Impact socket VS Chrome socket
There are a wide variety of uses for sockets from automotive work to industrial work and even hobbyist’s project. To determine which socket type is suitable for your situation you have to understand the differences between the two. Impact sockets vs chrome socket is a common thought people have so let’s dive into what the differences are.
Design difference
Impact sockets are designed to withstand high torque and vibration, they also have thicker walls which can be difficult to use in tight spaces. Chrome sockets on the other hand can’t take as much torque as an impact socket but can fit in tight spaces because of their thinner wall design.
A chrome socket uses a ball tensioning system with the use of the detents in the socket. An impact would use a pin tensioning system or a hog ring system, both which a chrome socket was not designed for. Below is an image of how a chrome socket is designed
Impact sockets are commonly found in a black colour because of the black oxide finish. This is not always the case though, some black oxide sockets are not impact rated and are specified by the manufacturer for hand use only. The majority non-impact sockets are commonly a chrome color but also can come in black oxide.
Metallic properties
Impact-rated sockets are meant to take more force than chrome sockets. This is because of the alloy properties that allow them to be more elastic when they reach their limits. It also can deform and stretch. Chrome sockets on the other hand do not have this property, they tend to be more brittle when they reach their limits resulting in cracking and breakage of the socket.
A chrome socket has a chrome finish to prevent rusting but an impact-rated socket won’t have a chrome finish. Impact sockets can be made from both CR-MO (Chrome Molybdenum) or CR-V (Chrome Vanadium), although the CR-MO (Chrome Molybdenum) is the superior alloy for impact sockets. Chrome sockets are typically made from CR-V (Chrome Vanadium) and heat-treated to a higher hardness.
Uses
An impact-rated socket is meant to be used on impact wrenches but can also be used on hand tools. The same thing can not be said for chrome sockets, they can break and hurt someone if used on an impact gun/wrench.
There are two main reasons why you should not use a chrome socket on an impact wrench. The first being that the force from an impact wrench is incompatible with a chrome socket causing it to break. The second reason is because of the impact wrench’s hog ring/ or pin tensioning design.
An impact wrench has a metal ring that sits on top of an O-ring, when you slide a socket on the anvil the metal ring will give tension throughout all detents of the chrome socket making it hard to come off. Below is an image of a hog ring tension system and a pin tension system for impact wrenches.
This can also cause wear on your impact wrench anvil. A chrome socket has detents on all walls meant for a ball tensioning system, this is not designed for a hog ring style impact wrench anvil.
Impact wrenches also come with a different anvil design using a pin retaining system, a pin that will lock the socket using the hole on an impact socket. A chrome socket does not have this hole and will not secure properly, another reason not to use a chrome socket on an impact wrench.
Conclusion
Now you that know the differences between a chrome socket and an impact socket consider what your application is before using the two. An impact socket can be used in almost any condition except for tight spaces, but a chrome socket should never be used on an impact wrench or impact gun. Most people who work in automotive use impact sockets for removing tires, and stubborn bolts but sometimes need chrome sockets to fit in tight spaces. Industrial work can also call for the use of impact sockets as well.
Below is an image of a broken socket, if you are not careful this can happen to you and even injure you so be safe.
Impact socket vs chrome sockets winner? Ultimately it all depends on your situation and budget take your own situation into consideration and make a choice. If you are considering what set to buy, hopefully, this article can give you an idea of what makes the most sense for you.
You can find some Impact sockets here. You can also find some chrome sockets here.