Originally Posted by Klutch9
Is it okay however to use a chrome socket on an impact, IF you use an impact-rated extension or adapter in between?
In a rare moment of ****-it, let's get it done NOW, I used a chrome socket on a long extension, powered by a little 1/4" drive impact driver with socket extension, to tighten a buried bolt head. The bolt was turning, but I was surprised to see a stream of... something falling down to the floor as I hammered away at all of 10 ft/lbs. After a few more tries (lots of run-in, but it was moving) I kept seeing it and caught some, it was some kind of fine glitter. When I examined the socket (an admittedly cheap sacrificial Craftsman), it was clear where all that "glitter" came from. It was chrome from the inside of the socket.
I have no idea whether my SK's would have faired as poorly, but I don't abuse my expensive tools. (Just the cheap ones
).
Off topic - If you're curious, the "bolt head" was of a big hose clamp, and I was using it to clamp down and quiet a loose Honda Cat shield. The other half of the shield was rusted off and had already been removed, now this one was in the process of doing the same, but the meaty part holding it on was not easily accessible. I was clamping it down to its mount, not the cat, so there was still air space. The hose clamp sure must have gotten hot, though... but that "fix" worked, and lasted a couple of years until I removed the now-fully-rusty shield and hose clamp, and sold the vehicle.