A socket wrench, also known as a ratchet wrench, is a staple tool in any tool box. This is a tool used to tighten fasteners such as nuts and bolts with the use of torque on the outer portion of the fastener.
This differentiates it from the Allen wrench that puts the torque at the center. Before the appearance of the ratchet wrench, tool boxes were littered with scores of wrenches of varying sizes. This made keeping them unwieldy and bothersome. Traditional wrenches also relied on the length of the body to multiply the mechanical power of the user’s arm into torque for installing and removing nuts and bolts. With the socket wrench, a ratcheting tool is used on which different sized sockets can be attached. This makes its easier to store sockets of various sizes since there is only one tightening tool with interchangeable socket heads. This need can also be addressed with the use of an adjustable wrench that can be loosened or tightened to accommodate different sizes. The socket wrench also uses a ratcheting mechanism. This allows motion going in one direction but opposes motion in the other direction so that force can be applied. This makes tightening nuts and bolts easier because the socket wrench does not need to be removed and reapplied in order to further tighten or loosen the fasteners. This ratcheting device can be set to tighten or loosen a nut or bolt by adjusting the direction of motion by the ratcheting device.
There are many factors to consider when using a socket wrench. One of these is the type of socket head to use. The most common choices are the 6 sided or hexagonal sockets and the 12 sided or double hexagonal sockets. The 6 sided socket is made to fit the hexagonal head of the bolt or body of the nut. This exact fit makes the grip of the socket tighter and reduces the chance of the socket slipping. The disadvantage is that it has to be fitted exactly on to the shape of the nut or bolt. This can have major drawbacks in cases on mass production because a little delay in each step will cut into production time. This is the reason that 12 sided sockets were made. The higher number of points doubles the areas into which the 6 sided bolt head or nut can fit into, making it easier to get a hold of the fastener. However, the relatively softer grip increases the chances of the socket slipping off. It also increases the chances of rounding the edges of the nut or bolt, which will reduce the grip further. It that happens to often then the fastener will become useless. To address this, the socket head and the bolt must of relatively similar strength. There are also 8 side socket heads available for 4 side bolt heads and nuts. However, these have been phased out as the hexagonal design has become the standard.
Another consideration regarding socket wrenches is the depth of the socket head. Socket heads that are shallow are easier to manipulate in tight spaces. These are also useful for bolts since only the body moves deeper. Deep socket heads are usually used for nuts that have to be fastened along the length of the bolt. This allows the bottom of the bolt to protrude but not impede the tightening motion. Some high quality socket wrench makers also provide “semi-deep” socket heads in cases that require only slight depth.
A socket wrench set would address tightening tool needs for any do-it-yourselfer. One great socket wrench set is the Stanley 92-824 69 piece Black Chrome and Laser Etched Socket Set. This set includes 2 pearhead ratchets, 63 socket heads in progressive sizes for regular nuts and bolts, 2 spark plug sockets measuring 2/3 inches and 3 inch and 6 inch extension bars for hard to reach areas. This is organized and stored in bowl molded case for easy carrying. This set costs $90 dollars but can be found for 55-65% that price online for used sets.
Another option for those who prefer not to expend to much physical energy is the impact wrench. This is an electric powered wrench that usually uses hydraulic or air pressure to provide torque for the sockets. This power wrench uses a special kind of socket called an impact socket. These sockets are made of denser but more malleable materials than ordinary sockets due to the danger of breaking and chipping that might occur during high impact torque application.