What is the primary benefit of using impact sockets?

Using impact sockets offers the primary benefit of the ability to handle higher torque levels. These sockets are designed specifically to withstand the intense forces generated by power tools, such as impact wrenches. Unlike standard sockets, impact sockets are constructed from tougher materials, typically a higher grade of chromium-molybdenum steel, which allows them to absorb the shock and stress that comes from high torque applications.

The thicker walls and the absence of a chrome plating further enhance their durability, making them less likely to crack or shatter under intense pressure. This capability is crucial when working with heavy machinery or vehicles, such as buses, where the fasteners can be torqued to much higher specifications. The use of impact sockets thus ensures not only the effectiveness of the work being done but also the safety of the user by minimizing the risk of tool failure during operation.

The other choices, while they may have their own benefits, do not encompass the defining characteristic that makes impact sockets particularly valuable in demanding mechanical scenarios.