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Are you one of that ambitious DIY who carries out maintenance and repair work on your car, bike, or motorcycle yourself? Or do you like to assemble your furniture according to the do-it-yourself principle? In principle, there are many screws or hinges to be loosened and fastened in these areas.

A well-stocked socket set will help you do the job comfortably and conveniently. But such a tool is also an indispensable companion for professionals who rely on high-quality tools every day.

Get to know recommended socket sets in comparison and learn more about the functions and features of the respective models.

How to choose impact sockets

A socket wrench set is an assortment of tools that is suitable for loosening or tightening screw connections and, depending on the design, consists of various individual parts:

  • socket wrenches in different sizes
  • screw attachments for loosening or tightening Phillips, slotted, or Torx screws
  • ratchets or ratchets
  • extensions
  • adapters
  • joints
  • screwdriver holder
  • bit holder
  • hexagon socket wrench
  • spark plug inserts

What are Torx screws? The term Torx is derived from the word Torque and means torque. Torx screws have a special screw driving profile, which has similarities with a hexagonal star. The special advantage of the screw variant for you is that you can work with a significantly higher torque by means of the special Torx inserts. Due to the unusual shape, you do not have to apply a high-pressure force. This prevents damage to the inner profile and allows you to tighten the screw much more firmly than your conventional counterparts.

Almost all the versatile products are made of chrome vanadium steel, so you can expect a high level of corrosion protection and durability. The steel alloy allows you to loosen even very tight screws without fear of damage to the ratchet or the attachments. You can usually get a socket set in a plastic or metal case, in which all the elements are clearly arranged. If you are interested in such a set, the trade also offers the versions under the designation ratchet or ratchet box.
A socket wrench set is designed for both professional work and demanding DIY work. The special robustness of the materials as well as the extensive functions of the different components make them an indispensable companion.

Flexible and easy work: Whether for assembling a new piece of furniture, repairing a bicycle, changing a tire on your car or repairing machinery or industrial equipment – with the right set you can loosen or fasten all screw connections conveniently. You can do your work without much effort, even in hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached with a conventional wrench or screwdriver.

How does a socket set work?

Socket wrench set comparison The functional principle of a socket wrench set is quickly explained. Even if you should not be so versed in the field, the handling of the tool should not cause you any particular problems. As you have already experienced, the set mostly consists of different components, which basically include ratchets, attachments, screwdriver handles, Torx, bits, as well as joints and extensions.

All the individual parts can be combined into a single unit and thus into a functional tool. Assemble the ratchet or screw holder with the corresponding nuts orbits and use them to conveniently loosen or fasten screws and nuts of different sizes. Most of the all-rounders can only be operated mechanically so that other supports such as a battery drive are not possible. However, some socket sets can also be used with a cordless screwdriver or drill.

The best choice

TACKLIFE Drive Impact Socket Set

 4,9 Rating

TACKLIFE Drive Impact Socket Set

Features:

  • Dimensions: 13.58 x 7.87 x 1.77 inches.
  • Item includes 1-inch Crimper, 1/2&3/8&3/4-inch Jaws, Gauge, Spanner.
  • Meet ASTM F1807 Standard.
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Tool is factory calibrated. Angledheads for access to tight spaces with ease.Go/NoGo Gauge and PEX PIPE CUTTER and Instruction included. Polished crimp jaw ensures no damage both on PEX Pipe and Copper Crimp Rings. Lightweight composite handles reduce fatigue Works with 1/2inch and 3/4inch PEX copper crimp rings and meets ASTM F1807 standard.

DeWALT 10 PC SOCKET – Video

Buyer’s guide for the impact socket set

This review and guide provide information on the best impact socket set you can find.

There are quite a few manufacturers of an impact socket set on the market, and the prices vary greatly. From a pure price point of view, the type of impact socket set can be priced from $50 to $230.

The best impact socket set for the money

Best impact sockets

All our reviews are based exclusively on expert judgments or practical experience with most of the impact socket set we have tested. We strive to make our guide as independent and as detailed as possible.

Impact socket sets in comparison

Sunex 3342 Drive Master Impact Socket Set

  • 8 standard sockets and 8 deep sockets.
  • 12 standard sockets and 12 deep sockets.
  • Universal joint and 3” extension.

