12 Sep 2023

Make fastening and loosening an easy task with Sockets

• Posted by : Jhalani

Most of us would agree on the fact that while working with various sizes of nuts and bolts, socket sets become necessary. A socket is easily attached to the end of a ratchet and helps tighten or loosen a fastener by turning it. Sockets are always used with ratchets. The socket gets fixed to one end of the ratchet with the help of a square-drive connector while the other end is then fitted over the head of the fastener. The ratchet allows the socket to engage with and tighten the fastener when it is turned in a clockwise direction and loosen the fastener when it is turned in an anti-clockwise direction.

Specifications of Sockets:

Sockets have a square drive at one end and this end is connected to the square-drive connector. A socket has a head end which has a number of different shapes depending on the size and type of fastener that the socket is designed for.

Depending on the shape and size of the socket, we can decide to use the ratchet along with it for our fastening and loosening tasks. We can get hex and bi-hex sockets designed to turn six-sided fasteners.

Sockets have different drive sizes but majorly used are: ½”, ¾” and 1/8”.

½” size drives are mostly used for massive-size nuts and need more force or torque. Other drive sizes are used for personal use and workshops. 

Types of Sockets

There are a variety of different types of sockets depending on the internal shape of the socket and the length of the socket.

1. Hex Socket 

Hex sockets are one of the most common types of sockets. They can be found as two main types – the hex 6 point and the bi-hex 12 point. Hex sockets have a square-drive connector at one end, which is used to attach them to a ratchet, and a hexagonal or bi-hexagonal teethed head at the other end, which is used to turn fasteners, such as nuts and bolts.

2. Impact Sockets: 

Impact sockets are a tougher version of any regular Socket. It has thicker walls than a regular socket and is made up of a high-quality chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel material. Impact sockets are sturdy and more robust than conventional sockets.

3. Point Sockets: 

Point Sockets have points inside the internal square shape like 6-point and 12 points that can fit into the ratchet of every tool. The 12-point sockets are usually meant for light household tasks while the 6-point socket is used for heavy jobs that require the application of heavy or substantial torque.

We need to keep some points in mind for the perfect functioning of the socket wrench.  

1) Choice of the perfect socket for our nut

Socket wrenches come with adjustable sockets which can be attached to the handle according to the need. It’s crucial to pick the correct socket size to prevent harm and complete your task as quickly and efficiently as possible. Read the size indicator carefully marked on the wrench so that it proves to be a good fit. 

2) Make the tool ready for our work

Once decide on the size of the socket needed, you can connect the socket to the handle and start your work.

3) Put the socket wrench on the Fastener head

This is the main action time as you connect the socket wrench to the fastener head. Always remember to make a perfect fit so that you can adjust the ratchet of the socket anytime.