The Ultimate Air Impact Wrench Socket Guide

Air impact wrench sockets are used in conjunction with air impact wrenches and air ratchets to tighten and loosen lug nuts and bolts. They are designed to withstand the high torque and force associated with impact tools and repetitive applications. Impact sockets are made from high-quality chrome molybdenum alloy steel, providing superior strength and durability for heavy-duty impact applications. They are commonly used in automotive and mechanical workshops, as well as by DIY enthusiasts for at-home projects.

Impact wrench socket sets

When it comes to impact wrench socket sets, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some detailed descriptions of some popular impact wrench socket sets:

Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Socket Sets:

Milwaukee offers a wide range of SHOCKWAVE impact socket sets that are designed for heavy-duty applications. These sockets feature bold and long-lasting markings, as well as a non-slip hex geometry to prevent fastener rounding. The dual-hole design allows for easy attachment and removal. They are available in both metric and SAE measurements, with deep and standard well options. The sets come in a range of piece counts, from 8 to 86 pieces, ensuring you have the right socket for the job.

Husky Impact Socket Sets:

Husky offers impact socket sets that are ideal for a variety of projects. Their sets include both SAE and metric measurements, as well as 6-point impact sockets. The sets come in a range of piece counts, from 11 to 64 pieces, providing a comprehensive selection of sockets for your needs.

Hyper Tough Impact Socket Sets:

Hyper Tough offers affordable impact socket sets that are perfect for those on a budget. Their sets include both metric and SAE sockets, with a 6-point design. The sets come in an 11-piece count, providing a basic selection of sockets for your impact wrench.

HART Impact Socket Sets:

HART offers impact socket sets that are made from chrome vanadium, ensuring durability and strength. Their sets include both metric and SAE measurements, and they come in a range of piece counts, from 3 to 11 pieces. These sockets are a great addition to your tool collection, providing the necessary sockets for a variety of projects.

K Tool International Impact Socket Sets:

K Tool International offers impact socket sets that feature laser-etched markings, a radius corner design, and surface drive technology. Their sets include a heavy-duty storage case, ensuring your sockets stay organized and protected. The sets come in a range of drive sizes, including 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2", providing versatility for different projects.

Pittsburgh Automotive Impact Socket Sets:

Pittsburgh Automotive, available at Harbor Freight Tools, offers a range of impact socket sets that are designed for professional use. Their sets include both metric and SAE sockets, ensuring you have the right socket for the job. With a lifetime warranty on their hand tools, you can trust that these impact socket sets will last for years to come.

These are just a few examples of the many impact wrench socket sets available on the market. Each set offers unique features and benefits, so it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a purchase decision.

Impact socket adaptors

When it comes to air impact wrench sockets, impact socket adaptors are an essential accessory. These adaptors allow you to use your power drill with high-torque impact wrenches, making them a versatile addition to your toolkit.

Impact Socket Adaptor Sets

Impact socket adaptor sets typically come with three pieces, with drive sizes of 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". These adaptors are designed to fit into your power drill, enabling you to use it like a high-torque impact wrench. This versatility is especially useful when you need to loosen or tighten bolts and nuts with high torque requirements.

Some common brands offering these sets include LEXIVON, WORKPRO, AMM, and HORUSDY.

Impact Socket Reducers

Socket reducers are another type of adaptor that helps you transition between different socket sizes. For instance, you can find reducers that convert a 1/2" female socket to a 3/8" male socket, or vice versa. These reducers are typically made of durable materials like chrome molybdenum alloy steel or Cr-Mo steel.

Impact Universal Joints

Impact universal joints provide flexibility and manoeuvrability when working with impact sockets. They come in sets of three, with sizes of 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". These joints are designed to withstand high torque and impact, making them a reliable choice for your projects.

Extensions

Extensions are also a form of adaptor, providing you with added reach when working with impact sockets. They are available in various lengths, typically ranging from 3" to 12", and come in different drive sizes to fit your specific needs.

