Ask any tradie what’s in their toolbox, and you’ll find socket sets right at the top of the list. From quick fixes on your ute to serious mechanical work, these versatile tools are essential.
A socket set is a versatile and convenient bundle of toolkit accessories that gives users the flexibility to tackle multiple sizes and types of fasteners, primarily aimed at fitting to a diverse range of nuts and bolts. Socket sets are usually packaged as a single handy case, box or pouch of numerous interchangeable attachments.
In fact, there are so many different shapes and sizes of nuts, bolts and other fasteners out there, no one socket set kit (also known as ratchet and socket sets, or socket wrench sets, depending on what’s included) is likely to offer add-ons for every single size of fastener you might come across.
Most comprehensive sets include sockets for the majority of fastener types, but not for all possible sizes. As with most toolkit items of this type, knowing which varieties of nuts and bolts you’re most likely to encounter in your day-to-day work is thus an important factor in deciding which socket set – or combination of sets – is right for you.
But here’s the thing, not all socket sets are created equal, and picking the right one can make or break your work.
Understanding Socket Set Basics
Socket sets are a collection of tools, designed to help you to tighten and loosen fasteners such as nuts and bolts. They typically contain a range of sockets in differing sizes, as well as components such as rachets, drivers, and extensions, to help you to apply torque to turn the socket when it’s placed over the fastener.
Socket sets are available in both metric and imperial sizes, as well as different shapes and materials. They offer a good alternative to a traditional spanner or a wrench, helping you to easily remove or tighten nuts and bolts safely – and with minimal effort.
A socket set is ideal for jobs in confined or restricted spaces, which is why they’re one of the most versatile and popular types of hand tool for plumbers, electricians, and mechanics.
Key Components of Quality Socket Sets
Your ratchet handle is the workhorse of the set. Look for one with a fine-tooth mechanism, as it’ll make your life much easier when you’re working in tight spots. A good ratchet should feel solid in your hand and click smoothly through its motion. If it feels clunky or loose, keep shopping.
Extensions and adaptors might seem like extras, but they’re really game-changers. Think of them as the secret weapons in your toolkit. Extensions help you snake into awkward spots, while adaptors let you mix and match different drive sizes. It’s worth spending a bit extra to get a set with quality extensions.
As for storage, don’t underestimate a good case. Nothing’s more frustrating than tipping your toolbox upside down looking for that one socket you need.
A proper case keeps everything in its place and protects your investment. The good ones have clear markings that won’t wear off after a few months in the shed.
Understanding Socket Sizes
When purchasing a socket set it’s important to take note of the size. Sockets come in two standard sizing systems: imperial and metric.
Imperial sockets are designed for use with imperial fasteners (nuts and bolts that have a bolt head measured in inches and fractions of inches). Imperial sockets are also referred to as SAE (short for the Society of Automotive Engineers) and were once the standard size by which all sockets were measured (and still are in the US).
Many countries, including the UK, now prefer to measure sockets using the more common metric system, which sizes nuts and bolts in millimetres. Metric and imperial sockets aren’t interchangeable, so if you are using a metric socket set this will only correspond to nuts and bolts in metric sizes and vice versa.
To add to the confusion, socket sets are sized using two measurements: the size of the socket head and the size of the drive socket (the part that attaches to the socket). Metric sizing only ever applies to the socket head. The socket drive, on the other hand, is always given as an imperial measurement.
In addition to their metric and imperial values, socket sets are also categorized by three standard sizes: small, medium, and large.
Small sockets generally have 1/4” or 3/8” drive sockets and head sizes of between 3mm to 22mm. Large socket sets normally feature drive sockets of 3/4” or 1” and a head size range of 19mm to 50mm. Medium sockets, meanwhile, sit somewhere between the two, often comprising of a 1/2” drive socket and socket heads of 8mm to 32mm in dimension.
Choosing the Right Socket Set
For the pros out there, you’ll want to invest in a comprehensive set made from top-notch materials. Chrome vanadium steel is your friend here, it can handle daily abuse without missing a beat. Weekend warriors might not need the full kit, but don’t cheap out on quality. A good socket set should last years, not months.
Material quality isn’t just about bragging rights. Chrome molybdenum steel sockets are worth their weight in gold when you’re dealing with rounded or rusted bolts. The finish should ward off rust while making cleanup a breeze after a messy job.
For Aussie vehicles, make sure your set covers metric sizes from 8mm to 19mm at least. And here’s a pro tip, grab doubles of your 10mm, 13mm, and 17mm sockets. These sizes seem to grow legs and walk off right when you need them most.
Maintenance and Care
A bit of TLC goes a long way with socket sets. Get into the habit of putting everything back in its spot after use. It might seem like a pain when you’re knackered after a long day, but you’ll thank yourself later.
Keep your sockets clean and give them a light coat of machine oil now and then, especially if you’re working near the coast. That salty air loves nothing more than turning your shiny tools into rust buckets. Also, pay special attention to your ratchet mechanism, a well-oiled ratchet is a happy ratchet.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right socket set is more than just grabbing the biggest kit you can afford. Think about what you’ll actually use, but leave room to grow your collection.
Whether you’re earning your living with these tools or keeping busy in the home workshop, quality matters. Get it right, and your socket set will be your trusty sidekick for years to come.