What size sockets do I need?

Six Point Standard Sockets (3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1)

How do I choose socket size?

How to Determine the Right Size Socket for a Nut

  1. Turn on the digital caliper and set it to read in inches, not millimeters.
  2. Close the caliper jaws until each jaw rests on one flat side of the nut on opposite sides.
  3. Check the caliper display.
  4. Turn on the digital caliper and set it to read in millimeters, not inches.

What is the most common socket drive size?

Drive Size

  • ½-inch drive size sockets are for high-torque applications like automotive wheel replacement and when you are using a breaker bar.
  • ⅜-inch drive size sockets are the most common and most available.
  • ¼-inch drive size sockets are ideal when you are in tight spaces or when you are working with recessed nuts.


Whats better 6 or 12-point sockets?

Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.

Do I need both 6 and 12-point sockets?

If your fastener is 12-point, which is somewhat uncommon, then you must use a 12-point tool. For 6-point fasteners, a 6-point tool is your best choice. Matching up the points between the tool and fastener means that you will maximize the surface area of steel in contact, making the tool less likely to slip or fail.

How do I choose the right socket?

When selecting a socket set, you should think about where you will be using it as well as what it must include. Instead, try to buy the socket set that will expand your tool collection in the best way, and concentrate on the size range of sockets included, both standard and deep lengths, in metric and imperial sizes.

Should I get deep or standard sockets?

Deep impact sockets are designed for lug nuts and bolts with exposed threads that are too long for standard sockets. Deep sockets are longer in length therefore can reach lug nuts and bolts that standard sockets are unable to reach. Deep impact sockets are suitable for a wider range of applications.

When should a 3/4 inch socket drive be used?

TEKTON 3/4 inch drive sockets are well-suited for big service and repair jobs on heavy equipment, trucks, tractors, and large machinery.

What are the 3 types of sockets?

Three types of sockets are supported:

  • Stream sockets allow processes to communicate using TCP. A stream socket provides bidirectional, reliable, sequenced, and unduplicated flow of data with no record boundaries.
  • Datagram sockets allow processes to use UDP to communicate.
  • Raw sockets provide access to ICMP.


Are 12 point sockets better?

The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

When would you use a 6 point socket?

6 point sockets are used in applications using hexagonal fasteners. This is obvious since the 6-point socket will not fit on any other shape bolts. They are also ideal for situations that require a large amount of force due to their greater wear resistance. Typical uses include automotive applications and outdoor work.

Why would you use a 6 point socket?


Quote from video: Edge. So with having that more sturdy edge that thicker edge. You are going to be able to get more torque. On a hex head bolt with a six point socket versus that 12 point socket now the other thing

What are 8 point sockets for?

Proto® 8 Point Sockets are ideal for use on stubborn or damaged fasteners, and also on fasteners made from soft materials. The TorquePlus™ design is a high performance drive configuration which allows for quick and easy socket engagement to the fastener flats, not the corners.

Do you need an electrician to change a socket?

Do you need a qualified electrician to change a socket? No. If you’re just changing the style of your electrical socket or switching to a USB socket, it’s a simple enough task for a confident, beginner DIYer to do.

What are the 4 different types of sockets?

Considering the standard sockets, you can find four common types, and they include 3/4 –inch, ½-inch, 3/8-inch, and ¼-inch sockets. Most of these options mentioned above come with bits that would fit Torx screws.

Do I need both metric and standard wrenches?

Yes, you can use some sockets on both metric and SAE sizes. However, you need to be careful, as most times they are not exactly the same, and you can strip a bolt by using an SAE socket on a metric bolt and vice versa.

What are the 3 types of sockets?

Three types of sockets are supported:

  • Stream sockets allow processes to communicate using TCP. A stream socket provides bidirectional, reliable, sequenced, and unduplicated flow of data with no record boundaries.
  • Datagram sockets allow processes to use UDP to communicate.
  • Raw sockets provide access to ICMP.


How do I know what size ratchet I need?

Drive sizes

  1. 1/4 inch – Used for smaller sockets and precision work.
  2. 3/8 inch – The middle sized, and in my opinion, most useful size for general use on a car.
  3. 1/2 inch – 1/2″ sockets are generally used for nuts and bolts from around 10mm and up.

What is the size chart for sockets?

Metric Socket Sizes Chart

3/8″ Drive 1/4″ Drive 1/2″ Drive
13mm 10mm 16mm
14mm 11mm 17mm
15mm 12mm 18mm
16mm 13mm 19mm

What are the 3 common sizes of ratchets?

Available with different drive sizes — 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch — to operate different size sockets. Most operate with a geared drive; those with a higher tooth count let you operate the tool with a smaller swinging motion, which is useful when there’s little room to move the handle.

Do I need a 1/2 inch ratchet?

The most versatile ratchet is the 3/8-inch size. This ratchet size can accommodate sockets of all sizes. It is big enough to apply a lot of force, but it can still fit into tight spaces. A 1/2-inch ratchet is for larger nuts and bolts.

What sockets are the most commonly used?

A hex socket set, also called a 6-point socket set, is designed to fit over a standard 6 sided hexagonal shaped nut or bolt head. These are the most common type of socket.