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Sockets are tubular driver head attachments used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. They attach to the heads of drivers, drills, and other tools with output drive heads. Sockets are normally made from steel and are most commonly used with ratchet handles of various sizes. Combined together they provide more torque leverage than a simple spanner, helping you to tighten or remove nuts and bolts with less physical effort.

There are two main classifications of sockets and a few different types of sockets, each with significant differences that make them suitable for specific jobs. It is important to match the socket size and type with the size and type of the tool and the size of the nut or bolt. Common sizes for sockets include 36mm sockets and 10mm sockets.

While regular sockets may be made from steel alloy, impact sockets have a hardened carbonized surface, also known as heat-treated or drop forged. This allows an impact socket to manage torque impact changes. Non-impact (standard) sockets will bend or break when used with an impact tool, such as an impact socket wrench. This can be dangerous and cause injuries or damage to the tools or piece of machinery being worked on.

Hex sockets, an abbreviation of hexagonal, are another socket design consisting of two types, 6-point, and 12-point. A hex socket will fit naturally around a six-sided nut or bolt. A 12-point hex socket also fits around a hex bolt; this is also known as a bi-hex or double hex socket. A double hex provides more flexibility in confined spaces and creates more friction contact points. Hex sockets are often sold in hex socket sets or as pieces in socket wrench sets.

Deep sockets are also known as deep dive sockets and are longer than standard sockets. They provide added accessibility in limited spaces and in hard to reach places. Their deeper barrel allows them to reach bolts that are recessed.

Insulated sockets are safe to work on live equipment up to 1000V. They are typically used by electricians and maintenance engineers working on live equipment.

### What are Sockets Made From?

Regular sockets are commonly made from the steel alloy chrome vanadium, though others might be made from or plated with beryllium copper or aluminum bronze. Impact sockets need to be able to handle heavy vibrations, and are therefore commonly made from the more pliable chrome molybdenum.

### Socket Applications

Sockets and socket wrenches are used primarily in the automotive industry, specifically with fixing or replacing tires and performing maintenance on a car or motorcycle engine. Many car and motorcycle enthusiasts like to keep a ¼ or ½ ratchet socket and a socket wrench set in their garages or in their cars for quick and easy maintenance and repairs. With similar applications, socket wrenches are also needed in Civil Engineering, Marine Maintenance, and Aerospace Industries.

RS carries a full line of sockets across all sizes and makes. Whether you need a ¼ inch square socket, a ½ ratchet socket, or are in the market for a hex socket set, you can find what you need with RS.



Shop sockets that fit on any socket wrench, from individual 10mm sockets and 36mm sockets, to entire socket sets!

Wrench Sockets & Ratchet Sockets | RS

Sockets

Shop our range of 19mm Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

19mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of Bahco Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

Bahco Sockets | RS

Shop our range of Facom Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

Facom Sockets | RS

Shop our range of Gedore Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

Gedore Sockets | RS

Shop our range of ITL Insulated Tools Ltd Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

ITL Insulated Tools Ltd Sockets | RS

Shop our range of RS PRO Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

RS PRO Sockets | RS

Shop our range of SKF Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

SKF Sockets | RS

Shop our range of STAHLWILLE Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

STAHLWILLE Sockets | RS

Shop our range of Teng Tools Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

Teng Tools Sockets | RS

Shop our range of Wera Sockets. Free Delivery Available.

Wera Sockets | RS

Buy 18 mm Sockets. Browse our latest Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

18 mm Sockets | RS

Buy 3/4 in Sockets. Browse our latest Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

3/4 in Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 22mm Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

22mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 20mm Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

20mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 10mm Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

10mm Sockets | RS

Buy 21mm Sockets. Browse our latest Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

21mm Sockets | RS

Buy 25mm Sockets. Browse our latest Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

25mm Sockets | RS

Buy 27mm Sockets. Browse our latest Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

27mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 15mm Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

15mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 13mm Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

13mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 30mm Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

30mm Sockets | RS

Buy 12mm Sockets. Browse our latest Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

12mm Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 1/2 in Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

1/2 in Sockets | RS

Shop our range of 1/4 in Sockets. Browse our latest offers for Sockets. Fast and hassle free delivery.

1/4 in Sockets | RS

Buy Knipex Sockets. Browse our latest Knipex Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

Knipex Sockets | RS

Buy SAM Sockets. Browse our latest SAM Sockets offers. Fast and hassle free delivery.

SAM Sockets | RS

Shop from our full range of 17mm sockets from leading global manufacturers, including deep impact sockets and 17mm hex sockets.

