Ratchets and Sockets: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Sockets and ratchets are used to efficiently remove or loosen fasteners. These basic mechanical tools can be challenging to new users.
*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot and contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Chances are you’ve seen a wrench, ratchet, and socket in use at some point. But for the beginner, these tools might be overwhelming in nature because it’s not used as frequently or its use isn’t as intuitive as a hammer or screwdriver. Sockets and ratchets perform the same function as wrenches. However, these basic mechanical tools allow the user to tackle the task of loosening and tightening fasteners in a more efficient manner.
What is ratchet?
Ratchel is the informal word used to refer to a ratcheting socket wrench. It consists of a handle and a socket. The handle is the wrench. On the ratchet handle is a mechanism that allows the ratchet to engage and reverse the direction of the ratchet to loosen or tighten fasteners like nuts and bolts.
What is a socket?
Sockets are tools that attach to a rachet, torque, or socket wrench. It’s used mostly for loosening and tightening fasteners such as nuts and bolts. The socket is placed on the square extension or driver of the ratchet. Once it’s secured to the ratchet the user can loosen or tighten a bolt or nut while the socket remains in place by just turning the handle of the ratchet.
What do a ratchet and socket allow you to do?
A ratchet and socket combination allows the user to turn a fastener (a bolt or nut) without having to reposition the tool on the fastener. If you were using a wrench you would definitely have to reposition it after each turn. Ratchet and socket make operating in tight corners more manageable because there is little to no space for a wrench to be leveraged. A ratchet socket combination with or without an extension allows the fastener to be tightened or loosened with ease. It’s also less likely to slip like some types of wrenches because the socket fits completely around the fastener.
Types of Ratchets
Ratchets come in various sizes from 1/4in. drive, 1/2-in. drive and 3/8-inch drive to name a few. While most ratchets use a gear drive, it can also be gearless, jointed or have a flex-head for especially hard to reach areas.
Types of Sockets
There are a variety of sockets that can be connected to the ratchet depending on the use.
- SAE sockets. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) sockets are designed for American or imperial system fasteners.
- Metric sockets for metric sockets’ sizes are measured in millimeters.
- Torx bit sockets are designed for Torx screws.
- Impact sockets are used with impact wrenches.
- Driver sockets tighten and loosen screws using the ratchet handle.
- Spark plug sockets are specially fitted for changing spark plugs.
Shop Socket Tool Sets Shop Mechanics Tool Sets
- Husky 1/2 in. Drive Deep Metric Impact Socket Set (11-Piece)
- It comes in very handy when changing tires
- 1/2 in. Drive 6-point Deep Metric impact sockets
- Black Oxide Finish for maximum protection against corrosion
- Lifetime Warranty with no questions, no receipt required
Check out these posts for more tool reviews and DIY projects:
I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the ProSpective 2018 Campaign. As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.