 4,8 Rating

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Each socket has been forged from CR-MO alloy steel

The impact socket set includes SAE sizes from 5/16” to 3/4” and metric sizes from 10mm to 19mm in both standard and deep lengths. It also includes a Universal joint and a 3” extension. Sockets’ professional-level performance-conveniently stored in one heavy-duty Storage case. Meets ANSI standards.

TEKTON Drive Deep 6-Point Impact Socket Set

TEKTON Drive Deep 6-Point Impact Socket Set
  • 1/2 in. drive deepwell 6-point sockets (metric): 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32 mm.
  • Storage case.

 4,9 Rating

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Efficiently transfer torque from impact wrench to fastener

High-torque, 6-point socket design grips the flat sides of fasteners, not just the corners, preventing round-off. Made from forged and heat-treated chrome vanadium steel with a corrosion-resistant black phosphate finish. Meets or exceeds ANSI performance standards.

DEWALT Impact Socket Set

DEWALT Impact Socket Set, SAE, 1/2-Inch, 10-Piece (DW22812)
  • 8 most common size sockets.
  • 2 1/4-inch adapters.
  • Carrying case.

 4,8 Rating

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Small footprint and easy to carry

Designed for use in both corded and cordless impact drivers and wrenches. Recessed corners distribute torque across flats, promoting a life of the socket. The pivoting organization pins allow for customized application-based storage, and the space inside the case allows for storage of a common 10-inch hand wrench (not included).

Capri Tools Impact Socket Set

Capri Tools 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket Set
  • 61-piece set.
  • The 6-point WaveDrive design.
  • Meets and exceeds ASME B107.110 standards.

 4,8 Rating

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Complete collection of most frequently used impact sockets and accessories

These organized in one convenient impact-resistant tool case. Premium Chrome Molybdenum steel tempered with our proprietary heat treatment process to withstand more torque from power tools. Expertly coated with manganese phosphate, the preferred coating in military and aerospace, which offers superior protection and corrosion resistance compared to black oxide coating on other impact sockets.

The advantages and disadvantages of a socket set

A socket wrench set is not only equipped with a comprehensive range of accessories but also impresses with its precisely coordinated components for everyday use. The set thereby fulfills all requirements that enable you to operate flexibly as well as work safely. In this way, you benefit from a significantly lower effort and save a lot of time in your work.

As with all things of daily use, however, there are also less positive aspects of a socket set, which we do not want to withhold from you. Although sets for home use are quite affordable – on the other hand, you have to invest a few euros more for a professionally equipped set.

Advantages Disadvantages
Significant facilitation of manual work Not all bits are magnetic
Comfortable working even in narrow and angled areas Some ratchets from the set can only be operated with one drive
Flexible and comfortable handling Tools sometimes do not stay in place during transport
Extensive assortment arranged in a case Professional sets are cost-intensive
Suitable attachments quickly to hand
Transmission of high torques possible
Uncomplicated loosening and tightening of screw connections
Wide range of possible uses and selections
Durability

The buying criteria of a socket set

If you decide to buy a socket set, you certainly know for what purposes you want to use the tool in the future. You probably also know whether you will need the set more rarely or more often. We, therefore, present you with the most important purchase criteria, for which you should definitely consider the different requirements and individual user behavior.

  1. Area of use
  2. Included tools
  3. Widths of the sockets
  4. Quality and material of the tools
  5. Arrangement and storage
  6. Weight and handling

There are many types of impact sockets on the market, but they can all be divided into two categories: conventional and percussion.

Choose a Impact Socket

Socket headsets serve as indispensable tools for home handymen, metalworking professionals, thread makers, and automotive repairmen.

If you have decided on the right direction, then familiarize yourself with the types and sizes of ratchets and sockets that can last long and reliably. After that, you will know what impact socket to choose.

A set includes the following items:

  • From 5 heads of various sizes with a hexagonal or twelve-sided profile;
  • Ratchet with the number of teeth from 24 to 72 (keep in mind that the more teeth it has, the better it works);
  • A flexible handle;
  • One or two extensions;
  • Open-end wrench;
  • Flexible gimbal joints;
  • A plastic or metal case.

