Impact sockets are made differently than normal sockets.
Though impact sockets look similar to normal sockets and are physically interchangeable, impact sockets are made to withstand higher levels of force. Using a normal socket in an impact wrench can damage the socket and may result in injury.
Design
Though impact sockets fit commonly-sized bolts and use common drive sizes, impact sockets feature thicker walls than normal sockets. Impact sockets also have a hole in the side to allow the socket to be securely attached to the drive wrench. The thicker walls provide added strength while the hole is used to secure the socket to prevent it from flying off of a fast turning impact wrench.
Hardness
Impact sockets not only are made thicker than normal sockets, but the sockets are made differently to make them less likely to break from the added pressure. Though both sockets are typically made of a medium carbon steel material, the metal used for impact sockets is not hardened as much as the material used for normal sockets.
Color
Though the color of the socket makes no difference in its strength, most impact sockets have a black outer finish to differentiate them from normal sockets that typically have a chrome finish. Some normal sockets do have a black finish, but are marked not for impact use.
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