I learned this lesson 5 years ago and still have all my cheap craftsman chrome but rarely use them. The only thing I’d add to this is if you’re buying sets of sockets incrementally to save a little money, then buy deep before buying shallow.
Great review, if I would do it again I would have just started with Grey Pneumatic duo sockets. Good enough for every day power tools, thin wall and no chrome chipping.
Remember popular mechanic tools at Walmart years ago My impact sockets is hf Pittsburgh’s pro and auto zone Oem. Brand and and few ebay specials All works great if they break just throw away and buy again
Just went through this same conversation with the apprentice yesterday. 95% of my sockets are gp and they are 10 years old now and I have never warrantied one. I have a snap on specialty sockets of course and my 1 inch set i bought at a government auction for $160. They ended up being a $2,500 set, I lucked out.
Grey Pnuematic fixed this problem.Have the duo sockets which can be used for hand and impact use.Look like a chrome socket made for hand and impact use
There is a guy at my shop who buys the big axle nut sockets in chrome because he doesn’t want to pay the extra for impact. I mean yeah impact sockets are generally expensive but he does what works for him. I had to borrow one at one point when mine cracked and was kinda nervous but it worked fine. And I love my old Popular Mechanics tools. They are great quality I’ve been using them for years. They have seen impacts as well.
I use 3/8 and 1/4 Grey Pheumatic Duo sockets which are thin wall impact daily for almost 3 years and only the 13mm cracked. Great socket set. I have 3/8 and 1/2 matco too but the duo socket is phenomenal. Plus my MAC dealer honors the warranty as well!!
Almost 40 years ago I bought a chrome set from Bonney that I still have and use in my retirement now. If I was starting off now it would impacts for 3/8s and 1/2". The thing is the impacts have improved from the sockets of years gone by and I still work on vehicles but pick and choose what I work on. I have supplemented my sets and added chrome but I have always gone as cheap as possible when I do get impacts and have a good warranty even though I rarely break any sockets now whether chrome or impact.
I do transmissions, I use Chrome on 3/8 universal swivels for 8s 10s and 13s "trim bolts/hanger bolts" and gm 11mm shaft bolts. I have a few various brand Icon, Mac, snappy wiggles that they stay on. I think the chrome gives me a better bite on these fasteners which are low torque and non structural/mechanical, and are usually the most corroded. Helps me keep the 109xpa running and gunning through the small stuff
You said pretty much what I tell everyone: impact in 3/8 and 1/2, chrome in 1/4. I use 3/8 GP Duos and they’ve been great, but they’re even too thick occasionally. That’s when the 1/4 chrome set comes out.
Good points. I started to build a back up set of tools. Went with impacts as a space saving measure, as I wanted a portable set of tools. My main box was stolen. The backup set (home box) are now my main set of tools. I don't turn wrenches professionally any more and get by with what I have.
Im not a mechanic I just work on my own projects I mostly use all hand tools because I feel more idk how to put it. I feel more connected to my build because every bolt was hand tightened by me. But if I was in a shop I wouldn't be using all hand tools no way
Only chrome sockets a real mechanic needs are specialty ones. Extra long 10mm. Thin wall whatever size etc you are absolutely right saying impact is what you use
In the future, I would recommend that at the beginning of your video that you mention what you’re profession is, so that viewers know what you do for a living so they understand why you’re choosing what equipment you’re using. It sounds like you’re mostly a car mechanic of some kind. That would help explain why you mention that you mostly use impact instead of sockets for your work. Otherwise we wouldn’t know as a viewer what specifically you’re talking about.
After almost 30 years of working on cars for a living I have an amazing set of crome sockets stored in an old toolbox in the corner of my garage at home ....they work perfect there
I DIY with chrome in my home garage. Mostly using ratchets, but also I'll use them with my M12 3/8 stubby impact. It's fine so far and I don't see a need for impact sockets. If I were a pro using a 1/2 impact for sure I'd use impact rated sockets.
I started out with Impact 3/8 & 1/2. Chrome 1/4. Now I have 3/8 chrome also. Only some special 1/2 chrome. I prefer having both 3/8 on my cart. I still have some Craftsman 1/4 I bought like in 92. When one breaks I replace with Matco. My chrome 3/8 is Snap on. Because the ledge in the Deep well for starting bolts
I run impact 3/8 and 1/2, chrome 1/4 - mostly because I wanted ko-ken zeal sockets (the shallows are actually shallow; 15mm tall). Impact swivels in all drives. I will say that one of the chromes got a minor dent on the fastener side using it with a milwaukee 1/4 impact. I'm a little more easy with them now.
