How to Use a Socket Wrench – Step-By-Step Guidelines
- Step 1: Choose the Correct Size Socket for the Fastener.. Sockets are available in different sizes and depths. So first,...
- Step 2: Attach the Socket to the Ratchet. To properly attach the socket to the head of the ratchet, the drive square of...
- Step 3: Select the Turning Direction for Tightening or Loosening. Before...
What is a disadvantage of using a socket wrench?
Video: How To Use Crowfoot Wrench
- Step Three – Make Use Of Snap-On. It is always advisable that you gather all your tools and accessories that are needed to work before you start.
- Step Four- Fixing Your Crowfoot Wrench On The Fastener. After you have set the crowfoot wrench, you can now place the crowfoot on the fastener that would be used to ...
- Step Five – Making Use Of The Ratchet. ...
What size tools are needed Wrench or sockets?
- Bi-hexagon Wrench 10 mm,
- Straight Hexagon Wrench 14 mm,
- Oil Filter wrench
- 3/4 in. Spark Plug Socket
- Torque wrench
Is a torque wrench the same as a socket wrench?
Wrenches perform the same function as ratchets and sockets — tightening and loosening fasteners — but there are differences and situations that call for one over the other. For example, a box-end wrench is a good option for loosening stuck fasteners because you can apply more torque without risking damage to a ratchet mechanism.
What is the function of a socket wrench?
- Use the right socket. If you have a universal socket wrench with rotating heads, you must still be careful to select the right socket; otherwise, you could strip the nut ...
- Center the nut or bolt in the wrench. ...
- Take care using power tools with the socket wrench. ...
- Keep your socket wrench clean. ...
- Check the direction. ...
How do I use the socket removal tool?
2:214:20How To Use A Ratchet And Socket-Tool Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt I'm in the loosening mode you take the rat to with the socket. You want to put it around the boltMoreIt I'm in the loosening mode you take the rat to with the socket. You want to put it around the bolt. So right here we have a bolt on the base of the seat of the bike. I take the ratchet.
How do you attach a socket wrench?
Attach the socket to the head of the wrench - you should hear a click when its properly in place. Select the direction using the flip switch to decide between loosening and tightening. Place the socket on the nut. Twist it back in the opposite direction and repeat until the bolt is fully loosened or tightened.
How do you open a deep socket?
0:214:35Pittsburgh pro socket removal from harbor freight - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can pop that socket. Right out of there. So if you watch from the end here if you pop itMoreAnd you can pop that socket. Right out of there. So if you watch from the end here if you pop it from the right side you'll be able to pop that socket right out of there.
How do you loosen a bolt with a socket wrench?
0:412:38tightening and loosening nuts with socket wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom this side it's going counterclockwise. And the socket the nut this the socket and the nut areMoreFrom this side it's going counterclockwise. And the socket the nut this the socket and the nut are staying still and if I if I spin the socket wrench clockwise. Carefully then you can see the socket.
What are the different types of socket wrenches?
5 Types of Socket Wrenches#1) Ratcheting. Ratching is the most common type of socket wrench. ... #2) Flex Head. There are flex-head socket wrenches that have a swiveling head. ... #3) T-Handle. One of the most basic types of socket wrenches is the T-handle. ... #4) Nut Driver. Another type of socket wrench is nut driver. ... #5) Gearless.
How does a ratchet socket wrench work?
The most common type of socket wrench. The ratcheting mechanism allows the nut to be tightened or loosened with a reciprocating motion, without requiring that the wrench be removed and refitted after each turn. Typically, a small lever on the ratchet head switches the wrench between tightening and loosening mode.
How do you open Harbor Freight sockets?
0:021:24Removing Harbor Freight Sockets from Plastic Packaging - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I found the easiest way to get it out let's get a screwdriver. And stick it on the inside. SoMoreAnd I found the easiest way to get it out let's get a screwdriver. And stick it on the inside. So it's just like that that way you know you're not gonna Mar the finish on the outside.
How do you use a 10mm socket?
0:301:29How to Put a Socket on a Socket Wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd here's the socket. So the socket has two sides. It's got - sad. And it's got this side. So whatMoreAnd here's the socket. So the socket has two sides. It's got - sad. And it's got this side. So what you want to do is for this particular soccer wrench you push down on this see that you push down on
How do you remove a deep socket?
0:261:35Removing deep spark plugs without a spark plug socket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you want to make sure you push it in there as much as you can so it doesn't fall off while youMoreSo you want to make sure you push it in there as much as you can so it doesn't fall off while you drop it into the the cylinder. Then reach in push kind of firmly on the plug. Give it a couple turns.
How do you remove a deep nut?
3:319:10How to remove a rounded nut or bolt- 5 different ways - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also use a cold chisel. And a hammer this is a very good technique. And you can generate aMoreYou can also use a cold chisel. And a hammer this is a very good technique. And you can generate a lot of force with it that will undo the majority of rounded-off. Not side bolt.
How do you remove a nut when the bolt is too long?
