Do you know which socket to use on your impact wrench?
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There are many types of sockets on the market, but all can be split into two categories: impact sockets and regular sockets.
How to differentiate impact sockets from regular sockets?
The main difference is wall thickness but it is very easy to differentiate between the two by just looking at them: impact sockets are matt while most of the standard sockets are glossy.
You can learn more in the table below:
Impact Sockets
Regular Sockets
(also called
non-impact / normal / standard)
Finish
Matt and black
(due to a black oxide coating, also known as ‘industrial surface finish’)
Chromed and glossy
Composition
Molybdenum chromium steel
Chrome vanadium steel
Main characteristics
Thick walls
Thin walls
Tool Fitting
Designed with a cross hole in the handle end, compatible with a retaining pin and ring, or locking pin anvil
No cross hole in the handle end
Tools recommended usage
Powered tools (impact wrenches, nutrunners…)
Hand tools only
Two reasons why you should only use impact sockets for your impact wrench:
- Ensure safety: Contrary to regular sockets, impact sockets are designed to support and absorb the momentary shock of each impact, therefore preventing cracks or breaks, and prolonging the life of the socket.
If a regular socket is used on powered tools, the possibility of ruptures is very high. This could result in a serious safety risk for everyone in the same work space as any cracks in the socket can make it explode at any time, causing severe injuries to any operator.
- Achieve optimal efficiency: Impact sockets provide a perfect fit to powered tools, and therefore will avoid unusual deformation or damages to the tool’s square drive.
Using the right socket for your impact wrench is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency
Annabelle Bray
,
Accessories Product Manager at Chicago Pneumatic
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