What is a deep socket used for
Isabella Harris
Updated on April 02, 2026
Deep sockets: A deep socket can help you reach bolts that are far down in a vehicle or piece of machinery that you’re working on. These are often needed when the bolt protrudes from the nut, like a tire lug nut, or the fastener is recessed.
When would you use a deep socket?
A normal, shallow socket may not even touch the nut before the top of the stud or bolt hits the end of the socket. In this case, a deep socket is necessary to accommodate the long end of the bolt and fit snugly around the nut.
What is a deep impact socket?
Impact sockets are designed for use with powered impact wrenches or ‘drivers’, as they are sometimes called. … An impact wrench stores kinetic energy in a rotating hammer that is forced (impacted) against an anvil which then delivers force to the driver.
What does deep socket mean?
Deep sockets (right image) can reach the nut on a longer, threaded bolt; they also allow you to reach recessed fasteners. 6-point sockets (left image) and 12-point sockets (right image) are available to fit a variety of fastener heads; universal sockets work with more fastener types, including spline, star and square.Which is better 6 or 12 point socket?
Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.
What type of sockets are the most commonly used?
Hex sockets are the most common type of socket and come in two main types: hex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets.
Are impact sockets different than regular sockets?
The wall of an impact socket is around 50% thicker than that of a regular hand tool socket, making it suitable for use with pneumatic impact tools, whereas regular sockets should only be used on hand tools.
How long is a deep socket?
Drive, 6″ Long.Do they make extra deep sockets?
Some jobs call for custom/special tools like our Extra Deep Impact Sockets. Threaded rods and bolts in deep spots are reached easily and readily with these extra long sockets. We offer extra deep impact sockets with 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4″ ,1”, 1-1/2”, and #5 spline drives.
Can I use regular sockets with an impact driver?Chrome-plated sockets should never be used with an impact driver. Regular chrome-plated sockets can crack or shatter and send pieces flying. Use only impact-rated sockets for impact guns, and impact-rated sockets or nut drivers for smaller cordless impact drivers.
Article first time published onAre heavier impact sockets better?
The heavier the socket is the more force it takes to overcome the sockets inertia, therefore the less force is applied to nut/bolt to undo it, but on the other hand rigidity of the socket comes into play with that the more rigid the socket the more force is applied to the nut/bolt and is also more reliable.
Can you use an impact socket with a torque wrench?
Among all, impact sockets are the most popular and durable sockets that can withstand the load delivered by torque wrenches. … Impact sockets are robust sockets that are designed for impact drivers such as impact wrenches, and industrial torque wrenches that can deliver higher torque than other wrenches.
Can a 12 point socket be used on hex head bolt?
Both 6-point and 12-point sockets can be fitted on hex nuts, the primary differences being convenience and torque. The more points a socket has, the more points of contact available. Compared with the 6-point socket, a 12-point socket has twice as many points, so it can more easily slide onto a hex nut.
Why would you use a 12 point socket?
The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.
What are 8 point sockets used for?
What is an 8 point socket used for? Our range of 8 point sockets are perfect for use on our range of Pyramid Head Door Screws, Lag Bolts and Square Headed Machine Bolts. 8 point sockets take away the need for the use of a shifter and will stop you rounding off the head of a square bolt.
Why are impact sockets so expensive?
Now, why does the price range of the impact sockets vary so much? Good question. It all depends on how many sockets you’re buying in your set, and whether or not they are deep sockets or shallow sockets. Deep sockets require more material, so they are more expensive.
How do you identify impact sockets?
regular sockets are directly linked to the former’s need for additional strength. First and foremost is the metals that are used. Rather than a chrome vanadium finish as found on most hand sockets, impact units are made out of chrome molybdenum, which is then carbonized, giving them a flat black look.
Are chrome vanadium impact sockets any good?
Chrome vanadium sockets are a good fit for hand-torque applications and slow action applications like ratcheting. Chrome vanadium socket sets are known for their rigidity and hardness, and they offer a high amount of rust protection. Chrome vanadium is not an ideal for impact sockets.
What are the 5 different types of socket?
- Stream Sockets. …
- Datagram Sockets. …
- Raw Sockets. …
- Packet Sequenced Sockets. …
- Hex Sockets. …
- Socket Bit. …
- Impact Sockets. …
- Spark Plug Sockets.
Which socket set is best?
- Sunex 80-Piece Master Impact Socket Set.
- DEWALT 192-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.
- TEKTON 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set.
- GearWrench 57-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set.
- Stanley 201-Piece Socket Set.
- Stanley Black Chrome and Laser Etched 69-Piece Socket Set.
What is the biggest socket size?
3/8″ Drive1/4″ Drive1/2″ Drive7mm5mm10mm8mm5.5mm11mm9mm6mm12mm10mm7mm13mm
Are all deep sockets the same length?
There are many different standards for sockets and whilst they are generally similar, they may set different tolerances, giving an acceptable range of lengths within the same standard. This means one manufacturer’s deep 13mm socket may be slightly longer or shorter than another’s.
What is socket length pile?
The depth up-to which the RCC end bearing piles must be penetrated within the Hard Rock is known as the socket length. 10000+450 mm =10450 mm. The socket length in this case is 450mm. This is for proper grip in the rock.
Why is there a hole in impact sockets?
That hole has a very specific purpose. It’s called a retaining pin and it is integral in making sure an impact socket and impact gun/wrench work perfectly together. The pin prevents the socket from coming off the end of the wrench or gun as a result of vibrations.
Can I use drill bits in impact driver?
Yes, you can use an impact driver. … You can make small holes in light-gauge steel and soft wood with an impact driver using a standard hex-shank drill bit, but if you want to make holes larger than ¼ inch in heavy steel, hardwood, or pressure-treated lumber, you need a bit rated specifically for an impact driver.
Is an impact driver the same as an impact wrench?
Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench Drive Styles Impact drivers use a 1/4-inch hex collet that accepts 1/4-inch hex shank bits. Impact wrenches typically use a square drive that you attach a socket to. … When you’re shopping for an impact wrench, look for terms such as compact, mid-torque, and high-torque.
What is universal socket?
A universal socket looks like a standard deep socket but the head is full of small metal pins. As the name suggests, they are compatible with a range of fasteners and bolts. This makes them a great tool for any DIYer or professional that uses sockets regularly. Latest Prices of Sockets.
Do you need special sockets for torque wrench?
Absolutely as long as you have the right size socket for the size of the drive on the end of the torque wrench… You sure can, but don’t use them with a pneumatic system. A lot depends on how high you have the wrench set to twist the bolt or nut.
Do impact sockets wear out?
It’s also worth mentioning that impact sockets wear out faster than chrome sockets, especially if you use them with a normal ratchet. Because the metal is softer, it wears away and deforms a very tiny bit when you use it, and this adds up over the years.
What is the difference between a torque wrench and a socket wrench?
A socket wrench is a specific type of wrench using interchangeable sockets to drive the nuts or bolts. A torque wrench is a special version of the socket wrench that has means to set or limit a specific amount of torque measured in ft-pounds or newton meters to the bolt fastening.
Are hex keys the same as Allen keys?
A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads.