What is a socket wrench called?
Ratchets and Sockets vs. A ratchet and socket combination (sometimes called a socket wrench) lets you turn a nut or bolt without repositioning the tool on the fastener — like you need to do with a wrench when there isn't enough room to turn it in a full circle.
What is a socket wrench used for?
A socket wrench or ratchet allows you to turn nuts and bolts with more ease than using a regular wrench. The ratcheting feature allows you to keep the wrench on the bolt eliminating the need to refit the wrench every time you need to make a turn.Apr 9, 2020
What is the difference between a ratchet and a socket wrench?
What is a Ratcheting Wrench? A ratcheting wrench works virtually identical to a socket wrench – it has ratcheting pawls inside that lets it spin in one direction and turn the bolt in the other. At the same time, it has the relative profile of a combination wrench that you turn to when a socket won't fit.Jan 9, 2019
What are the 3 types of socket wrenches?
There are several types of socket wrenches, however, each of which uses a different method of operation.#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. ... #4) Nut Driver. ... #5) Gearless.Apr 8, 2021
How deep is a deep socket?
Drive, 6" Long.
How do I know my socket size?
How to Determine the Right Size Socket for a NutTurn on the digital caliper and set it to read in inches, not millimeters. ... Close the caliper jaws until each jaw rests on one flat side of the nut on opposite sides.Check the caliper display. ... Turn on the digital caliper and set it to read in millimeters, not inches.More items...
What are the different types of sockets?
What are the different types of socket?Hex Sockets. Hex sockets are the most common type of socket and come in two main types: hex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets. ... Socket Bits. ... Impact Socket. ... Spark Plug Socket. ... Insulated Sockets. ... Pass Through Sockets. ... Adjustable Multi Sockets. ... Oil Filter Socket.More items...
What does a socket wrench look like?
1:573:39How To Use A Socket Wrench - Ace Hardware. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on these particular socket wrenches there's a little switch on the back side that you flip toMoreAnd on these particular socket wrenches there's a little switch on the back side that you flip to loosen. And flip the other way to tighten.
What is the standard socket wrench size?
There are four common socket sizes: 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (0.9 centimeters), 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) and 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters).Jul 25, 2011
What are socket bits?
Socket bits are a combination of a bit, such as a screwdriver bit, and a hex socket. Socket bits connect to a turning tool such as a ratchet in the same manner as a hex socket, using a square drive socket.Jan 30, 2017
What is socket in mechanical?
Sockets are tools used to tighten mechanical fasteners. They fit over the head of the fastener to provide torque. Typically, sockets have a hexagonal hole at one end that's designed to fit over a hex head bolt or screw. On the other end of the socket is a square hole that fits over the square drive of a socket wrench.Dec 2, 2019
What is a socket wrench?
Socket wrenches are similar to standard wrenches in that they allow you to quickly tighten bolts, but are comprised of a ratchet bar, and transposable sockets that fit directly on nuts or bolts. With many buying options available, we’ve researched the best socket wrench sets, including universal, metric, standard, and heavy-duty socket wrench sets, ...
What size sockets are in a Stalwart socket wrench set?
Able to fit almost anywhere with its mini size, this Stalwart socket wrench set has your basic metric and SAE sockets and ½- and ⅜-inch ratchets. Although not the best option for industrial use, this complete socket set is perfect as a spare to keep in your car, and many customers agree that it’s the best deal at this price point. Made of forged steel with a vanadium finish, this set is surprisingly light at just under six pounds. The 52-piece set also includes an adaptor, extension, spark plug socket, spinner handle, spin disk, and a polypropylene case. One buyer commented, “I am amazed at what came with this tool kit. A huge variety of sockets and wrenches; exactly what I needed and more. Quality is very good for the price.”
How many Allen socket bits are in a Neiko socket set?
Available in metric or SAE measurements, this Neiko Allen socket set comes with 14 impact Allen socket bits. The SAE drive measurements come in ¼-, ⅜-, and ½-inches with additional sockets for each drive. The chrome-molybdenum steel sockets have a pinhole for additional strength and security when applying force to tougher jobs. One reviewer wrote, “I had a lot of work to do on my vehicles and motorcycle and these sockets saved the day! They stood up to a lot of high torque and performed flawlessly.”
What is a tacklife socket?