I just started doing this a couple weeks ago,started using the Grey Pnuematic duo sockets in 3/8 drive which can can be used for hand and impact use.Looks like a chrome socket made for impact use
i have chrome in 1/4 and 3/8. i have some half but i couldn't tell you what, i don't ever use them. i got them all in a big stanley set and i replace what i lose with husky from home depot. 3 bucks a socket. also all my chrome longs are just slightly longer than my mid length impacts and slightly shorter than my deep impacts. so that is also an added benefit.
Typically, I’ll use guns for taking fasteners off and power ratchets for snuggling them back down before taking it down with a hand Ratchet or torque wrench
The only time I use a chrome 1/2 socket was for Toyota Corolla rear bearings, because you have to access the bolt through a hole in the bearing and impact are too thick to fit. Other than that I don’t use chrome… luckily I got the full 1/2 set for 30$
YUP when I do an engine and touch hundreds of bolts and nuts. I ALWAYS GO BACK AND TOUCH EVERYYYY SINGLE ONE with a torque wrench BECAUSE I LIKE WASTING TIME AS A FLAT RATE TECH 😕.
I use have to use a chrome 10mm on our HP fuel pumps at KIA and ive got the metal fakes embedded in my hand, i'll just keep replacing it cause not fun when it flakes.
I personally don't see an issue using chrome on air ratchets or small drivers since I've never seen that be a problem. I have chrome in everything up to 3/8 and impact after that. I also don't have any 3/8 drive impact guns just because I've never had an issue getting what I need in 1/2. The little stubby 1/2 guns and short/swivel 1/2 sockets have done me just fine so far. If I was to do it all over again? Probably go impact in 3/8 as well just in case I ever decided to pick up a 3/8 gun.
I was going through chrome sockets like crazy using 3/8" on the battery ratchets. They wear and I have split a few. Prob 8-10 sockets warrantied a year.
Got chrome/impact working on motorcycles all metric here - like Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki ect have to use chrome more as impact do not fit. Kinda wish the chrome was replaced with oxide or some sort of baked on finish. As far as impacts sockets go - Snapon has the best like the 'flute' in the socket holds the fastener - not sure why other brands have no flute in them where the fastener falls down in the socket???
@@Toolaholic7 Will check them out, I like the oxide finish on sockets better than chrome just easier to hold on to when oily or grease. The snapon chrome finish holds up for many many years they do have the best plating.
after 4 years of being tech always use chrome with my 3/8 impact guns nd ratchets lol never had issues ? is there something that i don’t kno bout chrome on impacts ?
There Is Just Too Many Times That Only a Chrome Swivel Will Give Me The Clearance and Angle That I Would Have To Suggest a Set of 1/4 Drive and 3/8 Drive Set of Chrome Swivels 😬
I use Chrome for when bolts are starting to round because they are harder metal
Most important thing for me is the warranty ability of the brand.
Chrome sockets on a cordless ratchet works for about everything then grab a set of impacts for lug nuts
I learned this lesson 5 years ago and still have all my cheap craftsman chrome but rarely use them. The only thing I’d add to this is if you’re buying sets of sockets incrementally to save a little money, then buy deep before buying shallow.
Great review, if I would do it again I would have just started with Grey Pneumatic duo sockets. Good enough for every day power tools, thin wall and no chrome chipping.
Same here. Such a great set both 12pt and the 6pt sets
Remember popular mechanic tools at Walmart years ago
My impact sockets is hf Pittsburgh’s pro and auto zone Oem. Brand and and few ebay specials
All works great if they break just throw away and buy again
When I started tech school I went to Walmart and bought all the PM tools they had.
Just went through this same conversation with the apprentice yesterday. 95% of my sockets are gp and they are 10 years old now and I have never warrantied one. I have a snap on specialty sockets of course and my 1 inch set i bought at a government auction for $160. They ended up being a $2,500 set, I lucked out.
I purchased a set of Williams short and deep impacts and really like them for the price. Made in the USA.
How are they going? My detached garage is unheated and I found my Williams impacts have surface rust, which I clean and LPS3.
@@reubensandwich9249 i have beat on them hard with the 3/8 impact and had no issues.
Impact is stronger but the chrome is usually thinner for tighter spots😎
Impact metal is softer then chrome
Grey Pnuematic fixed this problem.Have the duo sockets which can be used for hand and impact use.Look like a chrome socket made for hand and impact use
@@Toolaholic7 👌
Impact sockets are hands down one of the best investments.
I personally torque every bolt 😇🤥
I know I’m not the only one that runs chrome on an impact. Only on 3/8 never 1/2 inch drive.
