Socket sets are a class of highly convenient and versatile toolkits that help users tighten or loosen a wide range of fastener sizes and types. Professional or DIY/enthusiast mechanics use them in domestic and commercial settings to fit common nut and bolt gauges on automobiles.
These handy tools come in various shapes and sizes, just as there are many assorted classes of fasteners. That’s why knowing which type of fasteners (nuts and bolts) you’ll likely come across during your routine activities can go a long way in helping you choose the right socket by size.
Meanwhile, you also want to choose the right versatile impact socket set from a quality brand that matches your safety and functional needs at competitive rates. Check out VEVOR’s collection of comprehensive impact socket sets for all your socket set needs. Each item in the series combines functionality and durability in an impressive way that suits various categories of user needs.
Whether you’re new to the world of impact sockets or are considering getting another socket for your needs, this guide can go a long way in helping you understand the different types of impact sockets and their primary uses.
Table of contents
What are Socket Sizes?
Socket sizes are measured using metric or standard (SAE) sizes. SAE is a short form for the Society of Automotive Engineers, a US-based professional body. Note that some aspects of your sockets are usually measured using a specific unit. For instance, the drive socket is always measured using imperial units globally (since it lacks a metric equivalent).
Generally, we describe different sizes of sockets using two measurements: the size of the socket set and the size of the drive socket. The former fits either over the fastener or into it, while the latter attaches to the socket wrench. Besides the metric/SAE measurement demarcations, socket sizes also come in different types.
Metric vs. SAE Sizes
Metric sockets are based on the metric system and are measured in millimeters. These measurements are the standard in most nations and are common in modern vehicles, regardless of origin.
Metric sockets fit perfectly on metric fasteners, with sizes typically ranging from 5 mm to 19 mm or more. However, the most common metric socket types are 8 mm, 10 mm, and 14 mm sockets.
On the other hand, SAE socket sizes are measured in inches. You’d find SAE socket sizes that range from tiny fractions of an inch up to larger sizes with measurement indicators often marked on the socket’s side. SAE sockets are common in older American-made automobiles alongside different other industrial equipment.
Types of Sockets and Their Uses
Sockets come in various types, each with their unique use cases. They include:
- Deep sockets
- Shallow sockets
- Impact sockets
- Regular sockets; and several others
Deep sockets are longer than standard/shallow sockets. Their additional length allows them to easily reach nuts and bolts that regular sockets can’t access. Engineers and DIYers who work around engines or deeply-lying bolts require deep sockets. However, the shorter regular sockets are more commonplace and handy for routine tasks.
Impact socket sets are typically made from thick alloys with anti-corrosive qualities and additional durability. They’re specially designed for usage with power tools like electric or pneumatic wrenches.
Shallow socket sets (also called short socket sets) are excellent for tasks that require quicker access to the fastener. They also come in handy to reach places with little overhead clearance.
Common Socket Sizes and Their Applications
Here’s exploring the three most popular socket size distributions and their unique applications. These include:
- Small socket sizes
- Medium socket sizes; and
- Large socket sizes
Small Socket Sizes (4mm – 10mm / 1/8” – 3/8”)
Small socket set sizes are generally suited for small spaces. They’re also used to manipulate small fasteners. They typically range between sizes 4mm – 10mm (or 1/8” – ⅜”). They find common applications in electronics, small appliances, automotive, and tasks. Of course, their small size means they can’t fit into situations where much torque force is required.
Medium Socket Sizes (11mm – 19mm / 7/16” – 3/4”)
Medium sockets sit in the middle of the park, with socket sizes typically between sizes 11mm – 19mm (or 7/16″ – 3/4″). They’re often used in automotive, bicycle, and household repairs. While they can withstand more torque needs than small socket sizes, they’re not applicable for industrial settings where heavy machinery is in use.
Large Socket Sizes (20mm+ / 13/16”+)
Large socket sizes are at the latter end of the spectrum and tend to have a direct socket size of 20mm+ (or 13/16″+). They’re ideal for situations demanding more torque, such as those in industrial applications and heavy machinery.
How to Choose the Right Socket Size
While purchasing a quality socket is highly recommended, choosing the right socket size is also vital to fully meet your specific needs. Using a significantly larger socket could round off the six edges, damaging the bolt. Meanwhile, a damaged bolt becomes difficult to remove during subsequent fixes.
Here’s exploring the best tips on choosing the right socket by size for your unique needs.
Matching Socket Size to Fastener
Accurately measuring the diameter and length of your screws and bolts is a vital part of identifying what size sockets to use. To measure your fastener length, you measure the assumed position of the material surface to the fastener’s end. If you have a fastener where the head typically sits above the surface, begin measuring from directly under the head to the fastener’s end.
Considering the Torque Requirements
Different socket sizes uniquely function concerning specific torque levels. While the lower-end sizes can comfortably serve low-torque levels, larger socket sizes are recommended for high-torque applications.
Material and Build Quality
The material and build quality of your socket are vital in ensuring your socket sets serve you for longer years without needing replacement. Thanks to VEVOR’s collection of impact socket sets, users can rest assured of a durable choice of a full socket set when they pick a socket from the brand.
Understanding Socket Standard Sizes
Understanding socket standard sizes is easily your first step to identifying and choosing the perfect socket size for your needs. Here we demonstrate the various standard socket set sizes to look out for and convert your socket’s dimensions into a parameter that works for you during shopping.
