Non-Impact Sockets

A Non-Impact Socket is also known as a standard socket or regular socket. Non-impact sockets are normally made from steel (with a chrome finish) and are used in connection with inch, 3/8 inch, inch or 1 inch size ratchets or socket wrenches, helping you to tighten or remove nuts, bolts and other equipment. Also available are Impact sockets which have a hardened carbonized surface, also known as heat-treated or drop forged. This allows an impact socket to manage torque impact changes. Non-impact (standard) sockets will bend or break when used with an impact tool and this can be dangerous and cause injuries.

There are many types of non-impact (standard) and impact sockets available that will fit manual or electric ratchets and socket wrenches.

Hex is an abbreviation of Hexagonal and there are two types of Hex socket, 6-point and 12-point. A hex socket will fit naturally around a six-sided nut or bolt. A 12-point socket also fits around a hex bolt and this is also known as a bi-hex or double hex socket. A double hex provides more flexibility in confined spaces.

This is a hex (hexagonal) socket where a screwdriver type bit is inserted into the socket and the socket then attaches to a suitable ratchet. Socket bits work with manual and impact drives and are supplied as a set of bits.

Impact sockets are for use with a power impact wrench, darker in colour than non-impact sockets due to their hardened metal surface allowing stronger impact (torque) on the part you are tightening or removing.

Deep sockets, also known as deep dive sockets, are sockets that can be a non-impact or impact socket. The difference is they are longer than standard sockets and provide added accessibility in limited space and hard to reach parts.