Sockets & Ratchets
Most socket injuries are skinned and broken knuckles when a socket slips or a ratchet lets go under force. The worse ones happen when a socket shatters or a handle breaks. Using the right socket for the job and the right handle for the force prevents most of them.
- Mechanics
- Construction
- Maintenance
Choose the right socket
- Exact size: a socket one size too big rounds off fasteners and slips. Don’t mix metric and SAE sizes that are “close enough.”
- 6-point sockets grip the flats of the fastener and are less likely to slip or round off. Use them for tight or rusted bolts.
- 12-point sockets are easier to fit in tight spaces but slip more under high force.
- Use deep sockets for long studs, and seat the socket fully on the fastener before applying force.
Impact vs. chrome sockets
- Never use chrome hand sockets on impact wrenches. They’re hard and brittle and can crack or shatter, throwing pieces.
Impact sockets are usually black, thicker-walled and made of tougher steel. Use them with impact wrenches, along with impact-rated extensions, adapters and universal joints. See Impact Wrenches.
Using a ratchet
- Pull toward you instead of pushing, so if the fastener breaks loose you don’t fall forward or slam your knuckles.
- Keep a firm footing and a balanced stance, especially on ladders and lifts.
- Use a breaker bar to break loose tight fasteners, then switch to the ratchet.
- Keep your free hand out of the path the handle will swing through.
- Wear safety glasses. Rust, dirt and broken parts can fly.
- Don’t put a pipe or cheater bar on a ratchet handle. The ratchet mechanism can fail suddenly.
- Don’t hammer on a ratchet or socket.
- Don’t use a ratchet as a torque wrench. See Torque Wrenches.
Inspect your sockets and handles
- No cracks, especially at the corners of the opening
- Openings not spread or rounded inside
- Ratchet engages in both directions and the direction switch holds
- Extensions and universal joints not bent or worn
- Damaged tools tagged out and replaced
Near electricity
Standard sockets and ratchets are metal and conduct electricity. When work near energized parts is allowed, use insulated tools rated for the voltage. See Insulated Hand Tools.
Hand health
Long days on ratchets strain wrists and elbows. Use power ratchets for repetitive work, and take breaks. See Repetitive Motion.
Standards & references
Last updated: