Table of Contents
A socket wrench is a hand tool with a ratcheting mechanism on its head. The ratcheting part attaches to a variety of sockets by way of a square nub called the drive. The ratchet can be set to loosen or tighten a nut. The ratchet keeps the socket in place while you turn the wrench handle.
How does a socket wrench ratchet work?
A ratchet is a handle that snaps into one end of a socket by means of a square-drive connector. The other end of the socket fits over a fastener. A mechanism in the ratchet allows the handle to engage and tighten the fastener when you swing it in a clockwise direction and turn freely when you swing it counterclockwise.
How does a wrench work?
Basically, a wrench consists of a stout lever with a notch at one or both ends for gripping the bolt or nut in such a way that it can be twisted by a pull on the wrench at right angles to the axes of the lever and the bolt or nut.
How do you loosen a socket wrench?
To loosen a nut or bolt, the socket handle should turn counterclockwise. To tighten a nut or bolt, the socket should turn clockwise. If the socket is not turning in the appropriate direction, turn the lever on the back of the ratchet to switch the direction.
What is the difference between a ratchet and a socket wrench?
Ratchets. A ratchet is a mechanical device that only allows movement in one direction. When it is equipped onto a wrench, it allows the user to set two turning directions: one where the wrench head is fixed and one where it spins freely. In fact, many may assume that a ratchet wrench is automatically a socket wrench.
What type of mechanism do socket wrenches use?
The most common type of socket wrench. The ratcheting mechanism allows the nut to be tightened or loosened with a reciprocating motion, without requiring that the wrench be removed and refitted after each turn. Typically, a small lever on the ratchet head switches the wrench between tightening and loosening mode.
When picking a socket to use a 6 point socket is the?
(2) A six-point socket is designed to contact the head of a fastener well away from the corners so contact is made on the thickest part of the fastener.
Are sockets A type of wrench?
Also known as a socket spanner, it’s an invaluable tool for installing and removing fasteners with a hexagonal head. Socket wrenches offer a superior level of torque when compared to standard wrenches, allowing you to install and remove fasteners more easily.
How do you reverse a ratchet?
The principles are the same: push the left button to reverse the ratchet and push the right button to tighten the nut. A ratcheting wrench is a handy tool for working in tight spaces where a standard wrench would not be able to maneuver.
What is the standard socket wrench size?
There are four common socket sizes: 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (0.9 centimeters), 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) and 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters). In-between sizes are available too, starting with 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) and increasing every sixteenth of an inch (0.16 centimeters).
What is socket return?
Upon successful completion, socket() returns a nonnegative integer, the socket file descriptor. Otherwise a value of -1 is returned and errno is set to indicate the error.
Why should pliers not be used on a nut or bolt?
Because their jaws are flexible. They leave tool marks on the nut or bolt head, often rounding the corner so much that it becomes extremely difficult to fit the proper wrench on the nut or bolt head in the future. Pliers can slip on a nut or bolt head and cause bruised knuckles or worse.
Has serrated teeth on jaws for gripping power?
This tool can speed up your work because it has an open wrench at one end and a box-end at the other. This tool has serrated teeth on both jaws for gripping power. pipe wrench. This is the turning force applied to an object and is measured in inch-pounds or foot-pounds.
What two advantages do socket wrenches have over common wrenches?
Instead of needing a separate wrench for each size fastener, only a separate socket is needed. The ratcheting mechanism of a socket wrench makes the task of tightening or loosening nuts faster and easier compared to a conventional wrench. This feature is particularly advantageous when working in cramped spaces.
How does a socket connect to a ratchet?
The socket is placed on the square extension or driver of the ratchet. Once it’s secured to the ratchet the user can loosen or tighten a bolt or nut while the socket remains in place by just turning the handle of the ratchet.
What’s the difference between wrench and socket wrench?
Instead of needing a separate wrench for each size fastener, only a separate socket is needed. The ratcheting mechanism of a socket wrench makes the task of tightening or loosening nuts faster and easier compared to a conventional wrench. This feature is particularly advantageous when working in cramped spaces.
