Socket sets are an ideal addition to your toolbox, either professionally or for home use, but what are they and how can they help you? Which one do you need for your specific job?
A socket set contains sockets in a variety of sizes, both in imperial and metric measurements, so you must find the ones to help with your fasteners. The size of the socket is established by the size of the drive and the socket head. In later sections, there will be details concerning what sockets can be used for and their most common sizes.
If you are looking to add one to your tool kit, Heamar have socket sets for sale that are ideal for your DIY projects.
What Are Socket Sets?
This accessory can be used on a range of fasteners, both different types and different sizes, enabling the user to take a flexible approach to their tasks. A versatile addition to a toolbox, socket sets usually come in a case or box with individual sections for each size.
Most contain sockets that will fit the majority of fastener types. However, be aware that a set can't have the correct socket for every size. If you know what size you are likely to require, you can find the correct set that contains the relevant sockets you need.
Types of Socket
Impact Socket Set
Usually manufactured from molybdenum steel or other alloys, impact socket sets have a black oxide coating to help prevent corrosion. The alloys they are made of, which are thicker and softer, also contribute to this. These work as any other socket would, but they are specifically designed to cope with demanding applications and for power tools, such as pneumatic or electric air wrenches.
Imperial Socket Set
Whilst most sockets use metric measurements, imperial socket sets are made for fasteners that still use inches and fractions of inches instead. Most countries now use metric measurements due to them being more precise, but imperial sizes were once commonplace.
Deep Socket Set
Available for purchase individually, deep sockets can also be commonly found in smaller sets. It is not unusual for a toolbox to contain fewer deep sockets as they are not used as often, and have a full set of standard-length sockets.
Hex Socket Set
One type of hex socket is called the hex 6-point socket, which is the ideal tool for daily use and is reliable to tighten and loosen fasteners. This is because of the 6 points of contact it has with the fastener.
A hex socket has two ends, a square drive socket at one end and a hexagonal recessed socket head at the other end. The square drive socket is what connects the socket to the turning tool, such as a ratchet. The head, however, is what turns the fasteners in question.
Higher-quality hex socket sets lessen the risk of the fastener’s head rounding out or stripping by having internal socket faces that are convex. This allows more torque to be utilised when in use.
If you are working with electrical items, insulated VDE sockets are a type of hex socket which can be used with currents up to 1000 volts. These sockets have plastic insulation on the outside that is usually shown through two colours, which demonstrate whether the socket is fully insulated or not. This is what makes it safe to use with electrical equipment.
12-Point Socket Set
A variation of the hex socket, this type is also known as the bi-hex socket and it provides 12 points of contact with the fasteners it manipulates, making it more efficient to put the socket on the fastener. The amount of recessed inner face features this socket has is double the amount possessed by its 6-point counterpart.
This socket set can be used with an array of fasteners, including ones with square heads. However, when force is applied, it can impact the corners of the fastener, which can make stripping the corners more likely.
Spline Socket Set
The spline socket set enables a tight fit to be achieved between the fastener and the tool, which reduces the chance of foreign object debris getting into said tool. Additionally, it enables the amount of torque that can be used to double. Individual spline sockets are available for purchase.
Oil Filter Socket
Designed for the removal of oil filter caps, oil filter sockets are used when someone changes the oil filter cartridges in their vehicle. In particular, this socket can be used on wagons, vans and cars by a range of manufacturers, including VW, Vauxhall and Audi to name a few.
Universal Joint Socket
If you are using a torque wrench or a ratchet, the universal joint socket is a great addition. It is a useful tool when the space is limited or when attaching the fastener and socket together is awkward, and this two-piece hinged socket is universal. This is because the hinge allows movement, which a standard socket cannot provide.
Where Can You Find Information About Socket Sizes?
If you are looking for the size of your socket, it can often be found on the socket itself. This could be stamped onto the side or etched in. For black oxide coated sockets, such as the impact socket, the size is often lasered on.
When trying to determine the size of a socket, it is established by both the size of the drive socket and the size of the socket head. To work out the size of a bolt, you can use a Vernier caliper to measure across the flats of the head. Another way is to place numerous sockets onto the bolt until you find the one that fits.
Some fasteners, however, are not easily measurable. These fasteners include Torx and E Torx. If this is the case, test different sockets on the fastener until you find the correct one. You can also get Torx socket sets for these fasteners.
Socket Set Sizes
Sockets can be measured using imperial or metric measurements, though certain things can require a specific unit to be used. For example, the drive socket is measured internationally using imperial units. This is because there is no metric equivalent that can be used.
There are two measurements to describe socket sizes, and these are:
- The size of the socket set (this is the part that fits either into or over the fastener)
- The size of the drive socket (this is the part that attaches to the socket wrench)
Whilst sockets can come in various sizes, the usual size is 13mm with the drive measuring ¼”.
There are many socket sets, and most can be organised into three categories:
- Small socket sets - Suited for small spaces or to manipulate small fasteners. These usually have a head size of 3mm-22mm, with a drive socket size of ¼” - ⅜”.
- Half-inch socket sets - Sitting in the middle of the size range, half-inch sockets have ½” drive sockets and can be between 8mm and 32mm for the head size.
- Large socket sets - The largest socket set size tends to have a drive socket size of ¾”-1” and a head size of 19mm-50mm. These sockets are ideal for situations where more torque is required.
Popular Socket Set Brands
Bahco
Originating in Sweden, Bahco is one of the leading companies in Europe for the design of hand tools. Their products include the Bahco ¼” Socket Set with Ratchet and Socket Drivers, which contains 29 pieces and has sockets ranging between 4mm and 13mm.
Expert by Facom
With competitive prices, Expert by Facom is a French-based brand that is popular with both home users and people who use tools on a professional basis. For example, the Facom ¼” and ⅜” 126 Piece Socket Set provides combination spanners and ratchets, and it has both imperial and metric sockets.
Klauke
Klauke was founded in Germany and is renowned for its high-quality technology regarding electrical connections. Their Klauke ¼” Hex 29 Piece Socket Set contains 16 screwdriver bits, as well as 2 extension bars and a T-Smart handle.
Stahlwille
Another German-based brand, Stahlwille manufactures all their tools in Germany and exports them to over 90 different nations. Their products are formed from high-grade steel alloys and include the Stahlwille Bi-Hex 24-Piece Socket Set, which contains a spark plug socket as well as bi-hex sockets sized 8mm-19mm and hex screwdriver sockets between 3mm and 10mm.
Finding the best socket sets for your project is important, but it isn’t the only tool you need to get right. Heamar have socket extension bars and adaptors available, which you can use with your sockets to help you finish the job. Find out how we can help you with your DIY, whether it be at work or home.
