
An 18mm impact wrench socket is a tool designed to tighten or loosen fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, on long studs. It is typically made of durable materials like chrome vanadium or chrome molybdenum alloy steel and features a 6-point design for a secure grip. Various brands offer 18mm impact wrench sockets, including TEKTON, Capri Tools, Jetech, CRAFTSMAN, TIGHTSPOT, and Sunex. These sockets are available in different drive sizes, such as 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch drives, and can be purchased from retailers like Amazon and Home Depot.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Drive Size | 1/2", 3/8" |
Socket Depth | Deep, Shallow, Standard |
Socket Type | 6-Point, 12-Point |
Socket Design | Chamfered Opening, Radius Corner Design, Anti-Rounding |
Socket Material | Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel, CRV Steel, CR-MO, Heat-Treated CR-V Steel |
Socket Finish | Black phosphate |
What You'll Learn
6-point impact sockets
Craftsman 6-Point Impact Sockets
Craftsman offers a range of 6-point impact sockets, including shallow, deep, and intermediate sockets. The 1/2-in drive 18mm 6-point impact socket features a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance and increased torque. It also has large markings for quick size identification.
Kobalt 6-Point Impact Sockets
Kobalt's 1/2-in drive 18mm 6-point impact socket is designed for use with an impact tool and provides maximum installation of heavy-duty fasteners. The 6-point design reduces the risk of slippage and rounding off fasteners. It features a durable black oxide finish and laser-etched size callouts.
Tekton 6-Point Impact Sockets
Tekton offers both 1/2-in and 3/8-in drive 18mm 6-point impact sockets. The sockets are designed for use with impact wrenches and feature a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance.
Gearwrench 6-Point Impact Sockets
Gearwrench's 1/2-in drive 6-point standard impact metric socket is constructed from chrome molybdenum alloy steel for strength and durability. It features a manganese phosphate coating to resist corrosion and highly visible laser-etched markings for quick size identification.
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12-point impact sockets
The Husky 1/2-inch Drive 18mm 12-Point Metric Deep Socket, for example, is designed for use with 1/2-inch drive tools and features chamfered lead-ins for easy attachment. The polished chrome finish of this particular socket resists corrosion and wipes clean.
Another option is the TEKTON 3/8-inch Drive x 18mm Deep 12-Point Impact Socket, which is designed for use with a 3/8-inch drive tool. This socket is part of TEKTON's range of tools, which are known for their constant innovation and attractive price-performance ratio.
A third option is the SK Tools 12-point impact socket, which is available in a short length. This socket is also made from a single piece of alloy steel, providing superior strength. The dovetail design of the SK Tools socket allows for a strong connection and complete head interchangeability.
When choosing an impact socket, it is important to consider the type of drive tool you will be using, the length of the socket, and the level of torque required for your project. 12-point impact sockets offer a secure option for applying high levels of torque to fasteners.
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Deep impact sockets
- Capri Tools
- TEKTON
- Jetech
- Sunex
- CRAFTSMAN
- TIGHTSPOT
- MIXPOWER
- BOEN
- SK Tools
- Performance Tool
- Milwaukee
- Husky
- GEARWRENCH
- DEWALT
- Klein Tools
- EPAuto
- Powerbuilt
- K Tool International
- Crescent
- VEVOR
- HARFINGTON
- CASOMAN
- Sunex International
- Toolant
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Impact socket sets
When choosing an impact socket set, it's important to consider the material. Chrome vanadium steel, often abbreviated as Cr-V or CR-MO, is a popular choice due to its strength and durability. This alloy steel undergoes heat treatment to enhance its hardness and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, look for features like a 6-point or 12-point design, which provides a better grip on fasteners and prevents rounding.
- DEWALT Impact Socket Set with Ratchet: This 23-piece set comes with a case and offers both metric and SAE sockets, making it versatile for various projects.
- GEARWRENCH 209-Piece SAE/Metric Master Impact Socket Set: With an extensive range of SAE and metric sockets, this set includes 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch drives, catering to most fastening needs.
- Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Socket Sets: Milwaukee offers a range of impact socket sets in different drive sizes and SAE/metric combinations, including deep well and standard impact sockets.
- CASOMAN Impact Socket Sets: CASOMAN provides both shallow and deep impact socket sets with a variety of drive sizes and SAE/metric combinations to suit different projects.
- BOEN 1/2" Drive Impact Socket Set: This set includes a mix of standard SAE and metric sockets, ranging from 5/16 inch to 1 1/4 inches and 8mm to 24mm, respectively. It also comes with a ratchet handle, adapters, and extension bars.
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Impact socket materials
Impact sockets are typically black in colour due to the surface being carbonized, which hardens the socket and allows it to absorb sudden torque changes or "impact" better. Regular sockets, on the other hand, are usually made from chrome vanadium, which is smooth, hard, high-gloss, and corrosion-resistant. However, chrome vanadium is not suitable for impact usage as it is more prone to cracking under the repeated hammering of an impact tool.
Impact sockets are made from chrome molybdenum (also known as chromoly), which is a combination of chromium, molybdenum, iron, and carbon alloy elements. This alloy is tougher than chrome vanadium and can withstand the high shock loads of impact guns, which are used to break free seized nuts and bolts. Chrome molybdenum is also more ductile, meaning it can handle the vibrations caused by an impact wrench without cracking.
The thicker construction of impact sockets can cause problems in tight spaces, and they tend to be more expensive than regular sockets. However, they are a worthwhile investment if you plan to use power tools, as regular sockets can crack under high-power torque.
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Frequently asked questions
The best 18mm impact wrench socket depends on your specific needs. Various options are available, including deep and standard impact sockets, metric and standard measurements, and different drive sizes. Popular brands include Capri Tools, TEKTON, and Jetech.
The standard drive size for an 18mm impact wrench socket is 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch.
An 18mm impact wrench socket can provide increased torque and access to fasteners in tight spaces. They are designed to withstand high forces and are often made with durable materials like chrome vanadium and heat-treated alloy steel.
18mm impact wrench sockets are available at various retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, and Harbor Freight Tools.