Choosing Between Impact and Standard Sockets
Impact sockets are designed to withstand higher torque and are suitable for use with impact wrenches, offering durability and strength. Standard sockets, on the other hand, are typically used with hand tools and are not built to withstand the impact forces generated by power tools. Choose impact sockets for heavy-duty tasks with power tools and standard sockets for general hand tool use. Understanding the key differences and factors to consider is crucial for making informed decisions.
- Purpose: Determine the primary tasks you’ll be performing and whether they require hand tools or power tools.
- Strength and Durability: Assess the level of torque and force involved in your applications to select sockets that can withstand these demands.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the sockets you choose are compatible with your tools, considering factors like size and drive type.
- Material: Consider the materials used in socket construction, with impact sockets typically made of stronger alloys for increased durability.
- Cost and Value: Balance the initial cost of sockets with their long-term value and performance to make a cost-effective choice.
- Safety: Prioritise safety by selecting sockets that are appropriate for your tools and tasks, minimising the risk of accidents or damage.
Impact Sockets vs Standard Sockets
Standard sockets are designed for use with hand ratchets, wrenches, or other hand tools. They’re made from chrome vanadium steel, feature thinner walls, often have chrome plating for corrosion resistance, and come in six-point or twelve-point designs. Markings indicate size in both metric and imperial measurements. They’re compatible with hand tools but not suitable for high-torque impact wrenches or air tools, which require impact sockets due to their thicker construction and ability to withstand impact forces. Using the wrong type of socket can damage tools, workpieces, or pose safety risks.
Impact sockets are heavy-duty tools designed for high-torque applications with impact wrenches and air tools. Made from tough materials like chrome moly or heat-treated chrome vanadium steel, they have thicker walls and often feature a black oxide finish for durability and corrosion resistance. Their specialised design, including six or twelve points for better grip, reduces the risk of rounding off fasteners. Impact sockets are not interchangeable with regular sockets due to their ability to withstand impact forces safely.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table highlighting the key differences between standard sockets and impact sockets:
| Features | Standard Sockets | Impact Sockets |
| Material | Chrome vanadium steel or similar | Chrome molybdenum steel (chrome moly) or heat-treated chrome vanadium steel |
| Thickness | Thinner walls | Thicker walls |
| Finish | Chrome plating or similar | Black oxide finish or similar |
| Design | Six-point or twelve-point for gripping fasteners | Six-point or twelve-point for gripping fasteners |
| Purpose | Designed for use with hand ratchets, wrenches, and torque wrenches | Designed for use with impact wrenches and air tools |
| Strength and Durability | Suited for hand tool applications, lower resistance to high torque and impact forces | Specifically engineered to withstand high torque and impact forces |
| Compatibility | Compatible with hand tools | Compatible with impact wrenches and air tools |
| Markings | Marked with size in metric (mm) and imperial (inches) measurements | Marked with size in metric (mm) and imperial (inches) measurements |
| Corrosion Resistance | Chrome plating provides corrosion resistance | Black oxide finish provides corrosion resistance |
Please note that: Using an impact socket as a standard socket is generally safe and effective due to its durability and strength, provided that size and drive compatibility are ensured. Impact sockets are designed to withstand high torque, making them suitable for use with hand tools like ratchets and wrenches. However, using a standard socket as an impact socket is not recommended. Standard sockets lack the robust construction needed to handle the high impact forces of impact wrenches and air tools, posing a risk of socket failure and injury. It’s crucial to use the appropriate tool for the job to ensure safety and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
How to Choose an Impact Socket?
Choosing the right impact socket involves considering several factors to ensure safe and effective use.
- Size: Choose the impact socket size matching your fastener.
- Drive Size: Ensure the socket’s drive matches your impact wrench.
- Material and Construction: Opt for durable materials like chrome molybdenum steel.
- Thickness and Design: Look for sockets with thick walls and a robust design.
- Corrosion Resistance: Consider sockets with protective finishes like black oxide.
- Compatibility: Check compatibility with your specific impact tool brand.
- Quality and Brand Reputation: Invest in reputable brands for reliability and performance.
Top Picks for Impact Sockets
Teng Tools T9222 1/2″ Drive Mecca Pro Impact Socket Set (18 Pieces)
- 18 regular metric sockets from 10 to 32 mm
- Retaining pins (2 pcs) and rings (2 pcs) included
- Made of chrome molybdenum (CR-MO)
- For use with power tools
- Supplied in a robust blow moulded box
- Provide reliable torque transfer
Sealey AK5634M 1/2″Sq Drive Metric Impact Socket Set 34pc
- Master set of impact sockets manufactured from Chrome Vanadium steel
- Hardened and tempered with a phosphate finish for added corrosion resistance
- Standard and deep WallDriveยฉ sockets allow a transfer of up to 30% more torque to the fixing
- Supplied in storage case
How to Choose a Standard Socket?
