Ratchet Drive Sizes
- 1/4 inch: These 1/4" ratches are used for smaller sockets and precision work. ...
- 3/8 inch: The middle-sized ratches are the most useful size for general use on a car. ...
- 1/2 inch: 1/2" sockets are generally used for nuts and bolts from around 10mm and up. ...
- There are also 3/4" and 1" ratchets, but they are used on trucks, tanks, and industrial machinery.
What are the 3 common sizes of ratchets?
The most common ratchet sizes are ¼ inch drive, 3/8 inch drive, and ½ inch drive. There are also larger ratchet sizes including ¾ inch drive and 1-inch drive available. Most ratchets used with sockets contain a gear mechanism that is designed to allow for rotation in one direction only.
What are the ratchet sizes in order?
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).
How many sizes of ratchets are there?
Ratchet Handle Length Ratchets generally come in three different lengths: stubby, standard and long. There are also extra-long ratchets for those who really need the added oomph to take something apart but don't have the space to step up to a bigger drive size or use a power tool.
What are the 3 most common sizes for the hand tool know as a ratchet?
Common ratchet sizes include 1/4-in. drive, 3/8-in. drive, 1/2-in. drive and 3/4-in.
What are the 3 types of sockets?
What are the different types of socket?Hex Sockets. Hex sockets are the most common type of socket and come in two main types: hex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets. ... Socket Bits. ... Impact Socket. ... Spark Plug Socket. ... Insulated Sockets. ... Pass Through Sockets. ... Adjustable Multi Sockets. ... Oil Filter Socket.More items...
Whats bigger 3/8 or 1/4 socket?
3/8 is expressed as 0.375 as a decimal and 1/4 is expressed as 0.25 in its decimal form. It is clear that the value of 3/8 is more than 1/4. Hence, it is bigger.
What is the biggest ratchet size?
Available with different drive sizes — 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch — to operate different size sockets. Most operate with a geared drive; those with a higher tooth count let you operate the tool with a smaller swinging motion, which is useful when there's little room to move the handle.
What are 1/4 ratchets used for?
1/4 inch - Used for smaller sockets and precision work. Useful for dismantling individual components on the bench. 1/2 inch - 1/2" sockets are generally used for nuts and bolts from around 10mm and up. A 1/2" drive socket can apply enough force to undo all nuts on a car.
What are the 4 different types of sockets?
Because sockets come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials, it's easy to get confused about which type is needed. With a few exceptions that include axial or festoon socket fixtures, all sockets fall into four main groups: screw, pins, wedges, and bayonets.
What size is the smallest ratchet?
Wrench Sizes In Order Standard sizing in America are as follows: 5/8, 19/32, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 11/32, 5/16, 9/32, 1/4, 7/32, 3/16, 5/32, and 1/8. These are set out from the smallest wrench to the largest, and you will be able to buy these wrenches individually or in wretch sets.
What does SAE stand for in tools?
Society of Automotive EngineersSAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers. This form of measurement was used primarily on cars made in the USA. This is why more often than not if you're in the United States, you're most likely finding wrenches and sockets in SAE sizings. AE sockets are sized in inches and fractions of inches.
What is the highest tooth ratchet?
Steelman™PRO 160 tooth ratchets have the highest tooth count available on the market! With 160 teeth, the ratchet only requires a 2.25 degree swing. This means the ratchet can be used in super tight spaces and still get a grip on the fastener!
What are the 4 different types of sockets?
Because sockets come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials, it's easy to get confused about which type is needed. With a few exceptions that include axial or festoon socket fixtures, all sockets fall into four main groups: screw, pins, wedges, and bayonets.
What are the four socket drive sizes?
These drive fittings come in four common sizes: 1⁄4 inch, 3⁄8 inch, 1⁄2 inch, and 3⁄4 inch (referred to as "drives", as in " 3⁄8 drive").
What is the next size down from 9 16?
Metric / Standard Wrench Conversion ChartBolt DiameterMetricStandard3/8"14mm9/16"7/16"16mm5/8"1/2"19mm3/4"9/16"21mm13/16"39 more rows•Apr 9, 2020
What's the next size down from 11 16?
Wrenches: Standard Combination Wrenches (1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1)
Ratchet Size Guide
There probably isn't a more important tool for working on a car than a ratchet. Different types, sizes, and styles of ratchets make working on cars a little easier. Most ratchets use a geared drive. Gearless ratchets use a rolling bearing, which can help you make greater changes with less effort.