Shhhh don't tell the snap on guy our secret
There is a guy at my shop who buys the big axle nut sockets in chrome because he doesn’t want to pay the extra for impact. I mean yeah impact sockets are generally expensive but he does what works for him. I had to borrow one at one point when mine cracked and was kinda nervous but it worked fine. And I love my old Popular Mechanics tools. They are great quality I’ve been using them for years. They have seen impacts as well.
I use 3/8 and 1/4 Grey Pheumatic Duo sockets which are thin wall impact daily for almost 3 years and only the 13mm cracked. Great socket set. I have 3/8 and 1/2 matco too but the duo socket is phenomenal. Plus my MAC dealer honors the warranty as well!!
Almost 40 years ago I bought a chrome set from Bonney that I still have and use in my retirement now. If I was starting off now it would impacts for 3/8s and 1/2". The thing is the impacts have improved from the sockets of years gone by and I still work on vehicles but pick and choose what I work on. I have supplemented my sets and added chrome but I have always gone as cheap as possible when I do get impacts and have a good warranty even though I rarely break any sockets now whether chrome or impact.
Am I the only one that uses chrome? With power tools??? I have a deep 10 mm task force 3/8 drive after 10 years its still hasn't broke from it
I do transmissions, I use Chrome on 3/8 universal swivels for 8s 10s and 13s "trim bolts/hanger bolts" and gm 11mm shaft bolts. I have a few various brand Icon, Mac, snappy wiggles that they stay on. I think the chrome gives me a better bite on these fasteners which are low torque and non structural/mechanical, and are usually the most corroded. Helps me keep the 109xpa running and gunning through the small stuff
I am the same way as you. Mostly impact at work (flat rate) chrome for home (take my sweet time and don’t want to make lot of noise)
Totally agree on this. And i like your old vids. They helped me personally so a big thanks for your time.
You should of mentioned types of impact sockets too. CRV and chrome molybdenum.
You said pretty much what I tell everyone: impact in 3/8 and 1/2, chrome in 1/4. I use 3/8 GP Duos and they’ve been great, but they’re even too thick occasionally. That’s when the 1/4 chrome set comes out.
Good points. I started to build a back up set of tools. Went with impacts as a space saving measure, as I wanted a portable set of tools. My main box was stolen. The backup set (home box) are now my main set of tools. I don't turn wrenches professionally any more and get by with what I have.
my go to are impacpt swiviles
Im not a mechanic I just work on my own projects I mostly use all hand tools because I feel more idk how to put it. I feel more connected to my build because every bolt was hand tightened by me. But if I was in a shop I wouldn't be using all hand tools no way
Only chrome sockets a real mechanic needs are specialty ones. Extra long 10mm. Thin wall whatever size etc you are absolutely right saying impact is what you use
This is why I have the grey pneumatic duo sockets. Thin impact sockets
I switched to impact sockets on just about everything. The battery ratchets really do a number on beating up the chrome sockets.
In the future, I would recommend that at the beginning of your video that you mention what you’re profession is, so that viewers know what you do for a living so they understand why you’re choosing what equipment you’re using. It sounds like you’re mostly a car mechanic of some kind. That would help explain why you mention that you mostly use impact instead of sockets for your work. Otherwise we wouldn’t know as a viewer what specifically you’re talking about.
I do the same thing. I mostly use Impact sockets for everything.
After almost 30 years of working on cars for a living I have an amazing set of crome sockets stored in an old toolbox in the corner of my garage at home ....they work perfect there
I DIY with chrome in my home garage. Mostly using ratchets, but also I'll use them with my M12 3/8 stubby impact. It's fine so far and I don't see a need for impact sockets. If I were a pro using a 1/2 impact for sure I'd use impact rated sockets.
I started out with Impact 3/8 & 1/2. Chrome 1/4. Now I have 3/8 chrome also. Only some special 1/2 chrome. I prefer having both 3/8 on my cart. I still have some Craftsman 1/4 I bought like in 92. When one breaks I replace with Matco. My chrome 3/8 is Snap on. Because the ledge in the Deep well for starting bolts
I run impact 3/8 and 1/2, chrome 1/4 - mostly because I wanted ko-ken zeal sockets (the shallows are actually shallow; 15mm tall). Impact swivels in all drives. I will say that one of the chromes got a minor dent on the fastener side using it with a milwaukee 1/4 impact. I'm a little more easy with them now.
I just started doing this a couple weeks ago,started using the Grey Pnuematic duo sockets in 3/8 drive which can can be used for hand and impact use.Looks like a chrome socket made for impact use
i have chrome in 1/4 and 3/8. i have some half but i couldn't tell you what, i don't ever use them. i got them all in a big stanley set and i replace what i lose with husky from home depot. 3 bucks a socket. also all my chrome longs are just slightly longer than my mid length impacts and slightly shorter than my deep impacts. so that is also an added benefit.
