6 Best Impact Sockets to Handle Maximum Torque

One of the worst mistakes a DIYer can make is to buy cheap tools. Buying cheap tools meant for high torque applications is a recipe for disaster.

That’s not to say you can’t buy good impact sockets at a reasonable price, but you should always shop around cautiously to avoid something that will snap into pieces at the first sign of resistance.

The following sets are not only affordable, they are some of the best impact sockets out on the market. All of these are known to be highly durable and designed to withstand high amounts of torque from your impact wrench with minimal risk of damage to bolts and nuts.

Our 6 Favorites

	Product	Pieces	Measurement	Depth	Markings
	Sunex Tools 2569	43	Metric	Standard & Deep	laser etched
	NEIKO 02448A	65	Metric & SAE	Standard & Deep	laser etched
	Tekton SID92407	87	Metric & SAE	Standard & Deep	etched and stamped
	GearWrench 84935N	29	Metric	Deep	etched and stamped
	DeWalt DWMT74739	23	Metric & SAE	Standard	laser etched
	Milwaukee 49-66-6806	31	Metric & SAE	Standard & Deep	stamped

Impact Sockets Reviews

#1 – Sunex Tools 43-Piece Impact Socket Set (2569)

When you want best 1/2 inch drive impact sockets in one set, this will likely be the first (and last) stop you’ll ever need to make. Each piece of this impressive 43-piece metric set is made of high-quality CR-MO alloy steel that will withstand even the most powerful air impact wrenches.

The hex and square drive inserts have radius corners to reduce wear and tear. Four extensions include a unique universal joint which allows you to angle the socket up to 22 degrees.

This metric set includes both shallow and deep sockets ranging from 9mm to 30mm. The shallow sockets are ideal for working in cramped spaces, while the deep sockets are perfect for lug nut removal.

Best of all, every component meet or exceed ASME specifications and come in a sturdy carrying case. A 39-piece SAE version of this set is also available. Easy to read laser etched measurements are standard.

One of the most unusual compliments this set receives is regarding the case. A great set needs a quality case, and the one included is both a socket organizer and secure enough to protect against accidental spillages. The case even has stamped measurements and the durability makes it hard to beat for the price.

We still prefer storing sockets in a standalone socket organizer but this case is actually usable. It should be noted that the wells in the deep sockets narrow partway down, limiting the functionality in some scenarios.

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#2 – NEIKO 65-Piece Impact Socket Set (02448A)

NEIKO is a brand that’s been gaining quite a bit of traction the past few years with a growing reputation for quality and affordability. This set is a perfect example, with its drop-forged premium chrome vanadium Cr-V steel construction.

Each of the 58 included sockets in the set has a six-point opening for superior grip and high visibility laser etched markings for easy identification. Both deep and shallows sockets are included.

In addition to the sockets, this set includes a three, five, and ten inch extender bar, 72-tooth quick release ratchet, ½” to ⅜” F-M adapter, ⅜” to ½” F-M adapter, and a universal joint. All are finished in black phosphate.

People usually buy this set expecting to get what they paid for, only to be pleasantly surprised. The quality is excellent and users have found them to be quite durable, even in an industrial setting. Users have noted they have great fit, great grip, and an excellent value for the money.

It’s worth noting that NEIKO currently doesn’t sell individual sockets so if you ever loose one, you will likely need to go with another brand for a replacement. Tekton impact sockets are roughly the same size so they would be your best bet. But it might be worth checking eBay in case someone has split up their NEIKO set and selling individual pieces.

The only other real point of contention seems to be the carrying case, which most love. But some users have had issues with the hinges breaking.

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#3 – TEKTON 87-Piece Impact Socket Set (SID92407)

Tekton used to be one of the best kept secrets in tools due to their high quality and low prices. While the quality remains, prices have creeped up over the years as more and more professional and DIY mechanics have discovered them.

This hefty 87 piece set has just about every socket you could wish for. The SAE sockets have 17 different sizes in both standard and deep sockets, while the metric has 24 sizes each for standard and deep socket. The set also includes a three inch and ten inch breaker extension and an impact universal joint.

Each piece has its size marked in both laser and permanent stamp to ensure easy identification even after frequent use. The six-point openings are designed for hex fasteners and use radiused corners to prevent stripping.

As one might expect from TEKTON, the sockets are quite durable and put up with a lot of abuse. The markings have good visibility, making it easy to find the right socket quickly. Perhaps the only real complaint is that the set, when in its carrying case, can be rather heavy if you need to haul it by hand over a long distance.

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#4 – GearWrench 29-Piece Impact Socket Set (84935N)

Made of CR-MO alloy steel and coated in black phosphate, this 29-piece set contains some of the best impact sockets for the money. The hex openings use a radial off-corner loading design to minimize corner rounding on tough jobs.

Markings use both laser etching and hard stamping (on opposite sides) to create lasting, high-visibility text. The entire set comes in an attractive, durable blow mold case to further extend their lifespan in even industrial settings.

There’s no denying the power these sockets provide with both air and cordless impact wrenches, and some customers swear they can actually feel the quality when holding one.

