Clang

Hi, new here. First new thread.

I have a question regarding sockets. Can you use regular sockets on an air ratchet or do you have to use impact sockets?

Common sense would tell me that that as long as the tool you are using does not have the word "impact" associated with it you are good to go with regular sockets. Obviously, an impact gun needs impact sockets but what I am asking is if you should use impact sockets with an air ratchet.

However, I don't want to be wrong and end up with a mouthful of socket shrapnel.

Thanks

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Elton

i think impact sockets are stronger

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fillsrunner4

Your gonna want to use the Impact sockets with a gun. The regular will work but you could easily end up with a "mouth full of socket" Theres a reason why they sell them!

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4x4Fink

Yeah, you'd be okay using the regular ones for low-torque jobs but once you start cranking down on them I'd go ahead and get the impact sockets.

Fink

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corax

Regular sockets are fine on just an air ratchet, but remember impact sockets are stronger for high torque bolts. Also, in many years working at shops and dealers, I've never seen a socket explode, so don't worry too much about getting a mouthful of socket shrapnel - they'll just strip the bolt head or crack lengthwise. I have seen overloaded u-joints used with an impact fail and the parts go flying when the gun suddenly starts spinning with no load (don't use a u-joint with an impact, air ratchet is OK though)

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Clang

Thank you for your replies.

I have 1/2 inch impact sockets but a 3/8 and 1/4 air ratchets. So I wanted to know if I could use regular sockets on the air ratchets or that I was taking my life into my own hands.

Thanks again for your answers. I think I should be able to hold off on buying impact sockets in the 3/8 and 1/4 sizes for a little while.

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4Crawler

I usually use regular sockets on my 3/8" air ratchet and butterfly impact. Neither are really high torque devices and I usually use them when space is tight and the bolts are small. Regular sockets are thinner wall than impact sockets so are often the only thing that will fit.

I did one blow out an impact socket (1/2" drive) on my crank pulley bolt. All it did was split up the sides in 2 or 3 places where it was thinnest, nothing flew off.

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CJM

Usually if the socket cannot take the abuse it will crack or break. Usually the hex area in the very tip cracks.

If your gonna use a 1/2 impact gun use impact sockets. If your gonna use a 3/8, 1/4 impact gun I dont usually bother and I dont have issues and work in a shop.

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4rnnr33

i use a 1/2 inch impact gun with regular sockets daily and have never seen them explode, just crack

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ozziesironmanoffroad

i used a regular socket on an airpowered impact gun, and that socket went flying. luckily it didnt hit me, though i had some rips in my shirt.

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RiCh_90-yota

Do not use Regular sockets with an impact Gun there not made for that kind of torque! And impact is way stronger. Regular sockets with impact can damage your fasteners!

Adam F

Guys, all he was asking was if he could use standard chrome sockets with an AIR RATCHET, not an IMPACT GUN. He acknowledged the fact that you have to use IMPACT sockets with an IMPACT gun.

So, YES, you can, use regular sockets with an air ratchet. I do it every day.

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