Types Of Socket & Their Uses (2024)

There are lots of different types of sockets available. With so many options, it can be hard to know which one you need.

In this post, we’ll explain all the different types of sockets and their uses. This will give you the knowledge to choose the right tool for your job.

Firstly, What Is A Socket?

A socket attaches to the end of a ratchet or wrench to remove bolts. Sockets have two sides. One is to grip bolts, and the other is to connect to a wrench.

A socket wrench is simply a wrench that connects to sockets and helps you apply torque to fasteners.

Some socket wrenches have a useful ratcheting mechanism. This enables you to pivot a bolt back and forward to tighten or loosen it. Meaning, you don’t have to spin it all the way round to tighten or loosen a fastener. This is useful in tight spaces.

You may have noticed that sockets are available in metric and imperial sizes. Whether you choose a metric or an imperial socket is entirely your personal preference. The only difference between the two is the way their sizes are measured. For example, a 19mm socket is exactly the same size as a ¾ inch socket.

What Are The Types Of Sockets?

Hex Socket

Hex is short for hexagonal, and hex sockets fit around six-sided nuts and bolts.

A hex socket has six angled points connecting six straight edges. This enables it to fit perfectly over a six-sided bolt, so you can apply force to tighten or loosen it.

Although counterintuitive, sockets with twelve points are sometimes referred to as hex sockets too. They are also known as bi hex and double hex sockets because they have double the amount of points and edges.

A twelve-sided shape is called a dodecagon, so a dodecagon socket or dod socket might have been a better name…

Impact Socket

Impact sockets are designed for use with power impact wrenches.

A power impact wrench is a powerful tool. The sockets you use with a power impact wrench have to be stronger to deal with the extra force and vibration.

Impact sockets have thicker walls than regular sockets and a non-corrosive finish. This industrial finish results in black colour; you can usually tell it’s an impact socket because it’s black instead of the regular polished metal colour.

Spark Plug Socket

Spark plug sockets are designed for removing or inserting spark plugs into an engine.

They’re just like regular sockets, except they are extra long. They have to be long so they can extend down into spark plug wells in an engine and around the spark plugs.

Spark plug sockets sometimes have rubber inserts to stop the spark plug from getting damaged whilst you’re working on it.

Pass Through Socket

Pass through sockets are for tightening bolts where the stud or shaft is too long and prevents regular sockets from fitting around the bolt.

A pass through socket is used in combination with a pass through wrench. Both have a hole to allow the long stud or shaft to “pass through”.

Universal Joint Socket

Universal joint sockets have an inbuilt universal joint. This enables you to rotate your wrench at one angle, and a turning force will be applied at another angle. This is useful for applying torque to nuts and bolts in awkward locations.

Socket Bits

Socket bits connect to a wrench on one side and have a bit on the other side. If you have a hex socket bit, for example, you can connect it to your wrench to tighten hex bolts.

Socket bits are useful as they allow you to work on many different types of bolts with the same wrench.

Insulated Socket

Insulated sockets are designed for use in electrical applications. They have a coating on them that insulates them from electrical currents. They are tested and safe for use on live AC and DC electrical currents.

They should only be used on electrical applications when used in combination with an insulated socket set though. The insulated socket itself won’t provide sufficient protection against electrical currents unless used with an insulted connector like an insulated wrench.

Adjustable Multi Socket

This type of socket can fit a wide variety of fasteners. They have adjustable jaws, which can be set to the size of the fastener you need to tighten or loosen.

Rotating the outer part of the socket causes the jaws to move inwards or outwards to clamp down on the sides of the fastener you need to work on.

Oil Filter Socket

These sockets are used for fitting and removing oil filters from vehicles. Oil filter sockets have a large diameter and a shallow depth. They are much thinner than regular sockets too.

Universal Socket

Universal sockets can be used on many different types and sizes of fastener because of their unique design. The universal socket head is full of spring-loaded pins. The pins that a fastener comes into contact with are pushed in, and the rest of the pins securely surround it. Universal sockets can be used with both manual and power tools.

Torx socket

Torx sockets have six points inside the head that look like the shape of a star. This type of socket is designed for use with Torx screws.

Bolt Grip Socket

Bolt grip sockets are used for removing damaged fasteners. With concave and reverse spiral flute walls, they are able to grip corroded, damaged or seized fasteners so you can apply torque and remove them.

Socket Sets

Most of the sockets mentioned above are available as part of a socket set. I.e. you could get a regular socket set, an insulated socket set, an impact socket set and so on.

A socket set is essentially a useful kit of tools that helps you work on a range of fasteners.

Socket sets usually include a range of sockets as well as extras like a ratchet and an extension bar. All socket sets are different, so what’s included depends on the kit you get.

Below are a few common items besides sockets that you might find in a socket set.

Socket wrench - inserts into a socket so you can apply turning force to the fastener you are working on.

Extension bar - An extension bar connects to the socket wrench on one side and the socket on the other. It provides a distance between the wrench and the socket, which can help you reach difficult locations.

Breaker Bar - A long non-ratcheting bar. The long length of a breaker bar allows you to apply more turning force to a fastener. This is useful for loosening very tight fasteners.

Adapter - if your socket doesn’t fit your wrench, you can use an adapter to connect them.

Socket Lengths

Sockets come in various lengths for different uses. They are usually shallow, intermediate and deep.

Shallow socket - Good for working in tight spaces.

Intermediate - Work well for most basic applications.

Long - Ideal for deep bolts. I.e. in an engine or a machine.

Still Got More Questions?

If you still have more questions or are unsure about the different types of sockets, watch this video that explains everything and shows you what each one does.

Do You Know Which Type Of Socket You Need Now?

Now you’ve seen all the types of sockets, do you know which one is right for your project? At Shop4Fasteners, we have a huge range of fasteners, fixings and tools. Head over to our homepage and browse our huge range now!