Socket sets are designed to make your life much easier and come with a lot of benefits if you are a DIYer.
They contain a number of sockets and sockets bits of different sizes to use for different projects and applications. Socket sets are usually advertised per the number of pieces they contain and this could range from 13 pieces to as high as 573 pieces.
What you should note though is that not all these pieces are sockets. You may find an assortment of socket accessories, turning tools, screwdriver bits and non-related tools such as spanners included in the pieces.
Such tools as spanners are useful as they can complement the other socket pieces in ensuring you carry out your DIY project more efficiently like using a spanner to hold a nut in place while the socket turns the other nut.
Take a look at some of our best and highly versatile socket sets that you can you use for your projects.
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This 170-piece socket set is an admirable collection for any DIY enthusiast. The collection of tools and spits is so varied that it makes this socket set a versatile choice when dealing with all manner of tasks including mechanical, industrial and home applications.
The tools are also housed in a sturdy case which makes them easy to organize, store and transport making your work even much easier.
This socket set not only offers a comprehensive list of the most popular SAE and metric tools but also a good combination of accessible tools for most jobs.
The ratchets are ergonomically designed for comfortable handling and feature an easy release switch mechanism. Moreover, these tools feature a rust-resistant chrome finish and are also sturdy and extremely durable.
This socket set contains an assortment of SAE and metric tools that are made with heavy duty materials to withstand rigorous use.
They are durable, corrosion resistant with the hex sockets designed with 6 points to prevent wearing off even when high torque and stress is applied to them. They also come in a blow molded case which allows for convenient storage and transportation.
With a collection of SAE and metric sockets, this socket sets offers one of the most comprehensive collections of sockets that you can use for a wide range of applications.
These sockets are of high quality and feature a radius corner that makes them wear resistant. They also feature chamfered openings for quicker alignment to the fastener.
Moreover, the size marking makes them easy to identify. These sockets also come with a heavy-duty storage case too.
This socket set serves as the ideal choice if you are looking to build up a tool collection for a wide number of present and future applications.
They have an arc design for easy use and feature laser markings that allow you to identify each tool with its size much faster. Moreover, these tools come with carrying for easy organization and storage.
These sockets make the list of our top choices because of their excellent performance even for high impact torques and most stubborn fasteners.
They are made of heavy-duty materials with a polish finish that makes them corrosion resistant. Moreover, the 6-point nose design of these sockets makes them highly resistant to wear and reliable for use even for heavy duty applications.
Many pieces in a socket easily set easily translate to the socket set being more versatile and therefore ideal to use for multiple projects.
However, for large socket sets which contain more than 500 pieces, you may need a tool chest or trolley in order to effectively organize and store the tools in your workshop. This makes them less portable and much difficult to travel with them for an outside job.
Smaller socket sets, on the other hand, are easy to handle and transport. Their limitation is that they may not as many socket accessories of different sizes that you may require for a job.
When buying a socket set, the most important consideration is the project you want to use it for and the number and type of pieces it should have.
Furthermore, you should look for a socket set that expands your tool collection as much as possible so that you are to have a variety of different pieces and sizes to work with even for future projects. Some of the features that you need to look for include;
If you are certain you will be working on projects that have either imperial or metric fasteners, then buying a socket set of those exact sizes will be an economical choice to make.
However, if you have to work on projects that occasionally need both imperial and metric sockets, then you should go for a socket set that contains both imperial and metric sockets. These may be a more costly option for you. However, if you have a limited budget begin with the socket set you will mostly use and then add the other sets later on a need be basis.
Depending on the type of work and the equipment you will be working with, you should select a drive size that fits the job appropriately. 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket is the most versatile and can be used for a wide number of applications.
However, this should not stop you from a socket set of with a suitable drive size if your work will be mostly on small or very large items. The reason the 3/8-inch drive ratchet is versatile is that you can use it with 1/4- inch and ½ inch socket sets with an adaptor.
Larger socket sets are more likely to come with a number of ratchet sizes and sockets which can allow you to work with on a number of tasks efficiently.
Manual sockets are never used with impact wrenches. Therefore, if you will be only working with equipment that requires manual sockets, you don’t have to incur additional expenses buying an impact socket set.
However, if you will need to occasionally use an impact wrench on a socket, buy an impact socket set or the individual impacts sockets that you require.
Do you need deep sockets as part of your socket set? The answer to this question solely depends on the sort of equipment you intend to work on. Deep sockets always come in handy and you should have some as part of your socket set unless you are certain you will not need them with the kind of equipment you intend to work on.
Most socket sets even the smaller ones usually have some few deep sockets. Therefore, if you are going to but a socket set with fewer deep sockets, ensure they are in the sizes you are most likely to use often.
Sometimes you may need screwdriver bits and socket bits with your socket set although this depends entirely on the equipment you intend to work on. While most screwdriver bits and sockets bits are less likely to be used for general DIY tasks, you may need them when working on certain projects.
It is therefore important to look for a socket set with these bits if you know you will be working on a project that requires them. Some screwdriver bits and socket bits such as those from Philips, Allen key (slot and hex) and pozidriv are always handy when it comes to most jobs around the house and can be therefore a good addition in your socket sets.
However, it is possible to buy screwdriver bit sets as well as socket bits separately if you ever have a need for them and they aren't part of your socket set.
You will find that most socket sets are sold with a lifetime warranty or guarantee. This is usually a sign that the manufacturer has faith in the quality and performance of the socket set.
However, you should check the terms and conditions the warranty or guarantee comes with in case you need to return the socket set and for the warranty or guarantee to be effective.