What are sockets used for tools?

Sockets are tools used to tighten mechanical fasteners. They fit over the head of the fastener to provide torque. Typically, sockets have a hexagonal hole at one end that’s designed to fit over a hex head bolt or screw. On the other end of the socket is a square hole that fits over the square drive of a socket wrench.

What size sockets do mechanics use?

⅜” drive sockets are the most practical sockets for most automotive jobs. If you can only pick one drive socket set — you want a ⅜” drive set. However, these still won’t let you complete any job. ½” drive socket sets are the largest drive sockets that most mechanics need.

What are the parts of a socket set called?

The Accessories of Socket Set

• Socket Extension Bar. Extension bar is design to prolong the socket so the end user can easily access the deep bottom nut or bolt.
• Socket Adaptor.
• Universal Joint.
• Flexible Handle.
• Sliding T-Bar & L bar.

What is the most common socket size?

The most commonly used types are 8 mm, 10 mm and 14 mm sockets.

Do you need both metric and standard sockets?

Yes, you can use some sockets on both metric and SAE sizes. However, you need to be careful, as most times they are not exactly the same, and you can strip a bolt by using an SAE socket on a metric bolt and vice versa.

What does M stand for in bolts?

The letter ‘M’ indicates that this bolt uses a metric thread. The number ‘8’ refers to the nominal diameter of the bolt shaft in millimeters. The number 1.0 is the thread pitch of the bolt, which is the distance between threads, in millimeters. And the final figure, 20, is the length in millimeters.

What does M mean on a bolt head?

Taking a closer look at this description, let’s explore its meaning: M = This designates the fastener is a metric size. 10 = The nominal diameter in millimeters. 1.0 = The thread pitch, or distance between threads, in millimeters. 20 = The fastener’s length, in millimeters.

Will metric sockets fit SAE?

While the majority of bolt-type fasteners used in the United States conform to one or the other measurement scale, the difference between SAE and metric fasteners (and their corresponding sockets) is as profound as the difference between yards and meters: They are almost the same, but not quite.

Why are impact sockets black?

Impact sockets are typically black. This is because the surface is carbonized in order for it to harden. Ensuring that the surface is hard allows the sockets to absorb sudden torque changes i.e. “impact” a lot better.

What does 8.8 mean on a bolt?

So, in English, a Property Class 8.8 bolt is a bolt with a nominal tensile strength of 800 MPa and a nominal yield strength that is 80% of that nominal tensile strength, so 640 MPa.