The best socket sets

For tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, nothing beats a socket set.

Socket sets add convenience into our DIY lives, as well as credibility. A socket set looks superb sitting on the garage shelf, but when it comes to fasteners, a socket set is mighty useful.

What actually is a socket set?

Socket sets are simply an easy means to tighten or loosen fasteners. With their extensions and adaptors, they are versatile and great for tricky and awkward areas where fasteners like to hide - deep inside engine bays, for example. As such, socket sets are very popular amongst DIYers and mechanics.

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How do ratchet socket sets work?

A socket set is made up of a ratchet handle (called a socket wrench) and a range of attachments that fit a range of bolt heads and other such fasteners.

You simply attach the appropriate socket size to the wrench’s drive connector by clicking it into place.

When operating the ratcheting mechanism, the beauty of this tool is revealed. You can adjust a fastener by rotating the handle clockwise but it turns freely anticlockwise, meaning you don’t have to remove the tools after each turn like with a spanner. Ratchet handles often feature a switch which reverses the operation, allowing you to loosen a fastener in the same way.

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Which socket set is right for me?

There are different types of socket sets around. What we'll focus on here are the hex socket sets – sometimes called a six-point socket set. These are the ones most commonly used in every day and DIY scenarios.

Within the hex socket sets, there is a range of sizes. The sizes concern the socket drive, which is the part of the socket that attaches to the socket wrench. You find these mostly come in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-inch drives. The 1/4 and 3/8-inch drive sizes take the smallest bolt head sizes – 3mm to 22mm; while 1/2-inch take larger sizes up to 32mm. There are bigger drives sizes (3/4 and 1-inch) but these are for the largest bolt sizes not really seen in the DIY world.

In determining which set is right for you, it naturally depends on how much you will use them and what for. For occasional round the house use, a small set will do you fine. For those keen DIYers and amateur mechanics, you may want a more comprehensive set.

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Small sets

Made up of the most common bit and socket sizes or the most niche, these are aimed at either the occasional DIYer or the specialist. The sets below are for the occasional DIYer.

Pros

Quality

Socket and screwdriver bits

Cons

Not ideal for those wanting larger socket sizes

Contents:

12 x 1/4" Hex sockets: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 mm

1 x Ratchet 1/4" compact length 125 mm, quick release, 60 teeth/ 6° action angle

2 x bit 1/4" PH 2

2 x bit HEX 5, 6

6 x bit TORX 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40

1 x bit holder 1/4" with locking spring, 1/4" female square

1 x 1/4" Wobblers Extension bar, length 100 mm

Pros

Up to 22mm socket size

Extensions give good versatility

Cons

No sockets smaller than 8mm

Contents:

14 x Metric sockets: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22mm

72 x Tooth reversible ratchet with soft grip handle and "quick release" button

2 x Extension bars: 75, 150mm

1 x Universal joint

Pros

Range of screwdriver bits

Bosch quality

Value

Cons

Only five socket sizes

Contents:

4 x PH Bits 1/2/2/3

3 x PZ Bits 1/2/3

3 x S Bits 4/5/6

5 x TORX Bits 10/15/20/25/30

4 x HEX Bits 3/4/5/6

5 x Sockets 6/7/8/10/13mm

1 x Socket adapter

1 x mini ratchet

1 x universal bit holder

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Medium sets

Sets of around forty or fifty pieces will naturally give you a bigger range of socket sizes and bits, sometimes in two different drive sizes.

Pros

All the common bit sizes

Price

Stanley quality

Cons

Not an extensive socket set size range

Contents:

1 x 1/4in Female Hex Drive Mini Micro Ratchet (90mm in length)

1 x Socket Adapter from 1/4" Hex Male To 1/4" Square Driver Male

7 x 1/4in Square drive Sockets - 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 & 13mm

4 x 25mm Slotted Screwdriver Bits - 4, 4.5, 6.5 & 8mm

4 x 25mm Hex Screwdriver Bits - 3, 4, 5 & 6mm

8 x 25mm Torx Screwdriver Bits - TX8, TX10, TX15, TX20, TX27, TX30 & TX40

7 x 25mm Pinned Screwdriver Torx Bits - TX10, TX15, TX20, TX25, TX27, TX30 & TX40

