1/2 socket set recommendations?

[Domdom]

I am sorry to ask but - how do you manage to break a socket? With an impact gun?

Oh it's very possible

It's all about the use case and levels of abuse. How do you break a socket IN NORMAL USE is a different question.

I broke a 10mm 6 side 1/4" drive which needed a lot of extensions. I only had (at the time) 1 extension in 1/4" so it was then stepped up to 3/8" and then 1/2" so I could use my longest extension in 1/2". Add the Snap On long ratchet and you can see how much force was being applied. Ultimately the bolt head sheared off too. I was a little surprised that the socket let go first though, I would have expected the 1/4" drive to shear before that.

I have since bought a few more extensions in all sizes.

 

[Craig-SM]

I am sorry to ask but - how do you manage to break a socket? With an impact gun?

Halford sockets have split with surprising ease whilst the hex bit sockets snap for fun and in all cases just using the ratchets, I don't think they are the same quality they once were. I have broken a Sealey impact socket recently with the torque gun but it was a thin wall wheel nut socket so doesn't really count and the same wheel but also claimed a breaker bar. I have used Bahco sockets before on the torque without issue their universal joint didn't fair so well but they still replaced it arriving next day by post after a quick call to customer services, I may have omitted what it was attached to when it pinged open. I do normally use impact rated sockets, extensions and UJ's, I'm not a complete animal just too lazy at times to walk back to the garage when a socket set is next to me.

 

[fizzy]

Halford sockets have split with surprising ease whilst the hex bit sockets snap for fun and in all cases just using the ratchets, I don't think they are the same quality they once were. I have broken a Sealey impact socket recently with the torque gun but it was a thin wall wheel nut socket so doesn't really count and the same wheel but also claimed a breaker bar. I have used Bahco sockets before on the torque without issue their universal joint didn't fair so well but they still replaced it arriving next day by post after a quick call to customer services, I may have omitted what it was attached to when it pinged open. I do normally use impact rated sockets, extensions and UJ's, I'm not a complete animal just too lazy at times to walk back to the garage when a socket set is next to me.

Hallford pro range are NOT the same as they were 20 years ago. Ratchets more feeble for a start. Bought my brother a set recently - nowhere near as good as mine from around 2002.

 

[JOEPRO]

I have to say that even when using my M18 high torque impact gun with my draper expert sockets not one of the sockets has ever suffered any damage. I do have impact rated sockets but sometimes they don't quite fit in the 'ole hence the regular sockets being torture tested.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Hallford pro range are NOT the same as they were 20 years ago.

That's good to know....my set dates back to the good old day. I can imagine the new stuff isn't as good....like most things these days.

 

[qwakers]

I've used my 3/4 impact stepped down to a 1/2 chrome socket more than once. Never broken one...

 

[Barking Mat]

I broke a 3/8" socket trying to undo wheel nuts on a Clio, only socket I've ever broken.

No impact driver of anything, just brute force.