Wrench Sockets & Ratchet Sockets | RS
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    Sockets

    Sockets are tubular driver head attachments used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. They attach to the heads of drivers, drills, and other tools with output drive heads. Sockets are normally made from steel and are most commonly used with ratchet handles of various sizes. Combined together they provide more torque leverage than a simple spanner, helping you to tighten or remove nuts and bolts with less physical effort.

    There are two main classifications of sockets and a few different types of sockets, each with significant differences that make them suitable for specific jobs. It is important to match the socket size and type with the size and type of the tool and the size of the nut or bolt. Common sizes for sockets include 36mm sockets and 10mm sockets.

    While regular sockets may be made from steel alloy, impact sockets have a hardened carbonized surface, also known as heat-treated or drop forged. This allows an impact socket to manage torque impact changes. Non-impact (standard) sockets will bend or break when used with an impact tool, such as an impact socket wrench. This can be dangerous and cause injuries or damage to the tools or piece of machinery being worked on.

    Hex sockets, an abbreviation of hexagonal, are another socket design consisting of two types, 6-point, and 12-point. A hex socket will fit naturally around a six-sided nut or bolt. A 12-point hex socket also fits around a hex bolt; this is also known as a bi-hex or double hex socket. A double hex provides more flexibility in confined spaces and creates more friction contact points. Hex sockets are often sold in hex socket sets or as pieces in socket wrench sets.

    Deep sockets are also known as deep dive sockets and are longer than standard sockets. They provide added accessibility in limited spaces and in hard to reach places. Their deeper barrel allows them to reach bolts that are recessed.

    Insulated sockets are safe to work on live equipment up to 1000V. They are typically used by electricians and maintenance engineers working on live equipment.

    What are Sockets Made From?

    Regular sockets are commonly made from the steel alloy chrome vanadium, though others might be made from or plated with beryllium copper or aluminum bronze. Impact sockets need to be able to handle heavy vibrations, and are therefore commonly made from the more pliable chrome molybdenum.

    Socket Applications

    Sockets and socket wrenches are used primarily in the automotive industry, specifically with fixing or replacing tires and performing maintenance on a car or motorcycle engine. Many car and motorcycle enthusiasts like to keep a ¼ or ½ ratchet socket and a socket wrench set in their garages or in their cars for quick and easy maintenance and repairs. With similar applications, socket wrenches are also needed in Civil Engineering, Marine Maintenance, and Aerospace Industries.

    RS carries a full line of sockets across all sizes and makes. Whether you need a ¼ inch square socket, a ½ ratchet socket, or are in the market for a hex socket set, you can find what you need with RS.

    2887 Products showing for Sockets

    RS PRO
    -
    -
    -
    1/4 in
    Bit Socket
    Phillips Bit
    PH1
    18
    Chrome
    -
    37 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Molybdenum Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    8mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Standard Socket
    12 point
    -
    -
    Sandblasted
    -
    -
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    21mm
    Metric
    3/8 in
    Standard Socket
    12 point
    -
    -
    Sandblasted
    -
    -
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    7mm
    Metric
    1/4 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    -
    Sandblasted
    -
    -
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    12mm
    Metric
    1/4 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    -
    Chrome
    -
    25 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    13mm
    -
    1/2 in
    Hexagon Bit
    -
    -
    -
    Sandblasted
    KAT0003/13L
    38 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    SAM
    -
    10mm
    Metric
    3/8 in
    Deep Socket
    6 point
    -
    -
    -
    -
    63 mm
    -
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    -
    1/2 in
    Bit Socket
    Hex Bit
    12mm
    60.5mm
    Chrome
    -
    100 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    -
    1/4 in
    Bit Socket
    Hex Bit
    5mm
    18.0mm
    -
    -
    37 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    10mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    -
    Chrome
    -
    38 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    -
    -
    1/2 in
    Bit Socket
    XZN Spline Bit
    M14
    15.5
    Chrome
    -
    100 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Molybdenum Steel
    STAHLWILLE
    -
    -
    -
    1/2 in
    Bit Socket
    Hex Bit
    6mm
    22.0mm
    Chrome
    -
    60 mm
    Alloy Steel
    Facom
    -
    16mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Long Socket
    6 point
    -
    15mm
    Chrome
    S.16HLA
    77 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    Facom
    -
    16mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    12mm
    Chrome
    S.16H
    36 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    Facom
    -
    18mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Long Socket
    6 point
    -
    18mm
    Chrome
    S.18HLA
    77 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    Facom
    -
    18mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    13mm
    Chrome
    S.18H
    36 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    15mm
    Metric
    3/8 in
    Standard Socket
    12 point
    -
    -
    Sandblasted
    -
    -
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    11mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    -
    Chrome
    -
    38 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    RS PRO
    -
    10mm
    Metric
    1/4 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    -
    Sandblasted
    -
    -
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
    Facom
    -
    24mm
    Metric
    1/2 in
    Standard Socket
    6 point
    -
    16.5mm
    Chrome
    S.24H
    38 mm
    Chrome Vanadium Steel
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