If you are looking for one indispensable toolset, especially if you are a mechanic or a DIY car enthusiast, socket sets are the one. Having one set can go a long way. Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or a weekend warrior, you can do many things with these tools, from loosening stubborn nuts to doing assembly work. In this article, we will go on a quest to find the best socket sets in the market out of all the options and we will guide you on the most essential factors to look out for when looking for the best tools in this category.
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Who Makes the Best Socket Set? (Best Socket Set Brands)
There are several factors that contribute to a brand being among the best brands for socket sets.
So, what are the best brands of socket sets? This question is like asking “What is your favorite movie?”. The answer is there are a lot of great ones and each one has their distinct reason for being good.
Ronix is one of the fastest-growing international tool brands with a plentiful catalog of quality tools. Our durable and efficient socket sets have become reputable products in the market. One of the advantages of Ronix socket sets is their affordable prices.
Best Socket Ratchet Set Overall
It is hard to pick one socket set as the best overall among all the options out there. But to do this, you need to pick a versatile socket set that satisfies most of the needs that different users have, therefore you need to pay attention to the following factors:
Craftsman 135-piece Socket Set is an amazing all-arounder. This set includes both SAE and metric sockets with an exceptionally portable case for a desirable price.
Best Quality Socket Set
To determine the quality of a socket set, there are several important factors. The first determining factor is the material that the set is made out of. Chrome vanadium steel and chrome molybdenum are the superior options.
Socket sets with better tolerances are made more precisely and they should be considered to have higher quality. The finish material is another extremely important factor when it comes to the quality of sockets. Chrome is always the best option.
SK Hand Tool 49-Piece Professional Chrome Socket Set is a top-of-the-line toolset for mechanics. It is made of high-quality chrome vanadium with a polished finish to resist corrosion.
Best Socket Set for the Money
When looking for tools on a budget, you need to pay even more attention to the different qualities of your product. Of course, there are brands out there that make highly valuable products in this category, but you need keen eyes to pick them out.
Ronix RH-2640 is a well-designed set made of resilient material like chrome vanadium. The ratchet is ergonomic and it is made of the best material and the sockets are precisely machined with a tolerance that accurately fits fasteners. This model is certainly the best socket wrench set for the price that you pay for it.
Best Affordable Socket Set
You don’t have to break the bank to get a socket set. You can easily assess your needs and find the right socket set for your particular needs at a more affordable price range. Nowadays there are brands out there that have provided customers with amazing affordable options.
RH-2641 is one of the best socket sets at this price range. This product comes with 40 pieces. These tools are all made in a way to avoid slippage. A portable and sturdy case with a map inside that helps organization is the cherry on top.
Best Professional Socket Sets
Socket sets are used in many different types of professions. When looking for a professional set, there are several features that you need to pay attention to. Don’t forget that professionals in different fields such as mechanics, plumbers, electricians, etc. have different needs and they need tools that are specialized for their own special needs.
Snap-on 1/2-inch Drive Master Set is a versatile set for all professionals. It includes a wide size range including all the essential sockets and it is made from high-quality chrome vanadium steel.
Best Socket Set for Mechanics
Socket sets are indispensable tools for mechanics and these tools are probably used by mechanics more than anyone else. These tools help mechanics work with all the different nuts and bolts that are most commonly found in automotive and mechanical applications more than anywhere else. These tools also help mechanics access confined spaces that mechanics frequently need to access.
If you are a professional mechanic looking for a complete set that comes with SAE and metric sockets, the DeWalt DWMT73803 168-Piece Kit is the ultimate solution for all of your needs. This set has consistently been one of the top-rated socket sets online.
Best Socket Sets for Electricians
Safety and precision are the most important factors when it comes to the best socket sets for electricians. One of the most important safety features you should look out for is insulated sockets to protect against electrical shock. These socket sets have a unique design that caters to electrical work.
To achieve the required precision when it comes to electrical socket sets, a couple of features are essential including well-marked and etched size indicators which facilitate quick and accurate identification of sockets.
Don’t forget portability! Electricians often need to move around to new job sites. A portable case can go a long way.
Wera Zyklop Insulated Set is a high-quality and innovative product for electricians. It has a wide size range and the ratchet has 80 teeth. This product is extremely safe for electrical work.
Best Socket Sets for Plumbers
These tool sets can be extremely helpful solutions for plumbers. The best socket sets for plumbers offer a versatile range of sizes because of the various sizes of pipe fittings. An ideal set for plumbing jobs should include standard, shallow, as well as deep socket types.