Heat up the end of the pipe with a heat gun, candle or lighter, then form the moldable PVC over a nut that's the exact same size as the one you need to remove. When it cools, remove the nut and you'll have a tool that can loosen nuts on almost any length of bolt.
What is a socket wrench?
A socket wrench is a type of wrench with a socket on one end that’s used to turn fasteners. Another term you may have used heard to describe a socket wrench is a ratchet wrench. It’s a handheld tool with a ratcheting system attached to the handle and you use it to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts by pulling or pushing the handle while ...
How to check if socket wrench is working?
You can do this by holding the socket with one hand and using the opposite hand to turn the ratchet back and forth from left to right several times. 4.
What to do if your socket is too small?
If the socket feels too small or too big on the fastener, try another size before using the socket to loosen or tighten the fastener. This is important to avoid damaging or breaking what you’re working on. Start with a larger size and work your way down to avoid getting the fastener stuck in a socket that’s too small. 2.
How to fix a fastener that is stuck in a socket?
Start with a larger size and work your way down to avoid getting the fastener stuck in a socket that’s too small. 2. Connect the Socket. If you’re using the type of wrench with multiple detachable sockets, connect the socket to the handle. If you’re using an adjustable socket wrench, lock the correct size in place once you’ve determined ...
Why is it important to choose the correct socket size?
To avoid damage and get your job done as quickly and easily as possible , it’s very important to choose the correct socket size. This is probably easier than you think, because you usually won’t have to measure or guess the size by sight.
Which way to turn a wrench?
It’s essential to remember that turning the handle of the wrench clockwise tightens the fastener and turning the handle counterclockwise loosens the fastener. Rotate the wrench handle in the same direction you want the bolt or nut to turn.
Can you use a socket that is too big?
Don’t use a socket that’s too big or too loose for the fastener. This can damage or strip the fastener and even allow you to slip, which can be dangerous. You can purchase extensions for your socket wrench, which can make your work a lot more comfortable.
Why do socket wrenches ratchet?
The ratcheting feature allows you to keep the wrench connected to the bolt and eliminates the need to refit it with every turn of the bolt. This is especially important when working space is limited. Socket wrenches are so useful that they are standard equipment for mechanics, carpenters and many other tradespeople.
How to turn a nut?
Place the socket on the nut you need to turn. Use it just like a regular wrench or pliers, except do not remove the wrench when you run out of space. Simply twist it back in the opposite direction and repeat. Tip. When placing nuts or bolts, it is sometimes easier to just use the socket, spinning it with your hand until you need ...
How to tell what size nut to turn?
If you know the size of the nut you want to turn, you can find the measurements labeled on the side of the sockets. If you don't know the exact size, grab a likely looking socket and try it on the nut or bolt you want to turn. If it's too loose, try a smaller one.
What is a Socket Wrench?
A ratchet and socket combination is called a socket wrench or ratcheting socket wrench. In British English, it’s also called socket spanner. It lets you turn a nut or bolt without repositioning the tool on the fastener.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Socket Wrench
Each part of this tool is essential to its effectiveness and functionality during a job. So, before using it, you should know the different parts of a socket wrench to understand how best to use it.
How to Use a Socket Wrench – Step-By-Step Guidelines
The following instructions will guide you on how to select the right socket, how to get on and off the socket to the handle, how to change the direction of turning and how to release the socket from the ratchet.
How to Release Socket from the Wrench Head
The way to remove the socket from the wrench handle depends on the design of your ratchet.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these guidelines on how to use a socket wrench were helpful to use. And you have found a socket wrench a lot easier to use efficiently.
FAQs
With a socket that’s too big, you risk stripping the bolt head and making it almost impossible to turn. If you attempt to use the wrong sized socket, the inside of the socket may chip. What’s more, it may damage the bolt head, and the corners of the bolt head may wear out.
How to use a socket wrench?
To use a socket wrench, follow these seven steps: Select the socket to fit the bolt or nut you’ll be tightening or loosening. Slide the socket onto the handle by clicking it into place on the square knob. Select whether you’ll be loosening or tightening. Place it on the bolt or nut. Twist the handle like you would a standard wrench.
What are the parts of a socket wrench?
The three working parts of a socket wrench are: The socket. This is the cylinder-shaped piece with one end shaped to fit over a nut or bolt while the other end has a square-shaped hole. What size it is will be imprinted on the side of it, so it will be easy to determine which size you need. The handle.
What happens if you use a socket that is too big?
With a socket that’s too big, the inside of the socket chips and damages the bolt head. If you continue to attempt to use the wrong sized socket, the corners of the bolt head will wear out. Once it’s been damaged enough, you won’t be able to get a grip on it with a socket or wrench and a specialty tool will be required to remove it.
How to loosen a bolt?
Select whether you’ll be loosening or tightening. Place it on the bolt or nut. Twist the handle like you would a standard wrench. Don’t remove it from the bolt or nut; simply twist it in the opposite direction. Continue twisting one way, then the other, until you’re finished.
