{"id":6985,"date":"2023-10-10T09:33:32","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T14:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/?p=6985"},"modified":"2024-01-16T11:32:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T17:32:18","slug":"socket-wrench-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/socket-wrench-buyers-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Socket Wrench Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover which type of socket wrench<\/a> is best for you.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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

A socket wrench will help you efficiently do a lot of fastening on both SAE and metric fasteners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn about the different things to consider when choosing a socket wrench with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n

How a Socket Wrench Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can set a ratchet for tightening or loosening a nut. The ratchet keeps the socket in place, while you turn the wrench handle.<\/p>\n\n\n

Ratcheting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ratchet’s handle gives you plenty of leverage for loosening and tightening. That leverage allows you to create a lot of torque. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

6-Point vs 12-Point Sockets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, using the wrong size can lead to stripping the bolt.<\/p>\n\n\n

Socket Wrench Sets<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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″. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also deep sockets, which make it easier to access hard-to-reach areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sets also come with clearly-marked different size sockets. Having a set will allow you to do a variety of jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n

Impact Wrench<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of different impact sockets that can pair with an impact wrench.<\/p>\n\n\n

Combination Ratcheting Wrenches<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

There are also combination wrenches. You can typically use combination wrenches with both SAE and metric fasteners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n

Flex Head Ratchet Wrench<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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

Breaker Bar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From automotive work to home improvement, a good socket wrench will come in handy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover what other hand tools and power tools you need for your toolbox with our Tools Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A socket wrench in your tool box makes automotive and home improvement work a snap! Get the right wrench using this buyer’s guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":31632,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1509],"tags":[469],"content_type":[1370,1373],"class_list":["post-6985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tools-diy","tag-tools","content_type-buying-guide","content_type-article"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Ultimate Socket Wrench Buying Guide | Blain's Farm & Fleet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A socket wrench in your tool box makes automotive and home improvement work a snap! 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