Good impact socket sets are hard to find. Good impact socket sets that are affordable but can still perform like top name brands are even harder to find. That is why we put together this complete guide on the Best Impact Sockets for the Money.
Keep in mind, when using an impact gun it is important to use the correct sockets. Standard sockets are not designed to be used with impact guns as the high-torque can cause them to warp or crack. So, if you have an electric or pneumatic impact gun be sure to pick up a set of sockets rated for impact usage.
Sure, top brands like Snap-On might last a long time and come backed up with a great warranty but they carry a large upfront cost. For the average Joe, here is a list of top rated impact sockets that won’t break the bank.
Best Impact Sockets for the Money: TEKTON 1/2-Inch Drive Deep Impact Socket set, 15-piece, Metric
One of our favorite sets. This 15-piece impact socket set by Tekton has all the features of sets that cost double or triple the price. The set features fifteen metric sockets complete from 10mm to 24mm. That’s right, no gaps in this set.
Buying tip:
Some cheap impact socket sets come incomplete with gaps between sizes. Be sure to always read the packaging for a listing of all sizes included.
In addition to that each impact socket is laser etched with the correct size. Making finding the right socket quick and easy. Metric sized impact sockets are great for automotive work like removing lug nuts from a car.
Features:
• 6 point impact sockets
• High contrast laser etched size markings on each socket
• 15 sockets, no gaps with Storage Case included!
They also come highly reviewed (see video below).
Best Impact Sockets for the Money: Neiko 02443A Complete 3/8″ and 1/2″ Drive Impact Socket Set (deep & shallow)
Neiko combines both SAE and Metric sizes in this one convenient socket kit. Having a variety of sizes makes this an ideal impact socket set for automotive mechanics and DIYers alike.
Their special 6-point flank drive turns the flat sides of nuts for maximum power without stripping the corners.
Tool Tip, (6 point vs 12 point sockets):
Generally 6-point sockets are preferred over 12-point sockets to reduce the risk of stripping fasteners. This is even more critical when dealing with pneumatic impact tools that are designed to deliver tons of torque.
In addition to high quality construction this kit includes two extension bars and adapter for even greater versatility. If you are looking for a complete impact socket set to handle a variety of projects this would be the one to buy.
Features:
• Complete socket set with SAE and Metric sizes
• 6 point flank drive for pneumatic and electric impact tools
• Includes two socket extension bars and adapter for hard to reach areas
Best Impact Sockets for the Money: Tacklife Drive Impact Socket Set with Extensions and Carry Case, 17 pieces
What is the best tool set to buy as a gift?
Anyone that is here looking for a great gift for a husband, father or son would do a great job picking up this Tacklife set. The reason for that is because the price is very affordable but it compares to sets sold for much more from a local hardware store.
Skip the trip to the store, buy it online and ship it to your house instead.
Features:
• Designed for use with all pneumatic, electric and cordless impact wrenches
• 14 piece socket set with (3) extensions and carry case
• Meets or exceeds ANSI performance standards
Socket Set for Lug Nuts: Tekton Lug Nut service kit, dual sided sockets
Dual sided socket set for lug nuts! (Socket storage case include)
The perfect tool set for your car, truck or automobile. Each tool features a double-sided design to get the most out of this compact vehicle kit. Super Handy.
Features:
• Dual sided impact socket set
• Color coded to easily identify sizes
• Black oxide finished extension bar
• Compact tool kit for travel, impact socket set for lugnuts
Best Impact Socket Set for the Money, Grey Pneumatic 1/4″ Drive Master Socket Set
Anyone who works on cars whether as a professional mechanic or as a hobby will agree. Small heavy duty sockets will be needed.
Tool Tip:
Great tool kit for foreign and domestic cars, old or new. Small size socket kit is better designed to fit into hard to reach areas typically found in automotive applications.
The Grey Pneumatic 1/4″ tool set works great to access hard to reach areas. Pair these with a small electric impact driver to break loose even the most stubborn of bolts.
