The Best Universal Sockets
Whether you're a seasoned DIY expert or just starting to take home maintenance into your own hands, it won't be long before you come across a bolt that needs tightening. These little guys come in all shapes and sizes, and we often need an extensive toolbox to accommodate their multifarious forms. So if you're looking for a compact one-size-fits-all solution, a universal socket is just what you're after. This ingenious contraption works wonders with a range of bolt sizes, saving you time and precious storage space. As we searched for the best universal sockets that money can buy, we had three questions in mind: Does the span of this adapter fit the most common bolt sizes found around the home? Is it built with durability in mind to withstand high torque and long-term use? Is it compatible with a range of manual ratchets and power tools? The RAK universal socket came out on top, with a sturdy and compact design that fits most ratchets, electric drills, and electric screwdrivers. Complete with a neat gift box, this option could be the ideal gift for aspiring handymen or new homeowners. If you're looking for an option that covers a larger range of bolt sizes, check out the versatile two-pack from Urgenex. Read on to discover the rest of our top picks.
RAK Universal Socket
The socket for every job
Get a grip on any wayward bolt or screw with this heavy-duty device. With 54 individual hardened steel pins, this socket head will find a firm grip on hex nuts, bolts, hooks, and other screw heads from 1/4″ to 3/4″ in diameter. This powerful enclosure will remain sturdy under forces of up to 125 pounds, so you can be sure to deliver the pressure required for a tight seal. The power drill attachment will allow you to bring the muscle when faced with tight screws and bolts that won’t budge under manual force.
Pros:
- The dense array of pins provides a secure hold when screwing eye hooks.
- A standard 3/8″ connection means this socket is compatible with most wrench attachments.
- We were pleasantly surprised by the premium storage box, which looks great as a gift. This socket head and attachment fit into neat foam cutouts, ideal for secure storage.
Cons:
- This socket head might not be suitable for high torque applications, like automotive bolts.
Hanpure Universal Socket
Gone are the days of rummaging through your old beaten toolbox in search of wayward ratchet heads. Chrome vanadium steel pins each suspended on an individual high-quality spring will adjust to fit objects of all shapes between 1/4″ to 3/4″, so you won’t have to switch components when tackling nuts of multiple sizes. With the included attachment this socket is ready for operation using an electric drill, electric screwdriver, or manual ratchet.
Pros:
- These internal springs retract deep into the socket head providing a firm grip on irregularly shaped objects like bent screws or nails.
- With a gift wrap option available, this could be the ideal mail-order present for known DIY enthusiasts.
- We appreciate the compact size, which packs away neatly into any toolbox.
Cons:
- The internal springs are sensitive to jamming if you apply excessive force, so go easy with power drills.
Eversee Universal Socket Ratchet Screwdriver Set
Jack of all trades
Take matters into your own hands with this all-in-one ratchet set. This kit contains all of the tools you need to tackle anything but the largest bolts, with a 54-pin universal socket attachment and 15 assorted screwdriver bits covering the gamut screw heads. An extendable driver head adds extra length for accessing hard-to-reach places, and the magnetic head will help you to keep track of loose screws and bolts no matter the angle of application.
Pros:
- The ergonomic full knuckle grip of this ratchet handle allows you to easily deliver maximum force when screwing.
- Coming in a handy toolbox, this could be a great gift idea for new homeowners or those looking to get started with DIY or woodwork.
- A buckle on the rear of the box makes this set easy to attach to work belts, offering a complete screwing solution on the move.
Cons:
- The large universal socket head can make it tricky to get a grip on bolts nestled within a tight gap.
Urgenex Universal Socket Wrench Set
Double down on all sizes
Double your capabilities with this handy dual-socket set from Urgenex that offers maximal coverage for bolts of all sizes. Two multi-function socket heads will fit bolts between 1/4″ to 1.25″, so you’re ready to unfasten joints large and small. These chrome vanadium steel pins clock in an impressive 58HRC on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, giving them a tough resilience to pressure and uneven components.
Pros:
- The 3/8″ and 1/2″ drill bit adapters offer wide compatibility with power drills and electric screwdrivers.
- Thanks to a larger operational range, this universal socket set could be a great option for automotive repairs. It can handle large wheel bolts where other options might fail.
- We found this set is perfect for working on bikes. This set of two will comfortably grip all of the bolts on a standard bicycle.
Cons:
- Don’t expect these sockets to handle a ton of abuse, since they’re better suited for situations requiring low torque.
Dia Grip Universal Socket Tool Set
With this all-in-one set from Dia Grip, you’ll be ready to tackle your next DIY project right out of the box. Get your hands dirty with this handsome 7″ ratchet wrench. Classic ergonomic proportions and a knurled handle mean you’re sure to have a steady grip when it’s time to deliver the pressure. A drill bit attachment means you won’t be short of options when facing troublesome bolts that need the extra torque.
Pros:
- The sleek, black box with foam-lined interior makes for neat and presentable storage.
- If you’ve been scratching your head looking for a way to remove old, worn fixings, these Chromoly steel pins are suitable for tackling rusty bolts.
- We found that the pins in this socket could handle a higher torque than some other options.
Cons:
- Be careful with smaller bolts when using this socket head. Pressure applied with an insecure grip could work to strip them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my universal socket work with stripped bolts?
Nothing stalls a DIY session like stripped screws and bolts. If you’ve suffered this annoying situation before you’ve probably tried all the usual tricks, like gluing a lever to the bolt head or drilling through to relieve pressure. A universal socket can help to extract stripped bolts, as the locking pins provide a firm grip around even smooth surfaces. Depending on how securely the offending bolt is screwed in, it may take some patience to get a tight grip. Regardless, if there is a tool for the job, this is it.
How does a universal socket work on so many bolt sizes?
The socket head of a universal adapter is filled with an array of spring-actuated pins. Placing the socket over a bolt causes the pins to depress as the bolt head forms an impression, allowing for a sturdy grip on objects of all shapes and sizes.
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