3/8" impact sockets

[Dom_capper]

So I've recently received a Milwaukee impact gun with 3/8" drive for my birthday.

The only impact sockets I currently have are in my 200 piece Halfords set and are 1/2 drive.

What 3/8" sockets/ adaptors etc would people recommend or would it be a good idea to try and swap it for the 1/2" version. With it being the compact 12v 135nm, I'm leaning towards 3/8" being more suitable.

 

[JamesBryan]

Used plenty of normal sockets with my 3/8" Milwaukee and not had a problem tbh.

Not recommended obviously.

 

[MonkeyKnifeFight]

youll be fine using halfords sockets with 135nm. Been abusing my halfords set on my makita 450nm 1/2 inch for years and all is good.

 

[Dom_capper]

Thanks chaps, @MonkeyKnifeFight, I assume you mean just the standard silver CV sockets?

 

[Chrisgti6]

How about a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter to be able to use the impact sockets you have? But as above, I've been using my normal Halfords sockets on my Makita impact driver (160nm) without issue.

My driver is a 1/4 drive but I have a set of 3 adapters to let me put 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 drive sockets on, so can be used for pretty much any job.

 

[dann2707]

You've got a Halfords set, if they snap just take them back mate. Also that gun is good for 135nm so I don't feel they'll be doing too much damage to them.

Also I'd definitely keep the 3/8.its saved me so much time on little random things on the car where a 1/2 gun would be too bulky to use, or too heavy to use for extended periods. The weight of the 3/8 is incredible.

 

[Knuckles]

Do Halfords replace broke sockets? If so, those.

If not, wera replace broken everything. They’re pricey though

 

[bloke]

the milwaukee impact sockets are good.

 

[car.crash]

I've a few sealey impact sets.
They do the job

 

[MonkeyKnifeFight]

Thanks chaps, @MonkeyKnifeFight, I assume you mean just the standard silver CV sockets?

Yea when I'm working on the car I pretty much only use chrome sockets as my impact sockets arnt usually deep enough.

I use an impact socket for scaffolding all day every day and after a while the square side of the socket deforms and you need a new socket. I've never seen this happen to a chrome socket which leads me to think the impact sockets deform or takes some of the shock to pro long the life of the tool.

 

[Dom_capper]

Cheers for the input. I did think to just use my Halfords ones but didn't want to wreck all the drives. They will replace them if they split, but I didn't want to make them all loose. But if people have been doing it and their sockets are fine then I'll just crack on with them.

I do have all the adapters Chris, but they add length to the gun and it's size is its best attribute.

@dann2707 the half inch I was looking to swap to is the same size and weight, this one. I'll stick with the 3/8 though.

@bloke, I looked at the Milwaukees, but I can't find a 3/8 metric set. Something like this would be ideal.

 

[bloke]

will have to check mine, could be i've got a 1/4 and 1/2 not 3/8?

 

[Dom_capper]

So this happened today, sheared a t40 clean off. Combination of the Milwaukee and a 750mm breaker bar. Halfords swapped it straight up. No receipt, no questions.

 

[JamesBryan]

Lol what were you trying to undo?

 

[Dom_capper]

The middle bolt holding the rear seats in.

 

[Chrisgti6]

I broke my T40 too, think it was on a brake disc retaining bolt.

They're really good at replacing stuff now, no longer need the receipt and I've heard they replace the ratchets now too? Can anyone confirm?

 

[JamesBryan]

The middle bolt holding the rear seats in.

Has it not got a hex head on the bolt too, that you can get a socket on to it?

 

[Dom_capper]

Has it not got a hex head on the bolt too, that you can get a socket on to it?

The two holding the isofix bar do. This is the seat backrest bracket, just a t40 which is now dead. I've just left it as I wasn't stripping the car, just wanted to get the seats out to make it easier to clean them.

 

[Knuckles]

The middle bolt holding the rear seats in.

?!?!?

They come off easily with a 17mm socket.

Plus an extension to raise the ratchet above the buckle

 

[JamesBryan]

Ahh yeah, they're just a round head and a torx bit in the middle.

Nightmare, as they are exposed underneath the car so they rust up.

 

[Dom_capper]

Ahh yeah, they're just a round head and a torx bit in the middle.

Nightmare, as they are exposed underneath the car so they rust up.

Yep, if It ever needs to come out I'll probably start with hammering a t45 in.

 

[Mertin]

Are your halfords sockets multi-point or 6 soded hex sockets?
Might be better with hex sockets on the gun, less chance of rounding things off if using the gun. Worst thing I found with my halfords set was the lack of hex sockets. Bought a small set of bahco 3/8 drive hex sockets and a rail to hold them in. Handy to grab

 

[BuCkLeY...]

halfords torque sockets are rubbish tbh haha