5 Best Socket Set Every Homeowner Need To Take A Look At
Finding a good socket set makes your work easier than you can imagine. Getting the right ones means your job is half done. This article sheds more light on what socket sets are helps you in choosing the best socket set.
Whatever project you are involved in, it is necessary to invest in the best socket set, especially if you are working with nuts and bolts. You can also use a wrench that has a socket attached at one end but, this may take up a lot of your time and energy. The socket sets available today range from simple ones to professional grade. You can choose one depending on your budget and skill level.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | A+ | $$ | 98 % Quality | |
  | A | $ | 93 % Quality | |
 | A | $$$ | 95 % Quality | |
  | A+ | $ | 95 % Quality | |
  | A | $ | 93 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
More...
What Are Socket Set?
There are many fasteners available that come handy in your repair works like nuts, bolts, and staples. To use these, it is necessary to use specific tools like socket sets. Socket sets are used to screw nuts on and off. They are very helpful to complete your job and are easy to use. If you buy a good socket set, you won’t need a large number of single wrenches that fit the different nut sizes you have.
The most common nuts used are hex shaped which are used to assemble different items. Assembling them becomes easier with the right socket set. Many prefer buying the standard 40 piece socket set that has most of the common sockets you will require. The set has ratcheting handles to snap the sockets onto. The sockets can be moved clockwise or anticlockwise using the gear assembly in the handle. The handle also has a knob to change the direction.
When you want to fix or take off a nut, identify the socket of the right size. Put the handle, choose the direction and place it over the nut to do your job. Even if the nut is hard to get off, you don’t have to apply too much strength, thanks to the socket.
Types Of Socket Set
According to your requirement, you can tighten or loosen nuts and bolts using sockets. The socket sets come in different sizes in a number of kits with varying depths and shapes. Given below are some of the types of socket sets that are currently available.
- Chrome Plated Steel
- 2 Higher Grade Chrome Vanadium Steel Alloy
- Non-hex Sockets
- Impact Socket Set
This socket set is used on an impact power driver. The sockets are generally made from chrome molybdenum steel though some are made from chrome vanadium steel. The metal used is softer and the sockets are used for heavy duty jobs. If the nuts are stronger, the impact sockets will break into two thus providing safety.
via Amazon.com
These sockets are usually metallic gray or black and are not polished to a mirror finish.
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying Best Socket Set
Socket set includes sockets of a number of sizes to fit the various sizes of nuts and bolts. Keep the following things in mind when you go best socket set hunting.
Sockets Made Of Good Alloy
via Youtube
An alloy is a mixture of a metal and another element. Alloys are made so as to use for various purposes. Remember to buy sockets made of the alloy called chrome vanadium steel which is durable and has good strength.
Impact Or Standard Sockets
via hunker.com
If your work needs an impact wrench, buy sockets that are appropriate for impact applications. These can withstand the high torque of the impact tools. If standard sockets are used, the pieces may not break away which is not very safe.
Metric And SAE Socket Units
via toolsinstock.com
There are socket sets that come either in SAE or metric measurements or sometimes both. Using the socket of the right size is important. So, choose the one that suits your requirement. For example, foreign products usually use metric nuts and bolts.
Drive Socket Size
The socket set should have a drive size depending on the type of job you do and the equipment you are working on. A drive ratchet and socket set are helpful in most applications. You may also consider the size of the work before buying the socket set.
Deep Or Shallow Sockets
If you are using a socket wrench, the actual head of the bolt fits sideways into the ratchet tool which makes tight spaces accessible. Deep sockets are used if you need a longer socket for bolts that are deeper. On the contrary, shallow socket head cannot get into deeper spaces. So, choose the socket set according to how long you need the socket head to be.
The Socket Case
The socket sets come in different cases. The case usually keeps the sockets organized and handy. You will see that most of these cases are made of plastic. While some of these cases are stronger than others, the durability of the case depends on where you will be using it. The quality of the case also depends on the price you pay for the socket set. If you invest more in a set of high quality, you can be guaranteed of the quality of the case too. Most of the larger sets do not have cases as the set itself is too heavy. In such cases, you can buy a rolling metal case with drawers.
