Impact sockets critical for impact wrench?

[e9999]

I agree that impact sockets aren't that expensive, my last couple of sets are Grey Pneumatic, good sockets at a great price. But in a pinch it's not that big of a deal to use chrome, however never use any hand/chrome universal joint/sockets on an impact, they can come apart and fling pieces. I carry a IR2115 in my trail kit, the only impact stuff that I carry is a couple of extensions, u-joint and a 21mm 6pt deep for lugs, the rest of the sockets are chrome. The chrome stuff is much less likely to rust and the thinner walls fit more places.

I replaced a 1/2 IR anvil this morning that has chrome wear, the one on the right has normal wear, the one on the left has seen a bunch of chrome use.

it doesn't look that bad. Was is high time to replace it?

 

[Tools R Us]

it doesn't look that bad. Was is high time to replace it?

The customer wanted the tool refurbished to like new. In the pic above, compare the corners, the IR anvil should have flats at the edges, that one is warn so the corners are sharp, causing a bunch of slop when a socket is installed. The ring that holds the socket retainer on is deformed, so that the retainer ring is trapped in place. I could open up the groove on the lathe so the retainer would work, but it's never going to be "right". The slop in the square drive will cause socket wear and the retainer will never work correctly and may come off often. IMHO it's junk.

 

[Mace]

Gonna throw it away???

 

[Tools R Us]

Gonna throw it away???

The anvil,,, yes.

 

[brownbear]

when I've used regulars they have cracked and some of the chrome has come off. It's really hard on your good regular sockets. Cheap impacts are worth it IMOP.

Yes safety glasses should be used anytime an air tool is used.

 

[badmuthatrucka]

On the advice of my dad, 48 years of being a professional mechanic, only use impact sockets. Ask ToothFairy, with me being able to snap regular sockets by hand, I wouldn't trust one on something that can deliver more force than I can.

 

[e9999]

well, I got some long impact sockets from HF. Cheap and black, doesn't get any better... OK, well maybe cheap and black and strong would be better, but at least 2 out of 3 is good... And 6 sided too.
Damn, the socket box is pathetic though...

More importantly perhaps I also got some impact universal joints, the ball kind. Hopefully those are stronger than the regular type.

 

[BooKilla]

I have been using chrome on my impact everything for years....no deaths yet

 

[bsmith123]

sockets

have i done it ---yes in a pinch but i had a set of deep wells for years and did most things with them--recently got shallows and they were cheaper that the hand tools and you can always us them with the ratchet