Selection Guide for Socket Wrenches

The socket wrench is a hand operated tool with a ratchet mechanism on its head. The ratchet part is fixed to various sockets by a small square head called a driver. The ratchet can be set to loosen or tighten the nut. When turning the wrench handle, the ratchet wheel secures the socket in place. Today we will learn the socket wrench and its purchase skills.

 

 

1. Specification of Socket Wrenches

The overall specifications of socket wrench sets are different from the general calculation methods abroad, resulting in different product specifications. In China, socket wrenches are calculated according to domestic calculation units, called metric systems, and in the case of foreign countries, the British calculation unit shall prevail, which is called the Inch system. Because there are some omitted mantissas in the metric conversion, there are some differences in the size of the product specifications, but in general it is still universal. According to the different conversion units at home and abroad, it is also different from the machine, so the required socket wrenches are also different, but generally socket wrenches are used for automobile maintenance and machine maintenance. Therefore, you only need to purchase metric socket wrenches in China, except for some new equipment imported from abroad. 1 inch = 2.54cm is how it is calculated in the general calculation, but some manufacturers will directly convert it to 1 inch = 2.5cm, so the products in the industry are not very accurate, but for large manufacturers, it is calculated according to the previous one. This is also the most basic national standard.

 

 

2. Application of Socket Wrenches

The socket wrench is a cylindrical tool used for disassembling nuts or bolts, and the cross section of its inner surface is hexagonal. Inch specifications of the socket wrench are incremented in order of 1:16 inches and 1:32 inches, metric specifications of the socket wrench are incremented in 1 cm increments. For the car owner, the electric socket wrench is needed when disassembling the car tire or spark plug.

 

When using a battery powered socket wrench, you must choose a socket wrench that completely fits the nut or bolt. If you use a socket wrench that is larger than the nut or bolt, the socket wrench can easily round the head of the nut or bolt during rotation. When removing tight wheel bolts, if a suitable extension rod is sleeved on the socket wrench handle, the rotation torque can be increased, and it is easier to loosen the wheel bolts. It should be noted that if the socket wrench handle extension rod is used when tightening the wheel bolts, it is important not to use excessive force to prevent the rotation torque from exceeding the bearing range of the nut or bolt, otherwise the nut or bolt may be easily damaged.

 

 

3. Notes on the Purchase of Socket Wrenches

1) Look at the surface: whether there are burrs, whether the specifications meet the size standards, whether there are scratches, etc.

 

2) Internal quality: use special tools to measure torque and hardness, measure size, carry out salt spray test, etc.

 

Note: When the size of the hexagonal or twelve corners of the socket wrench is less than or equal to 32MM, the hardness value is not less than HRC39, and when it is greater than 32MM, the hardness is not less than HRC35.

 

 

In addition to socket wrenches, we will often hear craftsman torque wrenches, oil filter wrenches, electric impact wrenches, spark plug wrenches, etc. For more wrench purchase skills, please contact us.