When it comes to any plumbing tool, durability is a crucial feature due to the ruggedness of plumbing environments. Therefore, if you are a plumber look for a set that can last you a long time and is made of durable material like chrome vanadium steel or other resilient alloys. Plumbers move around a lot. A portable case is definitely an essential feature of the best socket sets for plumbers.
Snap-on 3/8-inch Drive Master Set is an exceptional choice for plumbers. It has a wide range of sizes and it is made of durable material with high precision.
Best Socket Set for Home Use
When it comes to socket sets for any application what matters the most is size! When selecting socket sets for home use, you should look for ones that include sockets that are compatible with the sizes of nuts and bolts that are most commonly used in home projects. Preferably you should look for sets that include both metric and imperial sizes.
Reliability is essential for home use. You should always look for sets that are durable and made of high-quality material like chrome vanadium steel. Affordability is a factor that should always be paid attention to, especially for home-owners.
Ronix RH-2624 is one of the best socket wrench sets for home use at this price range. It is made of resilient and strong chrome vanadium steel. This product has an ergonomic ratchet handle has all the different sizes for home use and includes all the accessories.
Best Socket Wrench Set for Cars
If you have a car, it’s a good idea to keep a socket set available. To repair your car, having a hand tool that can fit hex-shaped fasteners is essential. There are a number of features that are essential when it comes to socket sets to use for your car:
TEKTON 1/4-inch Drive Set with Ratchet is an amazing socket set for all the DIYers and occasional mechanics.
Best Socket Set Organizers
You’ve found the socket set that is suitable for you and now you need a socket set organizer. There are a wide variety of these types of organizers in different shapes and forms. You can even make your custom organizers such as a custom board for your socket sets.
The organizer you’re looking for should come with all the sizes and shapes of your sockets, ratchets, and other attachments. It should also be compatible with the storage you’re gonna use it with.
Make sure the organizer is labeled, color-coded, and size-coded to facilitate the identification of sockets. The sockets should securely fit into their designated slots. These features can also prevent sockets from getting lost.
Other features to pay attention to when it comes to socket sets are durability, customizability, portability, and space efficiency.
Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizer is an exceptional option. It holds up to 68 sockets and it comes with SAE and metric labels. This product is also one of the best socket set organizers online.
Best USA-made Socket Set
American-made top socket set brands have a reputation for being the favorite of professional mechanics. USA-made brands are known for being sturdy and high-quality.
Best German Socket Sets
Germany is known for its hand tool manufacturers. These companies have made some of the most sturdy and long-lasting tools with the most innovative designs.
Best Type of Socket
There are a wide variety of different socket types in the market. Each socket type has distinct features to help with unique situations and tasks. Scroll down and familiarize yourself with each different type of socket set and learn how you can find the best sets in each category and what the best options are in the market currently.
Standard sockets are the most basic type of sockets. They are used for the most general applications. Be aware that this is a broad term and many of the mentioned socket types mentioned here could also count as standard sockets. This term generally excludes the more specialized types of sockets out there such as insulated models, Torx bit models, and bolt extractor models among others.
Craftsman 135-Piece Set is the best option in this category. It is made of high-quality sockets made of chrome vanadium steel. This set is precision-machined to prevent rounding of fasteners. The set also comes with a wide range of sizes in three different drive sizes.
Deep socket sets are the best socket sets for accessing out-of-reach and deeply buried sockets inside machines and equipment.
If you want a set dedicated to deep sockets, then DeWalt Deep Socket Set is certainly the best option. The material of this product is chrome vanadium steel and it has a good mix of SAE and metric sizes but if you want specific sizes, you should make sure that they are included.
Shallow sockets have a shallower profile than standard sockets. This makes it easier to maneuver into tight spaces. This is an especially useful feature for working on vehicles.Wera Kraftform Kompakt 1/4-Inch Drive Set is an amazing set made from forged steel with chrome finish. It also comes with shallow sockets.
Impact sockets are special sockets that are designed to withstand the high torque of impact wrenches. They are made from more durable and resilient materials.
Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Socket Set is a great option for heavy-duty work. This set is impact-rated and can handle high torques that are required for removing and installing lug nuts.
Allen bit socket sets are a type of socket wrench that uses interchangeable hex bits to fit a variety of hex-shaped fasteners.