- Size: Ensure the socket size matches the fastener you’re working with.
- Drive Size: Match the socket’s drive size to your ratchet or hand tool.
- Material and Construction: Opt for durable materials like chrome vanadium steel.
- Thickness and Design: Look for sockets with appropriate thickness and design for your application.
- Corrosion Resistance: Consider sockets with corrosion-resistant coatings for longevity.
- Compatibility: Ensure the socket is compatible with your ratchet or hand tool brand.
- Quality and Brand: Invest in sockets from reputable brands known for quality and reliability.
Top Picks for Standard Sockets
Draper 16461 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ Metric Socket and Socket Bit Set (149 Pieces)
- Manufactured from chrome vanadium steel
- Hardened and tempered with a micro satin finish
- Each socket has a knurled ring for extra grip.
- Tough plastic storage case with soft grip handle.
Bahco S910 1/4″ and 1/2″ Socket, Deep Socket Set and Combination Spanner Set (92 Pieces)
- Matte finish
- High-performance alloy steel
- Less wear and damage to fastener thanks to Dynamic-Driveโข profile sockets
- Quick socket release button on ratchet
- Case: High density polythene (HDPE)
Choosing the Right Socket Guide: Standard vs Impact
| Scenario | Standard Socket Usage | Impact Socket Usage |
| General fastening application | Assembling furniture – Automotive repairs (non-impact related) – Household repairs | Automotive repairs involving impact tools (e.g., pneumatic or electric impact wrenches) |
| Fastening with hand tools | Tightening bolts with a ratchet or hand wrench | Fastening bolts or nuts with an impact wrench |
| Low torque applications | Hand tightening or loosening bolts or nuts | High-torque applications such as lug nuts, suspension components, and stubborn bolts/nuts |
| Precision work | Applications requiring precise torque control, such as delicate electronics assembly or fine mechanics | Loosening stubborn or rusted fasteners, where high torque and shock resistance are necessary |
| Limited clearance situations | When space is tight and a standard socket fits better | When clearance is limited but high torque is still required, as impact sockets are usually shorter |
| Impact-related tasks (e.g., drilling) | Not suitable for use with impact tools | Designed specifically for use with impact tools, ensuring durability and safety under high impact loads |
Note: You might find it useful to have a look at How to Maintain Your Socket Set: Essential Tips.
FAQ
What are Standard Socket sizes?
Standard socket sets typically include sockets in a range of sizes to accommodate various fasteners commonly encountered in mechanical and automotive work. The sizes usually range from small to large, covering both metric and imperial measurements. Here are the common socket sizes found in standard socket sets:
- Metric Sizes: 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm,15mm,16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 30mm, 32mm.
- Imperial (SAE) Sizes: 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″, 1-1/16″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″
These sizes cover a wide range of applications, from small bolts and nuts to larger fasteners commonly found in automotive and mechanical assemblies.
What Standard Socket equals 36mm?
In standard socket sets, the equivalent size to a 36mm socket is typically a 1-7/16″ socket in the imperial (SAE) measurement system. However, it’s essential to note that socket sizes might not align exactly between metric and imperial systems. In practical terms, a 1-7/16″ socket is commonly used as a substitute for a 36mm socket when the exact metric size is not available.
How do you convert a standard socket to metric?
To convert a standard socket size to its metric equivalent, you can use the following conversion:
1 inch = 25.4 millimetres
So, if you have a standard socket size in inches, you can multiply it by 25.4 to get the approximate metric equivalent.
For example:
- A 1-inch standard socket is approximately equivalent to 25.4 mm.
- A 1/2-inch standard socket is approximately equivalent to 12.7 mm.
- A 3/4-inch standard socket is approximately equivalent to 19.05 mm.
However, please note that these conversions are approximate, and there may not be an exact metric equivalent for every standard socket size.
Can you use an Impact Socket on a Ratchet?
Yes, you can use an impact socket with a ratchet. Impact sockets are built to handle high-torque tasks from tools like impact wrenches. While ratchets apply lower torque, they’re compatible with impact sockets without causing damage. Many pros and DIYers use impact sockets with ratchets for their strength and durability, especially on tough bolts or nuts. Just ensure the impact socket matches the drive size of your ratchet for proper fit and operation.
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