The Best Impact Socket Set | Features of a Right Type

Published on: March 15, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

According to industry experts, a good quality socket is essential to withstand a high torque level generated from a modern impact grill. Quality impact sockets are made of a dense and flexible material so they can easily handle the pressure of the impact drill.

Every DIY hobbyist, mechanical professional, and even the enthusiastic common people keep a drill machine on their own. Now the standard drill machine has turned into an impact drill. So, to fulfill our dream work or hobby, we need good quality socket sets using an impact drill machine.

Today’s impact drill machine has an anvil, impact hammer, and spring to make it perfect. These hammers and anvils produce a large amount of torque and pressure. Therefore, to handle this torque and pressure, we should use a good quality socket set to take that much amount of load. There are plenty of socket sets available in the market. 

So, it is a little bit confusing to choose the perfect impact socket sets for you. Don’t worry; we are here to help you choose the best socket set suit for you.

Impact Socket Set

To start, an impact socket set may be a toolbox containing sockets of various sizes and measures to use with powered impact wrenches or drivers. These sockets are specially programmed to supply users with impact wrenches powered by compressed gas, electricity, or hydraulics.

A greater torque is produced with a mixture of impact sockets with an impression wrench.

Features of a Good Impact Socket

Before buying a socket set, you must consider the following features-

A Number of Socket Pieces: 

The first thing you need to check before buying is the number and size of the socket. If you are going to use it at home, a few sockets will be good enough. But if you are using it at work, a full complement of sockets is preferred.

Design

Must pick a heavy-duty socket and check the socket wrench design; they must be durable and comfortable to use.

Check the Specs

Socket wrenches are available in different specs. You should consider your purpose of use before buying.

Warranty & Durability

Must look for the warranty period. Usually, socket sets come with 1- 3 years of warranty. Pick the one with a long and reliable warranty and support.

The other thing you need to consider besides warranty is durability. Because if you are using the socket set for heavy-duty work, it must be durable and last for a long time.

Editor’s Note

First, think about why you need the socket set and what your budget is. Carefully check if the size of the socket you need is present in that set or not. Purchase from the best impact socket sets discussed above according to your need and budget. If you are a DIY hobbyist or professional, then you should go for premium quality.

Now it’s time to choose the best sockets for you. Take care of your sockets after use, and it will definitely ensure your tools’ longer lifespan. Best of luck!

View Our Recommended Impact Socket Sets

Here are our recommended top 10 impact socket sets available in the market. Read on, and find the set that is ideal for you.

1. DEWALT DW22812 1/2-Inch 10-Piece IMPACT READY Socket Set

DEWALT DW22812 1/2-Inch IMPACT READY Socket Set is made up of CR440 steel that gives super impact strength. Moreover, the sockets are coated with black oxide to make them corrosion-resistant. The direct torque technology and recessed corner of the socket distribute torque across the flat and makes its lifespan longer.

The sockets are featured with large laser-etched markings, which make them easily identifiable. They are thinner than pneumatic wrench sockets, and it helps to access challenging area easily.

The sockets are organized in pivoted pin technology for a comfortable handle and storage. It has a small footprint and a nice durable case for carrying. The adequate storage allows for storing a 10-inch hand wrench (not included).

The set has a DW2547IR 1/4-inch hex to 1/2-inch square impact-ready socket adapter. The socket sizes are 7/16-inch socket; 9/16-inch socket; 11/16-inch socket; 13/16-inch socket; 1/2-inch socket; 5/8-inch socket; 3/4-inch socket; 7/8-inch socket.

The DEWALT DW22812 1/2-Inch IMPACT READY Socket Set is very sturdy and durable. The sockets can be used with corded or cordless impact drivers and wrenches. This impact socket set can be used year after year with a three years warranty for peace of mind. Overall this is a very good, robust, and durable socket set in the market with a cheap price tag.

What we liked

• Includes 8 most common size sockets;
• Having two ¼ inch adapters;
• Can be used with both cordless & corded impact drivers and wrenches;
• Recessed corners distribute torque for longer life;
• Pivoting organization pin for better storage and small footprint;
• Extra space for a 10-inch common wrench;
• Affordable price.

What we didn’t like

• The case may be a little bit fragile.

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2. GearWrench 84916N SAE/Metric 3/8″ Drive Impact Socket Set

The GearWrench 84938N comprises Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel, which gives the sockets superior impact strength and longer durability. GearWrench uses Surface Drive Technology that reduces fastener rounding of the sockets.

Having a Manganese Phosphate coating, the sockets are resistant to corrosion. The sockets have laser-etched markings at the outer side for better identification. Also, having a secondary hard stamp on it for easy recognition. The set is fitted in a blow mold case.

There are SAE and Metric sockets of different sizes as follows:

SAE Sizes:

• Standard: 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4 (inches);
• Deep: 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4 (inches);

Metric Sizes:

• Standard: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (mm);
• Deep: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 ,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 (mm).

The set included a 3”, 6” & 10” three Drive Impact Extension Bar (3/8-inch). It gives the versatility of the socket set. In the end, the GearWrench 84916N has a good design, super built quality, and longer durability with a great low price tag.

