Do I need a socket set for impact wrench
 

Just wondering about the need for a new socket set for use with my impact wrench.

I have used an ordinary 32mm socket with an impact wrench and it was fine so do I need a set designed for impact wrenches?

My impact wrench is 3/4 inch drive but these sets are very expensive, 1/2 inch is much cheaper and I think I have 3/4 to 1/2 inch convertor but this will add an inch or so to the overall length.

This draper set is not too bad but it does not have 18mm or 32mm which I would like
https://www.drapertools.com/product/83092/1-2inch-Sq-Dr-Metric-Impact-Socket-Set-(10-Piece)

So, should I get a set designed for an impact wrench and can you suggest
a good "cheap" set that has more sizes, 16, 18 and 32 should also be in the set as well as the ones in the above set.

thank you

macafee2

oh just found one
https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-...et-439227.html

Basically you should not use a standard chrome socket with an impact wrench. A normal chrome type socket will sometimes crack or break when used on an impact gun due to how brittle the material is when compared to a impact socket, just pick one up and feel the wall thickness in comparison to a chrome socket,
Contrary to common belief, it's not the torque applied to the socket that causes the biggest issue, more the vibration (ie impact) I use impacts a lot so have a bit of experience so to speak, best advice is look after your tools and they will look after you:}

Hope that’s of some help
Mick

Get the 3/4" for the really stubborn nuts/bolts as you need them. If you add an adaptor you are adding a weakness into the strength, which is what you bought the 3/4" for in the first place. This is how I see it, whether it is true or not, I dont know. And get proper impact sockets for it too. It is a stronger tool, so using 3/4" standard sockets could shatter when used in anger (again remember you got this tool for the stubborn work, so any work it gets will be in anger).

This seems good value
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-pc-3-4...IAAOSwbI9eAJLz

Yes you must use impact sockets, I used a non impact socket on a job that I did not have the correct size in impact socket and after a few seconds it split wide open.

Just a general question.

Exactly which nuts are more likely to need the "extra" oomph of a 3/4" impact socket. Over and above a 6 sided flat drive 1/2" socket plus 3 foot long breaker bar (or even short scaffold pole).

i.e which ones am I likely to find especially difficult :shrug:

Thanks in advance.

Andy.

An impact gun is better than a scaffold pole, it gives multiple hits per second so shocks the nut or bolt loose.

Saying that if you are trying to undo something that has some ''give'' an impact does not work well as the shocks are taken out by the ''give'' so the constant pressure of a scaffold pole works better.

One of the biggest benefits to me is the access. You can get an impact gun especially a battery powered version into a space a lot easier than a socket, extension and scaffold pole.

!/ End of crankshaft damper.

2/ Ends of drive shafts.

3/ Rear wheel hub nuts.

The nuts on the end of the drive shaft are tight and I decided to get an impact wrench bigger then the one I used to undo them.
It was not the 3/4 that was important but the torque it could muster.

macafee2

thanks. The 32 mm one would be the most important from that set.
I was thinking of a set that started of 13 or 14mm. Less then that is a concern of snapping the bolt but if a set went to 12 or even 10 that would be ok

macafee2

advice heeded, I will get a set or two for an impact wrench, thank you for the advice

macafee2