What Does Socket Wrench Mean?

Term » DefinitionWord in DefinitionTranslations #ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Random New Words Definitions.net Term Word in Definition Translations Definitions.net

Vocabulary

What does socket wrench mean?

Definitions for socket wrenchsocket wrench

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word socket wrench.

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. socket wrenchnoun

    a wrench with a handle onto which sockets of different sizes can be fitted

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. socket wrenchnoun

    A type of wrench featuring multiple interchangeable socket heads (each designed to fit a particular size of bolt head or other fastener) which can be attached by a socket arrangement to a ratcheting wrench handle or other driver.

  2. Etymology: socket + wrench

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. Socket wrench

    A socket wrench is a type of wrench or spanner that has a socket attached at one end, usually used to turn a fastener. The most prevalent form is the ratcheting socket wrench, often informally called a ratchet. A ratcheting socket wrench is the device within a hand tool in which a metal handle is attached to a ratcheting mechanism, which attaches to a socket. This in turn fits onto a type of bolt or nut. Pulled or pushed in one direction, the ratchet loosens or tightens the bolt or nut attached to the socket. Turned the other direction, the ratchet does not turn the socket but allows the ratchet handle to be re-positioned for another turn while staying attached to the bolt or nut. This ratcheting action allows the fastener to be rapidly tightened or loosened in small increments without disconnecting the tool from the fastener. A switch is built into the ratchet head that allows the user to apply the ratcheting action in either direction, as needed, to tighten or loosen a fastener. Other common methods of driving socket wrenches include pneumatic impact wrenches, hydraulic torque wrenches, torque multipliers and breaker bars. Some lesser known hybrid drivers include striking wrench tools with square drive, and hydraulic impact wrenches (typically powered by on site hydraulic power such as present with military tanks, and many rail car applications). Socket wrenches are most commonly hexagonal, or more commonly referred to as "6-point" in lay terms. Sockets are driven by being attached to the driving tool via a male/female square connection fitting (called the square drive). Standard sizes of square drives around the world include 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/2", 2-1/2" and 3-1/2" square drive sizes (a de facto international standard with no metric equivalents) along with some lesser used drivers such as 5/8" square drive, and both #4 and #5 spline drives specified in ANSI B107 specifications. This wide range of square drive sizes provides for a wide variety of socket types and sizes to suit small to very large nuts and bolts. Some square drivers have a through hole to attach the socket to the driver (using a retaining ring with o-ring and pin type, or single piece molded retaining rings), a locking pin, or friction ball. Some common hand ratchets employ a quick release button on their top for quick socket release of smaller sockets.The tool chosen to drive the socket wrench ultimately supplies the mechanical advantage needed by the user to provide the torque needed to loosen or tighten the fastener as may be required. Larger drivers are typically used with higher torque, while smaller drivers are used for convenience in smaller low torque applications. Given the limits of human strength and fatigue, torque above 600 ft-lbs of torque will generally involve some kind of power assist, instead of the user simply pushing on the handle of a wrench. Very large sockets and drivers are typically powered by hydraulics to achieve torque. A socket is typically a cylinder which has a female six– or twelve-point recessed opening sized to fit over the common male hexagonal head of a bolt or nut fastener. The opposite end of the socket wrench has a standardized (ANSI B107, ISO, or other consensus standard) square recess to accept the socket wrench's drive size. Male drivers are also produced for use with socket head cap screws, and are often called Allen drivers (trademark) or the generic term male bit drivers The principal advantage of interchangeable sockets is that, instead of a separate wrench for each of the many different fastener sizes and types, only separate sockets are needed for each size and type. Because of their versatility, nearly all screw and bolt types now have sockets of different types made to fit their bolts or nuts. Sockets often come as a "socket set" with many different sizes or types of sockets to fit the heads of different-sized fasteners. A ratchet of the "set size" is often included with the socket set. Sockets are commonly available in fractional inch and metric sizes, and in short (shallow) and longer (deep) varieties.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. socket wrench

    A socket wrench is a type of wrench that uses removable sockets to grip and turn nuts or bolts of different sizes. It consists of a handle with a drive fitting onto which various types or sizes of sockets can be attached, making it versatile and adaptable for a wide range of tasks. The socket fits over the nut or bolt and the wrench provides leverage for turning. Most socket wrenches also include a ratchet mechanism that allows the handle to turn the socket continuously without having to remove and re-position it.

