Selection of socket keys for amateur and professional

You may have wondered what set of socket keys to choose. The choice is difficult, because there are many different sets of different quality, tool content, manufacturer. The choice of a particular set is not easy. Each tool company has at least one set of keys. Often, however, these are more types for different rattles. At first, we have to ask ourselves what set of keys we need. In the following part of the article, we will try to show how they differ and for whom we recommend them.

Types of socket wrench sets

Key sets can be divided, for example.due to the entry on the rattle, on the number of angles (6 or 12 angles), on the stroke or ordinary.Each of these sets has its own application – one will have a general for typically domestic use or for unscrewing most screws, other for pneumatic keys (a stroke).

Due to the entry to the rattle we distinguish: from 1/4" which are the smallest, by the average 3/8" rattle, to 1/2" or standard. They are even bigger 3/4” and 1” which are recommended for larger cars – buses, vans.

Sets 1/4’

Sets for the smallest rattle can be used for precise work and where there is little space. With the minuses you can replace relatively low durability due to small sizes. Depending on the number of cap elements, there may be more or less. In some sets we can meet bits in the cap, which are also very useful. Depending on whether we need a high-end branded set, products such as:

• SATA Key Set 38 el. 09022– these keys are characterized by a chrome trim which ensures protection against rust. SATA tools also meet ISO 9001, which shows the application of high quality production standards. Made of high-quality CrV steel, they are a very good position for demanding users. The SATA product quality can also be demonstrated by the manufacturer's unlimited guarantee.
• King Tony set of socket wrenches 48 el. 2048MRV– King Tony tools meet very high American ANSI and German DIN standards. This set also uses CrV steel. The set is very expanded – consists of 48 elements including short and long caps, extensions and bits. In this set we will find a rattle with a rotating head, which is a distinguishing feature against the competition.

Following on, the kits available on the market look at the sets from the medium and slightly lower shelf. You can find very many interesting positions in this range, not necessarily worse than your more expensive counterparts. Let's move to specific items:

• Set of socket wrenches 36 ASTA elements (A912036)– made of Chrome Vanadium special High tech finish+Kurling. Thanks to this we are sure that the caps are made of high quality materials. Plastic case is resistant to chemicals and oils. The set contains the most popular and necessary elements in the workshop.
• Richamnn C1143 Key Set– The set contains 43 elements arranged in the case. It has a very good price-quality ratio. Ideal for users who have low demands and need a kit for occasional use.

Sets 3/8’

Sets for 3/8" are less popular than analogues for 1/4 or 1/2". They are also worth looking at, because they combine the features of a small rattle set and a large one, i.e. they have relatively small dimensions and more strength than a 1/4" set (comparable with a 1/2 set). They are most commonly found in a set with rattlesnake, extensions, wrist and caps. From such sets we can distinguish the suitcase:

• SATAS09004with a lifetime warranty. We'll find 58 pieces in the case. The case is characterized by similar properties as its smaller sister from the point above. In addition to the standard equipment we will find in it extremely useful when turning candles special keys with rubber for their dismantling.
• CT0748 set of keys 3/8’ 61 el.– this is a cheaper substitute for 3/8 sets". The number of elements is practically no different from the set of Sata. It is a bit of a qualitative step away from the set, but for amateur and semi-professional applications it will manage without problem. Made of good quality CrV steel.
• CT1575 set 33 elements.In this case, the manufacturer gave up the standard rattle for the spread (telescopic). This gives you the opportunity to get to more tight places, where you also need longer than standard rattle. The whole thing is packed in a solid metal case.

Sets 1/2’

Standard rattle kits. These types of keys are of the greatest interest and so we can choose from many manufacturers. Below are some examples of sets per 1/2’:

• S09006 Tool Set– contains a set of metric caps in sizes up to 32 mm and in additionan inch cap set to 1’.The set also includes a rattle with a comfortable anti-slip handle.All made of chrome vanadium steel alloy,which is extremely durable. In addition, the keys are polished. The advantage of this set is the aforementioned lifetime guarantee for SATA tools.
• Richmann tool set 25 el. C4525– in this set we have 32 mm caps, extensions, rattle and candle keys. It is the standard equipment of the suitcases on 1/2". The rattle has 72 teeth, which is not a standard among such sets.
• C4530 set of keys 13 el.Basic set with rattle and some Richamnn caps. If someone is looking for a standard set without a lot of caps, this set will meet expectations.

