Can I use a non-impact socket with an impact gun?

[jonrpick]

I know you're not supposed to...

But here's the deal:

1) I don't want to buy a complete set of impact sockets
2) I have a "regular" socket the size I need for my pinion nut
3) The impact I'm borrowing is 1/2" drive, and so is my socket. Any individual 1.5" impact sockets that I'm finding are all 3/4" drive, meaning I'd need to buy/rent a different impact gun


I need to torque down the pinion nut to crush the crush-sleeve. Will this work or am I asking for trouble? Need a response ASAP, as I have to return the impact gun to it's owner (another CK5er) today.

 

[Jason4x4]

I do it all the time. Shouldn't be a problem, but don't hold the socket, cause if it does break, it will probably shatter or throw a piece.

 

[jonrpick]

I do it all the time. Shouldn't be a problem, but don't hold the socket, cause if it does break, it will probably shatter or throw a piece.

OK... Well it is a Craftsman socket, so if it dies I should be able to exchange it for free.

 

[onetonbb74]

with a socket that big, no prob. The small ones tend to be iffy. Impact sockets dont fit on pinion nuts anyway, the yoke is too big for the socket to fit over the nut. Had this prob. on a trail once, 14ff broken yoke, the only socket i could borrow was a impact socket, so i tried it, and it was to thick and would not fit over the nut, i had to have a friend bring me one from sears and it worked flawlessly.

btw, 1.5 impact socket i borrowed was for the lug nuts on a rockwell. Thought that was funny I needed it for a pinion.

 

[jonrpick]

I just realized it's 1.25", not 1.5"... still, good to know I won't screw anything up.

I'm off to double check everything about the setup and pattern, then install the new inner pinion bearing and set preload.

Wish me luck.

 

[Drey]

I used to do it alot, but now have an impact set so i dont worry about it.

 

[jonrpick]

I used to do it alot, but now have an impact set so i dont worry about it.

The socket survived...but sadly didn't crush the sleeve.

 

[Confedneck79K30]

gonna say, it takes a lot to crush the sleeve, a jim-bob home owners gun on a small compressor wont do it...

 

[kevin400ex]

the only chrome sockets ill use on any of my air tools are craftsman since they are easy to replace with no questions. my mac sockets are never used on air tools cept maybe an air ratchet, my mac guy checks to see if they have been used on an impact, you cant if they have by looking at the square part that goes on the tool, it will be beat up after using it on an impact. course if you spend enough on the truck he will replace em somtimes

 

[jonrpick]

gonna say, it takes a lot to crush the sleeve, a jim-bob home owners gun on a small compressor wont do it...

This was a gun borrowed from another CK5er that uses it daily at a Chevy dealership. It's plenty capable (and has been used to crush a sleeve before). I think after reading up, my air line was way to small. It's one of those coiled deals that comes with the compressor.

 

[Confedneck79K30]

that'll choke it down real quick... those hoses are great for air blow guns...

 

[kevin400ex]

This was a gun borrowed from another CK5er that uses it daily at a Chevy dealership. It's plenty capable (and has been used to crush a sleeve before). I think after reading up, my air line was way to small. It's one of those coiled deals that comes with the compressor.

no wonder, thats like pissing into a coke bottle versus a gatorade

 

[kyser_soze]

I only use 6pt sockets when using an impact. Or else it focks things up.

 

[jonrpick]

I only use 6pt sockets when using an impact. Or else it focks things up.

This is a 6pt socket... I would only use 12pt on 12pt nuts or bolts.

 

[Avery4jc]

We use SnapOn sockets with our impact day in and day out... You can definately see they're starting to round out the corners but like I said we use them all day every day.

 

[eagle mark]

Wrap the socket several times with electrical tape! This way if it breaks it will stay together and not shoot shrap metal all directions.

 

[79chevyk10]

I use chrome sockets from time to time when the impacts won't fit. I've even broke a few. All mine breaks were more like tears along the sides and never a shatter. BTW: my home air compressor (130 gal. 110 volt) with a 3/8" hose will crush a crush sleeve using a IR Titanium 1/2" drive impact. Only gun that I've used that will do it at home. Ohh, 145 psi out of tank.