Sockets & Ratchets by WILLIAMS
About Sockets & Ratchets
Socket and ratchet sets are an essential part of every toolbox, workbench, garage, or industrial or manufacturing site. Sockets and ratchets are basic mechanical tools used to quickly and efficiently tighten or loosen fasteners. Together, they remove the need to reposition the tool with each rotation–as you would with a pair of pliers. At Zoro, we carry a wide variety of styles and sizes of ratchets and sockets from top brands including Proto, Milwaukee, Tekton, Grey Pneumatic, EGA Master, Sunex Tools, Wright, Stahlwille, and many more. Whether you’re working on a building project, vehicle, or another type of machinery, you can find all the tools and parts you need at everyday low prices at Zoro.
What Is a Socket?
A socket is designed to attach to the ratchet on its driver or on an extension. The socket stays in place to loosen nuts or bolts while the user turns the handle of the ratchet. As you can imagine, sockets come in a variety of sizes and styles. The type of socket you choose is based on the task at hand. Some common types of sockets include Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) sockets, spark-plug sockets, pass-through sockets, driver sockets, impact sockets, Torx® bit sockets, and metric sockets.
What Is a Ratchet?
A ratchet, or ratcheting socket wrench, is a hand tool that consists of a handle and a socket. The tool has a component that allows the user to tighten or loosen fasteners. Ratchets can have various tooth counts. The more teeth a ratchet has, the less the user will need to work the handle, which can be convenient when working in tighter spaces. The fewer teeth the ratchet has, the more the user will need to crank the handle or wrench. Socket ratchets come in a variety of sizes and can have a gear drive, flex head, or be gearless.