Wera Zyklop 1/4-Inch Drive Hex Bit Set is an exceptional option. This is the best socket set in terms of versatility because of Wera’s own proprietary Zyklop ratchet system that can turn into various angles.
Spark plug sockets are sockets that are made specifically for removing and installing spark plugs. The tapered end on these sockets allows them to fit into spark plug holes.
Gearwrench 6-Point Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket is an excellent option for professional mechanics and DIYers who need a high-quality set. These sockets come with a magnetic tip that holds the spark plug in place while you are working.
Wheel nut sockets are specifically designed to be used on lug nuts. These models are made from resilient materials like chrome-molybdenum and they have a high torque rating to be used on lug nuts.
Neiko 19-Piece 1/2-Inch Drive Master Impact Set is an amazing heavy-duty socket set for wheel nuts.
Pass-through sockets are special types of sockets with a hollow center. These models allow for threaded rods or studs to pass through them. This feature makes it possible for the user to access and tighten or loosen nuts or bolts that are located on the underside. Pass-through sets are extremely popular socket sets with mechanics who work on internal components.
X6 Pass-Through Set is a great option for professional mechanics who need a high-quality set of pass-through sockets. This set is extremely versatile and ergonomic.
Bolt extractor sockets are special sockets with unique shapes that are designed to remove damaged, stripped, or broken bolts, and screws. These products have a reverse spiral thread for gripping fasteners and breaking them loose.
Proto Bolt Extractor Set is a great option for professionals and DIYers who need a comprehensive set of bolt extractors. The reverse spiral fluted bit helps break loose stuck bolts.
Swivel socket sets are popular socket sets in automotive and industrial settings. These models feature a ball joint at the end of the socket. This feature makes it easier to access fasteners in tight spaces. These sockets are also sometimes called universal-joint sockets. These tools are sometimes confused with universal sockets.
PROTO 1/4″ Drive 6-Point Swivel Set is a great option for professional mechanics and DIYers who need a versatile set made of high-quality material.
Insulated sockets, as their name suggests, are products that provide protection against electrical shock. This feature makes them exceptionally useful for electricians.
Wiha 12-Piece VDE Insulated Socket Set is a great option from one of Germany’s finest hand tool companies.
Universal sockets, not to be confused with universal-joint sockets, are sockets that are designed with special pins and grooves to fit most sizes of fasteners. When universal sockets come into contact with fasteners the pins in contact are pressed down and the universal socket takes the shape of the fastener.
RAK Universal Socket is known to be the most popular of these tools online.
Best Socket Sets Based on Size
Socket sets come in many different size variations. Depending on your application, you may choose the best socket set with the proper size for you.
Socket sizes come in different categories based on the size of their drive. Here is general information about what every drive size is usually used for:
Sockets with 1/4-inch drives are general-purpose sockets used for small fasteners. They are best for working in tight spaces.
Models with 3/8-inch drives are sockets that are slightly larger than 1/4-inch drives. These sockets are versatile models. They have uses in automotive work, electronics, repair, and furniture assembly.
Sockets with 1/2-inch drives are larger models mostly used for automotive work, as well as industrial applications.
Larger sizes are usually used for more heavy-duty and industrial applications.
Sockets with a drive size of 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch that come in sizes of 3 mm to 22 mm are usually considered small sets.
When looking for a good small set, you should always pay attention to the range of the sizes featured in the set.
Don’t forget about durability, access, ease of use, ergonomics, and compact design.
Wera Zyklop 9-Piece Mini Set is an exceptional and innovative set that includes smaller sizes.
Any set that contains sockets that are at least 1/2 inch is considered a large socket set. Large socket sets should feature high-quality and durable materials such as chrome vanadium steel. This is due to the fact it takes a large amount of torque to loosen or tighten large nuts and bolts.A proper large socket set should also come packed in a toolbox that is organized and the sockets should be labeled and/or colored. Portability is another important feature of these socket sets.Ronix RH-2627 is an exceptional set of ½-inch drives made of high-strength chrome vanadium steel. This set comes in a well-organized and portable case and it’s exceptionally valuable for its affordable price.
A wide size range is one of the most essential features of the top socket sets in this category. A good set for tackling metric nuts and bolts should ideally include deep and shallow sockets.
If you need a metric socket set for automotive work, make sure that your set is made of high-quality and durable material like chrome vanadium. Make sure that your ratchet is rated for high torques.
