The socket wrench is one of most common and versatile tools used in any toolbox. It is also known as a ratchet and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles to fit different applications. The socket wrench is largely used for quickly loosening or tightening screws and nuts.
At its core is a simple mechanism. The socket is part of wrench that goes over head of a screw or nut. It is typically made of chrome vanadium steel for added strength. The ratchet is part that contains socket and allows you to quickly turn screw or nut without having to constantly reposition your hand.
The ratchet is connected to a gear mechanism that is linked to a lever. The gear is shaped like a set of teeth and allows ratchet to move in only one direction, but lever can be flipped to change direction of gear so that ratchet can move in opposite direction when needed.
The gear system is connected to a socket wrench handle, which is typically a comfortable shape with a large grip made of plastic or rubber. This handle allows you to easily turn ratchet and adjust pressure, depending on your task.
When socket wrench is used, user places socket over head of screw or nut and then applies pressure on handle. Depending on direction of gear, ratchet will then turn screw or nut in necessary direction.
To loosen or tighten screw or nut further, user can simply turn ratchet slightly to either loosen or tighten screw or nut without having to constantly reposition their hand. This is because gear system prevents ratchet from moving in opposite direction than user is trying to tighten or loosen screw or nut.
The socket wrench is one of most versatile tools in any toolbox. It can be used to quickly and easily tighten or loosen screws and nuts, and requires minimal effort from user. The handle also allows you to adjust pressure for different tasks and applications. The socket wrench is an invaluable tool for any serious DIY project.