Ratchet Socket General Sizes
Sockets connect to the ratchet to help you make adjustments quickly and easily. Depending on the job at hand, you will need a certain socket type. Ratchet sockets are available in standard (SAE) and metric sizes. Some are color-coded to help you quickly distinguish between the two types.
Conclusion
The hard steel ratchet wrench is ideal for efficient tightening nuts and bolts. High-quality material provides long life, and it is extremely easy to change from tightening to loosening mode. The ratchet mechanism is often accompanied by noise and vibration, so its working frequency cannot be too high.
What are the ratchet sizes in order?
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).... read more ›
What are the different ratchet sizes?
The most common ratchet sizes are ¼ inch drive, 3/8 inch drive, and ½ inch drive. There are also larger ratchet sizes including ¾ inch drive and 1-inch drive available. Most ratchets used with sockets contain a gear mechanism that is designed to allow for rotation in one direction only.... continue reading ›
What are the 3 common ratchet drive sizes?
Available with different drive sizes — 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch — to operate different size sockets. Most operate with a geared drive; those with a higher tooth count let you operate the tool with a smaller swinging motion, which is useful when there's little room to move the handle.... read more ›
How do you tell what size ratchet you have?
Drive Hole indicates the size of the drive hole (also referred to as the "driver hole" or "square hole"), which determines the torque size of the driver tool you'll need. For example, you'd use a ½-inch drive socket with a ½-inch drive ratchet. L indicates the overall socket length.... view details ›
What are the three types of ratchets?
Ratchets generally come in three different lengths: stubby, standard and long. There are also extra-long ratchets for those who really need the added oomph to take something apart but don't have the space to step up to a bigger drive size or use a power tool.... see more ›
What are the 4 different types of sockets?
Considering the standard sockets, you can find four common types, and they include 3/4 –inch, ½-inch, 3/8-inch, and ¼-inch sockets. Most of these options mentioned above come with bits that would fit Torx screws.... see details ›
What is the most common socket size?
The most commonly used types are 8 mm, 10 mm and 14 mm sockets.... see details ›
What are the sizes of sockets?
A socket set is a versatile and convenient collection of toolkit accessories that allow users to work with various sizes and types of fasteners, primarily nuts and bolts . Socket sets are typically sold as a single, convenient case, box, or pouch containing various replaceable attachments.
What is a ratchet wrench?
Ratchets are beneficial and flexible garage tools. The ratcheting socket wrench, often known as a ratchet, is the most common type. Pneumatic impact wrenches and hydraulic torque wrenches are two other ways to drive sockets.
What is socket set?
A socket set is a collection of various sized attachments that slot or snap into the handle of a socket wrench, also known as a ratchet spanner or similar turning tool.
How many points of contact do sockets have?
They provide 12 points of contact with the fastener, which can provide several significant benefits: A 12-point socket set accommodates square-head nuts and bolts and makes it faster and easier to seat the socket over most fastener head types.
Why use a torque wrench?
A torque wrench is often used to avoid over-tightening.
What is the opposite end of a socket wrench?
The opposite end of the socket wrenches is placed over or into the fixture, loosened/tightened once the right size of socket for the fastener in issue has been selected and attached via its drive-post recess.
Which way do ratchet wrenches rotate?
When ratchet wrenches are turned clockwise, the ratcheting mechanism allows for continual adjustment of the nut or bolt, but the tool rotates freely when turned anticlockwise.
What are the socket sizes in order?
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 are the three ratchet sizes?
Available with different drive sizes — 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch — to operate different size sockets. Most operate with a geared drive; those with a higher tooth count let you operate the tool with a smaller swinging motion, which is useful when there’s little room to move the handle.
What is a 72 tooth ratchet?
Low-tooth ratchets generally range from about 20 teeth to as high as 40 teeth. That means you’ll see about an 18-degree swing arc to a 9-degree arc from coarse or low-tooth-count ratchets. … Fine, or high-tooth-count, ratchets range from about 72 teeth to 160 teeth.
How do I know my socket size?
Turn on the digital caliper and set it to read in inches, not millimeters. …
What are the 4 socket drive sizes?
These drive fittings come in four common sizes: 1⁄4 inch, 3⁄8 inch, 1⁄2 inch, and 3⁄4 inch (referred to as “drives”, as in ” 3⁄8 drive”).
Are 6 or 12 point sockets better?
Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.
What is a 6 sided wrench called?