What we liked

• Very high impact socket set;
• The 44-piece set makes it versatile;
• Very much affordable;
• Nice carrying box;

What we didn’t like

• The 10-inch extension is not included;
• Expensive.

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3. TEKTON SKT15311 3/8-Inch Drive Impact Socket Set

One of the perfect impact socket sets is TEKTON SKT15311. The sockets are made up of drop-forged and heat-treated chrome vanadium steel (not valyrian steel from Game of Thrones). Thus the sockets got strength and durability. A Black electroplated finish makes it corrosion-resistant. The sockets have 6 points and a beveled nose for better gripping and loosening of the toughest nuts or bolts.

The followings sockets are bundled up in this set-

• : 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 in. (15) 3/8 in. drive deep 6-point sockets: 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 in. (19) 3/8 in. drive 6-point sockets: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 mm (19) 3/8 in. drive deep 6-point sockets: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 mm (1) universal joint: 3/8 in. drive (2) 3/8 in. drive extensions: 3, 6 in. (1) 3/8 in. drive quick-release ratchet: 8 in. (1) 3/8 in. drive breaker bar: 18 in., and (1) storage case.
• Each size of the complete set is both 1/4 to 1 inch and 6 to 24 mm deep and standard length.
• 6-point sockets apply force to the plane of the fastener and close around, not at the corners.

There is a hole in the socket which locks onto the drive tang. The laser-etched size marking can be seen in low light due to high contrast. This socket meets the ANSI performance standard, ensuring the quality of the socket set. After all, this socket comes with a lifetime warranty for your worry-free use and gives you excellent customer satisfaction.

What we liked

• Lifetime warranty;
• Meets or exceeds ANSI performance standards;
• Corrosion-resistant;

What we didn’t like

• Not included 10 mm 3/8″ drive socket;

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4. Stanley 97-126 1/2-Inch Drive Metric Deep Impact Socket Set

Stanley 97-126 Deep impact socket set is a versatile socket set. The sockets are constructed with chrome vanadium steel, which gives it impact strength. The socket set comes with a lifetime warranty means a complete solution for your socket problems. Sockets are industrial finished with black powder coating, making them corrosion-free.

The sockets with the most used sizes are as follows: Includes 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1 inch. These sockets are packed within a nice carrying box, having a side handle for easy carrying.

6-point socket design, durable chrome vanadium steel-made sockets backed with a lifetime warranty, and affordability makes the socket set a real deal-breaker.

What we liked

• Chrome vanadium steel design;
• Durable and corrosion-resistant;
• Organized in a nice carrying case;
• Cheap in price;

What we didn’t like

• Sometimes get rusty due to improper care;

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5. DEWALT (DWMT74739) Metric Impact Socket Set

If you want to purchase the best socket set made in the USA with and lifetime warranty, DEWALT Impact Socket Set is the best choice. 23-piece fractional and metric sockets of almost every size needed are bundled. The sockets feature high visibility technology and are laser engraved with extra-large marking every 120° for better readability. This sure-grip hex design technology drives the side of the hex instead of the corner.

The nose-down design of sockets helps for easy access. The sockets are coated with special rust-preventive materials to avoid corrosive factors. The socket set includes both standard and deep impact sockets of both fractional and metric sizes.

The sockets are of the following size:

• 1/2 in Drive 6pt Impact Sockets: SAE 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1;
• Metric sockets: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24,  1/2 in Drive 5 in Impact Extension,  1/2 in Drive Drill Adapter, 1/2 in Drive Quick Release Ratchet.

This is a versatile, durable, robust impact socket set with 23 different sizes, laser engraved marking, sure-grip hex, and a lifetime warranty. So, this is a quality impact socket set for DIY hobbyists to professionals and value-money products.

What We Liked

• Lifetime warranty;
• High-impact design;
• O-ring and retaining pin compatible;
• It provides a decent grip.

Easy to handle.

What We Didn’t Like

• No noticeable cons.

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6. Neiko 02474A 1/2” Drive Deep Impact Socket Set

This is a robust and efficient impact socket set to match a wide range of impact tools. It comes with a black phosphate coating more durable than a black oxide finish. 

Moreover, the phosphate finish fights corrosion effectively to resist any marring caused by the fastening. Thus these sockets serve the double purpose of freeing and setting nuts and lugs and guarding against any scratch. This is ably backed by the Cr-V steel material featuring high strength. 

The common impact socket feature is the six-point female part to grip any male head tightly. So it will be a steal to buy such a set of sockets at a nominal price.

What we liked

• Industry-grade unique six-point design;
• Laser-etched with each size for easy identification;
• Excellent while dealing with rusty suspensions and bolts;
• Shift torque from the impact to the nut and bolts with ease;
• The coating is more effective than the common grade;
• As many as 15 pieces of deep broach metrics sockets.

What we didn’t like

• Chrome Vanadium tends to shatter if faced with high torque.

