and have used my regular Craftsman, shiny sockets on my impact wrench without breaking one yet. It's not something that I do all the time, so I've gotten away with it.

The biggest issue that you will have with an impact gun is space. They just don't fit into allot of areas that you want to get to. I also have impact socket extensions that get used quite a bit, but I still have to do allot of wrenching by hand. I've even bought box end wrenches with 12 points just to get enough movement on those really tough to get to locations.

Eddie

 

[czechsonofagun]

For tight places I use ratcheting wrenches; can't say enough good things about them, they completely changed the way I do things. Costco carries SAE set, I used that one the most and metric set is mainly for the Kubota tractor.