A ratchet and socket set will probably be one of the most expensive purchases you make in assembling a basic tool kit. Ratchet drives come in three common sizes, 1⁄2 inch, 3⁄8 inch and 1⁄4 inch drive. (There is also a 3⁄4 inch drive ratchet, but it is of little use, unless you own a very large vehicle.) When buying a ratchet, pick the size you think you'll use the most. The 1⁄4 inch size is only useful for smaller jobs. The 3⁄8 inch size is the most popular and useful. Sockets come in six- or twelve-point faces, and in standard and deep lengths.
There are plenty of specialty tools for socket sets. Universal joints allow you to get into tight places, but are frequently hard to maneuver. Adapters let you use different size drive sockets on other ratchet handles. Crowfoot wrenches are simply open-end wrench heads that fit a ratchet drive. Speeder handles; super-deep sockets, magnetic inserts, and screwdriver bits are all nice to have, if you have a use for them. If not, don't bother cluttering up your toolbox. Spark plugs require a deep socket, while the standard length is suitable for most of the other jobs you will encounter. The six-point sockets are heavier and give a better grip, but the twelve-point sockets offer more turning positions for working in tight places.
You can also do yourself a big favor and choose a flexible head ratchet over a regular ratchet. A flex head 3⁄8 inch drive ratchet with a 6 inch extension will enable you to do most any job you want to do.
The ratchet handle comes in various lengths with a varying number of teeth on the ratchet. If you have a choice, pick the shorter ratchet handle and the one with the most teeth on the ratchet mechanism (most clicks per turn of the handle). This will give you the greatest flexibility to reach tight places and the fewest bruised knuckles.
| Fig. 1: Common ratchet sets come in 1⁄2 inch, 3⁄8 inch,
and 1⁄4 inch
sizes
|
| Fig. 2: Some of the many different types of sockets available
|
