How To Buy A Socket Set

The Best Socket Sets to Make Any Task Easier

The Sunex Tools 3342 3/8-Inch Drive Master Touch on Socket Set is our top pick

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Updated on 04/14/22

We independently inquiry, test, review, and recommend the all-time products—larn more about our process. If you lot buy something through our links, nosotros may earn a commission.

The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

A socket wrench tin exist a more efficient tool than a regular wrench because it uses interchangeable sockets to best match the size of the nuts and bolts you're tightening or loosening.

We researched dozens of socket sets, considering their force, versatility, durability, and sturdiness. Our best overall pick is the Sunex Tools 3342 3/8-Inch Drive Master Impact Socket Set, an extensive kit with components that work with bear upon wrenches and regular ratchets.

Here are the best socket sets.

What We Like

Laser-etched for identification
Can be used with touch on wrench
Heavy-duty storage case
Very durable

What We Don't Like

Few complaints about storage instance
Only contains 3/eight-inch drive sockets

What do buyers say? 89% of iv,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.

This first-class collection of 42 sockets, each crafted from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel, marries a wide range of metric, deep metric, SAE, and deep-SAE sockets with affordability and top quality operation that you can trust. Built for use on an impact wrench—a power tool that delivers far more torque than you could accomplish with only muscle power alone—yous can also use these with your regular ratchet, making this fix even more versatile.

This set is perfect for the DIY auto mechanic looking for an upgrade—or the professional person automotive technician seeking out an addition to their beloved but likely well-worn tools. With metric and deep metric sockets ranging from 10 mm to 19 mm each, and with SAE and deep SAE sockets ranging from 5/16-inch to 3/4-inch, Sunex is confident that you'll have the right tools for the chore with their bear on sockets—especially when you attach their complimentary three-inch extension for those awkward, hard-to-reach jobs.

Sunex'due south versatile impact sockets, which boast radius corner design for enhanced torque, come in their own heavy-duty example for stylish, safety, and user-friendly storage.

Textile: Chromoly steel | Set Size: 42 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yep | Touch on Sockets: Yes | Drive Size: three/eight inch

What Our Experts Say

"A comprehensive home tool collection should include a socket prepare, as well equally a tape mensurate, stud finder, hammer and nails, cordless or corded drill plus a set of basic drill bits, touch driver, pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdrivers (Phillips and flat caput), flashlight, hex keys, clamps, and a manual or light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation level. With these tools, you'll be able to tackle most basic dwelling repairs and projects." Audrey Van de Castle, Senior Manager, Technology and Maker Initiatives with Stanley Black & Decker

What We Like

Very reasonable toll
Well-nigh mutual sizes included
Durable

What We Don't Similar

No ratchet or other accessories

If you're a hobbyist, chances are you lot don't demand a loftier-end socket fix—a budget-friendly set will meet most of your needs, and so some. And this nicely complete set up of sockets from MulWark does the trick, with all the basic sockets you are likely to need for repairs on your automobile, motorbike, bicycle, ATV, or mechanism.

This set includes 17 each of SAE and metric hex sockets in all the common sizes. Note that it does not include a ratchet, however, nor does it have a variety of extenders, adapters, or other accessories often found in college-priced socket sets. It does include a sturdy plastic organizing case, though.

Yet, this affordable set up of sockets is a great addition to your home toolbox, with more than plenty variety and durability to take on everyday household jobs. All in all, MulWark'due south 34-piece socket ready is a meaty, complete, and competitively-priced improver to whatever amateur handyperson's collection.

Cloth: S2 steel | Ready Size: 34 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4-inch, iii/eight-inch, and 1/two-inch

What We Similar

Comprehensive Torx ready
Includes sockets and $.25
Sturdy plastic case
Durable structure

What We Don't Like

Specialty sockets, non full general purpose
No included ratchet

Dissimilar types of fasteners require specific sockets, and Torx screws, which characteristic a six-point star blueprint, are no exception to this dominion. This kind of screw requires a special screwdriver—the aptly named Torx screwdriver—or a socket called a Torx bit socket. For the mechanic who wants access to a comprehensive selection of Torx bit sockets without taking his or her workplace tools home, Neiko's 10083A Master Torx Bit Socket and External Torx Socket Set is a midrange set that provides nigh-professional grade quality without all the bells and whistles that come with pricier, loftier-cease assortments.

