Types of Socket Wrench and Their Differences

Contents

So, you want to fasten stuff? That’s great because there’s a tool for just about every job! Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that a bit much?” And yes, while consumerism might put endless options on the table, it doesn’t mean you need a separate wrench for every single nut and bolt.

That’s where this article comes in! Here, you’ll discover all the different types of socket sets, helping you find just the right ones without turning your home into a hardware store. Whether you’re looking to organize your toolbox or take on a specific project, stick around, explore the options, and have fun learning what suits your bolts and nuts best! We’ll explore the most essential and versatile types of socket wrench based on drive mechanism and socket compatibility, as well as taking a look at specialty socket wrenches and their use cases.

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Different Types of Socket Wrenches

Socket wrenches are the way to go when you can’t go full circles to completely tighten or loosen a fastener. With the help of different types of socket wrenches, you can have the wrench head locked in a position to provide torque when it is being pushed in one direction, and it can be rotated freely when pulled in the reverse direction. This way, you can apply more torque and you have ease of use without having to lift and reposition the wrench after each rotation.

There are a lot of different types of sockets and ratchets in different drive shapes and sizes. Keep reading to find out more about the most versatile ones.

various types of socket tools and attachments.

Based on Drive Mechanism

Going through the most versatile types of sockets and ratchets based on their drive mechanism calls for a quick overview of the basic mechanism of sockets in general. There is an inbuilt ratcheting mechanism in these wrenches that lets the user do a continuous motion in one direction while locking in the other. This eliminates the need to lift and reposition the wrench. By flipping a switch, you can easily reverse the direction, adding versatility to your work.

The drive mechanism of a socket wrench refers to how the tool transfers rotational force (torque) from the handle to the socket to tighten or loosen fasteners. It defines the functionality, movement, and efficiency of the wrench.

Ratchet Wrench

These types of socket wrench have the most common drive mechanism. They offer smooth and continuous motion and compatibility with various drive sizes like 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″. The ratchet head locks when turned in the fastening direction and spins freely in the opposite direction. Also, there is a switch or lever that can reverse the mechanism to loosen or tighten as needed.

Ronix RH-2634 curved Ratchet Handle- 1/2 inch

Breaker Bar

For tough, rusted fasteners, the breaker bar provides the extra leverage you need. It has a long, non-ratcheting handle for extra leverage and is used for loosening tight or rusted fasteners. The extra leverage they give makes them ideal for loosening rusted or overtightened fasteners. The long handle lets the user apply more force to the fastener, thanks to the magic of physics! However, unlike ratchets, these types of sockets don’t have a ratcheting mechanism, so they require repositioning for each turn.

GEARWRENCH 1/2” Drive Flex Handle/Breaker Bar 610mm (24”)

Some of their advantages are the fact that they are great for heavy-duty applications while being simpler to use and more durable than ratcheting wrenches.

GEARWRENCH 1/2” Drive Flex Handle/Breaker Bar 610mm (24”)

Torque Wrench

A torque wrench is a fancy one, and they can get pretty expensive! It is a precision tool that lets the user set it to a specific torque value. This makes it great for tasks, such as automotive repairs, which demand a torque wrench with the ability to let the user apply the correct amount of force. This simple feature prevents over-tightening or damage to the fastener.

1/4″ Drive Fixed-Head Snap-on® ControlTech-Link® Torque Wrenches

Flex-Head Ratchet Wrench

If you need flexibility in tight spaces, the flex-head ratchet wrench is your best bet! This type of wrench has a pivoting head for reaching angled or hard-to-access fasteners. The pivoting head adjusts to different angles and lets you work around obstacles. Plus, the ratcheting mechanism provides continuous motion without removing the wrench.

Crescent 3/8″ Drive 72 Tooth Quick Release Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 11-1/4″ – CRW10

Based on Socket Compatibility

Socket compatibility affects which tools you can use with your wrench. The standard socket wrench is a reliable choice for non-impact sockets and everyday tasks. For high-torque jobs and powered tools, the impact socket wrench is built to handle the pressure with its durable construction.

Standard Socket Wrench Set

The standard socket wrench is suitable for everyday tasks. It is designed to work seamlessly with standard (non-impact) sockets, making it an ideal choice for general use. These wrenches offer a straightforward design which works easily with different types of socket sets.

Ronix RH-2638 Standard Socket Wrench Set (38 Pcs)

Impact Socket Wrench

The impact socket wrench is the opposite of the previous model, it is useful for heavy-duty tasks. These wrenches are made to work with impact sockets and power tools such as air wrenches. One of their pros is the fact they can handle high-torque applications super easily. These types of wrenches are more on the heavier side of things; hence they are more durable than the average everyday socket wrench.

DEWALT Impact Ready 10-Piece Standard (SAE) 3/8-in Drive 3/8-in 6-point Impact Socket

Specialty Socket Wrenches

When the job calls for more than the standard set of tools, specialty wrenches shine! There are different types of socket sets and wrenches with specialized designs that save the day when it comes to tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Hex Socket Wrench (Allen Socket)

If you have to work with hexagonal fasteners, then the hex socket wrench, commonly referred to as an Allen socket, is perfect for you. It functions like an Allen key but offers significantly more torque thanks to its connection to a wrench handle. This added torque makes it ideal for tasks requiring precision and a secure fit, such as assembling furniture or maintaining machinery.

They also offer more torque than a standard Allen key, however, they are not as versatile as some of the other types of socket wrench mentioned earlier, as they are limited to hexagonal fasteners.

34-inch drive impact socket set, 21-piece deep socket spanner assortment, hexagonal deep inch sizes (34 inches to 2 inches)

Universal Joint Wrench

A universal joint wrench lets you reach bolts at odd angles. As its name suggests, it has a universal joint that makes dealing with fasteners at odd angles a lot easier. This specific tool can be essential if you work with fasteners in spaces that straight tools cannot reach. Additionally, these types of socket wrenches are compatible with multiple socket sizes.

However, they can wear out sooner under heavy use, so don’t use these in demanding environments!

Ronix RH-2620 Universal Joint Wrench and Socket Set

Pass-Through Socket Wrench

Just as its name suggests, the pass-through (pass-thru) socket wrench features a design that’s great for long bolts or threaded rods. They have a hollow center, allowing the tool to “pass through” the length of a bolt or rod. Because of this feature, it eliminates the need for deep sockets or specialty tools in these scenarios. They are great for automotive repairs, plumbing, construction and other applications requiring work with extended bolts or rods.

However, keep in mind that as much as these are perfect for specific applications, they are not versatile enough for some of the other tasks, for instance, where more torque is required.

GEARWRENCH 46 Piece 1/4″ & 3/8″ Drive Pass-Thru™ 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set

Conclusion

It’s always necessary to first, know what types of bolts and fasteners you’re working with, and then look for the socket wrench options; ultimately, finding the best choice for your specific needs. Hopefully, this article has helped you familiarize yourself more with some of the most common tools out there so you can make an informed decision at the end of the day.

FAQ

What are the three basic types of sockets?

Ratchet Sockets: Used with ratchet wrenches for continuous motion.
Impact Sockets: Built for high-torque applications with impact tools.
Hex Sockets (Allen Sockets): Designed for hexagonal fasteners, offering more torque than Allen keys.

What is a universal socket wrench?

A wrench with a flexible joint, allowing it to work at different angles, ideal for hard-to-reach fasteners.