Whether you're working in an auto shop or tackling heavy-duty industrial projects, our impact sockets are engineered to handle high-torque applications.
Built from premium chromium-molybdenum (Cr-Mo) steel, our sockets are designed for maximum durability and reliable performance with impact tools.
Whatever you choose, we guarantee:
- Professional quality: Our tools are engineered for mechanics, contractors, or serious DIYers who need reliable, long-lasting tools.
- Satisfaction guarantee: We provide high-quality, tool-truck-grade products at a fair price.
- 30-minute customer service: Talk to a real human for customer support within 30 business minutes or get your money back.
- 90-day risk-free return policy: Try any product completely risk free for 90 days.
- Limited lifetime warranty: We protect you from manufacturing defects.
Our Impact Socket Collection
From automotive repair to industrial maintenance, our premium impact sockets are built to deliver consistent performance and lasting durability. Each socket is forged from high-grade chromium-molybdenum steel and engineered to withstand rugged use. Many of our sets also come with tool organizers already included, so your tools will be protected and always within reach.
Stubby Impact Socket Sets
These ultra-compact stubby impact sockets feature an innovative hex-base design. Available in metric and SAE options for 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drive sizes, each set features professional-grade Cr-Mo construction and laser-etched markings.
The 3/8-inch drive sets offer a 1.95-inch total depth with a 17 mm ratchet-compatible base, while 1/2-inch drive sets feature a 1.1-inch profile with a 22 mm ratchet-ready base.
Locking Impact Socket Extensions
Tackle hard-to-reach fasteners the easy way with our Cr-Mo locking impact extensions. Available individually or as a set, these socket extensions feature a secure slide-lock mechanism that prevents socket drops while delivering impact-ready performance.
Heat-treated construction guarantees they'll handle years of heavy-duty use without twisting or deforming, making them indispensable for mechanics who need reliable reach and power.
Impact Swivel Sockets
Our impact swivel socket set provides 30 degrees of smooth swivel in any direction without the risk of binding or broken pins. Made from drop-forged Cr-Mo steel, these professional-grade sockets deliver superior strength compared to cast alternatives.
Available in SAE (3/8-inch to 1-inch with no skipped sizes in 1/16-inch increments) and metric sizes, each socket features dual identification with stamped sizes and high-contrast laser markings. Every set comes organized on a premium anodized aluminum rail, keeping your hand tools neatly arranged and ready for action.
Impact Socket Set with a Magnetic Organizer
Get organized with our complete 1/2-inch drive SAE impact socket set with organizer, featuring sizes from 3/8-inch to 1-1/4-inch with no skips, paired with a red magnetic socket organizer. Each Cr-Mo impact socket is built for high-torque applications and features high-visibility size markings.
The included organizer's strong magnetic base holds sockets in place—even upside down—while its rubber coating protects toolbox surfaces.
Cr-Mo Impact Socket Sets
Our Cr-Mo impact socket sets are professional-grade 1/2-inch drive impact sockets available in shallow or deep designs. Choose from 15-piece metric or 14-piece SAE sets, each forged from premium Cr-Mo steel with a precision 6-point design that prevents fastener rounding.
Chrome and Impact Sockets With 3-Row Magnetic Socket Organizer
The chrome and impact sockets with a 3-row magnetic socket organizer combine our three-row magnetic socket holders with complete socket sets that fill every slot.
Available in metric (55 pieces) or SAE (54 pieces) in shallow and deep configurations, each set includes Cr-V chrome sockets and Cr-Mo impact sockets with 6-point designs. Choose from 1/2-inch drive sets ranging from 10–27 mm metric or 3/8-inch to 1–1/4-inch SAE.
A strong rubberized ferrite magnetic base mounts to any steel surface, whether in drawers or on toolboxes.
What Is an Impact Socket?
Impact sockets are typically made from Cr-Mo steel to withstand the high torque and force from impact ratchets. Unlike regular sockets, they're built to absorb repeated impact without cracking or deforming.
What Is the Difference Between Impact and Ratchet Sockets?
Impact sockets are made from Cr-Mo steel for use with power tools, while ratchet (chrome) sockets attach to hand tools such as ratchets. Impact sockets have a dark finish and thicker walls to handle high torque, while ratchet sockets feature a bright finish.
Is an Impact Socket Stronger Than a Regular Socket?
Impact sockets are forged from Cr-Mo steel to handle the extreme forces of impact tools. Their thicker walls and specialized material make them significantly stronger than regular chrome sockets when used with power tools.
Why Are Impact Sockets 6 Point?
Impact sockets use a 6-point design to provide maximum grip and torque transfer to fasteners. This design reduces the risk of rounding off nuts and bolts while distributing consistent force during high-torque applications.