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

  1. Socket wrench

    A socket wrench most commonly refers to a hand tool in which a metal handle is attached to a ratcheting mechanism which attaches to a socket, which in turn fits on a type of bolt or nut. Pulled or pushed in one direction, the ratchet loosens or tightens the bolt or nut attached to the socket. Turned the other direction, the ratchet does not turn the socket but allows the ratchet handle to be re-positioned for another turn while staying attached to the bolt or nut. This ratcheting action allows the fastener to be rapidly tightened or loosened in small increments without disconnecting the socket plus socket wrench from the fastener. A switch is built into the ratchet head that allows the user to apply the ratcheting action in either direction, as needed, to tighten or loosen a fastener. The sockets are attached to the ratchet through a square fitting that contains a spring-loaded ball detent mechanism to keep the sockets or extensions in place. The drive on the ratchet, which comes in standard sizes of 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", and 1", allows a wide variety of socket types and sizes to attach to a given ratchet. Some ratchets have quick release buttons on their top for quick socket release. The ratchet handle supplies the mechanical advantage needed by the user to provide the torque needed to loosen or tighten the fastener. For cases of where low torque is required palm ratchets or ratchet spinners may be used. For greater torque, a breaker bar or torque wrench can be used instead of the socket wrench.

Matched Categories

    • Wrench

How to pronounce socket wrench?

  1. AlexUS EnglishDavidUS EnglishMarkUS EnglishDanielBritishLibbyBritishMiaBritishKarenAustralianHayleyAustralianNatashaAustralianVeenaIndianPriyaIndianNeerjaIndianZiraUS EnglishOliverBritishWendyBritishFredUS EnglishTessaSouth African

How to say socket wrench in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of socket wrench in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of socket wrench in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

References

  1. ^ Princeton's WordNethttp://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=socket wrench
  2. ^ Wiktionaryhttps://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Socket_Wrench
  3. ^ Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_Wrench
  4. ^ ChatGPThttps://chat.openai.com
  5. ^ Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=socket wrench

Translations for socket wrench

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

  • وجع المقبسArabic
  • RatscheGerman
  • clé à douilleFrench
  • chave soquetePortuguese
  • торцевой ключRussian

Get even more translations for socket wrench »

Translation

Find a translation for the socket wrench definition in other languages:

Select another language:

  • - Select -
  • 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified)
  • 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Esperanto (Esperanto)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • Deutsch (German)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Русский (Russian)
  • ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
  • 한국어 (Korean)
  • עברית (Hebrew)
  • Gaeilge (Irish)
  • Українська (Ukrainian)
  • اردو (Urdu)
  • Magyar (Hungarian)
  • मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
  • Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • தமிழ் (Tamil)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • తెలుగు (Telugu)
  • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
  • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
  • Čeština (Czech)
  • Polski (Polish)
  • Românește (Romanian)
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • Ελληνικά (Greek)
  • Latinum (Latin)
  • Svenska (Swedish)
  • Dansk (Danish)
  • Suomi (Finnish)
  • فارسی (Persian)
  • ייִדיש (Yiddish)
  • հայերեն (Armenian)
  • Norsk (Norwegian)
  • English (English)

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a FREE new word definition delivered to your inbox daily?

Please enter your email address:

Subscribe

Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"socket wrench." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LTD, 2025. Web. 16 Dec. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/socket+wrench>.

Powered by CITE.ME Cite.Me

Discuss these socket wrench definitions with the community:

https://www.definitions.net/definition/socket+wrench
0 Comments
0:00 0:00 clear Notify me of new comments via email. Publish Close

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

Cancel Report Close

Attachment

Close ×

You need to be logged in to favorite.

or fill the form below

Create a new account

Your name:*Required

Your email address:*Required

Pick a user name:*Required

Join

Log In

Username:*Required

Password:*Required

Log In

Forgot your password? Retrieve it

Are we missing a good definition for socket wrench? Don't keep it to yourself...

Submit Definition Close Close

Note

The ASL fingerspelling provided here is most commonly used for proper names of people and places; it is also used in some languages for concepts for which no sign is available at that moment.There are obviously specific signs for many words available in sign language that are more appropriate for daily usage. Close Close

Image Credit

Close

The Web's Largest Resource for

Definitions & Translations

A Member Of The STANDS4 Network

Image or illustration of

socket wrench

socket wrench Credit »

Free, no signup required:

Add to Chrome

Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web! Two clicks install »

Free, no signup required:

Add to Firefox

Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web! Two clicks install »

Browse Definitions.net

#ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Random New Words

Quiz

Are you a words master?

»
the quality of being facile in speech and writing
A squint-eye B viverrine C sousing D volubility

Nearby & related entries:

  • sockeroo
  • socket noun
  • socket a
  • socket mobile
  • socket of a bayonet
  • socket wrench noun
  • socketchisel
  • socketed
  • socketless
  • socketlike
  • sockets

Alternative searches for socket wrench:

  • Search for Synonyms for socket wrench
  • Search for Anagrams for socket wrench
  • Quotes containing the term socket wrench
  • Search for Phrases containing the term socket wrench
  • Search for Poems containing the term socket wrench
  • Search for Scripts containing the term socket wrench
  • Search for Abbreviations containing the term socket wrench
  • What rhymes with socket wrench?
  • Search for Song lyrics that mention socket wrench
  • Search for socket wrench on Amazon

Thank you

Thanks for your vote! We truly appreciate your support. Close

Tag » What Is A Socket Wrench