Physically these are identical to standard sockets except for the black coating. Under the skin they are specially hardened to resist the high torque forces and vibration from manual impact screwdrivers and powered impact wrenches.

• Stop assemblies moving.

• Lever a shaft out of a tube.

• Cheap ones will bend or fracture.

• Consider a set with various lengths and thicknesses.

• Always wear eye protection.

• Consider impact protecting gloves.