The case uses pins at the hinge joints, allowing you to disassemble it easily. Another perk of this set is that no sizes are skipped, meaning there’s no need to order additional sockets to complete your set.

There have been a few quality control issues reported, often involving duplicate sockets being included. This is especially troublesome as GearWrench’s usually excellent customer service has been known to hassle customers over certain issues with this set before remedying it.

This is not true of all issues, thankfully, but when you have a problem with bad coating or scratches, the process can become frustrating.

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#5 – DEWALT 23-Piece Impact Socket Set (DWMT74739)

This small impact socket set uses DeWalt’s DirectTorque technology to improve grip and reduce the risk of rounding fasteners. Each 6-point socket is both O-ring and retaining pin compatible. Markings are laser-etched for easy identification. The set is made of heat-treated CR-440 steel for improved durability.

Rounding out the set is an adapter, extension, and 72-tooth quick release ratchet. The quick release feature means that the sockets are held on securely, but can be added or removed from the wrench effortlessly at the press of a button.

Overall, this is great set. The sockets are excellent quality and frequently surpass expectations. The ratchet isn’t going to be as smooth as a Sunex, but for the money, it works. Even the case gets some praise for its clear lid and sturdy construction.

Perhaps the only real downer to the entire set is how limited the number of sizes are. While you will get the most common 1/2-inch drive sizes, make sure you won’t need socket sizes that aren’t included. Keep in mind that no deep sockets are included in this set.

Socket sizes include:

• Metric: 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm, 24mm
• SAE: 7/16”, ½”, 9/16”, ⅝”, 11/16”, ¾”, 13/16”, ⅞”, 15/16”, 1”

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#6 – Milwaukee 31-Piece Impact Duty Socket Set (49-66-6806)

This 31-piece socket set is part of Milwaukee’s PACKOUT series, meaning the durable case will snap onto other cases in the series. Color-coded removable trays use a soft material that holds pieces securely while also making it easy to get a socket out.

As for the sockets themselves, the alloy steel allows for some heavy use. Sizes are clearly embossed and painted on each piece, and they’re designed for use with a ½-inch drive. You’ll find most of the common sizes in here, ranging from ⅜” to 1 ½” in SAE and 10mm to 24mm in metric.

If you’ve used Milwaukee tools before, you know what to expect. The sockets are given a light coating of oil before being shipped to keep them factory fresh. The markings are clear and easy to read. The overall quality is excellent, although some users have found they may not hold up perfectly after heavy abuse.

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FAQs

Why Impact Sockets?

Impact sockets are heavy-duty essentials for automotive work, although they can also be used for non-automotive functions. Owning a good set of impact sockets means being able to get rid of several large tools in favor of compact, space-saving heads that can be interchanged as needed.

But there are other benefits to owning a good impact socket set over standard sockets. Knowing these benefits will help you understand how even a cheap impact socket set is a good long-term investment.

See Also: Impact Wrenches vs Drivers

Impact Sockets vs Regular Sockets

Impact sockets have a lot of benefits over regular sockets, beginning with the steel alloys used. A regular socket works well enough on day to day projects, but is often too fragile to handle high torque situations such as when using an impact wrench or torque limiting extensions.

Impact sockets also tend to include textures that improve grip and reduce the risk of rounding, whereas standard sockets use a simple hex design known to round corners over time.

When working at a home garage, you can often get away with standard sockets for the odd job, but you’ll want a good impact socket set if you plan on doing regular automotive work.

Related: 6-Point vs 12-Point Sockets

Shallow vs Deep vs Extra Deep Well – Which Should I Get?

This largely depends upon the task, so it’s best to own either a combination set or a full set of shallow and deep. However, you can get away with owning one if you plan ahead for which tasks you might be performing most often.

Deep sockets are ideal for lugs or nuts that sit an inch or more below the top of the bolt or stud you need to release. Shallow sockets fit into more cramped spaces and are ideal for situations where the nut or bolt head isn’t sunken around a stud. Extra deep sockets are invaluable for some jobs but usually not necessary for daily use.

Why Are Impact Sockets Black?

There are two major reasons you’ll always see impact sockets in a black coating and standard sockets in a chrome coating. The first is a simple matter of identification. When you’re reaching for a loose socket, you don’t want to spend extra time discerning the type of socket before using it.

The second deals more with durability than function. Chrome plating adds some degree of protection from rust, but the black is often made of a black phosphate coating that has improved resistance to liquids and other causes of damage to the underlying metal.

This doesn’t mean the sockets are any stronger overall (the type of steel alloy determines that), but you’re less likely to suffer damage if an impact socket is dropped into a puddle of water or grease.

Which Drive Size Should I Get?

Sockets come in three main drive sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch. Of these, the ⅜ inch is the most commonly used and likely your main socket set, but 1/4 inch sockets are useful for reaching small nuts and bolts or fitting into tight spaces.

1/2 inch sockets, meanwhile, stand up better to high torque use such as with impact wrenches and are usually the best option when a long ratchet or breaker bar is necessary.