How to Attach a Socket to an Impact Wrench
Impact sockets are frequently used with tools like impact wrenches, impact drills, and impact drivers.
31/03/2022
An impact wrench
is thought to be one of the most powerful
mechanical tools to work with. It is known as a
complicated member of its family. Working with
it requires a lot of care and attention to avoid
its malfunctioning. However, besides proper
focus, it may result in accidents.
But
people mostly don't know how to attach a socket
to an impact wrench.
The impact wrench causes
disruptions in the middle of the work when the
socket of the wrench is not attached firmly to
the shaft of the tool. Therefore, it results in
falling off the impact wrench.
Moreover,
the socket can also start shattering when you
start applying too much pressure to the nut.
However, there could be other reasons, such as
the socket not being too thick, or it having low
bearing strength and becoming damaged, causing
the wrench to not function properly.
Hence, you must attach the socket properly to
the impact wrench.
What is an impact socket?
An impact socket is an accessory
specially designed for mechanical tools. It
protects them from the damage caused by the
vibrations of the tool while working.
These sockets are made of ductile steel, which
makes them 50% thicker than local sockets. They
are soft and have high elasticity; therefore,
they stretch themselves easily.
These
impact sockets are also very durable and assist
in protecting the tool's anvil. In this way, it
also increases the life of the tool being used.
Impact sockets are frequently used with
tools like impact wrenches, impact drills, and
impact drivers. As these sockets have high
bearing strength, they help to apply high
pressure rusty lug bolts and nuts to unfasten
them.
How to put a socket on an impact wrench?
● Selecting the appropriate socket:
An impact wrench needs various types and sizes of sockets for different operations. Every nut has a distinct size from the other ones. Therefore, before putting a socket on a wrench, make sure that you are using a compatible socket with your nut.
● Complementary socket, nut, and wrench:
After finding an appropriate socket for your nut, ensure that it matches its size and head shape for proper fastening of the nut. Another factor that is important before attaching a socket to a wrench is to check that the shape of the socket fits perfectly on the wrench.
● Putting the socket and wrench together:
To attach a wrench to a socket, you have
to be careful and focused. First of all, turn on
the forward setting of the wrench and turn off
the reverse setting. This will assist in
attaching the socket in the right direction.
Tip: Always remove the plug before attaching
a socket.
Secondly, put the
square-shaped end of the socket and the shaft of
the wrench together. Afterward, pull the trigger
until you hear the clicking sound of the knob.
This indicates that the socket is firmly
attached to the wrench.
● Determining the direction of work:
You have to
determine the correct direction of the socket
for tightening and loosening the nut. Any wrong
direction will mislead your tool, and you will
end up either firmly tightening the nut or
loosening the nut when you are expected to do
the opposite. Hence, properly examine your
switch guide before you begin doing your work.
Once you get familiar with the perfect
twisting direction of the socket, you can easily
attach any socket to your wrench. Just choose
the size of the socket according to your tool,
and then you are good at mastering the
technique.
How to use an impact socket?
An impact socket should always be used with
an impact wrench. Impact sockets are specially
designed with thick walls and flat backs for
impact wrenches, so they are the best
combination for tightening and loosening up
nuts.
Pro Tip: Convert an impact wrench
into an impact driver using an impact socket.
However, you can pair up these impact
sockets with an impact driver or an impact drill
when you have to apply too much pressure to the
bolts and nuts. In that case, impact sockets are
best, because a regular socket cannot bear much
pressure and will end up shattering.
The
method for pairing up the impact socket with an
impact driver is also very similar to the method
discussed above.
Which Socket to use on Impact Wrench?
An impact socket is the
best socket to be used on an impact wrench.
Impact sockets comprise chrome plating and
finishing. This makes them hard and protective
against the vibrations produced by the impact
tools, especially impact wrenches.
Furthermore, they are corrosion resistant so you
can repeatedly use them with an impact wrench.
Another factor that makes them best for impact
wrenches is the locking pin they come with
because regular sockets won’t fit on impact
wrenches easily.
This pin prevents the
socket from coming off during work. In this way,
the sockets remain firmly in place, unlike a
regular socket. Consequently, you must only use
an impact socket with an impact wrench,
otherwise, it would be dangerous for you to use
a regular socket.
How to install a socket on a shart ½” Impact wrench?
To
install an impact socket on a shart ½" wrench
locate the square portion on the wrench. It is
mostly on the shorter hole of the socket.
Afterward, press the socket onto the impact
wrench's drive.
Tip: Slide the socket
completely on the drive.
Impact wrenches
also have a square drive that's why we will
attach the socket to the square portion of the
wrench. You will hear the sound of a click when
the socket is firmly in place. However, if you
still feel that the socket is not in place try
using a socket ring.
Tip: Using a socket
ring reduces the chances of the socket falling
off.
To select the direction of
fastening set the forward or reverse switch
which locates just under the trigger. But if you
are using a manual wrench the switch is located
opposite the attached socket.
Conclusion
As you can see that the proper attaching of an impact socket on an impact wrench is done you can apply the process without any doubt. Just follow the instructions along with all the tips and you will easily get to know how to attach a socket to an impact wrench.