Being The All-Around Handyman Requires Owning the Best Socket Set
Whether you enjoy DIY projects or fixing things around your home, you likely had to grab a ratchet and a few sockets from your set, but do you have the best socket set? Well, if you don’t think so or are still using a set with missing 10mm sockets, then you better keep on reading to find the perfect set to add to your wishlist or, even better, buy yourself.
The ultimate socket set is the one that suits all of your needs without exceeding your budget, so keep that in mind when reading this article. We will showcase the different sets available, and you should pick the one that has the best value for your type of work, but regardless, we will also recommend the best all-around set that will generally work well for just about anybody looking to expand their tool arsenal.
What Do You Need From A Good Socket Set
When shopping for a socket set, you might get overwhelmed looking for the best choice, but you should know that there are many different sets that range in size, piece count, and quality. But you won’t have to keep on guessing or trying different sets to find the best one because here are a few options to consider. Before you decide on which set to buy, you should know the socket sizes you need, socket input size (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, etc), shallow/deep/or standard socket types, and socket material (chrome/matte black for impact).
1. Milwaukee Ratchet & Socket Set 106-Piece
2. Gearwrench 6-Point SAE/Metric Chrome Socket Set 163-Piece
3. DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4-Inch, 3/8-Inch & 1/2-Inch Drive, SAE/Metric, 205-piece
4. TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set 73-Piece
Differences in Socket Sets and Things to Look Out For
Although a socket set sounds like a great idea, you will need to be careful when buying one since more pieces don’t always mean that you will have all the sockets that you need. Oftentimes, you will find that these sets skip sizes or even include both SAE and metric sockets, which could be useless for you if you don’t use both. Another thing to consider is whether you need 3/8-inch sockets or 1/2-inch, but it’s also possible that you are working on small bolts that require 1/4-inch or larger bolts requiring 3/4-inch or even 1-inch sockets. However, you can avoid buying the wrong set by knowing which sockets you use most and then grabbing a set that will work for you.
If you own an impact wrench, for example, and wish to get sockets that will be suitable for its torquey power, then you must look for impact-related sockets, which are usually matte black. For regular use with a ratchet, getting chrome sockets will suffice, but you can take it an extra step by choosing color-coded sockets to make it easier to identify the right socket sizes to grab when working in a hurry. Other things that you might need from a socket set include having sockets with tight tolerances to hold the fasteners properly but also an advanced design to avoid rounding bolts as you tighten or loosen fastners.
Socket Set Maintenance and Proper Usage
When purchasing a socket set, it will typically come with an array of socket sizes alongside a ratchet or sometimes multiple, which can vary based on the size of the set you purchase. Although you might have a high-quality socket set, you will need to maintain it for optimal reliability and function, which will entail oiling your sockets regularly if you use them outdoors. Also, humidity can be another factor that will rust your tools, so it’s important to store your sockets in a dry place.
A common way socket sets get ruined is by either losing pieces or using the ratchet and/or sockets improperly. If you have a socket set with an extension, never use it to pry things since that can bend it. Also, you should never use your ratchet as a hammer since that will cause its internal gears to wear out quicker or cause the ratcheting mechanism to come apart altogether. As long as you respect and take care of your tools, you should be able to use them for years to come.
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Owning a comprehensive socket set will save you time and headaches as you navigate the varying tasks around your home or work. But remember, you must also take good care of your sockets to have them last a lifetime, so don’t leave sockets or ratchets in wet environments unless you are planning to clean and oil them once you return to your dry workshop. Also, you should look for socket sets with lifetime warranties since those tend to come in handy for DIYers who use their tools often in varying weather and elements.
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Ahmad Al-Khairy
