How to Choose a Socket Set

Sockets look simple right up until you're on your third one that almost fits. A few decisions up front save a lot of that.

Match the drive size

The drive size has to match your ratchet or wrench. 1/4" is for small fasteners and tight spaces, 3/8" is the all-rounder for most engine bay work, and 1/2" is what you want for wheel nuts, suspension and brake hardware. Most people end up with all three over time.

6-point or 12-point

A 6-point socket grips the flats of a bolt head more fully, so it's the better choice for tight or stubborn fasteners and for anything that's starting to round off. A 12-point is quicker to slip onto a fastener in awkward spots because it has more positions to engage. If you can only buy one for general use, most mechanics lean toward 6-point.

Standard, deep or long

Standard sockets are fine for most nuts and bolt heads. A deep socket is for a nut on a long stud or a bolt you have to reach down into. Long sockets go further still, which helps in narrow spots like bumper and door hinge areas. TONE lists the length and shape on each product page.

Hand tool or impact

Sockets made for impact wrenches have thicker walls and are meant to take the hammering. Standard chrome sockets are made for hand tools, and using them on an impact gun risks cracking them. For wheel nuts with an impact wrench, TONE makes thin-wall wheel nut sockets, including versions with a protector to help avoid marking the nut. Have a look at the wheel and tire service tools.

Specialty sockets that earn their place

Some jobs just need the right shape: plug sockets with a magnet for spark plugs, sensor sockets for oxygen sensors and similar parts, triple square sockets for the XZN-style bolts found on many imported cars, slit sockets, head bolt sockets and drain plug sockets. They're all in the sockets and socket sets collection.

Set or singles

A set is the easy way to start, and you can add singles for the sizes you actually use. Socket holders keep things organized, and some TONE sets come with one. If you'd like somewhere to keep it all, see tool chests and storage or the tool sets.

Not sure what you need for a particular job? Message us with the car and the fastener and we'll help.