Afternoon

I have a few questions as per title - I'm a novice with engines but I ask these in all seriousness so please bear with me.

Firstly - which type of socket is best a hexagonal one or the ones with 12 sides (double hexagonal ?) for normal spannering ?

Second - when using a breaker bar do you need impact sockets ?

Third - Do you need impact sockets with an impact wrench ?

Finally - when trying to "crack off" a nut (with breaker bar or a normal wrench/spanner) should you try and shock it with a sharp tap or apply increasing pressure until the nut/bolt "cracks" ? I've seen two opposing vids on youtube for cam removal. On one the guy hit the wrench with the palm of his hand to crack the nuts on the other the guy applied even pressure.

thanks
Paul

For normal spannering a 12 side is easier to get on.

for breaker bar stuff you can use a normal socket rather than an impact but you might peel the socket open. Certainly I've cracked open a few sockets in my time due to use of a breaker bar.

Impact sockets are best used with a impact wrench. Most come with the basic ones already anyway...

For cracking off a nut my favoured method (if the impact wrench doesn't work) is to apply some torque via an open face spanner (ie no good doing this with a socket) then using a drift give the head of the bolt a smack. Usually uber tight bolts are coil bound against the nearest side of the thread, smacking it helps break this coil-binding.... But then I only do that when applying a fair bit of slow + steady force doesn't work

I prefer six sided sockets. 12 sided ones are more likely to round off the nuts and bolts.

With the 6 vs 12 argument its a case of 12 fits on in twice and may orientations. And can often fit over rusty nuts better. Also square nuts (tho rare in cars) but a 6 is better for really giving it some.
- Most impact sockets tend to be 6 from my expedience. Also cheaper sets, where the added contact area allows more success with softer tools.

Impact sockets are for impact drivers, bascialy. But there added strength can be useful for use with large breaker bar use.

I also like ratchet ring spanners a lot. Although there not everyones cup of tea.

Daniel

Thanks everyone - it's a good forum this, where you can ask this type of question and get decent answers without any problems.

I'm learning loads here which is really building confidence ready for my kit.

Cheers.

The trouble with 6 sided sockets as opposed to 12 is you need to move the socket bar further to line up with the next flat of the nut & sometimes in confined spaces there is'nt enough room.
There is a way round it though, remove the socket from the bar, turn it 1/4 turn & refit & that will put the bar in the postion you'd have been able to with a 12 sided socket. It's a simple trick that no doubt many will already know but I've met a few pros that did'nt know it!

If you are buying impact sockets buy Kamsa they are a nice snug fit, flank drive and very strong ---- all impact sockets are normally hex.

When buying normal sockets buy flank drive sockets not bi-hex.

Avoid Halfords Pro Sockets ---- I bought a set and some sockets were such a bad fit from day one I had to throw them out.

[Edited on 19/10/09 by britishtrident]

Agreed with above, i am a mechanic and too tight to buy snap-on sockets so bought a 3/8 drive kamasa set which i have used everyday for about 7 years. the ratchet has long gone but the sockets are great and fit really well. also agree on the halfords sockets which aint great. they are poor fit 12 point sockets. but they are only used for home. So if you are on a budget kamasa is a good choice.

Rob

Teng tools are pretty safe bet, some of them aren't the shiniest or slimmest but they are good value and all have a lifetime guarantee.

Personally I favour Facom.

Davie

For me, get a good 3/8" drive set Halfords professional range, 1/4" 3/8" are a good bet.

Then a big breaker bar and set of metric 1/2" drive impact sockets.

I have loads of 1/2" sockets, never use them, look impressive but the 3/8" drive is so much nicer in reality.

Also get a set of 3/8" deep sockets if the set does not include these.

Regards Mark

Thanks for all the replies folks !!

nobody mentioned surface drive sockets, so I will
In the smaller sizes, prob up to 13mm, these are great. They seem like a rattle fit on the nut to start with so are good on rusty nuts, but they get a grip on the flat of the nut rather than the corners. They are brilliant for rounded nuts too, but the same caveat as per the hex sockets apply, ie they have limited positions so a fine 3/8" ratchet or a clutch type ratchet works well.
I use a britool 3/8" set of these and not broken one in 8 years.

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Originally posted by Marcus[/i are good on rusty nuts,

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