Why Do People Use Deep Impact Sockets?
Deep impact sockets provide extended reach for accessing recessed fasteners or working around obstacles. They're indispensable for automotive work where bolts may be tucked deep within an engine bay or when working with longer threaded rods. If you’re looking for deep impact sockets, check out our 1/2-inch drive deep chrome and impact socket set. Both impact and chrome sockets from this set are extremely durable, and they come with a practical 3-row organizer so you can keep all of your sockets safe.
How Do I Choose the Right Impact Socket Set?
Selecting the right impact socket set depends mainly on the type of work you'll be doing. Professional mechanics need a comprehensive set with both metric and SAE sizes, while DIY enthusiasts might start with just one or the other. What matters most is matching the drive size to your impact ratchet and ensuring you have the socket sizes for your most common jobs.
Our detailed impact sockets buying guide will help you make the best choice for your specific needs. If you're just getting started, check out our recommendations for the best impact socket sets for different applications and budgets.
Can I Use Chrome Sockets with an Impact Ratchet?
This is one of the most common mistakes that can lead to dangerous socket failure. Chrome sockets aren't designed to handle the intense force from impact tools.
As we explain in our impact socket vs chrome socket comparison guide, impact sockets are specifically engineered with thicker walls and special Cr-Mo steel construction to absorb repeated impacts. Using chrome sockets with an impact ratchet isn't just risky—it's dangerous and could lead to socket failure or injury.
What Makes Stubby Impact Sockets Different?
Stubby impact sockets are the problem-solvers of the socket world. When you're working in tight engine bays or confined spaces where standard sockets won't fit, these compact powerhouses get the job done. They maintain the same durability as full-size impact sockets but in a shorter package. The real genius is their hex base design, which allows you to put them on your ratchets when you need extra leverage in tight spots and know that they will stay put while you work.
Do I Need Impact Socket Extensions?
If you work on vehicles or machinery, you'll eventually encounter fasteners that are just out of reach. That's where impact socket extensions become invaluable. They're not just longer versions of your sockets—they're specially designed to transfer impact force effectively while preventing socket drops with their locking mechanism. Unlike many tool accessories, impact socket extensions are problem-solvers you'll reach for daily.
What Size Impact Sockets Do I Need Most Often?
For most automotive and general mechanical work, a 1/2-inch drive impact socket set will handle nearly everything you encounter. In SAE, you'll typically use sizes from 3/8" to 1-1/4", while metric users generally need 10mm to 27mm.
Having both shallow and deep sockets gives you the versatility to tackle almost any job that comes your way. Professional mechanics often tell us these ranges cover about 90% of their daily tasks.
Are Deep and Shallow Sockets Really That Different?
The socket depth makes a huge difference in how you'll use them. While deep impact socket sets help you access recessed bolts and work with longer studs, shallow sockets give you better control in tight spaces. Most mechanics keep both on hand since each has specific uses—deep sockets for spark plugs and U-joints, shallow ones for most general work.
What's Better: 6-Point or 12-Point Impact Sockets?
6-point impact sockets provide more contact with the fastener, reducing the chance of rounding off nuts and bolts. While 12-point impact sockets offer more engagement positions, they're typically less durable under high torque. For professional mechanics working with impact tools, a 6-point impact socket set is generally the smarter choice.
Which Impact Socket Sizes Should I Start With?
A wide range of sizes helps, but most mechanics start with a metric impact socket set covering 10 to 27 mm or an SAE set from 3/8 to 1 1/4 inches. This range of sizes handles about 90% of common automotive tasks. If you work on both domestic and foreign vehicles, you'll want both SAE and metric sets.
Do I Need a Socket Adapter Extension?
A Cr-V socket adapter extension helps you reach tight spots, but choose one designed for impact use. A standard socket adapter might work for hand tools, but impact work demands stronger materials. Broken sockets often result from using the wrong adapter type with impact tools.
How Do I Know if My Impact Socket Is Reliable?
Reliable tools start with proper materials. A standard drive impact socket uses thicker walls and stronger steel than regular sockets. The hex drive impact socket design spreads force evenly, preventing the rounding and cracking that leads to broken sockets. Professional mechanics choose impact-rated sockets because they withstand daily abuse better than standard chrome options.
Customer Reviews
“This was my 8th or 9th set of tools I have purchased from Olsa. I could not be more pleased with the performance, quality, & packaging of what I have purchased. Where other socket brands want to round off a worn nut, Olsa sockets hold fast.” —Ron L (verified buyer of the Cr-Mo Impact Socket Sets, five-star review)
