pdm
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 03:34 PM |
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Type of sockets and breaker bars
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
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BenB
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 03:43 PM |
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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 
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RichieW
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 05:03 PM |
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I prefer six sided sockets. 12 sided ones are more likely to round off the nuts and bolts.
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dhutch
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 05:08 PM |
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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
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pdm
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 06:19 PM |
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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.
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hillbillyracer
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 07:11 PM |
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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!
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britishtrident
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 07:14 PM |
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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]
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COREdevelopments
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 08:44 PM |
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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
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daviep
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 08:57 PM |
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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
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mark chandler
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| posted on 19/10/09 at 09:55 PM |
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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
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pdm
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| posted on 20/10/09 at 07:28 AM |
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Thanks for all the replies folks !!
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Marcus
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| posted on 20/10/09 at 11:20 AM |
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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.
Marcus
Because kits are for girls!!
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 20/10/09 at 06:47 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Marcus[/i are good on rusty nuts,
Leave me out of it! There are times when having both types of sockets has it's advantages. I tend to use 3/8"drive hexagonal sockets most
of the time for general purpose use but the 1/2" drive stuff is normally bi hex except when using an impact gun
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wilkingj
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| posted on 20/10/09 at 10:00 PM |
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WARNING HALFORDS Pro Range tools
WARNING:-
IF you go for Halford Pro range. (and they ARE good tools for the money).
Make sure you KEEP the reciept.
Last week I was refused a replacement ratchet as I dont have the reciept anymore.
It didnt matter how much I argued or pleaded. NO Exchange WITHOUT the proof of purchase.
They even have a notice on the tool stand to this effect.
NOT Impressed to say the least. Its not like I was asking for my money back or similar. Just wanting them to honour their lifetime guarantee.
BE WARNED...
1. The point of a journey is not to arrive.
2. Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Best Regards
Geoff
http://www.v8viento.co.uk
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dhutch
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| posted on 20/10/09 at 11:34 PM |
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Flank-drive is a snapon term i think, but all the big tool names have the own.
- Recently ive been buying britool stuff (spanners, etc) although ive yet to invest in a decent 3/8" set and am making do with a cheap set.
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dhutch
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| posted on 20/10/09 at 11:41 PM |
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Flank-drive is a snapon term i think, but all the big tool names have the own surface or side drive systems.
Recently ive been buying britool stuff (spanners, etc) although ive yet to invest in a decent 3/8" set and am making do with a cheap set.
Ive only been in once, but i have a 1/4 halfords pro set and had lost a few of the alan/torx bits (had the set ages and lost non, then droped on and
lost about about four more in a week) and after the initial problem of it being old enough to not have halfords pro actually stamped into the tool i
showed him the exact same set on the shelf which they still do and he sorted me out will all of them no probs and when i mentioned the ratchet was a
bit worn he said to come back in as soon as it gives an trouble. Ive not had a receipt for the set for 5 years!
Halfords pro is now being rebranded as halfords advanced as well, which i think it a mistake, but can confirm it is only a name change and the range
and service remains the same.
Daniel
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pdm
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| posted on 25/10/09 at 11:22 AM |
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Just thought I'd let you all know what I ended up doing.
I had 4 problem bolts - two alternator bolts which were rounded off due to my ham fists and not knowing when to stop !! Then the infamous crank
pulley/flywheel bolts - gulp.
So I ended up buying flank/surface drive Sealey impact sockets in the relevant sizes and a Sealey breaker bar as these seemed less expensive (even
second hand !!!).
Left the alternator bolts soaked overnight in WD40 (nothing else to hand and know this isn't favoured by some !!). Tried it with the impact
socket on my normal ratchet and even though the bolt was well rounded, the socket fitment was very tight with no "looseness" - gave it a
go and sure enough it undid easy as pie.
So onto the crank pulley after a "cup o tea"
The difference between the impact socket to my ordinary (and very very old) set is night and day. You can just feel the difference through the
ratchet.
So many thanks again for everyone who posted advice, it's very helpful and has kept me going without having to drill out a bolt - suppose that
will happen sooner or later at which point I'll probably be posting again.
So off I go again for the crank pulley....
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