Mixed sets 1/4, 3/8, 1/2’

Mixed sets contain keys with different input types. Most often it is 1/4 and 1/2", but it often happens that in one set there are keys 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2". A popular set is a set consisting of 94 elements. It contains: 2 rattles, long caps and short, bits and bits in the cap and a set of extensions. Such a set can be recommended to anyone who has a little contact with tinkering. Prices of such sets begin with just over a hundred PLN.

• The first set isDegetDV39960. It can be recommended to the least demanding users. At this price, we get a set that we can shoot occasionally without fearing that something will break or break.
• For slightly more advanced users you can recommend a setVerke94 elementsor108 elements.The 108 el. set is additionally enriched with a set of Torx-e sockets.
• Mechanics or more advanced users using keys every day should be interested in a set of socketsASTA A916094orHoniton H4056. Both sets are made of very good quality chrome-vanade CrV steel with galvanic, matt finish. To increase their strength they were hardened in oil. Both Asta and Honiton enjoy a very high reputation among users using these sets.

We've come to a set with three rattles. They contain comprehensive key equipment, which many workshops will not be ashamed of. Sometimes such sets can also be met with the addition of flat-eye keys or impact caps. Usually there are at least 150 tools in the case. They contain 3 rattles (1/4, 3/8, 1/2), 6-32 mm cap sizes, extensions, joints and bits. Different sets of different manufacturers differ in performance quality, elements and guarantee. And so we can distinguish:

• SATA key sets from 120 (S09014) and (S09510) with 150 elements. The manufacturer gives them a lifetime guarantee, which is a very big plus. Both sets have 3 rattles, while the larger one has a set of flat-eye wrenches and a set of inch sockets. Especially useful for repairing English and American cars. Due to the price that is not too low, these sets can be recommended to enthusiasts where only quality matters and price does not play a role. With such a set you can easily use it in the most difficult conditions. Even if the component is damaged, an unlimited warranty is available for the manufacturer.
• The best price-quality ratio can be considered1/4′′+ 3/8′′+ 1/2 from KS Tools. It contains 179 elements made of chrome vanadium steel. The rattles of the set have 72 teeth, which allows precise and accurate work. Matt finish, provides rust protection. We have everything you need from an extensive set. These rattles, sockets for 3 types of drills, tips – bits, extensions, candle keys.
• CT3748tool set 219 el. This is the largest set of socket keys from Neilsen. In addition to the elements that can be found in other sets (base keys, rattles, extensions) we also have a set of flat-eye keys from 8 to 19 mm. Keys are supplied in a practical and solid plastic case with metal latches and handy handle.

Seat wrenches 3/4’ and 1’

These types of kits are recommended for commercial vehicles and trucks. They have larger sizes and are massier (severe forces) than their counterparts on 1/2". Therefore, they are ideal for unscrewing the suspension system, hubs or other types of screws where greater force is required. From 3/4 sets we recommend:

• Key set 3/4 19-50 mm 12 angleNeilsen company. Besides the typical caps, we will find a rattle and extensions. The CrV steel from which the set is made provides great tool strength.
• Another set like this is Richmann.Set 3/4 18el. 6-angle 22-65mm. Includes caps from 22 to 65 mm. So this is a much larger set than Neilsen. The Richmann set has like the standard 6 angle cap, and the Neilsen set has 12 angles.

In summary, there is a lot of key sets on the market. The choice of a specific one is difficult, but after reading our guide it should make it easier to make decisions about buying. Generally, you should not save on quality if you plan to use keys very often, under difficult conditions. However, if we want occasional use, we can choose more budget keys.