When you put a nut on a bolt, do you take it off?
Place it on the nut or bolt and twist the handle like you would a standard wrench. However, don’t take it off the nut or bolt. Instead, turn it in the opposite direction.
Can you have multiple socket wrenches?
You can probably find multiple socket wrenches in the toolbox of any mechanic, handyman, construction worker, or other tradespeople. If you are making any home improvements with nuts and bolts, purchasing a socket wrench will make it much more manageable.
Can you use a socket over a bolt?
When attempting to find the right-sized socket, you can simply slip a socket over the bolt to see if it fits. This is much easier than trying out different wrenches. However, if you use a socket that’s too big, you risk stripping the bolt head and making it impossible to unscrew.
What is socket wrench?
A socket wrench is a very useful tool to have; you need a socket set in your toolbox as you’ll find them very versatile. When you go to buy a socket wrench you’ll find that that you can buy a standard socket wrench set (also known as a shallow socket wrench) and a deep socket wrench.
Why is a socket wrench called a shallow socket wrench?
The standard socket wrench is also referred to as the shallow socket wrench because the sockets themselves are intended to operate in places where there’s not much room. This lower profile increases the accessibility.
How many points does a socket wrench need?
You’ll find that the sockets, both deep and standard, have either six points or 12 points, although you can also buy eight point ...
What is a semi deep socket?
The name doesn’t do the socket justice. It’s almost the same length as a deep socket, but it’s intended to fit in locations that would be too tight for a deep socket, but which wouldn’t work for a standard socket.
How many points does a socket have?
You’ll find that the sockets, both deep and standard, have either six points or 12 points, although you can also buy eight point sockets which work well with square bolts. A deep socket will generally be around one inch long.
Why do we need deep sockets?
Because they come in a set, shallow sockets are usually purchased in a case with a driver and handle which makes them extremely portable and convenient to use around the house or the garage.
What is a shallow socket?
Shallow sockets are the type most commonly found in socket wrench sets. In many circumstances, people will need no more than a shallow set of sockets. The can fit into tighter spaces and are particularly useful for carrying out jobs on car or motorcycle engines where space is more limited.
Why do deep sockets cost more?
Because they’re not considered standard toolbox items, deep sockets do tend to cost more. However, the fact that they are considered to be specialized equipment means that they are generally stronger than cheap shallow socket sets.
Which is better, a deep socket or a shallow socket?
Deep Sockets. Deep sockets are better for specific jobs instead of general use. If you have bolted joints, they make a much better option for your socket wrench than shallow sockets. If you need to replace your exhaust, you’d find it much easier to loosen the clamp bolts with a deep socket.
Can you use a socket wrench with a deep socket?
Unless you use a so cket wrench set regularly, you might not know that there are both deep sockets and shallow sockets available. Both have their own uses and can normally be purchased as part of a set. It is also possible to buy semi-deep sockets that are of an intermediate depth so they can fit into tighter spaces.
Can you buy semi deep sockets?
It is also possible to buy semi-deep sockets that are of an intermediate depth so they can fit into tighter spaces. These are often a good compromise between the deep and shallow types of socket.
Do shallow sockets come with socket wrenches?
Since shallow sockets usually come with a socket wrench set, there’s no extra cost involved in buying them as an addition for your socket wrench unless an individual socket cracks and you need to replace it.
What Is A Socket Wrench?
Is A Wrench The Same Thing as A Ratchet?
- Although people use the terms ratchet and wrench when they’re describing the same thing, technically there’s a distinction between the two. A ratchet is actually a type of wrenchand the most important piece of a ratchet wrench is the socket mechanism that stays in place while the handle is either pushed or pulled by the user. Not only this is more convenient, but it also speed…
The Best Way to Use A Socket Wrench
- The steps below will tell you everything you need to know about how to use a socket wrench, including how to select the right wrench for your project. This information is designed for beginnersand should help you understand how to properly and safely work with this tool.
Tips and Tricks
- Invest in high-quality socket set, especially if you plan to use your wrench multiple times or on many different types of projects. A good set will have many socket size options and is usually easi...
- If you’re really having to use muscle while turning the handle, check to make sure you aren’t damaging the jaw of the wrench.
- Invest in high-quality socket set, especially if you plan to use your wrench multiple times or on many different types of projects. A good set will have many socket size options and is usually easi...
- If you’re really having to use muscle while turning the handle, check to make sure you aren’t damaging the jaw of the wrench.
- Don’t use a socket that’s too big or too loosefor the fastener. This can damage or strip the fastener and even allow you to slip, which can be dangerous.
- You can purchase extensions for your socket wrench, which can make your work a lot more comfortable. For example, you may find you need a shorter or longer bar for different tasks. Buy a wrench tha...
Bottom Line
- Now that you have a clear understanding of what a socket wrench is, the basic steps to using one, and some general tips for purchasing and working with socket wrenches, you should be able to apply this information to your own daily life.