Neiko's Torx bit socket ready includes 17 Torx star flake sockets ranging from T6 to T70, 17 tamper-proof Torx bit sockets ranging from TT6 to TT70, 12 Torx Plus bit sockets ranging from TP8 to TP60, and 14 external Torx sockets ranging from E4 to E24. Whether y'all're a computer technician or you dabble in wheel repair, you're bound to run into a Torx screw. And while this collection isn't meant to replace your traditional socket gear up, information technology'due south an important addition to your toolbox—if only because you'd be hard-pressed to jury-rig an culling method of removing one of these pesky fasteners.

Cloth: Chrome vanadium | Gear up Size: 60 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: ane/4-inch, 3/eight-inch, 1/2-inch

What We Like

Set includes screwdriver bits and a few sockets
Very reasonable toll
Perfect for auto or emergency kit

What Nosotros Don't Like

Few sockets included

Technology advances rapidly, which makes information technology probable that something that worked yesterday volition require repairs today. As any handyperson can attest, tools that are both compact and portable are necessary for tackling unexpected mean solar day-to-solar day repair jobs. Stalwart's 75-HT4023B Ratchet, Metric Socket and Bit Set simply and then happens to fit your everyday needs to a T.

This upkeep-friendly ready boasts big value in a small case, packing a ratchet wrench alongside a collection of eight metric sockets (5 mm to 12 mm) and 12 screwdriver bits of various sizes (iii Phillips, 3 flat, iii Pozi, and three Torx). That means you'll never be without the right gear for whatsoever small household or automotive repair.

While it might be true that this set up leans a little on the pocket-size side, it's corking for jobs where limited space would otherwise impede larger tools. Plus, its smaller size makes it a perfect fit for your glove compartment or kitchen drawer.

Material: Not listed | Set Size: 26 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Touch Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch

What We Like

Very comprehensive set
Durable construction

What We Don't Like

Size markings are very small
Some complaints about instance

For the hardware handler who wants it all, there's only one fix out in that location that combines the multifariousness and quality of a college-end drove with the affordability of a midrange fix: the Stanley STMT71652 123-Piece Socket Set. This crowd-pleaser comes loaded with 123 of the near useful tools, including over 70 sockets, more than 20 screwdriver bits, ii ratchets, and a spinner handle.

This fix is a great investment for beginners looking for an entry-level socket set up or semi-pros seeking a fill-in toolbox of $.25. It pulls no punches in providing buyers with all the right tools for their adjacent minor automotive or household repair project.

Material: Chrome vanadium | Set Size: 123 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Aye | Bear upon Sockets: No | Bulldoze Size: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch

What We Like

Very comprehensive set
Durable
Can exist used with affect wrench

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Merely contains iii/8-inch drive size

The old proverb, "You get what you pay for" isn't e'er true, but it is in this instance. The Sunex 3580 three/viii-Inch Drive Chief Affect Socket Set is truly a behemoth of a socket set, sporting 80 pieces including metric, deep, universal, and external star sockets, forth with a multifariousness of extensions.

Crafted from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel—a attestation to their durability—these sockets are built to last for years, with deep sockets that are ideal for removing lug nuts and a universal joint that pivots upwardly to 22 degrees, so reaching tough-to-manage fasteners is a cinch.

This multifaceted selection of the well-nigh common sizes truly stands out amongst the contest. While it carries a price tag worthy of such a comprehensive pick, these sockets are probable to supercede your favorite former go-to tools.

Cloth: Chromoly steel | Set up Size: 80 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yes | Impact Sockets: Yep | Drive Size: 3/8-inch

What We Similar

Useful for automobile enthusiasts
Strong and durable
Attain even deep spark plugs
Sturdy case

What We Don't Similar

Specialty, not general purpose
No included ratchet or adapters

If yous spend much time working on cars or other gas-powered engines, either
every bit a hobby or professionally, then y'all know the value of a good set of socket
wrenches specifically designed for accessing and turning spark plugs, whether
they exist inside your machine, motorbike, backyard mower, chainsaw, trimmer, or
truck. And the Sunex 8845 three/viii-Inch Spark Plug Socket Prepare definitely qualifies every bit
a peak-option set for this job.

