Working on your vehicle is fun, and having the right tools to do that makes it even more interesting. A good socket set always backs you up with confidence and gives you the zeal to work on your vehicle with ease. There are many factors that come into play while choosing a well-stacked good-quality socket set, which is why we have sorted out the best socket sets you can buy in 2021.
Types Of Socket Sets
Non-Impact Sockets: These are plain old sockets that work brute human force. These take time to get the work done, but there is no dearth of fun in this. The ratchet that comes with these socket sets can either make it or break it when it comes to functionality.
Impact Sockets: These are basically the same as an ordinary set of sockets but have the added advantage of being used with power tools as well. These sockets have added durability and strength to take on the added force that comes with electric tools and pneumatic air wrenches.
Imperial Sockets: These are dimensionally specific sockets that are to be used with fasteners under SAE. You can get hold of fasteners that come with both SAE and metric units, and so it is wise to invest in a socket that can utilize both types of measurements. But if you are going for imperial sockets, prepare to make a few amendments in terms of flexibility.
Hex Sockets: These are the most common type of sockets currently available in the market. Hex sockets are named so as the fasteners it clips on to has a standard 6-point shape. This shape is quite rugged and reliable and can take on a whole lot of beating. Some hex sockets come with a tweaked internal socket face, which helps to take added torque without the risk of slippage and damaging the fastener.
Bi-Hex Sockets: As the name suggests, these sockets have a 12-point internal structure which helps make them more flexible when it comes to being fitted to fasteners. These can be fitted to both square-head and hexagonal fasteners. But these are not made for rugged use as the added contact patch, rounds off the edges of the fastener.
Advantages Of A Good Quality Socket Set
Durable And Lasting Tools: Premium and high-quality socket sets do come with their fair share of advantages. These are equipment that is subjected to varying levels of continuous force, specifically torque. Impact sockets are subjected to even further levels of pressure and so being durable and rugged in terms of construction helps big time.
Have Tools To Access Hard-To-Reach Areas: These socket sets are well-thought of and also come with added accessories that help you reach those narrow surfaces with ease. These include extenders, swivel joints, and even flexible spring attachments that allow you to bend around to reach the required surface.
An All-In-One Package: Socket sets always come in a well-rounded package which helps the cause of having an all-in-one solution for your mechanical needs. It even gets better in the case of the bi-hex sockets as it can be used with both hexagonal and square-head fasteners.
Things To Look For While Choosing A Wholesome Socket Set?
Number Of Sockets: In this case, the more the merrier. Sockets come in different sizes and our car or motorcycle is held together using a vast variety of them. So, always invest in a socket set that comes with the most number of socket options to keep your arsenal concise. Also, check for added accessories and ratchet options which helps improve the functionality.
Size And Shape: There are mainly 5 sizes of sockets - 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch. The smaller ones are those that are taken lightly and don't require much torque and are build rather subtly without much focus on density and sturdiness. The bigger sockets come coupled with a longer ratchet which facilitates in providing more torque.
Durability And Surface Finish: Almost all socket sets are made to be durable and last long. Some even come with a lifetime guarantee. But these sets also have certain soft spots that tend to wear out over time. The quick-release mechanism of the ratchet can get either loose or ineffective because of its spring action giving up. Rough usage can also round off the socket edges thus rendering it useless. The surface finish also plays a key role here as it protects the sockets from corrosion. Sockets are majorly made from black oxide or chrome.
Compactness And Portability: You can either opt for an easy-going carry case laden socket set that can be taken around like a handbag, or go all-out and buy a storage bundle that comes with all the necessary tools to work on your car including torchlights, socket spinners, and varying ratchet wrenches. Things can get bulky but it is still possible to be carried around. The compact form factor also helps in organizing everything at arm's length.
Here Are The Best Socket Sets You Can Buy In 2021
Sunex 80-Piece Master Impact Socket Set
This 80-piece impact socket set packs both metric and SAE sockets. These are impressively durable and are made specifically for use with an impact gun. This set packs a varying bunch of 3/8-inch socket types and also comes with a set of impact sockets and universal impact sockets. Each of these sockets is made with chromium molybdenum which is known for its rigid structure and corrosion-resistant nature. Every socket in this set is tested by ANSI standards which makes it a perfect fit for heavy-duty scenarios. Order yours today!
