Feb 10,2023
Ratchet and Socket Set Tools selecting the correct socket size
Ratchet and socket sets are an essential tool for a busy DIYer or mechanic, providing a comprehensive selection of fastener attachment sizes. They're particularly useful for tackling a wide variety of tough or rusted fasteners - the most common of which are often used to attach wagons, yard carts and wheelbarrows to their respective chassis or frames.Socket wrenches can be divided into three basic types based on the method of driving their sockets: Hand-held ratchets, pneumatic impact wrenches and hydraulic torque wrenches. The hand-held ratchets feature a reversible ratcheting mechanism that allows the user to pivot back and forth to turn their socket without having to remove and reposition a wrench.
Hex socket wrenches (also called 6-point sockets) are the most common type of fastener socket, and form six points of contact with a nut or bolt head to offer reliable purchase for tightening and loosening. They can be purchased in a wide range of drive sizes to suit a variety of applications, and many feature slightly convex internal socket faces that reduce the risk of stripping or rounding-out fasteners at their corners.
The most important step to ensuring a good fit is selecting the correct socket size. Choosing a socket too small can cause the fastener to get trapped, while one too large can trap it and require a lot of work to free it.