17mm Socket, 17mm Hex Sockets & Deep Sockets | RS

17mm sockets are a specific size of socket, spanning all socket types, that measures 17mm in diameter. The 17mm diameter measurement is the output measurement of the socket, meaning that it will fit over fasteners that are also 17mm in diameter.Sockets are drive head attachments used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Sockets are placed over the fastening as opposed to around them, giving users a different angle to approach tightening or loosening a fastening. There are many different types of sockets, including hex sockets, impact sockets, nut drivers, and more.Individual sockets are simply accessories that need to fit over the drive head of a turning tool, such as a spanner. The square tip of the turning tool is called the drive, and different drive heads, such as sockets, ratchets, and drivers, attach to the drive. The most common drive sizes are ¼ in,⅜ in, ½ in, and ¾ in. 17mm sockets are somewhat in the middle range for socket sizes and therefore will be found with either a ½ in or⅜ in drive.17mm sockets are not the most common size, but luckily RS sells a wide range of individual sockets, 17mm hex bits, and other head attachments measured at 17mm.<h2>17mm Hex Sockets</h2>17mm hex sockets get their name because they have six flat contact edges within the socket that make the shape of a hexagon. Hex sockets are designed for use with hex bolts and hex nuts. In addition to the standard six-sided hex sockets, we carry 12-point hex sockets, also known as bi-hex or double hex sockets. A double hex provides more flexibility in confined spaces and creates twice the amount of friction contact points.Hex sockets are the preferred and standard shape for sockets and are used in nearly every industry, ranging from simple auto mechanic work to large manufacturing. 17mm hex sockets and 17mm hex bits are commonly used for service German automobiles and motorcycles and are sometimes used for assembling heavy-duty medical equipment.<h2>17mm Deep Sockets</h2>Deep sockets are a type of socket that has a longer barrel than standard-sized sockets, designed for accessing hard to reach fastening or fastenings in which the nut is recessed. The most common example of using a deep socket is for tightening or loosening a lug nut on a car.17mm deep sockets are often made of chrome vanadium, however, for more heavy duty purposes, such as use with pneumatic impact tools, you would need to use a 17mm deep impact socket made from chrome molybdenum.Impact sockets are used in conjunction with pneumatic impact tools like impact guns, impact wrenches, or impact drivers. During application, the hammer action from the impact tool delivers multiple blows and high torque to break stubborn fasteners free. Impact sockets most commonly have a dark, blackened finish compared to non-impact sockets as they have a carbonized coating which helps them to harden under the impact and manage torque impact changes due to their material makeup.Non-impact (standard) sockets will bend or break when used with an impact tool, such as an impact socket wrench. This can be dangerous and cause injuries or damage to the tools or pieces of machinery being worked on.As mentioned above, 17mm long sockets are often used with service German automobiles, as German manufacturers, more than others, are keen on using 17mm fastenings. If you are an owner of a German car, you might want to keep a few 17mm impact sockets on hand for home repair.

Shop from our full range of 24mm sockets from leading global manufacturers, including deep impact sockets and hex sockets.

24mm Sockets, 24mm Hex Socket, 24mm | RS

24mm sockets are a specific size of socket, spanning all socket types, that measures 24mm in diameter. The 24mm diameter measurement is the output measurement of the socket, meaning that it will fit over fasteners that are also 24mm in diameter.Sockets are drive head attachments used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Sockets are placed over the fastening as opposed to around them, giving users a different angle to approach tightening or loosening a fastening. There are many different types of sockets, including hex sockets, impact sockets, and more.Individual sockets are simply accessories that need to fit over the drive head of a turning tool, such as a spanner. The square tip of the turning tool is called the drive, and different drive heads, such as sockets, ratchets, and drivers, attach to the drive. The most common drive sizes are ¼ in,⅜ in, ½ in, and ¾ in. 24mm sockets are on the large end of socket sizes and therefore will be found with either a ½ in or ¾ in drive.24mm sockets are not the most common size, but luckily RS sells a wide range of individual sockets, 24mm 12-point sockets, and other head attachments measured at 24mm.<h2>24mm Deep Sockets</h2>Deep sockets are a type of socket that has a longer barrel than standard-sized sockets, designed for accessing hard to reach fastening or fastenings in which the nut is recessed. The most common example of using a deep socket is for tightening or loosening a lug nut on a car.24mm deep sockets are often made of chrome vanadium, however, for more heavy duty purposes, such as use with pneumatic impact tools, you would need to use a 24mm deep impact socket made from chrome molybdenum.Impact sockets are used in conjunction with pneumatic impact tools like impact guns, impact wrenches, or impact drivers. During application, the hammer action from the impact tool delivers multiple blows and high torque to break stubborn fasteners free. Impact sockets most commonly have a dark, blackened finish compared to non-impact sockets as they have a carbonized coating which helps them to harden under the impact and manage torque impact changes due to their material makeup.Non-impact (standard) sockets will bend or break when used with an impact tool, such as an impact socket wrench. This can be dangerous and cause injuries or damage to the tools or pieces of machinery being worked on.24mm impact sockets are often used with servicing automobiles such as Rolls Royce and Jaguar. If you are an owner of such a car, you might want to keep a few 24mm impact sockets on hand for home or emergency roadside repair.<h2>24mm Hex Sockets</h2>24mm hex sockets get their name because they have six flat contact edges within the socket that make the shape of a hexagon. Hex sockets are designed for use with hex bolts and hex nuts. In addition to the standard six-sided hex sockets, we carry 12-point hex sockets, also known as bi-hex or double hex sockets. A double hex provides more flexibility in confined spaces and creates twice the amount of friction contact points.Hex sockets are the preferred and standard shape for sockets and are used in nearly every industry, ranging from simple auto mechanic work to large manufacturing. 24mm hex sockets are commonly used for servicing certain brands of automobiles and motorcycles and are sometimes used for assembling heavy-duty equipment.

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