Whether you're fixing your lawnmower or working on your car, when it comes to tightening nuts and bolts, having the best socket set will always come in handy.
Not only does it make your job easier, but these kits come equipped with all the necessary tools you need to ensure you get the job done.
With many choices in the market, it can seem daunting to decide on one. We listed the 5 best socket sets on the market and outlined features to consider when buying them.
Best Socket Sets
1. Sunex 3342, Master Impact Socket Set
Sunex 3342, 3/8 Inch Drive Master Impact Socket Set, 42-Piece, SAE/Metric, 5/16 Inch - 3/4 Inch, 8mm...
- Cr-mo steel: provides the strength and flexibility to handle high...
- Radius corner design: reduces wear and increases torque on...
- Chamfered Opening: quickly aligns fastener to socket.
- Dual size markings: laser etched and roll stamped markings to...
- Heavy duty storage case: convenient impact socket transport and...
Packaged in a heavy-duty red plastic storage case, it's the best socket set for the DIY auto mechanic looking for an upgrade or a professional automotive technician looking to replace their worn-out tools.
The Sunex Impact socket set comprises 42 sockets, with each socket crafted from Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy Steel. This finish provides the strength and flexibility to handle high torque impact tools.
The impact socket set has sockets with a drive size of ⅜-inch and comes in both SAE and metric measurements. The Sunex set comes with a 3-inch extension bar and a universal swivel joint.
The impact socket set also has eight standard SAE sockets, eight deep SAE sockets, twelve standard metric sockets, and twelve deep metric sockets, including all of the most common sizes for both.
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2. Neiko 10083A Master Torx Bit Socket Set
NEIKO 10083A Master Torx Bit Socket and External Torx Socket Set, S2 and CrV Steel, Supreme Torque...
- TORX BIT SET: This 60-piece Master Torx Bit Socket and External...
- TORQUE POWER: This torque socket set is created with strong...
- SMOOTH TOOL PRECISION: Our Torx bits each have a...
- SIZES: This master Torx set has 17 pieces of Torx star-bit...
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: This master kit includes Torx bit sockets and...
Whether you're a computer technician or well-versed in the automotive industry, you're bound to run into a Torx screw; hence you'll need the best socket set to deal with them. Neiko's 10083A socket set provides near the professional-grade quality at an affordable price.
The socket set includes 17 Torx star bit sockets from T6 to T70, 17 tamper-proof Torx bit sockets from TT6 to TT70, 12 Torx Plus bit sockets from TP8 to TP60, and 14 external Torx sockets from E4 to E24. The Torx bits are made of premium S2 alloy steel, assuring superior hardness that reduces wear-outs and ensures longevity. The high-strength chrome vanadium steel sockets provide superior torque for greater turning power and feature a mirror chrome finish for corrosion resistance.
The socket set comes enclosed in a blow-molded case which helps keep all the sockets organized. The sizes are embossed on the case and engraved on the sockets, making it easier to identify and organize.
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3. STEELHEAD 52-Piece Mechanics Tool & Socket Set
STEELHEAD 52-Piece Mechanics Tool & Socket Set (ANSI Grade), SAE & Metric, 3/8” 72-Tooth...
- [72-TOOTH QUICK-RELEASE RATCHETS] – Includes 3/8” ratchets...
- [6 & 12-POINT STANDARD & DEEP SOCKETS] – Never be without the...
- [COMPACT & COMPREHENSIVE] – Socket sizes ranging from 5/16”...
- [HEAVY-DUTY ANSI GRADE] – Forged from ultra-durable...
- LIFETIME USA SUPPORT] – Protected by an unbeatable Lifetime...
The SteelHead 52-Piece Socket Set offers various options to choose from, making it the best socket set as it allows for versatility. Packaged in a heavy-duty case, the kit includes ratchets and a wide array of sockets of 6 -Point, 12-Point & Deep Sockets. The chrome plating ensures the set of sockets remain safe from moisture while the case and sturdy metal latches protect them while you're in transit.
