Sockets and Socket Sets: A Beginner’s Guide

Sockets and socket sets are among the most commonly used tools in mechanical, automotive, construction, and maintenance work. They are designed to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts efficiently and accurately, while helping reduce the risk of damaging fasteners. This guide explains what sockets and socket sets are, how they are used, why they’re often preferred over spanners or wrenches, and what to consider when choosing sockets for different tools and applications.

What Are Sockets?

A socket is a hollow, cylindrical tool that fits over the head of a nut or bolt. It connects to a drive tool — such as a ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench, or impact wrench — using a square drive connection.

Because a socket surrounds the fastener head, torque is applied more evenly than with many open-ended tools, improving control and reducing the likelihood of slipping.

What Is a Socket Set?

A socket set is a collection of sockets supplied in multiple sizes, usually organised in a storage case. Sets often include accessories that extend functionality, such as:

• Ratchets
• Extensions
• Universal joints
• Adapters

Sockets sets are typically organised by:

• Drive size (for example, 3/8" or 1/2" drive)
• Measurement system (metric or imperial/SAE)
• Socket depth (shallow, standard, deep, or mixed)

This organisation helps you select the correct socket quickly and reduces the chance of using the wrong size on a fastener.

How Sockets Are Used

Sockets are used wherever nuts and bolts need to be installed, removed, or tightened to a controlled level. Common applications include:

• Automotive servicing and repairs
• Mechanical and industrial maintenance
• Construction and structural fastening
• Agricultural and transport equipment servicing
• Workshop and DIY projects

Sockets may be used with hand tools such as ratchets and torque wrenches, or with power tools such as impact wrenches when impact-rated sockets are used.

Why Use Sockets Instead of Spanners or Wrenches?

Sockets are often preferred for repetitive fastening tasks because they typically provide:

• More complete contact with fastener heads
• Reduced likelihood of rounding nuts and bolts
• Faster operation when used with ratchets
• Improved access using extensions and universal joints
• Better control when used with torque wrenches

Spanners and wrenches still have a place in some applications (especially where access is limited), but sockets are generally preferred for workshop and maintenance work where a drive tool can be used.

What You Should Know Before Buying

Before purchasing sockets or a socket set, it helps to confirm:

• The fastener sizes you commonly work with
• Whether tools will be used by hand or with impact tools
• Drive size compatibility with your existing tools
• Required socket depth (shallow, standard, deep, or mixed)
• Metric or imperial sizing requirements
• Storage and organisation preferences

How to Choose the Right Socket

1) Socket Head Type

• 6-point: Engages the flat sides of fasteners and is commonly preferred for higher torque.
• 12-point: Offers more engagement positions and easier alignment for lighter-duty tasks.

2) Drive Size

• 1/4" drive: Small fasteners and light-duty work
• 3/8" drive: General mechanical and automotive tasks
• 1/2" drive: Higher-torque applications
• 3/4" drive: Heavy industrial use

3) Socket Depth / Profile

Socket Materials and Impact Use

Socket material and construction determine how a socket can be safely used. In practice, sockets fall into two broad categories:

• Hand sockets (commonly Cr-V with a chrome finish): designed for hand tools such as ratchets, breaker bars, and torque wrenches.
• Impact sockets (impact-rated Cr-Mo or impact-rated Cr-V): designed and manufactured for impact tools and repeated shock loading.

Quick takeaway: Always follow the manufacturer’s rating and intended use rather than relying on appearance alone.

Individual Sockets vs Socket Sets

Frequently Asked Questions

Can impact sockets be used on a ratchet?

Yes. Impact sockets can generally be used with hand tools such as ratchets and breaker bars. However, hand sockets should not be used with impact tools unless they are explicitly impact rated.

What type of socket set is best to start with?

For general use in Australia, many users start with a metric 3/8" or 1/2" drive socket set that includes both shallow and deep sockets. The best starting point depends on the fastener sizes you work with most and whether you use impact tools.