3 x 25mm Phillips Screwdriver Bits - PH1, PH2 & PH3

3 x 25mm Pozi Screwdriver Bits - PZ1, PZ2 & PZ3

1 x Quick Release Screwdriver Bit Holder Adapter

Pros

Comprehensive socket size range

Value

Cons

No screwdriver bits

Contents:

17 x Metric sockets size 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22mm

3 x Metric deep sockets size 10, 12, 13mm

9 x Imperial sockets size 1/4, 3/8, 5/16, 7/16" 11/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 3/4"

3 x Spark plug sockets size 10, 12, 14mm

1 x 72 tooth reversible ratchet with soft grip handle and "quick release" button

3 x Extension bars size 75, 150, 300mm

1 x Universal joint

1 x 'T' bar head 1/2"(F) x 3/8"(M)

1 x 200mm flexible handle

1 x 'T' bar head/convertor when used with extension bar forms a sliding 'T' bar

Pros

Bahco quality standard

Spanner set

Extensions

Cons

No screwdriver bits

Not cheap

Contents:

10 x 1/4in Metric Sockets: 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13mm.

10 x 1/2in Metric Sockets 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21 & 24mm.

2 x 1/4in Extension Bars: 50 & 100mm.

2 x 1/2in Extension Bars: 125 & 250mm.

1 x 1/4in 100mm Sliding T-Bar.

1 x 1/4in Universal Joint, 1 x 1/2in Universal Joint.

1 x 1/4in Reversible Quick Release Ratchet.

1 x 1/2in Reversible Quick Release Ratchet.

12 x Combination Spanners 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19mm.

1 x Impact & Oil Resistant Case.

1 x Removable Tool Rack for Combination Spanners.

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Large sets

As you will discover, large sets of at least 100 pieces will give you at least two drive sizes, in addition to a wealth of extensions, deep sockets, a spanner set, and screwdriver bits.

Pros:

Comprehensive kit

Great value

Cons

Not up for continuous heavy-duty use

Contents:

¼” chrome vanadium socket: 4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13mm

½” chrome vanadium socket: 10-11-12-13-14-15-17-18-19-21-22-23-24-27mm

¼” chrome vanadium deep socket (72 teeth): 6-7-8-10-12-13mm

½” chrome vanadium plug socket (72 teeth): 16-21mm

¼”, ½” extension bar chrome vanadium

¼” coupler chrome vanadium

2pcs ½”, ¼” ratchet wrench

1pc ratchet screwdriver

60pc 25mm chrome vanadium screwdriver bits

6pc combination spanner: 8-10-12-13-14-17mm carbon steel

Pros

Bahco quality

Built for the serious DIYer and professionals

Cons

It isn't cheap

Contents:

12 x 1/4in Hex Sockets: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13mm.

10 x 1/4in Hex Deep Sockets: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13mm.

13 x 1/2in Hex Sockets: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30 & 32mm.

5 x 1/4in Phillips Bits: PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3 & PH4.

3 x 1/4in Slotted Bits: 4, 5.5 & 7mm.

3 x 1/4in Pozidriv Bits: PZ1, PZ2 & PZ3.

6 x 1/4in Hex Bits: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 10mm.

8 x 1/4in TORX Bits: T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30 & T40.

3 x 5/16in TORX Bits: T45, T50 & T55.

1 x 1/2in Spark Plug Socket: 21mm (13/16in).

2 x 1/4in Extension Bars: 50 & 100mm.

2 x 1/2in Extension Bars: 125 & 250mm.

1 x 1/4in Universal Joint, 1 x 1/2in Universal Joint.

1 x 1/4in Bit Holder, 1 x 1/2in Bit Holder.

1 x 1/4in Bit Adaptor, 1 x 1/4in Magnetic Bit Adaptor.

1 x 1/4in Sliding T-Bar, 1 x 1/4in Spinner Handle.

1 x 1/2in T Adaptor.

1 x 1/4in Reversible Ratchet.

1 x 1/2in Reversible Ratchet.

3 x Hex Keys: 1.5, 2 & 2.5mm.

4 x Flex Head Wrenches: 8x9, 10x11, 12x13 & 14x15mm.

6 x Combination Wrenches 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 & 17mm.