Standard Size Conversions
How do you convert from metric to SAE? Here’s a straightforward formula to help you manually compute the conversion.
- Measure the bolt’s size in mm.
- Multiply the figure in 1 above by 0.03937 to get the equivalent in inches
- Find a ratio with a figure similar to the conversion in 2. The most common denominators are ratios to the power of 2 and check them out in SAE format
Otherwise, you could save time using a conversion chart to navigate between metric and SAE measurements. Suppose you want to convert 19mm to SAE. 19 mm is equal to 0.748 inches, a figure you won’t find against any tool in your socket toolbox. You want to go for the ¾ in tool. Although it’s a bit larger, it won’t make any significant difference.
Here’s a list of some of the most common metrics to SAE conversions of socket standard sizes you might come across, followed by a standard chart helping you navigate your way around either measurement easily:
- 24 mm = 15/16 in
- 22 mm = 7/8 in
- 21 mm = 13/16 in
- 19 mm = 3/4 in
- 16 mm = 5/8 in
- 14 mm = 9/16 in
- 13 mm = 1/2 in
- 11 mm = 7/16 in
- 10 mm = 3/8 in
- 8 mm = 5/16 in
Benefits of a Full Socket Set
Investing in a full range of professional-grade socket set dimensions can benefit you in different ways. It makes completing tasks much easier while saving you time, and preventing damage to fasteners.
Here’s why getting a set of versatile and holistic socket sets like those from VEVOR helps achieve maximal process efficiency during your DIY, commercial, or industrial repairs. Visit VEVOR today to get your next set of professional-grade socket sets with all socket sizes and rest assured of the highest level of fastening operations.
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Keeping Your Socket Set in Top Condition
Here, we share top tips for maintaining and storing your socket set. Meanwhile, just as is the norm with virtually all household equipment, regular cleaning and proper storage are vital to keep your socket set in top condition. Also, consider checking the manufacturer’s manual for recommended maintenance practices should you have any challenges.
Regular Inspection and Replacement
Your ability to quickly identify weakening sections can go a long way in preserving your socket’s useful lifespan. Proper maintenance practices involve always inspecting the sockets for wear and cracks before each use. When searching for damage, search for bends, cracks, and signs showing excessive wear.
Note that using worn-out sockets can lead to injuries and make the socket liable to break. You want to spot worn-out sockets before they damage to protect yourself and your equipment.
Proper Storage Solutions
Properly storing your household equipment not only preserves their functionality in the long run, it also checks your spending on having to repair/replace them too soon. Here are some of the best storage practices we recommend for storing socket sets today.
Wipe dirt, grease, and debris away from sockets, ratchets, and extensions after each use. Regularly check for wear and swiftly replace damaged parts. Lubricate moving components, storing the entire set neatly away from rust in a dry environment.
Why Choose VEVOR Impact Socket Set?
VEVOR Impact Socket sets stand out from the competition for various reasons. Here are some of the amazing features you’re set to benefit from when you purchase a VEVOR impact socket set, besides the general extra affordability that the brand uniquely offers on all items.
Durability and Strength
Thanks to the top-quality materials used in VEVOR sockets, users can expect a high level of durability and strength from the outlet’s standard socket sets. For instance, this VEVOR socket set boasts a rugged construction beyond functionality to ensure long years of useful service at your DIY toolkit or workshop.
Here’s another highly durable VEVOR socket set made of Cr-V Industrial-Grade Alloy Steel. Its premium impact-grade alloy steel helps it offer exceptional enhancements in impact absorption and resistance.
Comprehensive Range of Sizes
Diversity appeals to a larger range of users and needs, so you don’t have to hop between different online shops when upgrading your socket sets or shopping for the perfect socket wrench size for you.
VEVOR’s socket sets come in a range of sizes that provide a blend of versatility and convenience for every need. That allows you to readily compare different models against price and functionality from the same brand when choosing the perfect socket size for you.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
User reviews are some of the best indicators of a product’s excellent features or utility. VEVOR has provably solved a wide range of user problems, and their product review page has quite some reviews to show for it.
Positive Feedback from Users
“Very good quality and great price! I work on a concrete truck so I need something that can take some abuse and so far this whole set is great.”
“I like this set, is well made, the case makes it so much easier to keep it all organized and makes it easier to transport. This ½ inch 43 piece set provides sizes without skipping like the 17mm and 23 mm and have deep and standard sockets. Curiously mine came with two 22mm sockets instead of the 22mm and 23. Contacted the manufacturer and now I have my 23mm. Very satisfied with their support. I already used them to rotate the tires on my truck and my wife’s car without any issues.”
“Hefty tool and great fit and finish. Great pricing and delivery. Highly recommended!!!!!!!! Great company to deal with.”
“Love your tools. Great socket set. Sockets fit nicely in the plastic case. I do however hate that you use FedEx. Contact me to find out why.”
“Extremely impressed had for over 2 yrs now heavy made great set. You won’t be sorry. I’ve always had my doubts Abt online orders or tools especially when half-priced but these are good. Work on cars to heavy machinery log skidders backhoe u name it.”
Conclusion
Socket sets are excellent tools that give operators and DIYers a large variety of avenues to tackle multiple sizes and fastener types. The diverse range of socket sizes and their applications have been discussed in this guide.
Meanwhile, there’s no undermining the value of a comprehensive socket set. Looking for the best impact socket set for your unique needs? Invest in VEVOR’s series of comprehensive and durable impact socket sets and get the best value for your money today.