Compatible with all impact drivers, Tacklife’s deep impact socket set has 15 metric sockets ranging from 10 to 24 millimeters and three extensions. Made of chrome vanadium steel, the extra depth is perfect for harder to remove nuts and bolts. This set doesn’t include a ratchet but bonuses include a 10-inch extension bar for hard-to-reach spaces, a ½-inch driver, and permanent and clear laser-etched markings that you don't have to strain your eyes to decipher. One customer commented, “This is a very good set of Cr-V deep sockets. The rugged plastic storage case and three extensions are a nice bonus to the already good price.”
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.
What is Socket Wrench?
A socket wrench (or socket spanner) is a type of spanner or wrench that uses a closed socket format, rather than a typical open wrench/spanner to turn a fastener, typically in the form of a nut or bolt.
What is ratchet?
Ratchet is the informal word used to refer to a ratcheting socket wrench. It consists of a handle and a socket. The handle is the wrench. On the ratchet handle is a mechanism that allows the ratchet to engage and reverse the direction of the ratchet to loosen or tighten fasteners like nuts and bolts .
What is a socket?
Sockets are tools that attach to a rachet, torque, or socket wrench. It’s used mostly for loosening and tightening fasteners such as nuts and bolts. The socket is placed on the square extension or driver of the ratchet.
What do a ratchet and socket allow you to do?
A ratchet and socket combination allows the user to turn a fastener (a bolt or nut) without having to reposition the tool on the fastener. If you were using a wrench, you would definitely have to reposition it after each turn.
How do Ratchets and Sockets work?
A ratchet is a handle that snaps into one end of a socket by means of a square-drive connector. The other end of the socket fits over a fastener. A mechanism in the ratchet allows the handle to engage and tighten the fastener when you swing it in a clockwise direction and turn freely when you swing it counterclockwise.
How To Use a Socket Wrench?
A socket wrench or ratchet allows you to turn nuts and bolts with more ease than using a regular wrench. The ratcheting feature allows you to keep the wrench on the bolt eliminating the need to refit the wrench every time you need to make a turn. This is ideal when working in confined spaces where movement is extremely limited.
Types of Ratchets, Sockets, and Accessories
Here’s an overview of the available sockets, ratchets, and accessories. They’re often sold individually, but you may prefer a socket set or ratcheting wrench set to be prepared for a variety of jobs.
How Ratchets and Sockets Work
A ratchet is a handle that snaps into one end of a socket by means of a square-drive connector. The other end of the socket fits over a fastener. A mechanism in the ratchet allows the handle to engage and tighten the fastener when you swing it in a clockwise direction and turn freely when you swing it counterclockwise.
Ratchets and Sockets vs. Wrenches
Ratchets and sockets are among the different types of wrenches designed for specific tasks. They perform the same functions as a conventional wrench — tightening and loosening fasteners. However, there are some tasks that suit a ratchet and socket particularly well.
Types of Ratchets, Sockets and Accessories
Here's an overview of the available sockets, ratchets and accessories. They're often sold individually, but you may prefer a socket set or ratcheting wrench set to be prepared for a variety of jobs.
Overview
A socket wrench (or socket spanner) is a type of spanner (or wrench in North American English), that uses a closed socket format, rather than a typical open wrench/spanner to turn a fastener, typically in the form of a nut or bolt.
The most prevalent form is the ratcheting socket wrench, often informally called a ratchet. A ratchet incorporates a reversible ratcheting mechanism which allo…
History
Wrenches in the form of sockets—that is, a female driver to envelop the male head of a fastener—have existed for centuries. Early examples include the keys used to wind clocks since the Middle Ages. The heads and sockets were typically square; hex heads eventually became more common starting in the 20th century. The ratcheting socket wrench, with interchangeable (indexable) sockets, was invented by an American, J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vermont. The t…
Socket types
There are two main types of sockets: impact and hand. Sockets are referred by their number of “points” for the pointed intersections of their multi-faceted interior sides. Common designs include :
• 6 point, hexagon, for hexagonal nuts.
• 12 point (24 facets) for use with hexagonal nuts
Accessories
These are some of the common accessories that are used with 1⁄4-inch, 3⁄8-inch, 1⁄2-inch (and so on) socket wrenches:
• Extensions, sometimes called "extender arms", attach to a socket on one end and a ratchet on the other end of the extension. These "extend" the length of the socket and allow access to nuts or bolts that are difficult to reach. Extensions …
See also
• Hydraulic torque wrench
• Impact wrench
• Torque wrench
External links
• Table of American socket and nut sizes in inches
• SAE to Metric socket conversion chart
• Ratchet manufacturing video
• Socket manufacturing video