Impact Sockets & Sets

An impact socket is a functional tool used for tightening and loosening a variety of fasteners. Designed to withstand much torque, impact sockets can be applied in conjunction with hand ratchets or impact tools. In cases where standard sockets would have shattered and caused injury with the fragments flying all around, impact sockets can cope with stubborn rusted fasteners with ease and ensure improved user safety. Impact sockets will be a perfect addition to your tool box.

The impact socket is a cylinder that features an opening that can fit over the commonly used male fasteners. Depending on the type of the opening, there are female, square, hex, and universal sockets. Most impact sockets feature 6, 8 or 12 point recessed openings to be able to house a variety of fastener heads. Standard six-point pattern provides stable grip and improved torque, while twelve-pointed impact sockets can cope with square nuts apart from a more common hexagonal type. Irregular and hard-to-reach fasteners can also be worked on with the help of swivel or universal joint sockets.

Impact sockets are available in a variety of driver sizes that allow for accommodating the most widespread fasteners sizes. The most frequently used impact sockets come in 1/2", 1/4", 1/8”, 3/4”, 3/8” and 9/16” sizes. Many people have entire sets of impact sockets to be always ready to work with a variety of fasteners. Most impact sockets have comprehensive SAE or metric drive size markings to let you easily pick the right type of tool. Another factor that should be taken into account when shopping for impact sockets is the tool’s depth. It is crucial for loosening and tightening fasteners that are attached to studs.

Impact and standard sockets differ in material and finish. Most standard sockets are constructed from strong steel that is nevertheless prone to shattering when it breaks. Impact sockets are typically made of softer steel that might crack or deform but will not break apart. Impact sockets feature an attractive pleated chrome finish that not only has anti-corrosion properties, but also works as an additional safety measure. When subject to great impact forces, it will be the first to chip and fly off, being too thin to cause any injury, yet signaling that the applied pressure can deform or break the impact socket itself.