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This guide provides a foundational knowledge of socket and wrench sizes, helping you choose the right tools for the job. Remember, the right size not only makes the work easier but also prevents damage to your tools and fasteners.
The drive size on a ratchet (aka: socket wrench) is the small square connection fitting at the end of the ratchet. This fitting accepts sockets of the same size. There are 3 common ratchet drive sizes used in shops and home garages but other drive sizes also exist.
Standard socket sizes are measured by the socket wrench’s opening and are crafted to accommodate various nut or bolt sizes. Typically, the sizes range from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, covering most general needs, with additional specific sizes for more unique tasks.
Ratchet and socket sets provide ratchets and several socket sizes. Mechanic tool sets (image to right) often provide socket and ratchet sets plus tools such as wrenches and pliers. Options range from smaller 11-piece sets to collections with 300 or more pieces.
Wrench Size chart lists both metric and standard socket wrench sizes in order from smallest to largest. The bolt diameter is the distance between the two prongs of the wrench. Use this measurement to find compatible nut and bolt sizes.
socket wrenches inch sizes. For socket wrenches to fit metric bolts, go here. The tables below show the commonly-available sizes of socket wrench and the fasteners they fit. The 8-pt sockets fit only square heads. A 12-pt socket fits hexagonal and some square heads.
The most common socket set sizes are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch. Within those sizes, you can expect to find sockets ranging from 4mm up to 24mm and beyond. Some sets may also include larger sockets for specialty jobs, such as removing lug nuts on larger vehicles.