Neiko 1/2-Inch Drive Master Impact Set is one of the best-rated socket sets online. It includes both metric and SAE sizes.
There are socket sets out there that come with all the different essential sockets. These sets include a wide variety of 1/4-inch drives, 3/8 inch-drives, and 1/2-inch drives.
If you are really meticulous about a complete socket set then your ideal set should include SAE as well as metric sockets. Only the fact that a set is complete to your liking shouldn’t be your only criteria for choosing products.
Make sure the products are made of high-quality and durable material. Portability should never be overlooked.
DeWalt 168-Piece Mechanics Tool Set is an exceptional option designed for professional mechanics who require a high level of quality.
Best Compact Socket Set
A compact socket set is an amazing solution for when you need a reliable set of ratchet wrenches, sockets, and accessories to accomplish a wide range of your daily tasks.
Portability and organization are extremely important factors when it comes to compact socket sets. Make sure there are colors and labels on the packaging and the sockets to avoid anything from getting lost. Make sure to choose sockets that are durable and made of high-quality material like chrome vanadium.
Craftsman 11-Piece SAE Set is an exceptional option for DIY enthusiasts and mechanics who need a basic set of SAE sockets.
Best Place to Buy Socket Set
This usually depends on where you are. If you want to shop online, there are three major options, especially if you’re in the US:
Depending on your location, there are different hardware chain stores like Ace Hardware. Chain stores are among the best places to buy socket sets locally.
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Ronix
Thousands of nuts and bolts go into manufacturing a car; millions are used in the construction of a plane. Every one of these fasteners require a tool to turn; in many cases that tool is a hand-operated socket.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the most common tool in any toolbox: the hand-operated socket, or the socket wrench. We will look to understand how different features of a socket, and its manufacturing process, can make the difference between a high-quality and low-quality socket. Finally, we will also explore how to maintain a socket collection for many decades of intensive use.
Anatomy of a Socket
All sockets might look similar to the untrained eye. Yet, if you had an opportunity to talk to a professional, you probably discovered a strong preference for a particular socket design, or brand.
Sockets are some of the simplest tools ever invented. There are no moving parts, joints, and friction between different components. A socket is a metal “cylinder”, with one side grasping the fastener, and the other side that fits into the ratchet, which allows the operator to apply force and engage the fastener being worked on.
Given the wide-range of options available, it is important to understand the main parts of a socket wrench:
Socket Opening: is the area of the socket that makes contact with the fastener. Each socket will have its opening specified in the description, thus representing the first criteria for choosing a socket.
The most commonly used socket openings are 6 point and 12 point.
What is better: a 6 point or 12 point socket?
The 6 point opening is a hexagon with 6 points (vertices) and 6 edges at 60 degree angles. 6 point sockets are also called “single hex” sockets. The advantage of 6 point sockets is they provide a tight fit on 6 point fasteners, making the socket less likely to slip or round-off the fastener’s corners. This is particularly important when working on stubborn fasteners that require a lot of force to remove.
12 point sockets are also called “double hex” sockets. Double hex sockets are easier to connect to fasteners, which can come in handy when accessing fasteners that are hidden or very difficult to see. Additionally, these sockets can be the right choice when working in tight spaces, and need to access fasteners at more angles.
In conclusion, the better socket depends on your application: 6 points sockets should be used on 6 point fasteners that are accessible, especially when good amount of force is required.
Double hex sockets are versatile especially in tight locations, where access to fasteners is limited. Professionals will usually carry both styles, to tackle any situation.
Socket Drive End is located at the opposite side of the opening, where the socket makes contact with the ratchet, extension or other accessories. The most popular drive sizes are 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2” and 3/4”. However, industrial grade brands such as Gray Tools carry sockets as big as 2 ½” drive size.
The drive end usually features a beveled “dish” that guides the ratchet into the socket or extension. In addition, four dented grooves provide a secure connection with the retaining ball of the socket or extension.
While sockets are available in imperial and metric sizes, to accommodate various types of fasteners, the drive size is always expressed in imperial units, as it is an international standard.
It is very important to ensure the drive end provides a secure connection between the socket and ratchet or extension. A socket that is not properly secured into the ratchet can cause a minor inconvenience (if the socket drops to the ground), or major security concerns and delays (when it drops inside an engine).
Socket Wall: greatly contributes to the socket’s overall strength and displays important information such as its size and part number. Some sockets feature a knurl that allows for easier removal of the socket from the connecting accessory, even with greasy hands.
