Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => GENERAL TOOL AND MACHINE DISCUSSION => Topic started by: GNAP on October 27, 2019, 01:00:23 PM

Title: Chrome Sockets
Post by: GNAP on October 27, 2019, 01:00:23 PM

Over the years I transitioned from primary use of chrome sockets, to basically using impact sockets for about everything. I have 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" drive impact sockets, they now seem to be my go to sockets. I have boats loads of chrome sockets in all drive sizes, except for 1/2" drive deep sockets. About 35 years ago, to keep the weight down in the service van, I used only impact sockets for everything. They practice seems to followed me back to the shop. I have times where I need thinner sockets, but that's been a rare occurrence. I thought about buying a set of SAE and Metric Icon brand 1/2" drive  deep sockets from Harbor Freight, just to have on hand.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: highland512 on October 28, 2019, 07:42:05 AM

When it came time to outfit my 3/4 socket set I went with impact. I was able to put together a set up to 2-3/8 for pennies on the dollar and dont have to worry about busted sockets.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: pep on October 28, 2019, 01:07:57 PM

Chrome sockets sure do have there place, did not know there were 1/4 impact.

Once again proving I don't know everything

Pep

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: fatfillup on October 28, 2019, 03:02:13 PM

Platty, certainly made sense saving weight in the truck.  I am sure you did more then your fair share of heavy work over the years.  I use mainly chrome, don't even carry an impact gun on the truck but have impacts in 1/2, sae and metric for working on trucks in the shop.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: ken w. on October 28, 2019, 03:14:06 PM

I was looking at buying a set of metric 1/4" swivel sockets , but  ended up getting a set if 1/4" impacts swivels at a swap meet instead. I use my cordless impact with most of my 1/4" sockets .

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: bonneyman on October 28, 2019, 03:18:45 PM

So many of the modern HVAC techs are using cordless drills and impacts that chrome sockets are virtually non-existent in their tools. I still use them when I work on evap coolers due to the rusting issue. But I'm a rare bird.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: GNAP on October 28, 2019, 05:52:46 PM

Quote from: pep on October 28, 2019, 01:07:57 PM

Chrome sockets sure do have there place, did not know there were 1/4 impact.

Once again proving I don't know everything

Pep

Pep,

My set of Grey Pneumatic 1/4" drive impacts (4mm - 15mm, 3/16" - 9/16", shallow and deep) (I have 6 sets) and my 1/4" drive pneumatic tools.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: DeadNutz on October 28, 2019, 06:57:41 PM

That looks like a great set to have Jack.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: slip knot on October 28, 2019, 06:58:16 PM

I just run the chromes on the impact. ;D  I only have 1/2in. drive in impact. everything else the chrome gets run.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: stokester on October 29, 2019, 01:54:16 PM

I used this SK impact 1/4" drive set every day when I was in the Chevy shop, the swivels were very useful.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: wilbilt on November 06, 2019, 05:01:53 PM

Nearly 30 years ago, I was looking for a set of 1/2" dr. metric impact sockets. The MAC guy came around, and I asked him what he had. He only had a chrome set. I told him I was looking for impacts.

He told me they were the same as impacts, only chromed. LOL, OK. I bought them.

I broke every one of them except the 12 and 16 mm. Probably because I never used those LOL.

Title: Re: Chrome Sockets
Post by: GNAP on November 11, 2019, 05:51:50 PM

My 2 sets of the Grey Pneumatic 1/4” drive impact extensions arrived today