With the primary goal of fitting a wide variety of nuts and bolts, a socket set is a useful and versatile collection of toolkit accessories that provides users with the ability to work with fasteners of various sizes and types.
Socket sets are one of the most useful and common kinds of hand tools for plumbers, electricians, and mechanics, which is perfect for tasks in small or constrained areas.
Socket sets come in a single convenient container, carton, or bag with a variety of interchangeable parts. Well, in this reading, we’ll explore socket sets and wrenches, their diagrams, sizes, maintenance, and how to choose the right ones.
Let’s begin!
What Are Socket Sets?
A set of tools called a socket set is made to assist you in tightening and loosening fasteners like nuts and bolts.
In addition to a variety of sockets in varying sizes, they usually include parts like ratchets, drivers, and extensions, which allow exerting torque to spin the socket when it is positioned over the fastener.
Sockets are cylindrical tools that involve a square or hexagonal aperture on one end. To fit different fasteners, they are available in a range of sizes to fit over bolts and nuts.
A socket wrench, sometimes referred to as a ratchet, is a tool used to turn sockets. Without taking the wrench off the bolt, the ratchet mechanism makes it simple to tighten or loosen bolts.
When working in confined areas or reaching recessed bolts, extensions are add-ons that provide you with more reach. Adapters increase the adaptability of your socket set as they let you utilise your wrench with a variety of socket sizes.
In addition to metric and imperial sizes, socket sets come in a variety of forms and materials. They provide a useful alternative for a wrench or a standard spanner, enabling you to quickly and safely tighten or remove nuts and bolts.
Related: Different Types of Mechanic Toolset
Applications of Socket Sets
Below are the common uses of socket sets:
- Socket sets are essential for automotive repairs and maintenance.
- They facilitate tasks like oil changes, brake pad replacement, and bolt tightening.
- They are used when torque specifications are crucial when working on vehicles.
- Socket sets are useful for home improvement projects and maintenance tasks.
- They are ideal in furniture assembly, plumbing repairs, and electrical work.
- They save time and money by enabling small repairs and maintenance tasks without professional assistance.
- Socket sets are indispensable in professional settings like construction sites and manufacturing facilities.
- They are used in assembling scaffolding and tightening structural bolts.
- They are crucial in machinery maintenance and repairs.
- Professionals rely on socket sets for their durability, versatility, and ability to handle heavy-duty tasks.
Components
The major parts of a socket set include the ratchet handle, extension, adaptors, and the storage box.
- Ratchet Handle: A fine-tooth mechanism is crucial for tight spots and should feel solid and click smoothly.
- Extensions and Adaptors: These are essential tools for navigating awkward spots and mixing drive sizes.
- Storage: A good case is crucial for keeping everything organised and protecting your investment. Clear markings on good cases are durable and won’t wear off over time.
Diagram
Socket Set Sizes
There are two common size approaches to sockets, which include metric and imperial.
Imperial fasteners (bolts and nuts with bolt heads measured in inches and fractions of inches) are compatible with imperial sockets.
Imperial sockets, often known as SAE (short for the Society of Automotive Engineers), were originally (and still are in the US) the standard size by which all sockets were measured.
The more widely used metric system, which measures nuts and bolts in millimetres, is currently used by several countries, including the UK, for measuring sockets.
Since metric and imperial sockets cannot be used interchangeably, a metric socket set will only work with metric-sized nuts and bolts, and vice versa.
The size of the drive socket (the component that attaches to the socket) and the socket head are the two metrics used to determine socket sets, which further complicates matters.
Only the socket head is ever subject to metric sizing. In contrast, the socket drive is usually measured in imperial units.
- Small sockets: 3mm to 22mm head dimensions with 1/4″ or 3/8″ drive sockets.
- Large socket sets: 19mm to 50mm head sizes and 3/4″ or 1″ driving sockets.
- Medium sockets: 1/2″ drive socket with 8 to 32 mm socket heads.
Check some lists of best socket sets and wrenches here!
How to Choose the Right Socket Sets
The following explains the guideline on how to choose the right socket sets:
- Invest in a large set made from top-notch materials like chrome vanadium steel for daily use.
- Chrome molybdenum steel sockets are ideal for dealing with rounded or rusted bolts.
- For vehicles, ensure the set covers metric sizes from 8mm to 19mm.
- Look for brands using durable materials and a reputation for high-quality tools.
- Choose brands that can handle tough jobs without breaking or wearing out quickly.
- Check if the brand offers a warranty.
- Choose from reputable brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.
- Read customer reviews and feedback for insights into user performance and satisfaction.
Socket Sets Maintenance and Care
The following help you keep your socket set in good health:
- Regularly clean sockets after use.
- Apply a light coat of machine oil, especially near the coast.
- Avoid salty air to prevent rust.
- Pay attention to the ratchet mechanism for optimal performance.
Related: 30 Types of Measuring and Marking-out Tools and Their Uses
FAQs
What is the best socket set brand?
Craftsman 135-Piece Set is the best option in this category. It is made of high-quality sockets made of chrome vanadium steel. This set is precision-machined to prevent rounding of fasteners. The set also comes with a wide range of sizes in three different drive sizes.
What is a socket set?
Socket set. /ˈsɒk.ɪt ˌset/ us. /ˈsɑː.kɪt ˌset/ a set of metal tools of different sizes that fix onto one handle and are used to fasten and unfasten nuts on pieces of equipment.
What is a socket used for?
A socket attaches to the end of a ratchet or wrench to remove bolts. Sockets have two sides. One is to grip bolts, and the other is to connect to a wrench.
Should I use 6- or 12-point sockets?
12-point is better for wrenches most of the time; you need the smaller turning angle. 6-point is better for sockets most of the time, since it grabs the head closer to the middle of the face and is less likely to round it off, but you need 12-point sockets for some things (driveshafts, flywheels, etc).
What colour sockets are best?
Many light switches and sockets come in white, chrome, or black as standard. As we’ve seen, bronze, brass, and copper are also prime choices. However, think about the base colours of your space. If you use a lot of bright, modern colours and emphasise fun, a white plate might work well.
How do I choose a socket size?
1/4″ drive: Ideal for small fasteners, electronics, and light-duty tasks. 3/8″ drive: Versatile for a wide range of applications, including light (non-engine) automotive work and home repairs. 1/2″ drive: Suitable for heavy-duty tasks, such as lug nut removal and engine work for light vehicles.