1 x Impact & Oil Resistant Case.

1 x Removable Tool Rack for Combination Spanners.

Pros

Consists of all but the niche stuff

Compact for a large kit

Cons

Expense

Contents:

13 x 1/4" sq. dr. sockets: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14mm

7 x 1/4" sq. dr. deep sockets: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10mm

5 x 1/4" sq. dr. E sockets: E4, E5, E6, E7, E8

1 x 1/4" sq. dr. 72 tooth reversible ratchet with soft grip handle and "quick release" button

1 x 1/4" sq. dr. spinner handle

1 x 1/4" sq. dr. sliding T bar

2 x 1/4" sq. dr. wobble extension bars 50, 100mm

1 x 1/4" sq. dr. universal joint

1 x 1/4" sq dr x 1/4" hex adaptor

15 x 3/8" sq. dr. sockets: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22mm

6 x 3/8" sq. dr. deep sockets: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15mm

6 x 3/8" sq. dr. E sockets: E7, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16

1 x 3/8" sq. dr. 72 tooth reversible ratchet with soft grip handle and "quick release" button

1 x 3/8" sq. dr. wobble extension bar 125mm

1 x 3/8" sq. dr. universal joint

1 x 3/8" sq. dr. 3/8" sq dr 1/2" male adaptor

1 x 3/8" sq. dr. 3/8" sq dr x 8mm hex adaptor

12 x 1/2" sq. dr. sockets: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32mm

6 x 1/2" sq. dr. deep sockets: 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24mm

3 x 1/2" sq. dr. E sockets: E20, E22, E24

2 x 1/2" sq. dr. spark plug sockets 10, 14mm

1 x 1/2" sq. dr. 72 tooth reversible ratchet with soft grip handle and "quick release" button

2 x 1/2" sq. dr. wobble extension bars: 125, 250mm

1 x 1/2" sq. dr. universal joint

1 x 1/2" sq. dr. x 8mm hex adaptor

12 x Combination spanners: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19mm

10 x Hex keys: 1.27(x2), 1.5(x2), 2(x2) 2.5, 3, 4, 5mm

100 x Assorted screwdriver bits

Pros

Great toolbox

Quality

Cons

Big and bulky

Contents:

10 x 1/4in drive regular 6 point sockets: 4-13mm.

6 x 1/4in drive deep 6 point sockets: 6-13mm.

14 x 3/8in drive regular 6 point sockets: 8-22mm.

16 x 1/2in drive regular Bi-Hex sockets: 10-32mm.

8 x 1/4in TORX bits: TX8-TX40,

7 x 1/4in Hex bits: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm and 10mm.

2 x 1/4in Pozidriv bits: PZ1 and PZ2.

2 x 1/4in Phillips bits: PH1 and PH2.

3 x 1/4in Slotted bits: 4mm, 5.5mm and 7mm.

1/4in drive accessories:

30 x 1/4in socket clips.

1 x FRP ratchet.

1 x Universal joint.

1 x 2in extension.

1 x 4in extension.

1 x 3/8in female to 1/4in male adaptor.

1 x Coupler adaptor.

3/8in drive accessories:

30 x socket clips.

1 x FRP ratchet.

1 x 6in Extension bar (150mm).

1 x Universal joint.

1 x Hex bit adaptor

1 x 3/8 Step up adaptor 1/2in.

1/2in drive accessories:

30 x socket clips.

1 x FRP ratchet.

1 x Universal joint.

1 x 2.1/2in extension (75mm).

1 x 6in extension (150mm).

1 x 1/2Reduction adaptor (3/8in).

9 x Combination spanners (8-19mm).

1 x Ring holder.

3 x Hex keys (1.5, 2 and 2.5mm).

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Socket set care

It's very important to keep your socket sets in good condition if you want longevity out of them. Dirt and grime can and will eat away the protective coating on sockets over time, corroding them. It's also important that socket sets are not left damp or kept in damp conditions because this can cause rusting.

Therefore, you can clean sockets with an old toothbrush and wipe them dry with a rag. Storing them in their case will keep them safe and happy.

It's unlikely that your socket set will wear out on you, especially if you only use it several times a year. If somehow, you break a piece in the set, individuals of any type can easily be bought.

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