The Sunex ready includes 7 sockets, all made of CR-V alloy steel for
maximum forcefulness: three standard 2.5-inch-long sockets in common sizes 9/16, 5/eight,
and 13/16 inch; one 2.v-inch-long thin-wall 16 mm socket; and iii vi-inch-long
sockets in sizes 9/16, 5/eight, and 13/16 inch. Between them all, you'll be able to
grab and plough whatsoever spark plug. Plus, the ready includes a heavy-duty plastic box
to shop the sockets when not in use.

Fabric: CR-V blend steel | Gear up Size: vii pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yeah | Affect Sockets: No | Drive Size: 3/8-inch

Terminal Verdict

Whether you're an apprentice or a professional motorcar mechanic, you'll capeesh the quality and the completeness of the Sunex Tools Socket Ready (view at Amazon). It has everything you need for auto repairs both big and minor. But if upkeep is a concern, the MulWark Socket Set (view at Amazon) might be slightly lower quality, merely information technology'due south still a dependable and versatile selection for DIY auto repairs.

Measurement Organisation

There are 2 basic measurement systems used for the socket head, which is the office of the socket that fits over the fastener: SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), which measures in fractions of inches, and metric, which measures in millimeters. While metric is far more common today, fifty-fifty for American cars, it'due south worth your while to have SAE sockets besides if y'all practise much piece of work on older American cars, motorcycles, or other types of motors.

Many socket sets simplify the effect by including sockets in both measurement systems. The best color-code the sockets so you can find what you need at a glance.

Bulldoze Size

The drive of a socket is the hole—typically square—that fits onto the ratchet to hold the socket in place.
Confusingly, whether the socket head is metric or SAE, the drive size is always measured in fractions of an inch. There are 3 common drive sizes:

three/eight-inch, which is the most versatile
¼-inch, which is useful if y'all do a lot of work on small-scale motors or other items with modest nuts and bolts
½-inch, which is useful for large motors or other big fasteners

Many socket sets incorporate sockets in all 3 sizes. Others provide an adapter that lets you fit different sized sockets onto the same ratchet.

Points

Await into the socket head, and y'all'll typically come across the opening is somewhat star-shaped with either 6 or 12 points. In that location are as well sockets with viii points, but these are less common. As a general rule, half-dozen-point sockets are stronger and tolerate more torque without slipping, while 12-betoken sockets are easier to line up with the fastener you're trying to place or remove. Once once again, many socket sets provide both types of socket.

Length

There are two mutual lengths of sockets: shallow and deep. While in that location is no industry standard, as a rough guideline, shallow—which are the most mutual—are around ½-inch long, while deep sockets are around 1 inch in length, allowing you to reach fasteners that are further into the motor. Many socket sets include a few deep sockets forth with a larger selection of shallow sockets. Spark plug socket sets contain by and large deep sockets, however.

FAQ

What's the difference between affect sockets and regular sockets?

Regular sockets are designed for use with a ratchet, which is a handheld tool powered only by your ain exertions. Bear upon sockets, withal, are designed for utilize on an affect wrench, which is a handheld power tool that accomplishes the same affair as a ratchet, but with much more torque.

While yous generally tin use an impact socket on a regular ratchet, you cannot use a regular socket on an bear on wrench. Touch sockets are specifically designed to tolerate the stress of rapid, high bear upon without slap-up or shattering. Your regular socket is unlikely to survive the stresses of an bear upon wrench, and you could potentially be injured should the socket break apart during use.
Why do socket sets skip some sizes?

It'south fairly common to find that your socket set isn't entirely complete—it skips 1 or more than sizes. There are 2 principal reasons for this. 1 is that the missing sockets aren't usually used sizes, so by omitting them, the manufacturer can go on the price down a bit while notwithstanding offering a fairly complete set of tools. The other reason for this common practise is more of a marketing ploy; there's a practiced risk you'll buy the missing sockets individually to complete the set, thus greatly increasing the profits for the manufacturer.
Why are some socket sets black and some chrome?

Equally a general rule, regular sockets are chrome and impact sockets are black. Chrome sockets are actually made from harder steel than bear on sockets; the slightly softer steel of an impact socket absorbs the forceful impacts of the tool without shattering the style harder chrome sockets would if misused on an affect wrench.

This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool skilful for The Spruce. She has extensive feel not only in writing well-nigh all things related to the habitation, but likewise in carrying out diverse DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs.

For this roundup, she considered dozens of socket sets, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. She besides received input from Audrey Van de Castle, Senior Director, Technology and Maker Initiatives with Stanley Blackness & Decker.