Individual Sockets

At Draper Tools we know a lot about sockets and supply 5 different sizes of 'drive sockets' 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" in three distinct finishes, Micro Satin, Satin and Polished Chrome.

Whatever the finish we describe our sockets first by the size of nut or bolt it fits (eg 10mm) and then the square drive (eg 1/4”). Although sockets are available in both metric and imperial sizes, the square drive of the socket is always imperial.

Sometimes it’s difficult to work out what size socket is required, one way of figuring this out is by measuring across the flats of the nut with Vernier Calipers, when you know this measurement you’ll be able to fix the right socket to the fastener, however, a quicker and easier way is to simply place various sockets on the fastener until you find the one that fits. This is especially useful for finding out the size of Draper TX Star®, that don’t have easily measurable dimensions.
There are six really useful criteria when identifying the right socket for your application, these are

1.   Wall Thickness
2.   Length
3.   Socket End Diameter
4.   Drive End Diameter
5.   Bolt Clearance Depth
6.   Opening Depth

1. Wall thickness
Wall thickness on a socket is the thickness between the outer surface of the socket and the internal surface. This varies around the edge of the socket due to the hexagonal design, but is useful when choosing impact sockets, as stubborn fixings will require extra torque. The extra torque can be delivered by either an air impact wrench or a cordless electric impact wrench. Because this extra torque is required, standard sockets are liable to shatter when used with an impact wrench, which is why only impact sockets should be used with impact tools. When using 1/4” and 1” impact sockets it is also recommended that retaining rings and pins be used to make sure the socket cannot detach from the drive square and fly off around the workshop.

2. Length
This is the total external length of a socket. It’s sometimes important to know this measurement, as some situations need the use of a deep socket to access the fixing and others need a shallow socket.

3. Socket End Diameter
Sometimes it is necessary to know the external diameter of the socket head, for instance, if the socket has to reach inside a cylinder or recess, like when using a spark plug socket, the socket end diameter is important in knowing whether it will fit. The Draper Expert Socketry has a neck-up, neck-down design minimising the socket end diameter and the socket weight, making access as simple as possible.

4. Drive End Diameter
Usually the socket end diameter is larger than the drive end on a socket. However, on some smaller sockets the drive end can be larger and it’s important to know this, as having a larger drive end may prevent the socket from reaching your target.

5. Bolt Clearance Depth
This is the internal depth of the socket that a bolt or fastener shaft can travel into. If the clearance of the socket is not sufficient, then a deep socket will need to be used, some times even this will not provide enough space, for these occasions a ‘Go Through’ socket will need to be used instead. The hollow drive design removes the restrictions usually encountered on ‘normal’ square drive socketry

6. Opening Depth
This is the internal depth of the socket that a bolt or fastener can travel into. Deep-Sockets have a much greater opening depth allowing the bolt head to travel up into the socket.

Because we take all these factors into consideration our sockets don’t just perform, they excel in any environment and application.

