| Author | Message | ||
     Ian Kreidich (Ian95rrc) Member Username: Ian95rrc Post Number: 81 Registered: 03-2003 |
I just bought a Porter Cable 3/8 Air Ratchet. Now it's time to get some sockets so I am wondering what sizes and type to get. I see snap-on has power or impact sockets. Porter Cable just says to use impact sockets. I have to admit I am totally ignorant in the subject of airtools. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 440 Registered: 03-2003 |
That distinction between power sockets and impact sockets has always puzzled me as well. I would guess that the power sockets are for things like air ratchets (which generate very little torque in a smooth, gear-driven fashion) and impact sockets are for impact wrenches (which can generate lots of torque in pulsating fashion from numerous hammer blows), but I'm not sure. Power sockets are indeed slimmer than impact sockets though. Compare these three 3/8" drive 19mm six-point sockets: Chrome: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=1642&group_I D=244&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Power: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=2565&group_I D=290&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Impact: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=2700&group_I D=315&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog The "A" measurement for the width of the socket on the chrome is 25.1 mm. The power socket is identical at 25.1 mm. The impact socket is considerably thicker at 26.7 mm. Given that power sockets are so much thinner than impact sockets, I think it's a safe bet that power sockets should not be used on impact wrenches. It could be that the power socket is almost identical to a chrome socket in dimensions so that it can better fit into tight spaces, but is made of softer materials so that it will be less likely to shatter than a chrome socket when driven under power. I would just get the impact sockets instead of the power sockets. You can use impact sockets on your air ratchet, but I don't think you can use power sockets on an impact wrench. | ||
| Ian Kreidich (Ian95rrc) Member Username: Ian95rrc Post Number: 84 Registered: 03-2003 |
Thanks for the info. John I mistakenly thought that they didn't sell shallow impact sockets but now that I see they do the choice is pretty easy. | ||
| Brian (Bthaxton) Member Username: Bthaxton Post Number: 63 Registered: 02-2003 |
I know that I am late on this, but without going into details, this is a/the difference: 1) Impact sockets are solid-cast all the way through for strength. That is why they are black and more expensive (comparing apples-to-apples). 2) Chrome/silver sockets are case-harded. That is why they are chromed and thinner. They have the possibility of shattering like exploding glass under the high vibration/stress of an impact wrench. Anyway, this is what I have come to understand. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 803 Registered: 03-2003 |
Brian, Snap-on sockets are cold forged, not cast. Snap-on impact sockets are cheaper than their chrome sockets, not more expensive. Snap-on chrome sockets are heat treated, not case hardened. And they don't shatter like glass when used with an impact wrench. They crack. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 1169 Registered: 04-2003 |
John, What air ratchet do you guys use? Time to build my new garage up, with no one around to yell at me for spending too much on tools... | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 811 Registered: 03-2003 |
We used to use a Snap-on FAR750 1/2" drive air ratchet: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/powertank/DSC05536.jpg We ended up trading that one in on a Snap-on FAR7200 3/8" drive air ratchet: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/air/DSC08517.jpg Our Snap-on guy gave us full value on the FAR750, so it was a oen-for-one swap. I am loving this FAR7200. The FAR7200 is basically the older FAR72 but with a black rubber soft-grip handle. The FAR7200 is the bomb diggity of air ratchets as far as I am concerned. I love the soft-grip handle with the waisted shape. This ratchet is very powerful. I think it's rated at something like 70 ft. lbs. of torque at 90 PSI air line pressure. You can adjust the torque by turning the chrome sleeve just in front of the black rubber handle. And this air ratchet has a button trigger: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/air/DSC08514.jpg I generally dislike air ratchets with the lever triggers and much prefer the button. This way, I don't have to handle the ratchet gingerly and can take a good hold without fear of activating the air ratchet. And, knowing you, I'm pretty sure your trigger finger is already well trained and amenable to the FAR7200's design. The FAR7200's trigger doesn't have a glass-rod release, but it's pretty damn good for a power tool. Team up that FAR7200 with an IM3100 impact wrench and you are ready to roll. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 1175 Registered: 04-2003 |
thanks, just busted my snap-on cherry last night I feel dirty, yet exhilarated at the same time |
