Socket wrenches come in sets commonly known as ratchet sets. People find socket wrenches convenient because their removable sockets attach one at a time to a single ratchet. The ratchet, sockets and all other attachments come in one handy box. The ratchet mechanism drives in a single direction so it can either tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. You stand less chance of damaging fasteners with socket wrenches. Because open-end wrenches contact fasteners at two points only, all the pressure concentrates there to easily damage points of bolt heads and nuts.

You don't have to be a mechanic to use socket wrenches. No matter what type of business you are in, you will find many uses for them. Just about anything in your office with nuts and bolts may need tightening sooner or later. Some sockets fit standard size fasteners and other sockets fit metric fasteners. Many sets come with both standard and metric sockets.

1. Choose socket wrenches to match the job.

2. Professionals need higher quality socket wrenches.

3. Reach into recesses with deep socket wrenches.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a small socket wrenches set for little jobs

Many businesses need only small socket wrenches for little tasks around the office. If that is your situation, there is no need to keep gargantuan ratchet sets around for employees to trip over.

I recommend: You can find socket wrenches for small office applications at Tyler Tool. You can get 10% off a Klein 12-piece 3/8 inch drive socket wrench set at Toolup.com.

Get professional mechanics' socket wrenches

Mechanics and other professionals need tools that last. Anyone using socket wrenches professionally should choose products made of tempered high-grade steel and precisely tooled sockets.

I recommend: You can get socket wrenches information on professional products at Costplustools. Locate another socket wrenches list of professional products at USA Tools.

Choose a deep socket wrenches set

Socket wrenches are especially valuable when the head of the fastener is recessed where traditional wrenches cannot reach. For such instances, you should choose a deep socket wrench set. Deep sockets are longer so they can reach into recessed spaces. A deep socket also is useful when a bolt protrudes from the nut so far that a standard socket will not reach the nut.

I recommend: Choose from a deep socket wrenches list at Mac Tools. You can also get a deep socket wrench set at mytoolstore.com. Mytoolstore.com also gives free merchandise with minimum orders.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you get all the socket wrenches accessories you need. One useful accessory is an extension. It attaches to the ratchet to allow a longer reach into deep recesses. Adapters allow the combined use of various sizes of sockets and ratchets.