not sure where else to ask this, but anyway..

i am looking into buying some air tools and am looking at impact socket sets. found what seems to be a good deal for a set. they are flank drive though, and i have never used that type. was wondering if flank drive sockets are ok for impact wrenches? or any other general advice on picking up a compressor/wrench/socket set?
thanks

 

Snap-On Tool Corporation held the patent on Flank Drive. The patent has expired and now most if not all tool companies have added Flank Drive to their line up. Instead of the wrench / socket grabbing the edges of a hex nut or bolt, they grab back on the flank of the fastener. This comes in very handy if the edges of the fastener are rounded off. It is a great design.

With regard to air tools, It depends on what you intend to use them for. Home or professional use. Any of the three major mobile tool companies have good quality air tools. A good multi purpose air tool would be Ingersol Rand. You can purchase them at Lowes, Home Depot, tool dealers, etc. They are also an affordable good quality tool.

Although I would probably get an argument on this next statement, I would not waste my time or money purchasing off-brand air tools from places such as Post Tool, Harbor Freight or the local auto parts chain store.

 

impact sockets are normally dull black, no chrome.

 

If you buy quality sockets, SAE and metric, expect to pay more for them than the air tool.
If you can only buy one set now buy deep sockets.
IR impacts and sockets are probably the best deal going without sacrificing quality.