Hand Tools
A Comprehensive Reference for Socket Sizes
Sockets are crucial for any mechanic, DIY enthusiast, or professional tradesperson. They allow for efficient tightening and loosening of nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. However, with a wide variety of available socket sizes, it can take time to determine the right size for a particular task. This comprehensive socket size guide will provide a detailed reference for socket dimensions, explain the different measurement systems, and offer insights to help you select the correct socket size for your projects.
Understanding Socket Size Measurements:
Imperial (Standard) System:
The imperial measurement system, known as the standard system, uses fractional inches to denote socket sizes. It is commonly used in the United States and a few other countries. In this system, socket sizes are expressed as fractions or whole numbers followed by “inch.”
Metric System:
The metric system is widely used globally and is based on the decimal system. Socket sizes in the metric system are expressed in millimeters (mm), representing the width across the flats or points of a fastener.
Socket Size Chart:
Here is a comprehensive reference chart that includes common socket sizes for both imperial and metric measurements:
Imperial Socket Sizes:
- 1/4-inch
- 5/16-inch
- 3/8-inch
- 7/16-inch
- 1/2-inch
- 9/16-inch
- 5/8-inch
- 11/16-inch
- 3/4-inch
- 13/16-inch
- 7/8-inch
- 15/16-inch
- 1-inch
- 1 1/16-inch
- 1 1/8-inch
- 1 1/4-inch
- 1 3/8-inch
- 1 1/2-inch
- 1 5/8-inch
- 1 3/4-inch
- 1 7/8-inch
- 2-inch
- 2 1/8-inch
- 2 1/4-inch
- 2 3/8-inch
- 2 1/2-inch
- 2 5/8-inch
- 2 3/4-inch
- 2 7/8-inch
- 3-inch
Metric Socket Sizes:
- 4mm
- 4.5mm
- 5mm
- 5.5mm
- 6mm
- 7mm
- 8mm
- 9mm
- 10mm
- 11mm
- 12mm
- 13mm
- 14mm
- 15mm
- 16mm
- 17mm
- 18mm
- 19mm
- 20mm
- 21mm
- 22mm
- 23mm
- 24mm
- 25mm
- 26mm
- 27mm
- 28mm
- 29mm
- 30mm
- 32mm
- 34mm
- 36mm
- 38mm
- 41mm
- 46mm
Using the Socket Size Guide:
Determine the Fastener Size:
To select the appropriate socket size, you need to know the size of the fastener you are working with. This can be determined by measuring the width across the flats or points using a caliper or measuring tape.
Choose the Correct Measurement System:
Identify whether you are working with the imperial or metric measurement system. This will determine which section of the socket size chart to refer to.
Locate the Corresponding Size:
Once you know the fastener size and measurement system, refer to the respective section of the socket size chart to find the closest match. Select the socket size that corresponds to the measured fastener size.