The set also includes 3-inch and 6-inch extension bars and a universal swivel joint.
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4. WORKPRO Drive Socket Set
WORKPRO 39-Piece Drive Socket Wrench Set, 1/4-Inch & 3/8-Inch Small Sockets Set, 3/8" Ratchets,...
- DURABILITY: Premium chrome vanadium steel with heat treatment ,...
- REVERSIBLE RATCHET: The reversible ratchet with quick release...
- WELL-ORGANIZED: Each socket has its own dedicated spot and is...
- PORTABILITY: Designed with relatively small size, the kit is...
- Full Size: 1/4 inch drive socket - SAE Size (1/2'', 1/4'', 3/8'',...
If looking for the best socket set that's affordable and will fasten your car's nuts and bolts, the WorkPro 39 Piece Socket Set is ideal.
The WorkPro 39-Piece Socket Set ratchet kit includes a drive size of ⅜-inch and an adapter that can be used with ¼-inch sockets. The affordably priced socket set also includes a 3-inch extension bar, a spin disk for quickly removing nuts that have already been loosened, and a socket spinner shaped like a screwdriver but adapts to sockets.
The socket set features a rust-resistant chrome finish and has sockets with drive sizes of ¼-inch and ⅜-inch. It comes inclusive of twenty-eight sockets with a drive size of ¼-inch, with 15 being SAE and 13 being metric, and six sockets that are a drive size of ⅜-inch separated into three SAE and three metrics.
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5. CRAFTSMAN Home Tool Kit
The Craftsman Home Tool Kits is the best tool kit for all your home projects as it's got everything you need. The Craftsman 102 piece tool kit includes various sockets, slip joint, groove joint, long nose pliers, fiberglass hammer, bi-material screwdrivers, ¼-, and ⅜-inch ratchets, an extension, and measuring tape.
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Features To Consider When Buying Best Socket Set
a) Measurement System
Socket heads use two basic measurement systems. The socket head is the part of the socket that fits over the fastener.
SAE ( Society of Automotive Engineers) - This system measures in fractions of inches,
Metric - Measures in millimeters.
Metric is considered to be more common even for Americans. However, it's advisable to have SAE sockets, especially if you're working/operating with older American cars, motorcycles, or other motors.
Many socket sets come with both measure systems, while the best socket set will color code the measurements allowing you to find what you need at a glance easily.
b) Drive Size
The drive size of the socket set refers to the opening on the top of the socket that attaches to the ratchet. There are three different drive sizes:
- ½-inch drive size sockets are ideal for high-torque applications like automotive wheel replacement and when using a breaker bar. This drive socket size isn’t the best choice for all-purpose jobs as the socket selection is lower, but they can be used with any ratchet size if you have an adapter.
- ⅜-inch drive size sockets tend to be the most available and commonly used. They are used in various industries and hands-on projects. Sockets with a drive size of ⅜-inch are generally more affordable at a higher quality than either the ½-inch or the ¼-inch.
- ¼-inch drive-size sockets are ideal for tight spaces or when working with recessed nuts. The drive socket is designed for accessibility. However, regularly using this type of drive socket will make it more difficult to complete projects because you have less power and torque than a ⅜-inch or ½-inch socket.
c) Points
The shape of a socket set falls into two main categories: Six-point sockets and twelve-point sockets. Some sockets come with 8 points, but they tend to be less common.
Six-point sockets are sturdier and stronger compared to twelve-point sockets. They have thicker walls and are best for high-torque applications. They are also the most commonly used. These sockets apply force to the fastener's flat sides, making them less likely to slip off rounded edges.
Twelve-point sockets are easier to line with the fastener you're trying to place or remove. They are more suitable for low torque purposes, making them ideal for gripping a nut in any position and working in difficult-to-access areas where you can only get the socket onto the nut in one position. These situations tend to be handle with a six-point socket.
d) Length
Sockets come in two commons lengths: shallow and deep. Many socket sets include a few deep sockets along with a larger selection of shallow sockets. Spark plug socket sets contain mostly deep sockets.
