Socket Sets Guide: How to Buy the Right Socket Sets

To put it simply socket sets are used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. You may have seen mechanics attaching sockets of varying sizes to a torque wrench and tightening bolts or nuts to take a wheel off or to put it on a vehicle. However, socket sets are not used just by people in a car garage or repairs, there are many homeowners who use them regularly, or at least occasionally while working on certain home projects.

Socket sets are popular because they make the job of tightening and loosening nuts and bolts much easier and quicker. By making the job just a little easier it will go more quickly so you can start working on your next project. They are also invaluable when you have to work in hard to reach places.

There is a ratcheting mechanism involved which makes it possible for the nut to tighten or loosen as the case may be, without the wrench having to be refitted or removed after every turn. The drive fittings come in four standard sizes: ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch. The bigger drive sizes beyond ¾ inch are used for fasteners to be used on industrial equipment like in a shipyard.

The combination of torque wrench and socket can make fasteners fit tightly and help make sure they are matched to specifications, making sure that the auto part or appliance part fits snugly, firmly and properly.  Of course, some pure strength gained through trusting my P90X reviews might help too. Socket sets are indispensable when it comes to things like engines, clutches, gearboxes and wheels in automobiles. You can also make use of them for fixing various things in the home like washing machines, dishwashers and dryers.

Sockets come in either 6-point (hexagonal) or 12-point (double hexagonal) configurations. Six-point sockets have a better grip on the fittings which is why they are usually favored for damaged bolts and nuts. A typical 12-point socket is faster while the 6-point one is more secure. Homeowners’ socket sets come with 12-point sockets that are versatile enough to provide a variety of functions. However you will find that mechanics and professionals may prefer the 6-point socket set because of the sturdiness of the ratchet mechanism.

1. The appliance manual or your vehicle should mention the units in which the socket set should be measured so you will know whether you need a metric socket set or not. Depending on how much you will be using it you may need both.  The torque wrench as mentioned before, comes in standard size of ¼ inch, 3/8 inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch. The amount of gear teeth that a ratchet should contain is normally 24, 30, 45 and 60.
2. For those who will use the socket set daily or on a regular basis it's important to find one with a handle that is comfortable. As trivial as this may sound having one that feels comfortable can be important when you use it so often.   You also want one that is durable and won't strip easily.
3. If you are looking for a standard socket set you may want to go for one that is made of chrome vanadium steel, because this type is long-lasting and sturdy. But if you're looking at an impact socket set you should look for one made of chrome molybdenum.
4. Look for a socket set that has a rust-proof finish.

A quality socket set will have a reverse ratchet mechanism for flexible usage. It will be color coded for simple identification of size. There should be a push button to release the sockets. There should also be a storage case to tightly hold every socket. If you have fasteners that contain damaged tips due to excess tightening, go for a six-point hexagonal socket. The torque wrench should have a very good grip with a nice, rubber handle.

To evaluate the socket size, distinguish it according to drive size, metric and standard. The drive size comes in the form of ¼ inch, 3/inch, 1/2inch and 1 inch. The metric socket sets should vary from 5 millimeters to 32 millimeters while a standard one will usually be between ¼ inch and 1 inch.

If you are using powered wrenches for heavyweight impact socket sets, make sure you use protection for your eyes. You have to be cautious while buying a socket set, because a poor quality one can lead to finger injury or even eye injury. Don't go for a cheap set just for the sake of the low price; it's usually better to go for a high quality one because it will be safer and sturdier so it will last longer preform better anyway making your jobs a little easier. Another way to make your socket set last longer is by cleaning it regularly to make the mechanism work smoothly and seamlessly.