Our Top Picks
We spent hours searching for the best impact socket sets available online. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best ones we’ve found.
If you’d like a more indepth review, feel free to check out each individual product review down below. We also put together a quick buying guide in case you want to know more about impact sockets.
Enjoy!
Top 3 Best Impact Sockets
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best ½ inch Impact Socket Set  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Table of Contents
| Topic | Page |
| Introduction to Impact Sockets | 2 |
| Best Impact Sockets Reviewed Best ½ inch Impact Socket Set • TIGHTSPOT ½” Drive 70pc Master Set Best ⅜ inch Impact Socket Set • NEIKO 02471A ⅜” Impact Socket Set Best ¼ inch Impact Socket Set • Sunex 1848 ¼” Impact Socket Set | 3 – 5 |
| Best Impact Socket Accessories | 6 |
| Honorable Mentions | 7 |
| Impact Socket Buying Guide Important Factors • Drive Size • SAE & Metric • Deep and Shallow Sockets • Impact Sockets vs Regular Sockets • Types of Impact Tools Used With Impact Sockets | 8 – 10 |
| FAQs | 11 |
| Conclusion | 11 |
Introduction to Impact Sockets
Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a casual car owner, you’ve probably heard of or used an impact wrench to loosen bolts. Impact wrenches are really handy tools that are used to easily tighten or loosen bolts and lug nuts that are stuck or prove too tough to remove using a normal socket wrench. Impact wrenches are essential tools in any garage and are quite popular nowadays. Equally important are the sockets that you use to remove these bolts. Sockets for a tough job like this need to be built with materials that are just as tough and can withstand the high amount of torque from an impact wrench. Hence, the impact socket.
Impact sockets are essentially heavier duty versions of regular sockets. They are made with more tensile strength, thicker walls and better manufacturing. A set of impact sockets would make a great addition to any garage or workshop that uses impact wrenches frequently. Impact sockets come in a whole lotta sizes, price ranges, and have a bunch of extensions and accessories you can use. This can prove to be confusing for some people especially those who are new to all of this. Don’t worry though because we’ll be going over the basics of what you should know about impact sockets before you buy one along with the best ones we recommend.
Best Impact Sockets Reviewed
Best ½ inch Impact Socket Set:
TIGHTSPOT ½” Drive 70pc Master Set
Set Specifications:
- No. of Pieces: 70 pieces
- Drive Size: ½ inch
- Unit of Measurement: SAE and Metric
- Material of Sockets: Chrome Molybdenum Steel
- Socket Size Range in SAE: 5/16” to 1 ¼”
- Socket Size Range in Metric: 8mm to 24mm
Set Features:
- Accessories Included: Socket wrench, Socket extension bars, Socket adapter, Universal joint
- Sturdy transport case included
- Highly optimized socket design
- Lifetime warranty
Overview:
Starting off with the ½ inch socket category, this impact socket set from TightSpot gives users a wide range of socket sizes to choose from along with tools and accessories to help get the job done.
The TightSpot 70 piece Master Set features both deep and shallow sockets. One set of sockets is in SAE while the other is in metric. Each one of the sockets is made with chrome molybdenum steel and features a radius corner design that applies tension on the sides of the bolt rather than the corners. This prevents the rounding of the corners by focusing the torque on the flat walls of the bolt or lug nuts. The set also comes with a socket wrench, two adapters, one universal joint, three socket extensions that come in different sizes along with
TightSpots have their own lifetime warranty.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of impact sockets with a ½ inch drive size, this 70 piece set from TightSpot should definitely be on your radar. Check out the TIGHTSPOT ½” drive 70pc Master Set here.
Best ⅜ inch Impact Socket Set:
NEIKO 02471A ⅜” Drive 67pc Impact Socket Set
Set Specifications:
- No. of Pieces: 67 pieces
- Drive Size: ⅜ inch
- Unit of Measurement: SAE and Metric
- Material of Sockets: Chrome Vanadium Steel
- Socket Size Range in SAE: 5/16” to 3/4”
- Socket Size Range in Metric: 8mm to 19mm
Set Features:
- Accessories Included: Socket wrench, Socket extension bars, Socket adapter, Universal joint
- Strong storage case
- Rust resistant coating
- Easy to read measurements
- Optimized socket design
Overview:
This impact socket set from NEIKO offers users some of the best quality ⅜ inch impact sockets that are built to last and come with accessories such as extensions and adapters.
The NEIKO 02471A ⅜” 67 piece impact socket set has both deep and shallow sockets in SAE and Metric measurements. Each socket is made with chrome vanadium steel and features the unique radial corner socket pattern designed to stop the rounding of bolts and lug nuts. Included with this set are twenty (20) swivel impact sockets meant to make loosening or tightening bolts at an awkward angle are not only possible, but hassle free as well.
Similar to the other impact socket sets on this list, the NEIKO 02471A set also comes with tools and accessories. These include three socket extensions, a quick release socket wrench for when you don’t need an impact wrench, a universal joint, drive adapters and a socket adapter. All the sockets and accessories in this set have a corrosion resistant coating that prevents rusting and extends the tools lifespan.
