Another Reason to Use Impact Sockets

[Josh G]

The other day I was doing some experiments with torque and impact wrenches. Anyway, In the process I discovered that when using a chrome socket on an impact wrench it significantly reduces the amount of torque the gun can apply. I know using chrome is dangerous and should never be done, but honestly we all know there are plenty of people out there doing it. :dry:

I was using a 3/8 impact and found that it couldn’t even remove lug nuts with a chrome socket, but switch over to an impact socket it zipped them right off. I’ve never heard of this and did some searching and found only a single forum post of someone who had this same experience. Has anyone else found this to be true?

I know that chrome sockets are harder and impact sockets are designed to absorb impact so it’s counter intuitive but somehow the chrome socket was acting like a torsion bar or something weird and really taking away from the impact.

Topic

[James O’Hara]

Chrome sockets flex. Impact sockets do not. This is partially material and partially thickness. Chrome sockets are made of a harder but, more brittle material. This does not mean its torsional value is greater then an impact socket. It is less of a problem when using the ratchet because you just overcome it. When you use an impact though it is not applying constant force. So every impact is lessened due to the torsional load being taken up by the socket aka flex. btw this is also true for extensions. So whenever you buy extensions you are better off buying impact because the chrome will twist more taking up more of your torque.

I have not bought a chrome extension since I learned this unless it came in a set.

[Josh G]

[quote=”MDK22″ post=138399]Chrome sockets flex. Impact sockets do not. This is partially material and partially thickness. Chrome sockets are made of a harder but, more brittle material. This does not mean its torsional value is greater then an impact socket. It is less of a problem when using the ratchet because you just overcome it. When you use an impact though it is not applying constant force. So every impact is lessened due to the torsional load being taken up by the socket aka flex. btw this is also true for extensions. So whenever you buy extensions you are better off buying impact because the chrome will twist more taking up more of your torque.

I have not bought a chrome extension since I learned this unless it came in a set.[/quote]

Im glad to have someone else say the same thing. Like I said I never heard that before and couldn’t find really anything about it on the web either. The only thing I’ve heard people talk about is the safety issue. I’ve always used impact sockets so I didn’t realize there was a difference until I happened to just put a chrome one on there the other day and realized how weak it made my impact wrench.

[Jonathan Stiver]

I’ve been using only impact sockets and extensions for a while now, makes me wonder, what’s the point of chrome ones? Cheaper and lighter? That’s all?

[jake masters]

That’s a good bit of info never knew the exact reason. I’m going to have to remember that one.

[James O’Hara]

The point of chrome is clearance. It is the original style of socket and is good for doing work you only have to do by hand. It is lighter and normally lasts longer due to the chrome acting as a rust preventative and because the chrome is so hard. They are also significantly cheaper to make due to the materials used and the lack of metal comparatively. You have to realize impacts are a relatively new development. If you ask me I say never buy chrome any more unless you have too impacts reign supreme.

The down side is you have to keep them oiled when not in use to prevent rust.

[wafrederick]

There are two grades of impact sockets too,chrome moly and chrome vanadium.You want the chrome moly grade impact sockets which are made out of chrome moly steel which most race car frames are made out of.Can do damage to the impact and will replace the anvil a lot with use of chrome sockets used on an impact also.I have Matco,Mac,Cornwell and Grey Pneumatic impact sockets.I admit GP does make great impact sockets way less than the tool truck brands and well worth the money

[Greg L]

[quote=”stiv625″ post=138634]I’ve been using only impact sockets and extensions for a while now, makes me wonder, what’s the point of chrome ones? Cheaper and lighter? That’s all?[/quote]

Chrome sockets are thinner and can get into tighter places than impact sockets. I have a lot of chrome sockets, as well as impact sockets. If I’m having to use hand tools, the chrome ones come out normally as they are lighter and fit into tight spots. If I have to give her hell, or use an impact, then the black stuff comes out.

[Mark Golembiewski]

I have cracked both chrome and impact sockets.
Cracked chrome sockets on an impact wrench.
Cracked impact sockets on a breaker bar.
Chrome sockets will fit in areas where impact sockets won’t fit.

[Author]

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