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7. GearWrench 84932N 1/2″ Drive SAE Impact Socket Set

This is, by any means, the top-rated impact socket for the money. It features premium-grade Chrome Molybdenum steel that will withstand the high torque of the impact tools.

Furthermore, unlike the vanadium socket, it doesn’t shatter at top torque. It comes with an off-corner loading design to reduce fastener rounding. This socket set is a 19 Pisces socket set so you can use them for various purposes.

What we liked

• Featured with CR-MO alloy steel;
• Most durable and sturdy;
• Featured with Surface drive technology;
• Easy identifications;
• Corrosion-resistant phosphate finish.

What we didn’t like

• No noticeable cons.

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8. EPAuto 1/2-Inch – Top Rated Impact Socket Set

This set of impact sockets is considered to be the top-rated nut or bolt fastener, or reliever. All the sockets are robust and capable of withstanding the high-impact tool turning and torque.

These metrics sockets are very amazingly solid when used for stubborn fastening and deep releasing. These sockets are the best for u-bolt nuts. If you go by the material, construction, design, and performance, EPA to ½” Drive Sockets are just a gift for the prize money. If you go for these heavy-duty impact sockets, you can’t go wrong.

What we liked

• Sturdy and capable of taking abuse;
• Made of tough chrome vanadium;
• Manganese phosphate coating withstands corrosion;
• Great to put off stubborn sockets;
• Super affordable price;
• High torque SAE sockets.

What we didn’t like

• Tends to shatter, and an 18mm size is missing.

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9. TEKTON 3/8-Inch (47920) – The Best Impact Socket Brand

A lifetime warranty backs Tekton tools. This impact socket is set to come in 12 pieces and ranges from 5/16″ to 1″. These sockets are apt to carry the high impact transferred from wrenches and withstand the tension. The stand-out feature is the easy-to-identify laser-etched size marker.

You can reach for the needed size at will. The six-point drive square enjoys a firm grip in fastening and releasing rusty and stubborn nuts without stripping. These are just adequate choices and will impress you as time passes by.

What we liked

• Reported to be of high quality;
• Break free tarnished and exhausted nuts effortlessly;
• High impact and hex-point drive square;
• Easy-to-find laser marker;
• Can handle massive fasteners.

What we didn’t like

• No mentionable cons.

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10. TEKTON 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket (4883)

This Tekton impact socket set offers as many as 15 sockets ranging from 10 to 24 mm in size. So you can handle nuts and bolts of any size and shape. You can even break free of aged nuts without stripping them. Tekton impact sockets feature forged and heat-resistant vanadium steel.

All 15 sockets are clearly traceable with the laser marker etched on them. Backed by this wide range of sizes, you are relaxed to deal with rusty, stubborn, and exhausted fasteners.

What we liked

• Deep-depth impact sockets;
• Maximum size ranges;
• Corrosion-free black phosphate coating;
• Can bear well against heat with forged steel;
• Comes with a storage case;
• Extra-deep male parts;
• Backed by a lifetime warranty.

What we didn’t like

• Vanadium steel shatters at high torque.

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FAQs

What Are the Advantages of Using Impact Sockets Over Regular Chrome Sockets?

When it comes to heavy-duty applications, regular vs impact sockets, impact sockets are a better choice due to their ability to handle high torque and impact force. Impact sockets are made of tougher materials, making them more durable and less likely to shatter under intense pressure compared to regular chrome sockets.

What are Impact Sockets?

Impact sockets are intended for use with controlled impact wrenches or ‘drivers’, as they are sometimes called. The blend of an impact wrench and impact socket can convey more great torque to the head of a fast than can be achieved with a manual wrench.

Do Impact Sockets Have Any Kind of Effect?

Impact sockets are commonly dark. Ensuring that the surface is difficult permits the sockets to retain unexpected torque changes, for example, “impact” significantly better. The shading difference also encourages you to quickly recognize impact sockets from standard sockets in a tool compartment.

What Type of Steel are Impact Sockets Made of?

Standard sockets are made of solid but weak steel, for example, chrome vanadium steel. When utilized with an impact wrench, they can break violently if they break. Impact sockets are made of a more fragile, progressively pliant steel that will disfigure and part instead of breaking, for example, chrome-molybdenum steel.

Conclusion

Before buying, remember the old and wise saying- “Cheap man buys twice.” Though you must go according to your budget, don’t pick the cheapest one. Because in most cases, quality comes with the price. Buying a poor-quality impact socket can be a waste of money as it will get damaged easily. But a top-quality socket set will last for a lifetime with a bit of care.

Now it’s time to choose the best sockets for you. If you are confused, you can follow this guide because the socket sets I’ve recommended above are incredibly durable, strong, and of course, affordable. You can select any of them according to your requirement and budget. You can get the impact socket set for under 25 dollars. Yes if you want an impact socket with your budget lower than 25 dollars then go and buy EPAuto 1/2-Inch – Top Rated Impact Socket Set.

Having a wide scope of socket sizes available to you guarantees that you will never make any harm to the impact sockets themselves, always try to utilize the most exact estimation of socket conceivable. Good luck!

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