Six Or Twelve-Point Sockets
The two types of sockets available are six-point and twelve-point. The total number of angles cut into the sockets is denoted by points. For common repairs at home, you can use twelve-points. If you want the sockets for using on mowers or vehicles, you may go for six-point sockets. This is because six-point sockets can apply a large amount of torque and have thicker walls. While most people use six-points, twelve-points are advantageous as they provide double the number of starting positions.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $$ | 98 % Quality | |
| A | $ | 93 % Quality | |
| A | $$$ | 95 % Quality | |
| A+ | $ | 95 % Quality | |
| A | $ | 93 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
An Ultimate Guide To Best Socket Set
The sockets in this set are made of premium S2 alloy steel which makes them durable and reduces wear-outs due to their hardness. The chrome vanadium steel sockets offer great torque that promises greater turning power. The mirror chrome finish resists corrosion.
via Amazon.com
The bit tips are automatically and precisely machined to provide accurate size. The bit ends are chamfered so that they enter smoothly into fasteners. This offers protection to both the bits and fasteners and prevents the edges from being damaged.
Pros
- Provides superior torque for greater turning power
- The superior hardness of the material ensures durability
- Contains both SAE and metric measurements
Cons
- Sockets may snap if not used carefully
- The case has shallow grooves and the drivers jump out if not opened properly
This is a 6 pt. socket design made of chrome vanadium steel. The sockets have a black powder coat industrial finish. The product has a limited lifetime warranty.
via Amazon.com
Pros
- The socket set is of high quality and the money paid is worth it
- The sockets are sized exactly right
Cons
- Missing socket sizes like 15, 18 and 20mm makes it difficult to work with
- The sockets are heavy for the case
The body of the sockets is made of chrome vanadium which offers great strength, torque, and durability. It has a reversible mechanism and quick release switch to make the operation easy.
via Amazon.com
To protect against corrosion, the sockets have a full polished chrome finish. This is a 123-piece set which is black in color. While it weighs 9.5 pounds, it has a dimension of 15.9 x 11.2 x 3 inches.
Pros
- The socket set is of high quality, especially the ratchets
- The individual sockets fit securely in the case
Cons
- Socket size markings are small making it difficult to read
- Sockets of certain sizes are not included
The sockets are constructed with premium S2 alloy steel which is of superior hardness. This is great at ensuring durability and reducing wear-outs. The chrome vanadium steel sockets of high strength provide good torque for greater turning power. For corrosion resistance, they are given mirror chrome finish. 13-Piece SAE hex bit socket set includes 1/4” Drive of a range of sizes.
via Amazon.com
The bit tips are precisely machined to get the accurate size and the bit ends can be inserted smoothly into the fasteners. The organizing case is made of plastic which makes carrying and storage easy.
Pros
- The sockets are long lasting
- High strength of the sockets provides greater torque
- Includes various hard-to-find sizes
Cons
- The hex bits are brittle
- Smaller tips tend to break fast
This is a 13-piece set which has sockets made of premium S2 alloy steel. The superior hardness ensures better durability and reduced wear-outs. The sockets which are of chrome vanadium steel provide superior torque for better turning power. They are given mirror chrome finish for resisting corrosion.
via Amazon.com
The bit tips are automatically machined for accurate size and the bit ends insert into the fasteners smoothly. This protects the fasteners and the bits from damaged edges. It has an organized storage where the case is made of plastic for easy storage and carrying.
Pros
- Sockets fit nicely in the case
- Contains various sizes of sockets
Cons
- Bits break easily
Conclusion
If you are a person who is involved in repair works and is passionate about DIY projects, a good socket set is inevitable in your tool collection. Socket sets fall into different categories depending on the make, measurements, the size of the driver etc.
Although all the above-mentioned socket sets are perfect to choose, I would highly recommend you to go for Neiko 10288A Hex Bit Socket Set as it is superior in quality and ensure durability. Further, it is easy to measure and contains both SEA and metric measurements.
Before choosing a best socket set for you, understand what kind of work you are usually involved in and then make a decision. The sets also come in different price ranges. Settling for a lower price may require you to compromise on the quality of the set.
Low-priced sets are often found to be defective and the sockets are found to be brittle. If you are still confused, search online for customer reviews of different socket sets. You can even ask people who have already purchased one to share their opinions. Remember that poor quality sets can also have dangerous consequences and may result in injury. So, do a thorough research before choosing the one suited to you.
