Just wondering what the difference was between the impact sockets I use with my air tools and regular sockets. I saw someone using non-impact sockets with air tools the other day and I was under the impression that this was wrong.

IOW, what would happen if I used non impact sockets on on an impact wrench or impact ratchet, and vice versa, could I use impact sockets with my hand tols?

 

You can use Impact sockets for anything. I actually like using them with the Torque wrench cause they're stronger and deflect less. You do not want to use reguar sockets on your impact gun. You will split them and round your bolt/nut... I learned this personally with two seperate sockets. I split them, and rounded the head. Since I've gotten my impact sockets, I've never split one!

 

Impact sockets are beefier to withstand the pounding from the gun.

You can use regular sockets, but they will break eventually. Especially when under high torque.

 

Thanks thats what I figured. Maybe I should let this guy know not to use regular sockets.

I too have been using my impact sockets for a lot of thiongs too so I was just amking sure that was okay

Thanks everyone

 

I have a 3/8" impact wrench that I use regular sockets with, but then again, it is only capable of like 60 ft/lbs..

Or on my big 1/2" Impact, I'll crank the power down if I need to get in a tight space...