Finding Your Next Socket Wrench: A Buyer’s Guide
If you have seen our top 5 picks for the best socket wrenches in 2023, you are now ready to learn more about socket wrenches and how to choose a wrench suitable for you. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
What Is a Socket Wrench?
A socket wrench helps you loosen, tighten and remove any fastenings in a vehicle or machine. They come in numerous types, from entry-level socket sets to professional-grade socket wrenches that you can use regardless of the operator’s skill and budget. Every mechanic or DIY-er needs a socket wrench set for the most basic and advanced tasks and maintenance jobs. They save you a lot of time, and they come in sets, so you don’t need to carry any extra tools or spanners.
Non-impact sockets
These sockets require a lot of human effort and don’t save you much time, but they can be fun to use. Their ratchets are also relatively polar in functionality, meaning it is either very useful or absolutely useless.
Impact sockets
Impact sockets may seem like an ordinary set of socket wrenches, but they offer more. They can be combined with power tools, and are extra strong and durable so that they can withstand the rigors of electric and pneumatic tools.
Imperial sockets
These are dimensionally specific sockets to be used with fasteners under SAE. You can only use these sockets on fastenings that use SAE dimensions. But not all fasteners come with SAE dimensions; some use other metric units. If you are getting imperial sockets, you must be ready to adjust your flexibility as they are dimensionally specific. Otherwise, get yourself a socket wrench that utilizes other types of measurements.
Hex sockets
Named after the 6-point-shaped fasteners it clips on to, Hex Sockets are the most widely available sockets in the market. Their hexagonal shape makes them a rugged and reliable tool that can take a lot of physical abuse. Some even come with an internal socket face that has been tweaked to take more torque without slippage and damage to the fastener.
Bi-hex sockets
As you already might have guessed, bi-Hex sockets have an additional 6 points, giving them a 12-point internal structure. This upgrade improves their flexibility, such that they are usable on both square-head and hexagonal fasteners. These sockets are not as rugged as their predecessors because the added contacts blunt off the edges of the fastener.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Socket Wrench?
A socket set comprises many tools and accessories. To choose the correct socket set, As you already might have guessed, bi-Hexit is essential to know about the various tools and their respective features. Keep the below-mentioned points in mind next time you want to buy a socket set.
Number of sockets
Different automobiles are held together with different sizes of bolts, nuts, and other fastenings. The more sockets a wrench has, the merrier it is for the user. So a socket set that comes equipped with the most number of sockets is your most investible option, and it will keep your toolbox concise. Also, added accessories and ratchet options make your socket wrench more functional. Look out for them.
Drive size
Your socket wrench is either limited to one drive size or multiple drive sizes. If your socket is limited to only one, make sure you choose a drive size that can work on most of the fasteners you’d be dealing with. The five standard drive sizes are 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch. All drive sizes work efficiently. The only differences they have a based on durability. Bigger sizes are combined with longer ratchets and sturdier wrenches because they provide larger torques. In comparison, smaller sizes are not as durable because they work on lighter loads and are coupled with smaller ratchet heads. Another difference is that smaller sockets can reach tight spots and work efficiently to fasten or loosen nuts and bolts, and larger sockets can’t do this because f their size.
Durability
Socket wrenches are designed with durability in mind; that’s why they’re long-lasting. Some manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees, but certain weak spots commonly wear out. If you use them roughly, you can affect the socket edges and render them useless.
Surface finish
The surface finish of any wrench is usually made from black oxide or chrome to prevent corrosion and wear. Impact sockets typically wear a black oxide finish because a black oxide coating won’t chip off as quickly as a chrome coating would under the influence of impact force from power tools. On the other hand, Chrome is used on different types of wrenches. Other finishes and heat treatments are used on socket wrenches for excellent durability and wear resistance.
Portability
Socket wrenches are portable tools, but they become difficult to carry around because they come in sets. A terrific solution for this is to get one that comes in a carry case. If your desired socket wrench doesn’t have one, you can shop for a carry case as an accessory or get a cool tool bag: The cool thing about this is you can get a tool bag that will take all your tools so you can stay organized every time.
No. of points
We brushed over this a little when we were discussing socket types. All you need to know is that the number of points on a socket – whether 6-point or 12-point-socket- only makes them differ in usability and a little in strength. A 6-point socket will get the job done, and some engineers say it is more durable than a 12-point socket. The advantage the 12-point socket has over its 6-point partner is convenience and ease of use.
