Bosch has quietly updated their impact sockets. Or maybe they simply expanded their lineup, it’s really hard to say. But to me, the new Bosch impact sockets look to be an update or upgrade.
At this time, I could only find information on a new Bosch 10pc 1/2″ drive impact socket set, model ITDSO12V10.
This set comes with socket sizes 7/16″ thru 15/16″, as well as a basic socket rail, and a 1/4″ hex socket adapter for use with impact drivers.
Advertisement
Here is what Bosch’s existing/older impact sockets look like.
In my opinion, the new sockets at least look much better, thanks to what I’m guessing is a high-visibility stripe.
The new Bosch deep impact sockets feature laser-etched markings, which Bosch says will last for the life of the socket. However, the online product images make the size markings look very small.
The sockets also have both O-grooves and through holes, for use with retaining rings and pin socket retention mechanisms.
Bosch says the sockets feature torque-absorbing construction, for providing tension dissipation to absorb high torque of newer impact wrenches.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the new socket set comes with a case, but it does come with a storage rail.
Advertisement
Price: $40
So far, this 10pc 1/2″ drive SAE set is the only new style of set I’ve come across.
Not to sound too critical, but while the new sockets seem to be an improvement compared to Bosch’s limited range of existing impact sockets, couldn’t they have done a little better?
Which impact sockets would you rather use, Bosch’s or Milwaukee’s new Shockwave impact sockets? Milwaukee’s new impact sockets have big and bold size markings that I can read at a glance.
I have not see Bosch’s new sockets in person yet, but the online images show smallish markings.
What do you think?
Albert
I wish someone would make impact sockets with 1/4″ hex shafts built-in so the adapter wouldn’t be needed. I have plenty of 1/2″ square drive sockets, and plenty of adapters, so won’t be buying any more, but I would definitely buy sockets that could fit in my impact driver without an adapter.
ca
Nut drivers?
Big Richard
“Liked this comment”
Adam
1/4″ impact driver isn’t designed to do what an impact wrench is supposed to do. The driver is for smaller fastener & bolts, the wrench for larger. Now the drivers have become so powerful that they can handle some of the bigger work, but if you put too much resistance, the adapter shears. I took my tires off with a Milwaukee Impact driver, but only made it to the third wheel. It seems more cost effective to replace adapters than sockets, plus that is extra metal/space/weight in that case.
I do understand where you are coming from. I splurged and bought a 1/4″ hex Wera 10mm nutsetter, though not impact rated.
This is the first I’ve heard of sockets designed for O-ring, or hog ring impacts. Perhaps it is something that is just an extra bullet point, and something everyone else already has built in.
Stuart
The description specifically says the o-groove and hole are for pin and friction ring retention mechanisms, but I really can’t see what would be different here to better accommodate a hog ring. The o-groove, in my opinion, seems to be for modern pin retention mechanisms, where a ring sits in that external groove to keep the pin in place through socket and impact wrench anvil.
Adam
Apologies, in my poor English I missed a comma after “hog ring.” I know hog ring & friction are the same, but I’ve never seen either called out as a feature per se for sockets.
It seems like a situation where we should expect all impact sockets to have it, but Bosch went out of their way, or marketing making sure they were worth their salary, to call it out.
Stuart
This is what the online description says: Through hole and O groove – provide a better fit with wrenches featuring a pin or a friction ring
Friction ring usually means hog ring.
In the case of pins and retaining rings, the pins aren’t captured by friction.
So friction = hog ring. But the external O-groove can’t possibly have any relevance when using hog ring anvils.
I can’t tell if I’m wrong, the description is wrong, or if the description was copy/pasted from a different Bosch impact product listing.
Hog rings usually spring outwards a little into the grooves sockets already have for ball detents.
In other words, a lot of sockets already have hog ring-friendly features, and as it’s not tied to grooves intended for pin retention mechanisms, I don’t understand what Bosch is claiming or trying to claim. It’s confusing.
As an analogy, it’s as if jeans are described as having built-in belt loops for a belt and relaxed fit around the knees.
Kenneth Stephens
The hole in the socket and oring groove is for retention. Lots of impacts have holes in the anvil as well. You place a pin through the socket and anvil then slide a oring over to hold the pin in. That was if you’re working in an elevated location or anywhere you don’t want to drop a socket, then it’s positively held in place by the pin which is held in by the oring
DRT42
You mean like this?
https://www.tooltopia.com/Vim-VIMNS100
They actually work quite well. Also available in metric and extended versions.
Matt the Hoople
Those say impact “quality”. Not sure if that’s the same as impact “rated”. Moot point for me because I often use standard (non-impact” sockets with me drivers for applications not requiring a lot of torque. I will switch to impact sockets when appropriate.
