Impact sockets (sometimes called impact wrenches) are socket types designed to be used with impact drivers, tightening, or loosening a great range of compatible fasteners like nuts and bolts in various applications. An impact socket comes in hex and in-hex variants with single- or double-bits ensuring the socket’s protection against cracks from impact vibration. These tools deliver high torque and multiple blows during applications for breaking stubborn fasteners and are black finished making them hardened and managed under the impact changes.
Furthermore, impact sockets also have a coating of black oxide, which gives them a different color appearance than the other sockets. Black oxide is applied as a surface finish so that the sockets are well protected against corrosion, as another plating, like chrome, would start chipping and eventually break off. This will mostly be caused by the vibration that an impact driver creates.
Impact Socket Types:
Impact sockets are classified into two types:
- One-Piece Impact Socket – These sockets feature a uniform structure without being separated, allowing robust hardness and extended life span.
- Two-Piece Impact Socket – Unlike one-piece sockets, two-piece sockets allow to be dismantled for repairs with their split structures and are ideal for large industrial applications. Their designs offer minimal maintenance, are economical, and allow broken section replacement instead of the entire socket.
- Other sockets include deep sockets with a long barrel. A deep impact socket is a deep socket constructed from durable and strong materials for impact tools with added accessibility in confined and hard-to-reach spaces. They allow access to recessed bolts due to their deeper barrels.
Types Based on Impact Sockets’ Shapes:
Depending on their shapes, they are classified into the following types:
- Square and Torx Impact Sockets – These sockets are not commonly used; however, they are ideal for specialised applications.
- Hexagonal – These hexagonal impact sockets are called 6-point impact sockets, with a hexagonal internal socket recess. These sockets are the most standard and commonly shaped fastener of sockets.
- Bi-Hexagon Impact Socket – They are referred to as 12-point impact sockets with double internal socket recess hexagonal shape. Due to their additional points, they offer extra torque for tightening or loosening various nuts and bolts.
Materials for Impact Sockets:
Impact sockets are made of highly durable and powerful materials like chrome molybdenum steel, which is why these sockets are available to withstand such high vibrations from impact wrenches. Other materials include alloy steel, chrome vanadium steel, and steel.
How are Impact Sockets Different from Other Sockets?
Impact sockets are considered different from other sockets as they bear the impact of the vibration created by the hammer’s impact on the anvil. Inside the impact wrench, it can generate greater torque levels than any other. If you used a normal socket with an impact wrench, that socket would shatter into pieces.
Impact Socket Applications:
- Impact sockets are must-have devices for certain settings and industrial workplaces for removing tight nuts & bolts.
- Professionals, such as mechanics in garages, widely use them for engineering and maintenance applications.
- They remove seized nuts or bolts with various automobile applications like loosening tire nuts.
Why Choose Enrgtech?
Enrgtech provides a wide range of standard-quality and reliable products like Impact Sockets from the leading manufacturers at affordable prices. We offer same-day shipping options and ensure that the products are delivered to your required locations on time.