Regular Vs Impact Sockets

Regular Vs Impact Sockets

Whether you’re working with a pneumatic impact tool or just regular hand tools, having the right sockets will help you accomplish your projects. Understanding the differences between regular and impact sockets can help you make the right decision for your needs and budget. In this article, we’ll take a look at factors such as construction, durability, and intended use to help you choose the right socket set for your job.

Impact sockets are designed to work with power tools and can withstand high torque and sudden impacts. They’re made from a higher quality steel than regular sockets and are harder to damage due to their construction and design. However, they are also more expensive than regular sockets. Depending on the intensity of your projects, it may be worth investing in an impact socket set to save time and money in the long run.

Regular sockets are meant to be used with hand tools only and can withstand lower levels of pressure and torque. They’re often less expensive than impact sockets and are also easier to find in the store. Impact sockets are usually coated in black oxide to protect them from corrosion and rust. These coatings also add a layer of abrasion resistance, which helps them last longer than regular sockets.

Using an impact socket with a regular hand tool could result in the socket shattering or breaking. This is a serious safety risk for anyone who uses the tool as sharp debris could break off and injure someone. Impact sockets are designed with safety in mind to prevent injuries caused by sharp, flying fragments of broken metal.

Both impact and regular sockets can withstand certain amounts of torque, but they are built differently to handle this stress. Impact sockets are made from high-grade metal and are hardened to ensure they can withstand the sudden impact of an air impact wrench or drill, which creates great amounts of torque. Regular sockets are softer and more brittle due to their material and are less likely to be able to withstand such a sudden impact.

It’s easy to spot when a regular socket has been misused on an impact tool as it will have a crack on the square drive end of the socket, Snap-on says. This can result in damage to your project and cause injury or even break the socket itself.

The most important factor to consider when choosing between regular and impact sockets is the type of projects you’re planning on doing. If you’re only going to be working on light-duty projects, a regular socket is more than enough for the job. But if you’re going to be working on heavy-duty projects that require the use of an impact wrench, it is recommended that you purchase an impact socket set. Choosing the correct socket size for your fastener will also be key to ensuring that the bolt or nut can be tightened or loosened with ease. For best results, measure the bolt or nut’s diameter and select an impact socket that matches or slightly exceeds this size to ensure that it will fit securely.