Where to Buy

You can find impact socket adaptors at various hardware retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, and Sears. These retailers offer a wide range of options from different brands, ensuring you can find the right adaptor for your air impact wrench socket.

Impact socket design

Impact sockets are designed to be used with powered impact wrenches, also known as impact guns. They are typically black in colour due to the carbonized surface, which hardens the sockets to better absorb sudden torque changes. The drive socket end of impact sockets has a grooved ring to enable the use of a locking pin and ring, which keeps the socket from coming off the end of the impact wrench due to vibration.

Impact sockets are made from chrome molybdenum, a ductile metal that is durable and can withstand vibrations. This differs from regular sockets, which are usually made from chrome vanadium. Chrome molybdenum provides impact sockets with high tensile strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. The chromium in the alloy steel gives corrosion and wear resistance, while molybdenum provides higher tensile strength and reduces the chances of deformation.

The flank drive design is a patented anti-slip wrench design that prevents corner cracking and maximises output torque and impact force. The design relieves the corners and grips the flat surface of the fastener, providing a firmer grip and increased surface contact, resulting in lower energy loss during transmission.

Impact sockets are thicker and longer than standard sockets, which can make them less practical for use in tight spaces. They also tend to be softer, allowing them to withstand punishment better than standard sockets.

Impact socket storage

Keeping your impact sockets organized and easy to access is essential, especially if you have a large collection. Here are some options for impact socket storage:

Magnetic Socket Organizers

These are a popular choice for impact socket storage due to their functionality and ease of use. They typically feature a magnetic base that securely holds sockets in place, while still allowing for easy removal when needed. Some options include:

• Lisle Magnetic Socket Holder: Features 22 compartments for both standard and deep sockets, made of durable ABS plastic, and includes rubber feet to protect your toolbox from scratches.
• Reniteco Magnetic Socket Organizer: A 3-piece set that fits 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch drive sockets, holding up to 76 sockets.
• WORKPRO Magnetic Socket Organizer: A 2-piece SAE and metric set that holds up to 35 standard sockets.
• NEIKO Magnetic Socket Holder: Features shallow and deep socket trays with scratch-free mounting and high visibility.

Socket Rails and Clips

Socket rails and clips are another common method for impact socket storage. They allow for customization and easy identification of sockets. Some options include:

• Olsa Tools Socket Organizer: Features anodized aluminum rails and impact-resistant ABS clips with steel ball bearings to securely hold sockets.
• ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer: An aluminum rail that stores up to 16 sockets, keeping your toolbox organized.
• GearWrench Rails: Plastic square drive pegs hold sockets in place and can be attached to a board or plate for added stability.
• NAPA/Carlyle Rails: Similar to GearWrench rails but with external clips that break instead of the rail if dropped.

Custom Solutions

If you're feeling creative, you can design and fabricate your own impact socket storage solution. This could involve CNC-ing a plate with holes in the correct positions, attaching rails to a board, or using magnets mounted on wood.

Impact socket sizes

Impact sockets are designed to withstand the force of air impact tools and are made from thick steel, increasing their durability. They come in a variety of drive sizes, including:

• 1/2"
• 3/4"
• 1”
• 1 ½”
• 2 ½”
• 3 ½”
• #5 spline drive

Impact sockets are available in fractional and metric sizes and come in 6-point, 8-point, and 12-point openings. They also have different wall structures, including thin, deep, and deep thin wall.

Some examples of impact socket sizes include:

• 12 PT. 1/2" SQ. DR. X 13/16"
• 12 PT. 1/2" SQ. DR. X 15/16"
• 12 PT. 3/4" SQ. DR. X 3/4" 19MM
• 12 PT. 3/4" SQ. DR. X 15/16"
• 1/2" Drive 1/2" Deep Impact Socket, 6pt.
• 1/2" Drive 11/16", 6 pt.
• 3/8" Drive 18mm Impact Socket, 6pt

Frequently asked questions