How do you read socket sizes?

A socket set is a versatile and convenient bundle of toolkit accessories that gives users the flexibility to tackle multiple sizes and types of fasteners, primarily aimed at fitting to a diverse range of nuts and bolts. Socket sets are usually packaged as a single handy case, box or pouch of numerous interchangeable attachments.

In fact, there are so many different shapes and sizes of nuts, bolts and other fasteners out there, no one socket set kit (also known as ratchet and socket sets, or socket wrench sets, depending on what’s included) is likely to offer add-ons for every single size of fastener you might come across.

Most comprehensive sets include sockets for the majority of fastener types, but not for all possible sizes. As with most toolkit items of this type, knowing which varieties of nuts and bolts you’re most likely to encounter in your day-to-day work is thus an important factor in deciding which socket set - or combination of sets - is right for you.

Arranging or sorting your sockets based on the size may sound easy. But it is not. Especially when there are two measurement standards, SAE and metric, which you need to keep in mind. However, if you just bought your set of sockets, we can help you arrange them

Below, you’ll find the necessary information about sockets, their types, and sizes. You’ll also find a detailed chart for easy conversion. So, let’s begin.

Most Common Drive Sizes

You can think of a drive socket as the hole (square) for attaching the socket to a turning tool like a wrench or a ratchet. There are three commonly found standard sizes according to what you need it for. Here are the common sizes:

• 1/2″ Drives: Such drives are mostly used for heavy jobs where the nuts are massive and need more force or torque. ½” drives are mostly used in 19mm socket sizes. You can use these when driving lag bolts into the walls for mounting your LED TV.
• 3/8″ Drives: Such drives are more versatile. It’s because you can use these drives to cover sockets and areas for different jobs. It is used both at homes and workshops.
• 1/4″ Drives: When it comes to low torque jobs, you can go for 1/4″ drives. You can use such drives for small sockets with a maximum size of 14mm. It’s used for precision or interior jobs.

Types of Sockets

There are different sockets suited for different jobs. If you’re in the mechanical field, you’ll find the below information useful.

Here are some common types of sockets:

Impact Sockets: Most of the time, people prefer hand tools. It’s because they are old school and have a sturdy build. However, most socket types don’t attach with such tools. And this is where impact sockets come into the picture. Impact sockets are specially designed to fit in such tools.

For example, let’s suppose you’re working with a pneumatic or electric wrench. Now, for such tools, you need sockets that are sturdy and can withstand high torques. And impact sockets get the job done here as they are sturdier and more robust than conventional sockets.

Point Sockets: Next on our list are the point sockets. Such sockets, especially the 12-point one, are very easy to fit and use. You can easily slip this socket over the tool in any of the available 12 positions. So, even if you’re a newbie, you can easily use it, as there won’t be an alignment problem.

The 12-point sockets are usually meant for light household tasks. However, there’s another category to this socket known as a 6-point socket. The 6-point socket is used for heavy jobs that require the application of heavy or substantial torque.

In such cases, the 6-point sockets are less likely to slip or move. They are considered more durable and sturdier than the inner walls. So, if you need a socket for lightweight jobs, go for the 12-point socket. Otherwise, go for a 6-point socket.

Shallow vs. Deep Sockets

The shallow socket is the other name for a normal socket. In some cases, it might not touch the nut before the bolt hits the end of the socket, which makes the job hard and sometimes not doable. In such cases, mechanics use deep sockets.

Usually, measuring one inch in length, you can use deep sockets in inaccessible places. You can do this only if your driver has an extension.

Metric Socket Sizes Chart

Here are the metric socket sizes: –

3/8″ Drive 1/4″ Drive 3/4″ Drive 1/2″ Drive 5.5mm 4mm 19mm 8mm 6mm 4.5mm 20mm 9mm 7mm 5mm 21mm 10mm 8mm 5.5mm 22mm 11mm 9mm 6mm 23mm 12mm 10mm 7mm 24mm 13mm 11mm 8mm 25mm 14mm 12mm 9mm 26mm 15mm 13mm 10mm 27mm 16mm 14mm 11mm 28mm 17mm 15mm 12mm 29mm 18mm 16mm 13mm 30mm 19mm 17mm 14mm 31mm 20mm 18mm 15mm 32mm 21mm 19mm 33mm 22mm 20mm 34mm 23mm 21mm 35mm 24mm 22mm 36mm 25mm 38mm 26mm 40mm 27mm 41mm 28mm 42mm 30mm

SAE Socket Sizes Chart

Let’s learn about the SAE socket sizes: –

3/8″ Drive 1/4″ Drive 3/4″ Drive 1/2″ Drive 1/4″ 5/32″ 7/8″ 3/8″ 5/16″ 3/16″ 15/16″ 7/16″ 3/8″ 7/32″ 1″ 1/2″ 7/16″ 1/4″ 1-1/16″ 9/16″ 1/2″ 9/32″ 1-1/8″ 19/32″ 9/16″ 5/16″ 1-3/16″ 5/8″ 5/8″ 11/32″ 1-1/4″ 21/32″ 11/16″ 3/8″ 1-5/16″ 11/16″ 3/4″ 7/16″ 1-3/8″ 3/4″ 13/16″ 1/2″ 1-7/16″ 25/32″ 7/8″ 9/16″ 1-1/2″ 13/16″ 15/16″ 1-5/8″ 7/8″ 1″ 1-11/16″ 15/16″ 1-3/4″ 1″ 1-13/16″ 1-1/16″ 1-7/8″ 1-1/8″ 2″ 1-3/16″ 2-1/8″ 1-1/4″ 2-3/16″ 1-1/2″ 2-1/4″

SAE to Metric Conversion Chart

Sometimes when you have a wrench in the metric units and a nut in Imperial units, you would not know whether it’ll fit or not. In such cases, you need to know how to correctly convert one unit into another. And the below chart will help you easily convert the dimensions from SAE to Metric or vice versa.

SAE Size Metric Size Inches Decimal   5/32″   0.156 5/32″ and 4mm are 4mm 0.157 close enough 4.5mm 0.177 3/16″   0.188 5mm 0.197 5.5mm 0.216 7/32″   0.219 6mm 0.236 1/4″ 0.25 6.5mm 0.256 7mm 0.276 9/32″ 0.281 5/16″ 0.313 5/16″ and 8mm are 8mm 0.315 close enough 11/32″ 0.344 9mm 0.354 3/8″ 0.375 10mm 0.394 13/32″ 0.406 11mm 0.433 7/16″ and 11mm are 7/16″ 0.438 close enough 15/32″ 0.469 15/32″ and 12mm are 12mm 0.472 close enough 1/2″ 0.5 13mm 0.512 17/32″ 0.531 14mm 0.551 9/16″ 0.563 15mm 0.591 19/32″ and 15mm are 19/32″ 0.594 close enough 5/8″ 0.625 16mm 0.63 21/32″ 0.656 17mm 0.669 11/16″ 0.688 18mm 0.709 23/32″ 0.719 19mm 0.748 3/4″ and 19mm are 3/4″ 0.75 close enough 25/32″ 0.781 20mm 0.787 13/16″ 0.813 21mm 0.827 27/32″ 0.844 22mm 0.866 7/8″ 0.875 23mm 0.906 29/32″ and 23mm are 29/32″ 0.906 close enough 15/16″ 0.938 24mm 0.945 1″ 1

Final Words

Being a mechanic is a tough job. And if you’re dealing with a socket set or socket organizer, the job becomes even harder. There are different sizes, types, and even measurement units for sockets. And without adequate information, everything could sound gibberish.

However, the above information is enough to enlighten you. We have discussed the sizes of drives and types of sockets. You can check the size of sockets in the metric as well as in the SAE system. Also, you can find a conversion chart for converting the sizes into the desired unit type. This way, you can sort the sockets the way you want and save some time while doing the job.

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