Also called Allen wrenches (although “Allen” actually refers to specific brand known for making hex-key wrenches), these short six-sided bars of steel are characteristically L-shaped, with one side shorter than the other.
Is a 6 point or 12-point socket better?
A 6 point or 12-point socket is better because it has more contact points with the fastener, so there is less chance of rounding off the corners.
Which socket size is best?
The most commonly used socket size is the standard 1/2-inch drive, which is why most people have a set of 1/2-inch drive sockets. 3/8-inch drive sockets are also popular, but they are not as strong as the 1/2-inch drive. If you need a stronger socket, then you should consider a 1/2-inch drive.
What is a 6 and 7 mm socket?
A 6 and 7 mm socket is a socket that is specifically designed to fit a 6 or 7 mm nut or bolt. This size socket is not very common, so it may be difficult to find one at a hardware store. However, they can be purchased online.
What are the sizes of sockets?from yardandgardenguru.com
A socket set is a versatile and convenient collection of toolkit accessories that allow users to work with various sizes and types of fasteners, primarily nuts and bolts . Socket sets are typically sold as a single, convenient case, box, or pouch containing various replaceable attachments.
What is a pass through socket?from grainger.com
Pass-through sockets let long bolts go through the socket head so you can use them instead of deep sockets that could be limited. You won’t find these fitting different types of ratchets as the handle needs a central hole.
What is a ratchet wrench?from yardandgardenguru.com
Ratchets are beneficial and flexible garage tools. The ratcheting socket wrench, often known as a ratchet, is the most common type. Pneumatic impact wrenches and hydraulic torque wrenches are two other ways to drive sockets.
Why use a socket set?from yardandgardenguru.com
Besides being convenient and versatile, socket sets can make certain strenuous activities easier by adding a layer of user-friendliness , such as spark plug sockets designed for this specific task, or a torque wrench to avoid too much torque.
How many points of contact do sockets have?from yardandgardenguru.com
They provide 12 points of contact with the fastener, which can provide several significant benefits: A 12-point socket set accommodates square-head nuts and bolts and makes it faster and easier to seat the socket over most fastener head types.
What is the opposite end of a socket wrench?from yardandgardenguru.com
The opposite end of the socket wrenches is placed over or into the fixture, loosened/tightened once the right size of socket for the fastener in issue has been selected and attached via its drive-post recess.
Why should spark plugs be fixed to the socket?from educba.com
It holds the spark plug and protects from damage against the internal wall of the socket. It should be ensured that the suitable spark plug should be fixed to the socket because the fitting of various size of spark plugs can damage the equipment and makes it impossible to dismantle.
How to get sockets off a square drive?
Sockets are held onto the ratchet using a little spring-loaded ball on the side of the square drive. After applying a lot of force, I've often found sockets get stuck on the drive and the only way to get them off is to hammer the ratchet on the floor or even grip it in a vice. Good quality ratchets include a button on the back which smoothly pushes off the socket when you are ready to release it.
What is a ratchet spanner?
A ratchet spanner is used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. The ratchet mechanism lets it exert undo the nut only in one direction - meaning that you can quickly undo or tighten nuts without having to constantly lift the ratchet off, as you would with a traditional spanner.
What is a click on a ratchet wrench?
The click of a ratchet wrench is the defining sound of a mechanic. Ratchets and sockets are extremely useful and versatile tools for the garage - in this article we explain how a ratchet works and what to look for when choosing one. A ratchet spanner is used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts.
How long do ratchets last?
More than any other tool, a ratchet will last you a lifetime. Quality ratchets can be serviced inexpensively and so should never wear out. Sockets are interchangeable because they are all standard. Buy the best ratchet you can afford, even if you buy inexpensive sockets to start with. My go-to ratchet was made in the 1960s and inherited from a family friend. I still use it every day.
How many teeth does a ratchet have?
A ratchet with 75 teeth will work considerably faster than a 32-tooth ratchet. Making high tooth-counts requires quality engineering and manufacturing, so as a general guide the better quality tools will have a higher tooth count.
What size socket is used for a car?
3/8 inch - The middle sized, and in my opinion, most useful size for general use on a car. A 3/8" drive can drive sockets of all sizes. It is big enough to apply quite a lot of force, but not too big to fit into tight spaces
How many sizes of drive are there for ratchets?
All ratchets accept sockets using a square drive and mostly there are three sizes of drive. Everywhere in the world these sizes are given in inches - even when the sockets are metric.