Wall thickness differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and/or the application the socket is designed for.
Regular sockets are extremely durable and provide the strength needed in industrial applications, such as heavy duty machinery and plant equipment maintenance.
Thin walled sockets are very popular in the automotive industry, where access in tight spaces is critical. A thin wall socket will be lighter and provide less strength than a regular socket, but can be used in a narrower, deeper space. Thin walled sockets are also deeper than regular sockets (to be checked).
Socket wall determines the length of the sockets, which can be divided into shallow, deep, or mid-range.
Socket Finish: hand-operated sockets are generally available in three finishes: chrome, satin, and black oxide.
1) Chrome-plating is the most popular finish in North America, for good reason. Chrome sockets are easy to clean and resistant to corrosion. A word of caution: never use a socket if you notice the chrome finish flakes off, as chrome can be as sharp as a blade and can cause serious injury. Most brands offer lifetime warranty on their sockets, and will be able to replace your affected sockets.
2) Satin finish is very popular outside North America. This finish can provide a slightly better grip, and make some imperfections less visible. In some cases, satin finish sockets might be less expensive than the chrome equivalent.
3) Black-oxide finish, almost exclusively belonging to impact socket, is used to finish hand operated sockets, although it is not nearly as popular as the chrome or satin finish. For this reason, black oxide hand sockets can be easily confused with impact sockets. It is important to do your research and understand the functionality of the sockets you are buying.
Black oxide sockets are easy to clean, and usually less expensive than chrome sockets. The size markings, especially if laser-etched, are more visible on the black surface than on mirror chrome. On the downside, black oxide sockets are more difficult to find in low light or dark environment.
Socket Material: The vast majority of hand sockets are made of alloyed steel, meaning that a small percentage of other materials have been added to provide the sockets with the required hardness, strength and ductility.
The two most socket materials are Chromium-molybdenum (CRMO) and chromium-vanadium (CRV). The markings on the sockets with either symbol can generate passionate discussions, as to which material is superior.
Once perception is that sockets imported from Asia are made of CRV, since most of these sockets have the CRV symbol stamped on the sockets, while domestic manufacturers use CRMO.
In reality, both materials produce high quality sockets, as the chemical composition of these materials are very similar. The manufacturing process and quality control will make the difference in quality, as we will see below.
Socket Manufacturing
Although simple in design and functionality, a socket goes through a lengthy and precise manufacturing process, before it can be safely used to turn a fastener.
The most important steps of making a sockets are presented below, while each socket manufacturer might employ additional processes for their particular range.
Cutting the steel bars to desired lengths: the socket manufacturing process starts with a bar of steel that is fed through a die and cut to the desired lengths. Small cylindrical sections are created which will eventually become the shiny sockets we’re familiar with.
Forming of hexagonal shapes: the cylindrical parts created in step 1 are sent through a series of forging machines, in a process is called cold forming. Shaping metal at near room temperatures improves its tensile strength while still allowing high levels of manipulation.
Cleaning and machining: sockets are tumbled through a washer/dryer system to remove lingering lubricating oil. Computerized machines then remove sharp edges and cuts a bevel on the socket’s inner rim so it will slide on to bolts more easily.
Stamping: a series of rolling stamps engrave important information on the socket wall, such as the company name, part number and size, and sometimes the type of steel used to manufacture the socket.
Heat treating: heat treatment, in the case of a socket, is used to increase the hardness of the base material. Raw carbon steel that has not been heat treated is relatively soft and so would deform when used to perform work. This would result in premature wear, breakage, deformation and failure.
Any metal part used to perform work or one that must contact another metal part must be heat treated to avoid wear and failure. By heating a metal to a high temperature and holding it there, its physical properties will change and the material will become harder when cooled. Cooling the material sets the properties at the hardness desired.
How long is the heat treating process? Does the amount of time of heat-treating influence quality of the socket?
Heat treatment is governed by the required hardness and material specification, this is to say each type of steel has to be heat treated in a specific manner with a specific temperature required, time to be held at that temperature and time to be cooled to achieve the desired hardness.
The manufacturer specifies the required hardness and the type of material and then the appropriate heat treatment process is used to achieve the desired result. Time in the furnace depends on the required hardness and the material used. Time is only important in that the hardness to be achieved requires a specific time at the higher temperature (think of it like baking a cake – baking it longer will not result in a better cake, it is more about the quality of the ingredients, the recipe and the oven itself).
