Socket Sets & Sockets

A quality socket set is an essential part of any toolkit. From small ratchet sets for tight spaces to heavy-duty 3/4 socket sets for serious torque, the right combination of sockets and wrenches helps you tackle any fastening task efficiently and safely.

What are socket sets useful for?

Socket sets are versatile fastening tools used across industries and trades. Whether you’re working on cars, assembling machinery, or maintaining equipment, a professional socket set provides the grip and leverage needed to tighten or loosen bolts, nuts, and fasteners of all sizes.

A typical socket set combines a ratchet wrench and a selection of interchangeable sockets that fit over bolt heads. With different drive sizes such as a 1/4 inch socket set for smaller fixings or a 3/4 socket set for heavy-duty applications, you can match your tool to your task precisely. Long socket sets and deep sockets help reach recessed bolts, while mini socket sets are perfect for compact spaces.

At ITS, you’ll find everything from affordable, cheap socket sets for occasional jobs to professional socket sets built to withstand daily use in demanding environments.

Key features and benefits of sockets and socket sets

A well-designed ratchet and socket set saves time and effort while reducing the risk of damage to fasteners. Some key features to look out for include:

Multi-Drive Options

Socket sets with 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sizes give you the flexibility to tackle a wide variety of tasks, from delicate assembly work to heavy-duty applications. Having multiple drive options in one set means you’re always prepared, whether you’re working on small fittings or large fasteners.

Metric and Imperial Sockets

Including both metric and imperial sockets ensures you can work confidently on any project, whether it involves British, European, or American machinery. This versatility is especially important for vehicle repairs, imported equipment, or older hardware where different measurement standards are used side by side.

Quick-Release Ratchets

Quick-release ratchets make swapping sockets smooth and frustration-free, even if you’re wearing gloves or your hands are oily. With a simple push-button mechanism, you can release and secure sockets instantly, saving valuable time and helping you maintain a steady workflow on demanding jobs.

Deep and Long Reach Sockets

Deep and long reach sockets are perfect for loosening or tightening nuts seated deep below the surface or in confined spaces. Their extended length allows you to access recessed fasteners without dismantling surrounding components, making them essential for engine work and complex assemblies.

Heavy-Duty Construction

Made from hardened chrome-vanadium steel, heavy-duty sockets and ratchets are engineered to endure high torque, repeated impacts, and daily use. This robust construction resists corrosion and wear, ensuring your tools maintain their strength and reliability even under tough workshop or site conditions.

Organised Storage Cases

A durable, organised storage case keeps your socket set neatly arranged and ready to transport wherever you need it. Clearly marked slots help you quickly find the right size, prevent lost pieces, and protect your tools from damage, ensuring they stay in top condition.

From small socket sets for confined spaces to large socket sets with over 100 pieces, there’s a solution for every trade and project.

Choosing the right socket set for the job

Selecting the right socket tool kit depends on your work and the types of fasteners you encounter most often.

For automotive repairs, a metric socket set or car socket set is usually the go-to choice, covering common sizes found in modern vehicles. If you’re working on machinery or older equipment, you might need an imperial or mixed set. A 1/4 socket set or mini socket set is perfect for electronics, appliances, or fine mechanical tasks where access is tight. Larger drive socket sets like 1/2” or 3/4 socket sets are designed for structural bolts and high-torque applications.

Consider these tips when choosing your socket wrench set:

• Drive Size: 1/4” for small fixings, 3/8” for general use, 1/2” and 3/4” for heavy-duty tasks.
• Socket Depth: Deep socket options help access nuts on long bolts.
• Set Contents: Look for extras such as extension bars, universal joints, and screwdriver socket attachments.
• Finish: Chrome-plated sockets resist corrosion and are easier to clean.
• Case Quality: A sturdy case keeps your socket and spanner set organised on the move.

Explore a large variety of socket sets at ITS.co.uk

At ITS, you’ll find a huge range of socket sets for sale, catering to every job and budget:

Small Socket Sets

Compact kits featuring essential drive sockets and a small ratchet, perfect for household repairs, appliance maintenance, and working in confined spaces where larger tools simply won’t fit.

Large Socket Sets

Comprehensive collections with hundreds of pieces, including sockets, extensions, and accessories, ensuring you’re fully equipped to handle any task, from automotive repairs to heavy-duty site work.

Go-Through Socket Sets

Specially designed to slide over threaded rods or long bolts, these sets let you remove fasteners that standard sockets can’t reach, making them invaluable for maintenance and assembly.

Deep and Long Reach Socket Sets

Ideal for accessing recessed bolts or working around obstructions, these sockets provide the extra length needed to tighten or loosen fixings in hard-to-reach areas.

Screwdriver Socket Sets

Combine screwdriver bits and drive sockets in one convenient kit, offering the flexibility to tackle screws, bolts, and fasteners without switching between separate tools.

Square Socket Sets and Specialist Kits

Include less common sizes, square drives, and unique profiles, giving you the capability to work on specialised machinery, vintage equipment, or non-standard fixings confidently.

Sockets from top brands you can trust

• Milwaukee socket sets – Heavy-duty socket tools engineered for daily site work.
• Dewalt sockets & socket sets – Well-regarded for robust ratchet sets with precise fit and reliable torque.
• Sealey socket sets – Wide selection of metric socket sets, long socket sets, and go-through designs.
• Bahco socket sets – Premium quality and ergonomic handles for consistent performance.
• Vaunt socket sets – Affordable, dependable socket sets for trade and DIY.

How to get the best from your socket set

To keep your socket wrench set performing its best:

• Always select the correct socket size to prevent rounding fasteners.
• Use deep sockets for protruding bolts or long studs.
• Avoid overloading smaller drive sizes - use a 1/2 inch or 3/4 socket set for high torque.
• Keep your sockets clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion.
• Store your set in its case to avoid lost pieces.

Frequently asked questions