Check out the NEIKO 02471A ⅜” 67 piece impact socket set here.
Best ¼ inch Impact Socket Set:
Sunex 1848 ¼” 48pc Impact Socket Set
Set Specifications:
- No. of Pieces: 48 pieces
- Drive Size: ¼ inch
- Unit of Measurement: SAE and Metric
- Material of Sockets: Chrome Molybdenum Steel
- Socket Size Range in SAE: 3/16” to 9/16”
- Socket Size Range in Metric: 4mm to 15mm
Set Features:
- Includes deep and shallow sockets
- Optimized socket design
- Easy to read measurements
- Sturdy storage & transport case
- Storage tray for bolts or screws
- Lifetime warranty
Overview:
The Sunex 1848 ¼ inch drive impact socket is a great pick for mechanics or car owners looking for a set of ¼ inch impact sockets that are built with the best materials and promise years of service in a garage or workshop.
The Sunex 1848 ¼ inch drive impact socket set comes with a wide range of deep and shallow sockets in a sturdy case. The sockets are made with high quality chrome molybdenum steel and feature the radius corner design that you see on most impact sockets meant to stop rounding of bolt corners. The sockets have a chamfered opening meant to make inserting bolts faster and easier. They also have laser etched measurement markings to ensure that you’ll always be able to get the right sized socket.
Unlike other sets on this list, the Sunex 1848 doesn’t come with accessories or tools with it. However, the quality of the impact sockets along with the lifetime warranty attached speak for themselves. These impact sockets compete with some of the top names in the industry and will definitely earn their place in your workshop.
Check out the Sunex 1848 ¼” 48pc impact socket set here.
Best Impact Socket Accessories
Here are some really good attachments and accessories for impact sockets that we felt would help.
| Model | Key Specs & Features |
 ARES 70008 Impact Socket Adapter Set | • No. of Pieces: 4 pieces • Material of Sockets: Chrome Molybdenum Steel • Adapter Drive Ranges: ½, ⅜ , ¼ • Adapter Size Changes: ¼ to ⅜ , ⅜ to ½ , ½ to ⅜ , ⅜ to ¼ • Easy to read measurements • Optimized socket design • Lifetime warranty |
 NEIKO 02486A Impact Socket Swivel Set | • No. of Pieces: 3 pieces • Material of Sockets: Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel • Drive Size Range: ½ , ⅜ , ¼ inches • Corrosion resistant coating • Full 360 degree range • Easy to read measurements • Easy locking mechanism |
 Neiko 00237A Impact Socket Extension Bar Set | • No. of Pieces: 3 pieces • Material of Sockets: Chrome Vanadium Steel • Extension Size Range: 3, 6 , 8 inches • Drive Size: ½ inch • Rust resistant coating • Spring loaded ball locking mechanism • Easy to read measurements • Optimized socket design |
Honorable Mentions
Here are some impact socket sets that didn’t quite make our list but we felt deserved an honorable mention.
| Model | Key Specs & Features |
 EPAuto 1/2-Inch Drive ST-015-2 Deep Impact Socket Set | • No. of Pieces: 11 pieces • Drive Size: ½ inch • Unit of Measurement: SAE • Material of Sockets: Chrome Vanadium Steel • Socket Size Range in SAE: 3/8” to 1” • Corrosion resistant coating • Deep socket set • Optimized socket design • Sturdy storage case included • Matte finish |
 Grey Pneumatic 1203M 3/8″ Drive Impact Socket Set | • No. of Pieces: 13 pieces • Drive Size: ⅜ inch • Unit of Measurement: Metric • Socket Size Range in Metric: 7mm to 19mm • Material of Sockets: Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel • Standard length impact sockets • Storage case included |
 GEARWRENCH 48 Pc. 1/4″ Drive Impact Socket Set | • No. of Pieces: 48 pieces • Drive Size: ¼ inch • Unit of Measurement: SAE and Metric • Material of Sockets: Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel • Socket Size Range in SAE: 3/16” to 9/16” • Socket Size Range in Metric: 4mm to 15mm • Rust resistant coating • Deep and shallow impact sockets • Easy to read measurements • Lifetime warranty |
Impact Socket Buying Guide: Important Factors
Drive Size
Finding impact sockets that fit your impact wrench or socket wrench properly should be one of the most important things to consider. The last thing you’d want is to buy an impact socket set for a couple hundred bucks just to find out later on that they’re the wrong size.
Impact wrenches and socket wrenches come in three different drive sizes. The largest one is ½ inch followed by the ⅜ inch with the ¼ inch drive being the smallest size. These three drive sizes can be considered the universal standard when it comes to impact wrenches and socket wrenches. There are some specialized sockets that need a 1 inch drive wrench but these are used for larger machines or vehicles such as trucks and are unlikely to be found in a typical garage.
SAE & Metric
Impact sockets and regular sockets use different units of measurement depending on where you are in the world. The two main systems are the SAE system and the metric system.
Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE for short, is an American organization tasked with making and developing standard units of measurements for different industries, most notably transportation ranging from commercial vehicles to aerospace. The SAE uses imperial units of measurement because it is still the standard here in the United States. SAE is responsible for horsepower ratings being widely used to describe the power of an engine and motor. For tools such as impact sockets, SAE measurements are in fractions such as 3/16” and 9/16”.
The metric system, also known as the International System of Units or SI for short, is used worldwide to describe basic measurements found in nature and for man made objects. Samples of metric units of measurement are the meter for length, kilogram for weight, second for time, ampere for electricity and kelvin for temperature. For tools such as the impact socket, the unit of measurement used is millimeter or mm for short.
Whether one unit of measurement is better than the other is not necessarily the point here. Both SAE and metric are valid depending on where you are.
Deep and Shallow Sockets
Most impact socket sets will have both shallow and deep sockets. Both types have their uses, pros and cons. Let’s go over the two.Shallow impact sockets are the same height as regular sockets and have similar functions. They are meant to loosen or tighten bolts that are in clear view and without obstruction. They typically measure 1 inch in height although there are impact sockets that are even shallower than this.
Deep impact sockets are typically twice the height of a shallow socket and are meant to loosen and tighten sockets that are not reachable by normal impact sockets. These are great to use for removing bolts in engine blocks and/or car parts that need the extra reach.
Impact Sockets vs Regular Sockets
Both impact and regular sockets are widely used in the automotive industry by professionals or car owners alike. They share similar designs, use similar materials and can be used on impact wrenches as well as socket wrenches. So what are the differences between regular and impact sockets?
Well, the most obvious difference between the two are the shape of the inner walls that hold the bolt. Regular sockets follow the typical hexagon shape that hug the bolt and hold it in place while turning. Normally this is
fine but when used on high torque tools such as impact
wrenches can lead to the edges of the bolt getting rounded much faster, rendering them useless. Impact sockets on the other hand share a common design choice where the corners of the hexagon are rounded intentionally. This solves the problem by focusing the torque on the walls of the bolt rather than the corners, preventing them from getting rounded.
Impact sockets also have thicker walls and are typically made with made chrome molybdenum steel or CR-Mo for short. This metal alloy has great impact resistance and is perfect for impact sockets used with high torque tools. Impact sockets also tend to be more expensive than regular sockets because of the better material used.
Types of Impact Tools Used With Impact Sockets
Besides manual ratcheting wrenches, there are two main types of impact tools that use impact sockets. These are the pneumatic and electrical impact wrench.
Pneumatic Impact Wrench
Pneumatic impact wrenches are the most common tool that use impact sockets. These use compressed air to turn the socket at incredible speeds very quickly. Some pneumatic impact wrenches can have hundreds of pounds of torque that go from 0 to 100 with the pull of the trigger. Pneumatic impact wrenches require an air compressor to function and thus can be quite the investment depending on the size and model of the air compressor.
Electric Impact Wrench
These are similar in design to hand drills but feature much stronger motors. Electric impact wrenches are larger than pneumatic impact wrenches although this is because of the addition of the motor or battery pack. While still being capable of applying hundreds of pounds of torque, electrical impact wrenches are generally weaker than pneumatic impact wrenches.
Electric impact wrenches come in two configurations, corded
and cordless. Corded impact wrenches are the more powerful of the
two and can have motors with 5 amps or more. These are great tools as long as you’re close to an outlet. Cordless impact wrenches on the other hand, are the more convenient and portable of the two. These are battery powered and can be slightly heavier than corded models.
FAQs
Q: What is the best tool to use with impact sockets?
A: In our opinion, an electrical impact wrench would be better for car owners while pneumatic impact wrenches would be a better choice for professional mechanics. Electrical impact wrenches are cheaper because you wouldn’t need to buy an air compressor and are more convenient because of their portability. Pneumatic impact wrenches on the other hand are more powerful but are limited by the range of the air hose and are more expensive investments because of the need for an air compressor.
Q: How many impact sockets do I need?
A: You may have noticed that impact socket sets can come with dozens of pieces. While you won’t be using all of the sizes very often, at most you’d be using maybe 5 or 6 impact sockets all the time, we would still recommend you buy the most complete set that you can simply because it’d be better to need the right impact socket and have it rather than need it and not have it. We would suggest an impact socket set that has at least a dozen sockets of varying sizes.
Q: How to clean an impact socket?
A: Impact sockets are relatively low maintenance tools. They typically have a corrosion resistant coating that stops the buildup of rust but every once in a while, it’s a good idea to clean it. There are several things you can do to clean an impact socket. One solution would be to use an old toothbrush and soak the socket in a mixture of dish soap and water. You would simply need to lightly brush away any gunk left behind. Another solution would be to use a used toothbrush with a little oil to clean it although you’d best make sure no oil gets left behind.
Conclusion
And there we have it, the best impact socket sets available online and the basics of what you should know about them. We hope that this article has taught you a thing or two about impact sockets and that you leave here with a better idea on which one is the best for you. Thank you dear reader!