Features:
• Made of high quality steel (chrome-molybdenum)
• Includes 1/2″ unival join and three inch extension + socket case
• Thicker than a standard 1/4″ socket but made for impact duty
Best Impact Socket Set on a Budget, Stanley 97-126 11 Piece Metric Deep Impact Sockets
Looking for a smoking deal on a set of impact sockets?
Check out this 11 piece set by Stanley, 1/2″ drive, 6 point, Metric with storage case. Depending on the time of year these can be picked up at a great price, to see current pricing click the photo above.
The Good:
Low Price, 6-pt design, includes storage case, Limited Lifetime Warranty. Makes a great gift.
The Bad:
Gaps in sizing, not a complete set. Be sure to double check what sizes are included and which sizes you need.
Even though this set has some gaps in the sizing it still includes most of the common sizes for general work. At the price it would make a great starter set that can be expanded when (or if) your needs grow.
Features:
• Sizes Included: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24mm
• 6-pt Sockets
• Socket storage case
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
Dewalt DCF899P1 Impact Gun with TACKlife Impact Sockets
Here is my setup. A battery powered Dewalt DCF899P1 impact gun and TACKlife sockets, shown with the 3″ extension bar.
Having used a pneumatic impact gun in the past, I was happy to see a battery powered option available. All the power you need in a light-weight package, without having to drag around the air compressor.
Battery Powered Impact Gun Uses:
• Removing Lug nuts (Removed Rusted lug nuts from a Snowmobile Trailer)
• Changing lawnmower blades
• Disassembly of stubborn automotive parts (chassis work)
Ok, we have the sockets. Where are we going to store them?
If you already have a good set of sockets but like to keep things organized around the garage, check out our articles below on tool storage solutions and organization ideas.
A good tool cart adds storage space to your garage, keeping your tools safe and out of the way. Tool organization systems help to maximize this space by sorting tools into neatly labeled holders and racks.
Tool carts and Tool organization systems:
• “Best Portable Tool Boxes and Tool Trolley Carts”
• “Toolbox Organization Systems, Socket Organization”
Impact Socket Sets from Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight is known for supplying quality tools at very affordable prices. Before putting together this list we looked into the Pittsburgh impact socket set by Harbor Freight to see how they compared.
Harbor Freight Impact sockets review & opinions
Depending on the current coupons Harbor Freight has running you can pick up a set of their Pittsburgh sockets at a great price. The only downside is many of the lower cost kits have gaps in the sizing and do not include some of the “nicer” features.
Missing features like laser engraved markings and nice storage case
Is that a deal killer? Maybe not. For a rough and tough set of sockets at a great deal the Harbor Freight sockets are a great buy. However we feel for a few bucks more you can get a much nicer set like the Tekton’s that include the laser etching and storage case.
For the Money, Tekton vs Harbor Freight?
After spending alot of time sifting though reviews on Harbor Freight Impact sockets and other sets like the Tektons. The final verdict is that either one of them would make a good impact socket set for most home owners and weekend mechanics.
Durability: Made from chrome vanadium steel with an outer black phosphate coating. There are very few reports of anyone actually breaking either brand of sockets.
Features: This is where brands like Tekton and Tacklife shine over the Harbor Freight value sets. Laser engraved markings, no gaps in the set and a hard plastic storage case can be found in both the Tekton and Tacklife sets.
Cost: Which is the best impact socket set for the money?
Our #1 pick would be the Tacklife 18 piece Metric Socket set. This set features 15 sockets, 3 extension bars and a nice plastic storage case.
While all of these kits are priced very reasonable the (3) extension bars with the Tacklife set are an added bonus and come in handy when using a torque wrench.
(BONUS) 1/2″ Click Torque Wrench for use with Impact Sockets, by TEKTON
Must-have tool for Automotive Work
This 1/2-inch drive Click Torque Wrench is a great value compared to other brands that charge 3-4 times as much. (click image to see current price)
Adjustable torque range from 10-150 ft lbs. Great for most car and truck lug nuts. (Always check your vehicles owners manual for proper torque ratings.)
THANKS for the magnificent work!