- Shallow sockets are around ½-inch long. They are commonly used to work with nuts that sit less than an inch from the end of the shaft are commonly used for non-automotive purposes. They can be attached to regular ratchets and quickly work with shallow nuts instead of lining up a deep socket.
- Deep sockets allow you to reach fasteners that are further into the motor. They are around 1 inch in length. However, if deep sockets hit the end of the shaft before reaching the nut, a pass-through socket and ratchet will be necessary.
e) Durability And Surface Finish
The best socket set is made to be durable and will often come with a lifetime guarantee. However, they are likely to experience wear and tear after some time. The quick-release mechanism of the ratchet can get loose or become ineffective due to an issue with the spring action. Rough usage can also cause the socket edges to round off, thus rendering them ineffective.
The surface finish of the socket set also plays a role in that it protects the sockets from corrosion. Sockets mainly fall into two categories: Black oxide and Chrome Plating.
- Chrome plating: Mostly used on socket sets to provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that won't hold grime or dirt. The chrome plating helps protect the socket set from moisture exposure and prevents rust build-up. Sockets with chrome plating tend to be more affordable compared to black oxide sockets.
- Black oxide: Majorly used for impact sockets as an alternative to chrome plating. While chrome plating is equivalent to black oxide in weatherproofing the socket, black oxide is a tougher material and can better protect impact sockets. It doesn't' chip or flake when exposed to high forces/elements; however, black oxide sockets are more expensive.
f) Compactness And Portability
When considering the best socket set, you can either opt for an easy on going carry case that can be carried around or go all out and buy a storage bundle that comes equipped with all the necessary tools to work on your car, including the socket spinners, torch lights, and varying ratchet wrenches. Having a compact socket set can be handy when organizing.
g) Type of Socket
i) SAE
SAE sockets are primarily designed for use on American-made products. This is mainly because SAE socket sizes are based on the imperial system of measurement, including inches and fractions.
SAE sockets describe a sizing system and include regular sockets, impact sockets, pass-through sockets, spark plug sockets, etc. Some socket sets have both SAE and metric measurements.
ii) Metric
Metric sockets are equivalent to SAE sockets in that they are not a type of socket but are considered a measurement system. The sockets use millimeters and are great for working on imported cars with bolts that correlate better to a metric socket than an imperial socket. Metric socket sets include all the same socket types like SAE sockets.
iii) Impact
These sets of sockets have an industrial finish that makes them appear black instead of the polished chrome that's common with other sockets. They are designed for use with impact drivers and have thicker walls and a non-corrosive finish.
iv) Driver Bit
Similar to Torx bits in that they are not real sockets. A driver bit will instead correlate to a screw head type and size, including flat or slotted Philips or Robertson. They fasten regular ratchets to provide extra torque when loosening or tightening a screw but will only work in the specific screw they are designed to fit.
v) Pass-Through
Pass-through sockets are beneficial in removing or fastening bolts or studs that have a very long shaft. They feature a hole in the middle of the socket that allows the shaft to pass through to the ratchet. It makes it easy to thread the shaft through the socket, reaching the nut.
With a pass-through socket, one can continue tightening the bolt as the shaft passes through the socket and ratchet, allowing you to tighten the nut without the need of a wrench completely. However, you require a pass-through ratchet; hence, ensure to get a socket set with both.
vi) Spark Plug Socket
These are used for removing or fitting spark plugs. They are much longer than standard sockets because they tend to be located in difficult-to-access areas in the engine. ( This is, however, dependent on the manufacturer).
A spark plug socket will sometimes have a rubber insert to protect the spark plug from any damage during removal or installation. Spark plugs sockets are essential tools for automotive professionals; however, those who enjoy getting under the hood of their car can also benefit from a set of these sockets.