The Ultimate Socket Wrench Buying Guide

Discover which type of socket wrench is best for you.

A socket wrench is a great tool to have in any tool box. When you need to do some heavy-duty wrench work, look no further than a trusty socket wrench.

A socket wrench will help you efficiently do a lot of fastening on both SAE and metric fasteners.

Learn about the different things to consider when choosing a socket wrench with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

How a Socket Wrench Works

A socket wrench is a hand tool with a ratcheting mechanism on its head. The ratcheting part attaches to a variety of sockets by way of a square nub, called the drive.

You can set a ratchet for tightening or loosening a nut. The ratchet keeps the socket in place, while you turn the wrench handle.

Ratcheting

A ratchet is a gear mechanism that holds in place when you go one direction. And it releases if you pull the opposite way. The ratchet allows you to quickly tighten a nut or bolt without having to refit and remove the wrench.

The ratchet’s handle gives you plenty of leverage for loosening and tightening. That leverage allows you to create a lot of torque.

However, make sure you’re using the right socket size for your nut or bolt. Because of the heavy torque, you can easily strip a nut or bolt if you use the wrong size.

6-Point vs 12-Point Sockets

There’s been debate on which type of socket head is better. A 6-point socket has six meeting points on the interior part of the socket. A 12-point has 12 meeting points, resembling a circle.

A 6-point socket will fit more snuggly on a bolt. This leaves you less room for error. And it makes it less likely that you’ll strip the bolt.

On the other hand, a 12-point socket can give you more wiggle room. And it allows you to use a socket that isn’t exactly the right size.

However, using the wrong size can lead to stripping the bolt.

Socket Wrench Sets

Socket wrenches typically come in sets with a variety of different size sockets. For both SAE and metric, the ratchet’s drive size is typically 1/2″.

Smaller ratchets can be 1/4″ and usually come with a 1/2″ adapter. 3/4″ is another popular size. Anything larger is usually used in industrial work.

There are also deep sockets, which make it easier to access hard-to-reach areas.

A few wrench extension bars usually come with the socket sets. The extension bars can get your wrench in hard-to-reach places, like parts of the engine block.

The sets also come with clearly-marked different size sockets. Having a set will allow you to do a variety of jobs.

Impact Wrench

An impact wrench is basically the power tool version of a socket wrench. It’s tougher and more heavy-duty than the regular hand tool socket wrench.

There are a variety of different impact sockets that can pair with an impact wrench.

Combination Ratcheting Wrenches

There are also combination wrenches. You can typically use combination wrenches with both SAE and metric fasteners.

One end will have an open-end wrench, and the other side will have a ratchet. You can use sockets with the ratcheting end just like a regular socket wrench.

Flex Head Ratchet Wrench

A flex head ratchet wrench is a socket wrench with a flexible head. The head can move back and forth, giving you more leeway in tight spaces.

Breaker Bar

A breaker bar is different than a regular socket wrench because it doesn’t have a ratchet. Its main purpose is to help you loosen nuts and bolts that are extra tight or stuck.

From automotive work to home improvement, a good socket wrench will come in handy.

Discover what other hand tools and power tools you need for your toolbox with our Tools Blog.