Impact wrench sockets (the black ones) vs. normal sockets

[Ducnial]

Impact sockets have a much thicker wall, generally have the larger drive for a given size but most important that are SIX point sockets vs Craftsman type 12 point which don't grip the nut near as good.  I got my set ~20mm-50mm for less than $70 at Harbor Freight.  The whole ball of wax,  3/4 drive ratchet, impact drive adapter set and the socket set cost less that $100.

Worked like a champ, ++1

[Howie]

Impact sockets, besides thicker walled are actually softer.  The reason why they are softer is so they don't shatter.  ost of the time you can get away with using a regular socket, but they can shatter.

[4DoorSi]

As a former Sears hardware salesman....

Use the regular sockets on an impact gun at your own risk.  I actually had a guy come in to get a bunch of regular sockets replaced that he had used on an impact gun.  He was very careful to keep all of the pieces that broke off (even though he didn't need to, he didn't know that) except for one piece.  He said the hospital had thrown it away after they removed it from his arm.  He had the stitches to prove it.

So, use them at your own risk.

[metallimonster]

^

Broken tooth from same situation though I wasn't the one using the gun.  Flew about 10 ft from another guys bay.

Don't use the chrome ones on an impact gun. 

[red baron]

This reminds me when two body techs having a "discussion" about who's impact had more torque and then hokked them together to find out.



one broken wrist later (on the body guy) I was laughing myself to death as the ambulance showed up.

[zarn02]

^

[corey]

This reminds me when two body techs having a "discussion" about who's impact had more torque and then hokked them together to find out.



one broken wrist later (on the body guy) I was laughing myself to death as the ambulance showed up.

lmao. genius... where's the video camera when you need it...

[chisel]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_wrench

[junior varsity]

And don't forget that if those non-impact sockets come apart on your rattle gun, there will be some shrapnel flying that could take out your eye, so play it safe and use the proper sockets.

Always a good reason to use some safety glasses when using impact tools.

[monster monkey]

One breaks, the other breaks more