opening, very much like the opening in the box-end
wrench. The 12-point socket needs to be swung only
half as far as the 6-point socket before it has to be lifted
and fitted on the nut for a new grip. It can therefore be
used in closer quarters where there is less room to move
the handle. (A ratchet handle eliminates the necessity of
lifting the socket and refitting it on the nut again and
again.)
Sockets are classified by size according to two
factors. One is the size of the square opening, which fits
on the square drive lug of the handle. This size is known
as the drive size. The other is the size of the opening in
the opposite end, which fits the nut or bolt. The
standard toolbox can be outfitted with sockets having
1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch-square drive lugs. Larger sets
are usually available in the tool room for temporary
checkout. The openings that fit onto the bolt or nut are
usually graduated in 1/16-inch sizes. Sockets are also
made in deep lengths to fit over spark plugs and long
bolt ends.
Socket Handles
There are four types of handles used with these
sockets. (See fig. 1-32.) Each type has special
advantages, and the experienced worker chooses the
one best suited for the job at hand. The square driving
lug on the socket wrench handles has a spring-loaded
ball that fits into a recess in the socket receptacle. This
mated ball-recess feature keeps the socket engaged
with the drive lug during normal usage. A slight pull on
the socket, however, disassembles the connection.
RATCHET.—The ratchet handle has a reversing
lever that operates a pawl (or dog) inside the head of the
tool. Pulling the handle in one direction causes the pawl
to engage the ratchet teeth and turn the socket. Moving
the handle in the opposite direction causes the pawl to
slide over the teeth, permitting the handle to back up
without moving the socket. This allows rapid turning of
the nut or bolt after each partial turn of the handle. With
the reversing lever in one position, the handle can be
used for tightening. In the other position, it can be used
for loosening.
HINGED HANDLE.—The hinged handle is also
very convenient. To loosen tight nuts, swing the handle
at right angles to the socket. This gives the greatest
possible leverage. After loosening the nut to the point
where it turns easily, move the handle into the vertical
position and then turn the handle with the fingers.
SLIDING T-BAR HANDLE.—When you are
using the sliding bar or T-handle, the head can be
positioned anywhere along the sliding bar. Select the
position that is needed for the job at hand.
SPEED HANDLE.—The speed handle is worked
like the woodworker's brace. After the nuts are first
loosened with the sliding bar handle or the ratchet
handle, the speed handle can be used to remove the nuts
more quickly. In many instances the speed handle is not
strong enough to be used for breaking loose or
tightening the nut. The speed socket wrench should be
used carefully to avoid damaging the nut threads.
Accessories
Several accessory items complete the socket
wrench set. Extension bars of different lengths are
made to extend the distance from the socket to the
handle. A universal joint allows the nut to be turned
with the wrench handle at an angle. Universal sockets
are also available. The use of universal joints, bar
extensions, and universal sockets in combination with
appropriate handles makes it possible to form a variety
of tools that will reach otherwise inaccessible nuts and
bolts.
Another accessory item is an adapter, which allows
you to use a handle having one size of drive and a socket
having a different size drive. For example, a 3/8- by
1/4-inch adapter makes it possible to turn all
1/4-inch-square drive sockets with any 3/8-inch-square
drive handle.
TORQUE WRENCHES
There are times when, for engineering reasons, a
definite force must be applied to a nut or bolt head. In
such cases a torque wrench must be used. For example,
equal force must be applied to all the head bolts of an
engine. Otherwise, one bolt may bear the brunt of the
force of internal combustion and ultimately cause
engine failure.
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