How to Choose a Socket Set: Drive Sizes, Metric vs SAE and Impact Sockets

Quick answer: A socket set is a group of sockets in a range of sizes, usually with one or more ratchets and extensions, stored in a case or foam tray. Choose a socket set by drive size (1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 inch), measurement system (metric, SAE or both), point count (6 point or 12 point), depth (standard or deep), and whether you need hand sockets or impact sockets. For most automotive work, a combined metric and SAE set covering 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive is the core, with a 1/2 inch drive impact set added for wheels and suspension.

Browse every set we carry on our tool sets and kits page.

Socket set basics

A socket fits over a nut or bolt head and connects to a ratchet, breaker bar, torque wrench or impact wrench through a square drive. The drive size sets the strength and the range of fastener sizes. Searches for "socket set," "socket tool set" and "wrench socket set" add up to well over 100,000 a month, and most of those shoppers are trying to work out the same few choices covered below.

Drive sizes explained

• 1/4 inch drive. Small fasteners, interior trim, electrical work and tight spaces. Light and precise. Example: the BoxoUSA 65 piece 1/4 inch drive SAE 12 point socket set.
• 3/8 inch drive. The everyday automotive size for engine, brake and general work.
• 1/2 inch drive. Larger fasteners, suspension and lug nuts, and most impact work. Example: the 29 piece 1/2 inch drive metric socket set.
• Combined sets. The 154 piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive metric and SAE set covers both everyday drive sizes in both systems.

Metric vs. SAE

Metric sizes are measured in millimeters and SAE sizes in fractions of an inch. Most modern cars, motorcycles and powersports vehicles use mostly metric fasteners. Older domestic vehicles, trailers and a lot of farm and shop equipment still use SAE. If you work on a mix, buy both, or choose a combined set.

6 point vs. 12 point sockets

• 6 point sockets grip the flats of a hex fastener, which spreads load and reduces the chance of rounding a tight or rusted bolt. They are the usual choice for impact sockets.
• 12 point sockets have twice as many engagement positions, which makes them easier to fit in tight spaces where the ratchet swing is short, and they fit 12 point fasteners.

Standard vs. deep sockets

Standard (shallow) sockets fit where clearance is tight. Deep sockets reach nuts on long studs and bolts, such as exhaust studs and some suspension parts. A good starter set includes both in the common sizes.

Hand sockets vs. impact sockets

Impact sockets are made to handle the hammering of an impact wrench. They are usually black and thicker walled. Chrome hand sockets are meant for ratchets and torque wrenches. Do not use chrome hand sockets on an impact wrench. If you run an impact wrench, add a dedicated impact socket set; we carry the Martins Industries Impulse 1/2 inch impact socket set in our Martins Industries range.

How to choose a socket set

1. List your work. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs or shop equipment. The vehicles decide the sizes.
2. Choose drive sizes. Start with 3/8 inch, add 1/4 inch for small fasteners and 1/2 inch for larger ones.
3. Pick metric, SAE or both. When in doubt, buy both.
4. Decide on point count. 6 point for strength, 12 point for access. Many techs own both.
5. Check what is included. Ratchets, extensions, adapters, universal joints and spark plug sockets can add real value. Read the piece list on each product page.
6. Storage. Foam trays keep every socket in its place and fit inside a tool cabinet drawer. Our BoxoUSA sets list the drawer fraction they fill, such as 1/3 or 3/3 drawer.
7. Bigger sets or a master set. If you are starting from zero, a master tool set such as the 233 piece metric and SAE master tool set or the 160 piece automotive quick service set covers sockets, wrenches and more in one purchase.

Other tools that complete a set

• Wrenches. Combination and ratcheting wrenches reach where a socket cannot. See our metric and SAE extra long and flex head ratcheting wrench sets.
• Torque wrenches. For lug nuts, drain plugs and engine fasteners that must be tightened to a spec. We carry click type and digital torque wrenches in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive.
• Pliers, screwdrivers and hammers. The 19 piece screwdriver, plier and utility set and the hammer and punch sets fill the rest of the drawer.
• Specialty sets. Motorcycle and UTV tool kits group the sizes those vehicles use.

Socket safety and care

• Use the right size socket and seat it fully on the fastener before you pull.
• Use impact sockets, not chrome sockets, on impact wrenches.
• Pull the ratchet toward you rather than pushing, so you do not hit your hand if it slips.
• Do not use a cheater pipe on a ratchet. Use a breaker bar for stuck fasteners.
• Retire sockets that are cracked, split or worn inside.
• Wipe tools clean and return them to the tray so missing pieces are easy to spot.

Where each set fits

• Home garage: a combined 1/4 and 3/8 inch metric and SAE set plus a 1/2 inch drive set.
• Professional tech: full metric and SAE sets in all three drives, 6 point and deep, plus impact sockets and torque wrenches.
• Tire shop: 1/2 inch impact sockets for lug nuts and a 1/2 inch torque wrench for final torque.
• Motorcycle and UTV owners: a metric specialty kit or a MotoBox or UTV Box with a matching set.

Common mistakes

1. Buying by piece count alone. A big number can include lots of bits and small parts. Check that the sizes you use most are there.
2. Skipping deep sockets. You will need them sooner than you think.
3. Using chrome sockets on an impact. They can crack. Use impact sockets.
4. Only buying 12 point. A 6 point socket is better on stubborn fasteners.
5. No torque wrench. Guessing at torque on lug nuts and drain plugs causes damaged threads and loose parts.
6. Loose storage. Without a tray, sockets disappear. Keep them organized.

How much does a socket set cost?

At the time of writing, socket sets on our site start around $170 for a 65 piece 1/4 inch set and $180 for a 29 piece 1/2 inch metric set, the 154 piece combined set is around $460, and master tool sets run about $1,175 to $1,300. Prices change, so check the tool sets and kits page for current pricing. Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best socket set size for a beginner?

A 3/8 inch drive metric and SAE set is the best place to start, then add 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch drive sets as your work grows.

Do I need both metric and SAE sockets?

If you work on more than one kind of vehicle or equipment, yes. Modern vehicles are mostly metric, but SAE is still common.

Are 6 point or 12 point sockets better?

6 point sockets grip better on tight or worn fasteners. 12 point sockets fit in tighter swing areas. Most techs keep both.

Can I use regular sockets with an impact wrench?

No. Use impact rated sockets with impact wrenches.

Related products

Store your set in a tool cabinet or tool box, see our power tools, and shop the BoxoUSA range. Questions? Contact us.