What is an Impact Socket – Types, Size, and Who is it For
Impact sockets gained acceptance and reliability from the mechanics and racing teams for their long-term services and flexibility. You are probably searching for the best impact sockets but have no accurate ideas about them.
In this article, you will get in-depth knowledge of impact sockets, such as— what is an impact socket and its types and sizes. Also, you will know who uses impact sockets and why.
What are impact sockets?
Impact sockets are types of power tool accessories that are made of chrome molybdenum steel, which adds peripheral elasticity to the socket and tends to bend or stretch rather than the shutter. It also allows for avoiding unusual deformation or damage to the anvil of the tool.
Impact sockets are powered pneumatically, electrically, or hydraulically and are intended to be used with impact wrenches or “drivers.”More torque can be applied to a fastener’s head with an impact wrench and impact socket than is possible with a manual wrench.
Racing teams use impact sockets to swiftly apply high torque loads to wheel nuts in order to hold them firmly in place, while mechanics in garages frequently use them to remove stuck nuts and bolts from automobiles.
When a rotating hammer is driven (impacted) into an anvil by an impact wrench, it stores kinetic energy that is then released, applying force to the driver. The torque is increased because this force is applied to the impact point in a single burst rather than continuously.
Types of impact socket
Impact sockets come in two different varieties: standard and deep. Utilizing an impact socket with the appropriate depth for your application is crucial. It’s best to keep both types on hand.
Standard Impact Socket: Standard or “shallow” impact sockets are perfect for holding onto nuts on shorter bolt shafts without slipping off as quickly as deep sockets, and they can be used for applications in confined spaces where deep sockets cannot be used, such as jobs on car or motorcycle engines where the area is at a not easy to reach.
Deep Impact Socket: Deep impact sockets are designed to be used for lug nuts and bolts with exposed threads that are too long for standard sockets. Since deep sockets are longer than ordinary sockets, they can access lug nuts and bolts that standard sockets cannot.
Deep sockets are suitable for a broader range of applications. You can also use them in place of standard sockets.
However, apart from these two types, you will also get different impact sockets according to head types and drivers, such as hex sockets and in-hex sockets.
Common size of impact socket
The size of a socket refers to the size of the bolt it can accommodate. A 3/8-inch socket, for instance, is designed to fit a nut or bolt with a 3/8-inch head.
There are some standard sizes of impact sockets, such as 3/4 in Drive Size, 1 5/8 in Socket Size, 6-Point, Deep, Black Oxide, and more.
Moreover, the SAE (“standard”) or metric measurement systems will be used to determine the sizes of bolts and sockets. The metric system employs millimeters and is frequently used with products made outside of the United States, whereas the SAE system uses inches and fractions of an inch and is commonly used with American products.
It’s expected that most vehicles contain both SAE and metric bolts, so it would be good if you included the sockets that can accommodate both measurement systems. Moreover, when choosing a set, you should make sure that there aren’t missing any sizes that you need.
What are impact sockets made of
A suitable impact socket is constructed of chrome molybdenum, while regular sockets are often made of chrome vanadium. Chrome molybdenum is a ductile metal that is strong and vibration-resistant. It helps to avoid unusual deformation and damage to the anvil of tools.
The medium carbon alloy steel impact socket is readily formed to a low hardness range and designed for impact application. According to Snap-on, under heavy and continual use, an impact socket will endure the impact blows and wear instead of breaking.
Who is it and what is the impact socket used for
Impact sockets are used for numerous purposes by various people, like mechanics, racing teams, and more. Here are some details about it.
Impact wrenches are usually used by mechanics and racing teams in garages to eliminate seized nuts and bolts from vehicles.
Racing teams use impact wrenches to swiftly apply high torque loads to wheel nuts in order to hold them firmly in place. On the other hand, mechanics in garages frequently use impact sockets to remove stuck nuts and bolts from automobiles.
Moreover, Impact sockets can be powered pneumatically (by compressed air), electrically, or hydraulically and are intended for use with powered impact wrenches or “drivers” (by oil).
What is the difference between impact sockets and regular sockets?
Impact sockets can be used with pneumatic impact tools because their wall is about 50% thicker than the wall of a conventional hand tool socket. On the other hand, regular sockets are only for use on hand tools. You can see this difference in the corner of the socket where the wall is the thinnest.
Impact sockets are made of chrome molybdenum steel that gives extra elasticity to the socket. It will help you avoid unusual deformation or damage to the anvil of the tool. On the other hand, regular sockets are constructed with chrome vanadium steel which is structurally strong but brittle. It is prone to breaking during exposure to shock and vibration.
Another visual difference between impact and regular sockets is that impact sockets contain a cross hole in the handle end to be used with a retaining pin and ring or locking pin anvil. You can use impact sockets in place of regular sockets using a normal ratchet. But you cannot use a regular socket with an impact wrench because it will cause the shatter of your regular socket due to the unmatched wall design.
Moreover, you can apply impact sockets on impact wrenches and guns as well as on numerous hand tools. Also, the impact sockets are larger and heavier than the regular sockets.
Difference between impact sockets and chrome hand sockets
Impact sockets are constructed with soft steel that can withstand impacts better. They are thicker since steel is softer and more flexible. The entire piece of metal contracts slightly, distributing the impact’s energy evenly across the entire socket.
On the other hand, chrome sockets are manufactured from harder steel. However, it’s also stronger but more brittle and can’t take impacts perfectly. Because the energy from the impact will not disperse well when impacting harder seel.
Chrome sockets are usually not used on high-torque wrenches. They are coated in chrome which is better at saving against rust. Impact sockets typically wear out faster than chrome sockets.
Who makes the best impact sockets-Best impact socket to buy
You will get numerous famous companies for manufacturing the best impact sockets. Here I will mention some well-known brands for providing particular impact sockets.
- Milwaukee is well-known for providing deep-impact sockets
- Dewalt is best for making impact driver socket sets
- Sunex is best for hex impact sockets
- EPAuto provides the best deep-impact socket set
You can buy all kinds of impact sockets from Vermont Tool Company at reasonable prices because VTC is one of the top-rated tools retailers in the US, which stocks world-class impact sockets in its online store.
Important FAQs of impact socket
Are impact sockets necessary?
Impact sockets are essential for use in the garage and in mechanical activities because they help to achieve optimal tool efficiency and ensure safety in the workplace.
Are impact sockets different?
Impact sockets are obviously different from regular sockets and chrome hand sockets. Impact sockets are stronger and more flexible than other sockets.
Are impact sockets stronger?
Impact sockets are made of chrome molybdenum steel and powered pneumatically, electrically, or hydraulically, which makes the sockets stronger and more flexible.
Can I use impact sockets for everything?
Impact sockets are thicker than regular sockets, and they are suitable and perfect for use with pneumatic impact tools.
Can you use impact sockets on a ratchet?
Impact sockets absolutely can be used on a hand tool ratchet, a breaker bar, or a torque wrench instead of damaging the tool or placing yourself at risk.
Final Words
What is an impact socket? The question brought you in this article, and you got comprehensive knowledge in it, including its types, sizes, and differences from other sockets like regular and chrome hand sockets. I hope now it’s clear why impact sockets are special and unique and why you should choose this tool. So, go forth and conquer.