As for these nut setters, I like them and am now considering possibly getting a set. If they can handle impact duty, they would certainly be more tool bag friendly than impact sockets (i.e. lighter in weight)
fred
For garden/landscaping projects I went over (in 2014) to using Milwaukee 2765-20 impact driver that uses a 7/16 inch hex drive. It’s not optimized as a drill – nor is it the equivalent of an impact gun – but I use it for both. I drill pilot and clearance holes in timbers using 7/16 hex shank auger bits – and use a 7/16 hex to 1/2 sq (Proto J7121) to mount impact sockets and drive lags
Koko The Talking Ape
My eyes are pretty good for somebody my age, but I’m all for larger size markings. The Milwaukees look good, though I think the markings could be even bigger, and on two sides.
Stacey Jones
Totally agree. I usually buy the labels and put them on, but I have quite a few without labels. I understand etching probably increases the price, but wish they would at least include the sticker.
MM
It’s honestly nuts they didn’t make the size markings any larger. This is not a new concept. I remember when I bought my Craftsman sockets back in the late 90’s they had tiny size markings. A few years later, probably about 2000-2001 or so, I added Deep sockets to my set. And at that point Craftsman had switched to using much larger laser etched size marks. Why smaller markings are still in use now is a bit puzzling.
Jared
Looking at those Bosch sockets – I also hate when they include unnecessary text in the same size and font as the size marking. Makes me have to pause and look for the size, which is already small.
I love my Williams USA sockets – but they suffer from this affliction too. E.g. why does the part number have to be the same size and font as the socket size? When there’s a bunch of numbers and letters in the same location along the bottom of the socket… it makes things confusing!
Todd Samuels
Country of origin?
Type of metal?
Stuart
They don’t say.
fred
https://www.toolsplus.com/bosch-27286.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqIKCgLvm9AIVBgiICR13PgtxEAQYBCABEgKbTfD_BwE
$2 cheaper for the 27286 set – and ToolsPlus says that the metal is “High Carbon Steel” – doesn’t list COO
The Amazon page says that the material is “High Speed Steel” and the COO is China
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-27286-2-Inch-Socket-9-Piece/dp/B004UJ13N0?th=1
Stacey Jones
$38 for Chinese Sockets? Hmm, may as well go AliExpress and cut out the middle man.
Nathan
I suspect the hex to 1/2 adapter is there as more an add on. hopefully the sockets are fully rated to ANSI minimums or more which at 1 inch SAE size socket is more than an impact driver should muster. and more than you want to put though a 1/4 hex.
To that end – I won’t run any sockets bigger than my 3/8 set on an impact driver – and I use that for convenience. Outside of that is what an actual impact wrench is for.
DC
I have and use Snap-on and S-K 1/2 in & 3/8 in metric impact sockets. Though I don’t have them in my tool box, I like the Milwaukee Shockwaves I’ve seen at Home Depot and because of the easy to see size markings. S-K etched theirs but the SOs are engraved which makes it hard.
Frank D
I can’t believe you’d put a small impact driver and bit with those comparatively giant nut sizes. Maybe just for very light mechanical stuff, that’s not torqued or impacted down? Because I can see that 1/4 bit just distort and twist right away if it doesn’t destroy the impact driver.
928'er
SAE?
I haven’t used any of my SAE sized tools since I stopped buying worn out British sports cars about 30 years ago…
928'er
By the way, I just got a set of the new Milwaukee “Shock Wave” metric sockets in 1/2″ drive. They’re made in china as well.
Matt the Hoople
Lol. I sometime do miss my MGB. Driving it. Not tuning the twin SU carbs or working on those goofy lever arm shock absorbers.
Nathan
always thought an mgb would be a decent car to do a restomod to. some modern 4 cylinder engine – 6sp trans – other bits and a full require.
keep the wood dash. I’m re worked 2 of them with friends and they are interesting cars. MG TD is an interesting one too.
928'er
Here’s someone who did it with a Honda S2000 engine. Really tasty bit of kit.
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2021/07/21/the-roaring-heart-of-a-honda-s2000-transformed-this-1966-mgb-gt-into-a-powerful-sports-car
Plain grainy
I have the new Milwaukee shockwave impact sockets. They are stunning, markings are exquisite! I only purchase impact sockets, gives you more flexibility. Did I mention the Milwaukee socket’s markings are exquisite?They are like “WOW”!
Plain grainy
I might try a set of the Bosch someday. I’d like to toss one into my lawn, just to see if the green is easily identifiable.
KKH
10-32mm deep socket sets around 10 years ago for € 35 they are made in Taiwan, very good quality, they are used in a repair shop. The price difference is HUGE compared to those made in germany.