Sockets | Copper State Bolt and Nut Co.

Dec 24, 2015

Selecting a ratchet and socket set involves a more planning than many people first assume. Sockets come in a variety of sizes and materials that will affect their durability and life on the job site. Choosing a socket set that is made for heavy duty jobs is key to avoiding costly replacements in the future.

Metric Versus Standard Measurements and Sizes

This is probably the most obvious feature of any socket set. Knowing which type of sockets you will need is extremely important. Some socket sets come with both types of sockets, but others include only one or the other. It is also important to pay attention to how wide of a range you are getting in each set, since some sets only offer the most commonly used sizes, but don’t include very small or large sockets. You may have to purchase those sizes separately. More specialized sockets, like deep well sockets, may also not be included in the standard ratchet and socket set, but could be useful to have.

Construction

Low alloy steel is the most frequently used material in high quality socket sets. Tools made with low quality materials are likely to break or get damaged when used on commercial sites. Another important thing to look at is how well the sockets fit onto the ratchet itself. If they fit snugly it’s a good sign, but if they are loose or leave a lot of wiggle room, they probably won’t hold up to repeated changing from one socket to the next, and are more likely to fall off the ratchet when put under pressure.

Cost and Warranty

Price alone may not be the best indicator of a good product. However, many of the name brand socket sets also come with a lifetime warranty against damage. Look into the warranty policy of each brand so that you will be assured that the company will stand behind their product if you ever have a problem.

Overall, choosing a good ratchet and socket set will come down to finding the tools that you can trust to hold up under a heavy work load. Consider what types and sizes you will need before choosing a set, and then supplement with any non-standard sizes. Look at the construction of the tools themselves and make sure that each functions smoothly. Then consider the price and warranty of each set.