What is the typical color of impact sockets?

Impact sockets are typically colored black to distinguish them from regular chrome sockets. The black finish is primarily due to a coating that helps to protect the socket from corrosion and wear while also providing a non-reflective surface, which is beneficial in environments where glare can be an issue. This color coding serves an important practical purpose by signaling to users that these sockets are designed to withstand the higher torque and impacts associated with power tools, particularly impact wrenches.

Meanwhile, other colors such as blue or red are often used for different kinds of tools or sockets in various brands to indicate specific applications or material types, but they do not denote the impact-rated sockets as clearly as the black color does. Silver is typically associated with chrome sockets, which are not intended for use with impact tools. Thus, the black color of impact sockets is an important characteristic that indicates their special durability and suitable application for high-torque situations.