I have chrome and impact in 3 drives. Sae and metric. Very rarely use the chromes. Except for my 3/8 mid depth for brakes and oil changes.
Typically, I’ll use guns for taking fasteners off and power ratchets for snuggling them back down before taking it down with a hand Ratchet or torque wrench
The only time I use a chrome 1/2 socket was for Toyota Corolla rear bearings, because you have to access the bolt through a hole in the bearing and impact are too thick to fit. Other than that I don’t use chrome… luckily I got the full 1/2 set for 30$
After every bolt or nut is tightened by an impact , isn’t it torqued to factory specs by a chrome socket on a torque wrench ??
Yep. Every one.
YUP when I do an engine and touch hundreds of bolts and nuts. I ALWAYS GO BACK AND TOUCH EVERYYYY SINGLE ONE with a torque wrench BECAUSE I LIKE WASTING TIME AS A FLAT RATE TECH 😕.
I use nothing but chrome on impacts except for the 1/2 on either lug nuts or large suspension bolts. Never broken a chrome socket from it
Impact on everything on the outside of the engine and chrome on the inside, except for head bolts ( Diesel engine tech).
I think I'm the only person here with 1/4 impact sockets lmfao
Yup same, chrome 1/4 drive then all most all impact 3/8 and 1/2.
I use have to use a chrome 10mm on our HP fuel pumps at KIA and ive got the metal fakes embedded in my hand, i'll just keep replacing it cause not fun when it flakes.
I personally don't see an issue using chrome on air ratchets or small drivers since I've never seen that be a problem. I have chrome in everything up to 3/8 and impact after that. I also don't have any 3/8 drive impact guns just because I've never had an issue getting what I need in 1/2. The little stubby 1/2 guns and short/swivel 1/2 sockets have done me just fine so far. If I was to do it all over again? Probably go impact in 3/8 as well just in case I ever decided to pick up a 3/8 gun.
I was going through chrome sockets like crazy using 3/8" on the battery ratchets. They wear and I have split a few. Prob 8-10 sockets warrantied a year.
I buy chrome for ratchets, cordless ratchets, cordless screw gun and breaker bars, impact for my impacts
I still have all of my 1/2 drive popular mechanics sockets too lol
for manual work, you can buy impact socket ? , or buy chrome, which will be more durable and stronger ?
If you are looking for cheap 1/4 impact. Capri has a killer deal. 100 bucks
Can we not use impact everywhere, even where chrome would do? Why do we need chrome anyway?
Love me some chrome regardless
Did he just say he tightens bolt down with an impact? I guess torque spec isn't a thing in his shop
I use aluminum sockets so I don't round off any bolts
I do not understand why powered ratchets need impact socket, there in no impacting mechanism only torque?
Good review Mike.
I only use impact
Got chrome/impact working on motorcycles all metric here - like Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki ect have to use chrome more as impact do not fit. Kinda wish the chrome was replaced with oxide or some sort of baked on finish. As far as impacts sockets go - Snapon has the best like the 'flute' in the socket holds the fastener - not sure why other brands have no flute in them where the fastener falls down in the socket???
Look into the Grey Pnuematic duo sockets,look like a chrome socket made for impact and hand use.
@@Toolaholic7 Will check them out, I like the oxide finish on sockets better than chrome just easier to hold on to when oily or grease. The snapon chrome finish holds up for many many years they do have the best plating.
Last time I used a chrome socket is changing a starter on a 90s camaro. Impact socket is too thick.
Do you have a go-to set of impact torx sockets you use? I see different sets for sale but I can't seem to find a 3/8 dedicated set. 😑
What about impact wrenches
I just use Chrome on the impact lol and the impacts sockets on the ratchet just so I can be different
Guys starting out I always say buy all impact sockets first…. Cause chrome is not for impact
I use impact for 3/8 and up, but for 1/4 I use chrome because the impact on that size wears out too fast
after 4 years of being tech always use chrome with my 3/8 impact guns nd ratchets lol never had issues ? is there something that i don’t kno bout chrome on impacts ?
Chrome will explode when they are hammered continuously by an impact wrench.
Lagavulin hat! Have you visited?
Yes, it is were I got the hat!
@@flatratemaster brilliant! I’m one of their Engineers! Hope you enjoyed your time on Islay.
So should I use impact sockets on impact tools? Lol!
No reason not to have both Chrome and impact. I don’t buy sets, only what I use.
FIRST!!
There Is Just Too Many Times That Only a Chrome Swivel Will Give Me The Clearance and Angle That I Would Have To Suggest a Set of 1/4 Drive and 3/8 Drive Set of Chrome Swivels 😬
What
I use only chinese junk, and never broken anything.