Power Tool Accessory Reviews

Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Sockets – 49-66-4484

October 1, 2012

As a consumer you have a lot to choose from for power tool accessories. Most of the time we tend to put all of our research into what power tool we should buy. We really don’t think much about the accessories we buy such as saw blades and bits. Probably the main reason is the large upfront cost to a power tool as opposed to the actually accessories. But when you think about it, we should probably spend more time researching the accessories as over the life of the tool, we drop more money on the accessories than the tool itself. Plus, having the right accessories does two things. First, it makes the job much easier. Second, if the blade or accessory performs better, you create less wear and tear on your tool and it should last longer. I remember way back I bought a screw kit from overstock.com. The kit had around 100 pieces with a couple magnetic bit holders, a bunch of #2 bits and more. The kit cost around $20 or $25 and thought I was getting a really great deal. Turns out I was ripped off. The magnetic bit holders didn’t work and the bits just stripped really easily. Well I learned my lesson and now I spend a couple extra bucks to get something good, not only with accessories, but also with fasteners. Okay, enough with the small talk, let’s get going on one of Milwaukee’s accessories which is the Shockwave Thin Wall Impact Sockets, model 49-66-4484.

In the past I have been able to sneak by using some cheaper impact sockets. However sooner of later they strip bolts because the inside of the socket doesn’t hold up under these high pressure applications. Again, no longer do I go with no name sockets. The Milwaukee deep impact sockets are not your normal sockets, they have a couple advantages over other sockets on the market. First, these sockets are made from proprietary steel and heat treated. They are not like some of the other softer sockets on the market, these are made to work for the long haul. Another feature I like about these sockets are the thin wall design which means I can get these into tighter spots. Milwaukee didn’t stop there, they also implemented radius corners so it drives on flat to reduce stripping and breakage.

Now I can’t say I have been using these for years, but I have gotten a lot of use out of them, especially the 5/8″ socket. Overall, I like these sockets. So far they have held up and did everything I have asked of them. The case is a huge plus as the sockets are easy to take in and put back. The case stays closed and doesn’t pop open when I drop it on the ground. They are easy to keep organized.