Impact socket are used in conjunction with an impact gun to loosen and tighten fastener. Unlike chrome hand socket, impact sockets are made of chromium-molybdenum steel. This metal are selected for these sockets because it can absorb the shock of an impact gun and has thick wall that can withstand high levels of force.
Because it is made of chromium-molybdenum steel, impact sockets are more ductile then chrome sockets. As a result, chrome sockets are more brittle and may shatter if use with an impact gun. Common features of impact sockets include a black phosphate finish that resist rust and glare.
How to Choose and Use Impact Sockets
The drive size of the impact socket determine the amount of torque that the impact socket can handle. The drive size must be matched to the requirements of the task to be performed; a drive size that is too small for the task may result in a failure of the impact socket. For instance, small drive size are used for delicate bolt while larger drive sizes are used for heavy tasks like working on truck axle.
Using an impact socket that is too small for the task may result in damage to the impact socket or impact gun. Impact sockets comes in two primary length: shallow and deep. Shallow impact sockets are used in areas where there is limited space for deep impact sockets.
Shallow impact sockets are also useful for accessing flush bolt. Deep impact sockets are used for fasteners that is located far from the bolt. Deep impact sockets allow the impact socket to reach bolt that are recessed into the area to be worked upon.
Deep impact sockets must be fully seated on the fastener as they will flex slight under torque applied by the impact gun. A master chart should be used to determine the correct impact socket size for the fastener and the drive size. A master chart will allow the user to recognize the correct size for various job.
Additionally, a master chart will allow the user to understand the torque limit of the tools that they own. Using a master chart will prevent the user from using the wrong size impact socket for a job. Using the correct size will ensure the user can complete the task.
When building a collection of impact sockets, it is best to purchase only the size that are the most common for the vehicle that will be worked upon. Metric impact sockets are the most common for moddern passenger car. However, SAE impact sockets may also be needed for working on older vehicle.
It is more efficient to own fewer high-quality impact sockets than alot of low-quality one. Additionally, specialty tool like swivels or magnetic impact sockets may be purchased to assist with working in difficult angle or to retrieve dropped impact sockets. Always ensure that the impact socket is seated flush against the fastener and that the size of the impact socket match the size of the fastener.
Never use a chrome hand socket with an impact gun as the metal may shatter. Additionally, use retention pin to keep the impact socket from flying off of an anvil of the impact gun. Following these step will prevent injury to the user as well as damage to the fastener.