There are small cases that contain the minimum necessary parts. And larger ones that include: hammers, pliers, gimbals, screwdrivers, and more. In such a complete case, the necessary tools will be at the hand of the craftsman.

The main basis for selecting a set – the square of the ratchet and the connecting impact socket. Matching sizes come in metric and inch (U.S.). One inch equals the metric size of 25.4 mm.

There are 6- and 12-point sockets, depending on the number of facets

The hexagonal impact socket profile is the classic choice because it follows the profile of the nut and bolt. And is applied closer to the center of the facets and increases the strength of the fastener. Such a impact socket is considered good and durable.

Sockets with a twelve-sided profile are suitable for use in hard-to-reach places, in work with threaded joints. The profile is uniform with no abrupt changes from thick to thin edges. They are used in the work, as well as hexagonal. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the 12-sided format can flatten the edges of the impact socket of fasteners and deform over time.

Sockets differ in the quality of the alloy and are divided into:

  • Special: the material is made mainly of chrome vanadium alloy. Used with both hand tools and pneumatic wrenches. They are used for special parts of non-standard shapes. Often used in work on cars and vehicles.
  • They are made of chrome vanadium steel, a special process that makes them more durable and their characteristic black color. They are the best to use with mechanical amplifiers. They are not sensitive to heavy loads and are used for all types of work. The clear choice for tire service, engine, and industrial production.
  • General-purpose impact socket are used on a wide variety of fasteners.

According to the size of the connection square of the following types: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″

  • 1/4″ nozzle size from 4 mm to 14 mm. Comfortable in work with small size, hard-to-reach places, threaded fasteners, where you do not need to apply force;
  • 3/8” medium size from 8 mm to 22 mm. Good for use in the home and car floor, removal and installation of threaded fasteners;
  • 1/2” popular and demanded size in the use of works from 8 mm to 23 mm. Tough grip tightens and loosens nuts, bolts of all sizes. Gives force in the use of mounting, repairing spheres;
  • 3/4” large square from 19mm to 60mm. Suitable for agricultural, military, and truck maintenance.

Enough of the case set has several types of the square, usually 1/4” and 1/2” are the most consumable and popular.

Another weighty characteristic of the heads is the length: standard and extended. In most areas with a fastener, they take the standard ones. But for work with long studs and elongated parts you need the appropriate heads For example, with candle heads in the engines of the car.

Which company’s impact socket set is better?

The choice of cases for the modern consumer is becoming broader, and more often the question arises: what is the best impact socket from which company.

We recommend that you choose tools among these brands:

  • DEWALT
  • TACKLIFE
  • Drive Master
  • TEKTON
  • Capri ToolsLEXIVON
impact socket set test

Impact Socket Set Price:

Under $50

  • TACKLIFE Drive Impact Socket Set
  • TEKTON 6-Point Impact Socket Set

Under $100

  • DEWALT Impact Socket Set 10-Piece

Under $200

  • Sunex Impact Socket Set 42-Piece

Under $300

    • Capri Tools Impact Socket Set 61-Piece

FAQs- Impact Socket

✅ Do you need shallow impact sockets?

Deep. Shallows are good for smaller bolts and where you need clearance, but deep sockets are saviors for those hard-to-reach bolts and will let you get a better grip on nuts threaded far down a blind bolt/stud.

✅ Are deep sockets better?

Deep sockets are better for specific jobs instead of general use. If you have bolted joints, they make a much better option for your socket wrench than shallow sockets. … Because the length of the bolt means the nut will need to go further into the socket, deep sockets are a much better choice.

✅ Do you need deep well sockets for lug nuts?

In this case, a deep socket is necessary to accommodate the long end of the bolt and fit snugly around the nut. … Whether you use a lug wrench, torque wrench, impact socket, or regular socket, you’ll need the correct size to remove or tighten lug nuts or lug bolt.

Max Welder

Max Welder

Hi! I'm Max Welder (toolsproper.com). I always wanted to work with my own hands, repair something, do things. Now I combine my knowledge with computers and my own knowledge in the field of mechanics in order to understand which tools I like the most. I hope to convey some knowledge and experience.

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