Each material and hardness has its own recipe. The quality is dependent on the heat treatment reaching the desired hardness and is influenced more by equipment and process.
Rapid cooldown: hardens the metal-this is called quenching and it is achieved by submerging the lot of sockets in a cooling medium, in our case oil. The quenching process is tightly controlled, with the heating temperature, cooling method, cooling medium and cooling speed all dependent upon the type of material being quenched and the desired hardness. In general the cooling is quite fast as compared to the heating as the desired result is to set the hardness as quickly as possible.
Shot blasting: sockets go into a chamber where they are blasted with fine steel particles to remove imperfections and polish them. This process is shot blast and we do follow this step. A lot of products (often mixed i.e. sockets with wrenches) will be put into a chamber with a rotating belt and as the belt rotates, steel shot is blasted at the parts to smooth them and remove any debris. This takes on average 10 – 15 minutes per lot.
Rotobarrel: sockets go into a tub of fine ceramic stones and mild acid to create a smooth finish on which chrome will adhere to.
The rotobarrel process usually takes around 6 hours per lot. The specific chemical recipe and the quality and type of media is what determines the quality of the finish and for the most part this step is used as a sort of polish to take all inconsistencies, any remaining dirt, burrs and rough spots off the surface of the product, it results in a shinier product and a cleaner surface to receive plating.
The time in rotobarrel is precisely timed and the delivery of the chemical precisely calculated and controlled based on the amount of material being tumbled and burnished. Leaving a product too long in rotobarrel can be detrimental to the finish as the acid can etch the surface and not running it long enough will result in a duller finish so again the key is getting the right chemical formula, the correct media and the precise amount of time in the barrel.
Washing and rinses: the purpose of this process is to prepare sockets for chrome plating. This is part of the electroplating process, necessary before chrome plating.
Chrome plating: Gray Tools uses a nickel chrome plating process. The nickel is deposited first and is the main protection for the product. The nickel adds an element of protection to the socket and guards against wear and also against corrosion and rusting, in addition it creates a better surface to which the chrome will adhere.
The chrome is then deposited over the nickel to provide an added layer of protection as well as a cosmetically pleasing “shiny” finish.
Each step in the plating process is precisely timed and there may be many steps from cleaning, addition of nickel, further cleaning, addition of chrome, rustproofing etc. depending on the product. The amount of current and the quality of the chemicals used, the operators’ knowledge of how much current to use, the preparation of the initial surface and the quality of the nickel layer will determine the end result and level of adhesion.
If the surface is not properly prepared before the deposition of the nickel and chrome layers, both through rotobarrel and electro-cleaning or the current is not sufficient or chemicals not of the highest quality then the end result will be either an unacceptable chrome finish (yellow or dull milky appearance etc.) or poor adhesion. The chrome and nickel layers are only a few microns thick.
Immersion into a rust proofing solution – this step is also part of the electroplating process, and ensures the socket will be protected from rust when used in various work environments.
Spinning to remove excess rust proofing solution – Part of the drying process done in electroplating. This is done in different ways by different manufacturer.
What makes a high quality socket?
A high quality sockets will last for many decades. Here is a checklist of things to look for when adding to your socket collection:
• Inside forging: is it smooth, level, or forging has been done via repeat pressing that creates uneven surfaces and stress fractures?
• Wall thickness: does the socket feel solid in your hands?
• Exterior finish: do you notice any imperfections in the finish, such as chrome peeling, or signs of rust?
• Interior finish: high quality sockets have the interior coated with a rust prevention material.
• Socket markings: do the marking look durable? If the markings wear off easily you won’t be able to identify the socket size and part no (useful for warranty claims).
• Does the socket opening feature radiused corners to prevent fastener round-off?
• Does the socket connect securely with a ratchet and extension?
• Socket brand: is the socket made/offered by a reputable manufacturer known to stand behind the products?
How to properly use and maintain your sockets
• Always use the exact size socket to operate the fastener; failure to do so can damage the fastener and lead to personal injury.
• Do not use metric sockets on imperial bolts and vice-versa, as the chances of socket slippage increase dramatically, resulting in fastener damage and personal injury.
• Do not use your hand sockets with an impact gun as the force generated will permanently damage the socket.
• Do not alter your sockets by welding attachments to improve leverage.
• Do not store your sockets in a moist environment.
• Clean your sockets regularly.