Drive sockets and adapters include individual products and packaged sets of removable wrench and interchangeable bit screwdriver attachments. They are designed to accommodate a variety of nut, bolt, and screw sizes, as well as tool-access restrictions.

In addition to product type, bit and socket style, the material finish, product specifications, features, and application are important to consider.

Drive sockets and adapters include:

Removable sockets are designed for use with a T-handle that allows operators to apply more torque and access hard-to-reach areas. They are usually made of steel and may be treated to prevent wear and corrosion.

Wrench extenders are made of metals with a high tensile strength and are used to remove rusted, frozen, or over-tightened nuts. They provide mechanics with an alternative to hammering on a wrench, using a pipe, or hooking two wrenches together. Force applied to the handle applies torque to the nut or bolt, allowing these fasteners to be driven even in difficult positions.

Wrench Extension. Image Credit:hotrodders.com

To calculate the length extension needed, the following formula can be used:

wrench setting = τ_desired x L_wrench / (L_wrench + L_extension)

            τ_desired - torque needed to complete job

            L_wrench - length of original wrench

            L_extension - length added to the wrench.

The wrench setting is the torque needed to apply the desired torque.

For example, if the length of the torque wrench is 15 inches, the length of the extension is 9 inches, and the desired torque is 160 ft-lbs:

Wrench setting  = 160 x 15 / (15 +9)

                         = 160 x 15 / (24)

                         = 100 ft-lbs

If the torque wrench is set to 100 ft-lbs, the actual torque applied to the bolt will be 160 ft-lb.

Screwdriver bit-adapters include attachments for a variety of applications.

Universal joint adapters allow a handle or extension to be placed at an angle so work to be done around obstacles and by a socket wrench.

Socket adapters are used to adapt the drive size of a socket for use with a wrench with a different drive size. For example, a socket adapter can be used to adapt a socket with a 1/4" square drive for use with a wrench with a 3/8" square drive.

Socket extensions are used to extend the reach of a socket.

Socket Extender. Image Credit: clubxb.com

Flexible extensions extend the reach of a socket. They are flexible to access sockets in hard to reach locations.

Flex/hinge handle contains a clevis style joint at the end which the socket is assembled to.

Hinge Handle. Image Credit: nkbaxter

Bit and Socket Styles

Bits and sockets are selected based on their size, shape and the intended application. There are several styles of bits and sockets which include:

Material Finish

The finish of a drive socket and adapter plays an important role in the functionality and life expectancy of the product. Material finish processes include:

Galvanized steel is the result of a chemical process that protects the material from corrosion by coating the steel in zinc, and oxidation resistant material.

Magnetic materials produce magnetic field which attract other metals. Drive sockets and adapters with magnetic properties are used to assist in holding fasteners in place during assembly and removal.

Heat-treated metals undergo a controlled heating and cooling process which alters their physical and mechanical properties without changing the product shape. The process is often used to increase the strength of the material.

Anti-corrosion finishes are done by metal or thermal spraying technologies. They protect and extend the life of products by coating them with aluminum, zinc or a zinc/aluminum alloy.

Product Specifications

The number of points in a socket determines the shape and number of starting points available. The twisting action of the socket applies most of the torque at or near the corners of the head; greater torque can be achieved with more points

• 4: The socket has four points. Four point sockets are used for square shaped bolt heads and nuts.
• 6: The socket has ahexagon shape and containssix points. Six point sockets provide better grip than 12 point sockets and therefore have less slippage and rounding off of the fastener points. Six point sockets are used for hex shaped bolt heads and nuts and can be used on a thicker, stronger socket.
• 8: The socket has an eight points. Eight point socketsare used for squareshaped bolt heads and nuts but have become less popular.
• 12: The sockethas twelve points. Twelve point socketsare used for hex shaped bolt heads and nuts and are faster and more versatile.

Features

Many drive sockets and adapters come with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer.

Drive sockets and adapters can be purchased as individual sockets or as socket sets that come with a variety of sizes and fittings.

Socket sets can come in a variety of combinations

• Sockets only
• Bits only
• Sockets and bits

Socket Set. Image Credit: Digi-key

Resources

Duffy, James E., Robert Scharff, and Robert Scharff. Auto Body Repair Technology. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson/Delmar Learning, 2004. Print.

What is Galvanized Steel?

Objectives of Heat Treatments

Anti-Corrosive Finishing

Screw drive systems

Socket wrench

Image Credit: All-Spec