DEWALT 192-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Dewalt is a very prominent name when it comes to tools. They are known well and wide for durable products with a wider count of tool bits. With 192 pieces in the box, you sure get everything that a socket set can offer! It comes with 3 different ratchets and socket heads that can adapt to any kind of fastener. This set comes with 6-point standard sockets, 6-point deep sockets, and a bundle of accessories including drive extenders, spark-plug sockets, and universal joints. Ratchets come in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch options. All the sockets are trimmed with SAE marking and Dewalt hasn't compromised on quality. Order yours today!
TEKTON 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set
This is focused mainly on drive sockets and comes with 45 pieces - from 5/16 inchers to 3/4 inchers and 8-19 mm. It also packs quite a lengthy 6-inch extension with a universal joint for easy usability. All the sockets come with a grippy 6-point design that helps with nom round-off and thus, quite efficient with a power drive. The ratchet included is a 72-tooth unit, which allows for smaller turns with just 5 degrees of movement. The storage case is also quite durable and keeps the tools snugly fit. All the components are made of chrome vanadium steel layered with a mirror chrome plate so that you can always see those bits shine! Order yours today!
GearWrench 57-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set
This is an assorted bundle of 3/8-inch 6-point socket sets that provides a wholesome selection of sockets. This socket set has been designed keeping portability in mind but at the same time, GearWrench has strived to provide the maximum functionality possible. This set comes with switch sockets ranging from 1/4-inch to 1-inch standard sockets and 1/4-inch to 7/8-inch deep sockets. Uniquely, GearWrench doesn't use a standard 6-point connector, but their own patented hexagonal ones with serrated fastener holdings. The 3/8-inch ratchet is quite the unique proposition of this bunch as it comes with an 84-teeth layout that has an impressively low 4.3-degree turning arc. Order yours today!
Stanley 201-Piece Socket Set
This particular bundle comes in a varying bunch of packages starting from 40-piece units all the way to 201-pieces. The top-of-the-pack 201-piece bundle is the one that is the most VFM. All the drive tools and sockets are made of chrome vanadium forged bodies that are anti-corrosive. All the tools are metric and SAE rated and comes in a rugged carrying case. The ratchet included in this is cleverly designed and is leaned towards a one-hand setup with a quick-release system. The specific teeth layout allows you to get 15% more torque and surpasses ANSI standards. Order yours today!
Stanley Black Chrome and Laser Etched 69-Piece Socket Set
This is the only blacked-out socket set of this and it is pleasing to see something other than shiny chrome. But it is not only aesthetics that the Stanley 69-piece socket set aces but also the functionality. The sockets come with a unique corner design that gives you 15% more torque. This allows for less slippage when it comes to rusted fasteners. All 69 pieces adhere to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and are laser printed to help pick out the needed size with ease. It also comes with a quick-release mechanism that allows you to have one-handed ratchet mode. Order yours today!
Amazon also has a neat bundle when it comes to socket sets. This 145-piece bundle is a very value-for-money offering that is made out of good quality CR-V and corrosion-resistant steel body. It comes with 4 major drive sets and also includes an additional 1/4-inch drive handle, a 1/4-inch drive adapter, several combination wrenches, and 2 long extension bars. The vast variety is quite intriguing as it comes with a selection of 1/4-inch standard and deep sockets, and 3/8-inch of standard and deep sockets. To makes all of these sockets usable, this socket set includes 2 drive pear head ratchets - a 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch unit. Order yours today!
DEWALT 108-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set
Another Dewalt but this time with 108 pieces. But don't get bummed by the count as this socket set puts forth an insane value for what it offers. Apart from the standard bunch of ratchets and impact sockets, this set comes with quite a few bonus accessories that include drive adaptors, universal joints, and a power tools case. This set comprises 6-point SAE impact sockets, 2 ratchets - a 3/8-inch and a 1/4-inch drive ratchet. The ratchets use 72 teeth wheels which allow for added torque and minimum turning arc, about 5 degrees. Order yours today!
Our Choice Of This Bunch
We choose the Stanley 201-piece socket set that provides an impressive bundle for what you pay. The build quality is optimum and you get all of the needy sockets and 3 ratchets to work with. Apart from that, it also comes with a bundle of added accessories that make working around easy. The one-handed setup of these ratchets adds up to ease of usability and coming from a brand as Stanley backs it up with a rugged and reliable approach. This is a mechanic-grade set but can easily be used by the common man at his home garage.