The Best Universal Sockets
Gone are the days of fumbling around with an entire briefcase of sockets in search of the perfect fit. Nowadays, we can reap the benefits of 21st-century technology by taking advantage of the universal socket. This simple-yet-powerful tool is a huge time saver for handymen and women. So for those in search of the perfect universal socket for their toolkit, we've scoured the market and found the best of the best. Read on to discover our top five favorites, from the best budget option to the premium pick.
KusonKey Professional Universal Socket
The Key to Your Toolkit
The best universal socket should have precision, strength, and a price tag that doesn’t make your eyes bulge. KusonKey has all three. The spring pins are tight and flush together, yet easily give way and conform to bolt heads of any shape and size. And thanks to the chrome vanadium steel construction, this option is tough as nails and built to last a long time. Pop it onto a socket wrench or a power drill using the included adapter and screw away. Best of all, for such a well-made and useful tool, the price is shockingly low.
Pros
- Precise engineering uses CR-V spring pins and vanadian steel for a durable and trusty socket.
- The 7mm to 19mm range is wide enough for just about every common nut size and shape.
- Affordable price makes you wonder why you ever spent so much money on that socket wrench set.
Cons
- Obviously not every tiny nut and massive bolt will be compatible, but it’s still a worthy tool for grab-and-go jobs.
Rak Universal Socket Grip
Rak's Got Your Back
Sporting the same strength, precision, and affordability as our Best Overall pick, the Rak Universal Socket is another fantastic option. In fact, the only real difference is that this one is a hair pricier than our previous pick. That being said, it’s still a fantastic tool that’s handy and powerful. How powerful? This baby can handle 125 pounds of torque, so feel free to pop it onto your power drill and give it a spin. Another adaptable tool, the Rak universal socket fits a wide range of nuts and bolts.
Pros
- The steel pushrods are individually tested for strength and quality.
- Large range of compatible sizes helps make switching between metric and imperial units a breeze.
- Includes a strong power drill adapter that’s rated to handle a whopping 125 pounds of torque.
Cons
- It’s slightly more expensive than the other options on our list, but still very affordable.
Effecteer Self-Adjusting Universal Socket
A Tight Fit for Tight Pockets
Convenience aside, one of the most appealing features of a universal socket is that it’s a fraction of the cost of an entire socket set. If you’re really strapped for cash, you might want to consider this inexpensive pick from Effecteer. Cheaper than most other comparable options, this pick is still a quality tool that’ll get the job done. And even though it’s a bit cheaper, it still meets all our expectations. Featuring heavy-duty steel components and a power drill adapter, the Effecteer universal Socket is a worthy addition to any tool kit. This option doesn’t boast the same testing standards or torque ratings as the more expensive options. However, at this price, we say grab one while you can.
Pros
- Super inexpensive, this one universal socket can replace an entire socket set.
- A great gift for handymen and women.
- Impressive quality considering the price.
Cons
- The springs are a bit tauter than most other options, so you’ll have to keep a light pressure when using.
Kaylan Universal Socket Wrench Set
Big Bolts Need Big Sockets
Calling these “universal” socket wrenches is a bit of a misnomer. Obviously, there’s always going to be a nut or bolt that just won’t fit the socket. However, for those that want maximum range, there are options out there. We recommend this set from Kaylan, which includes one small socket of 7-19mm and a larger socket that can handle bolts of 11-32mm in size. That’s a massive range, so unless you’re working on colossal ocean liners, you’re unlikely to find a nut bigger than that in your day-to-day. Best of all, Kaylan manufactures some of the strongest, most heavy-duty steel tools on the market.
Pros
- The combined range of compatible nut sizes is 7mm to 32mm, so this set’s got you covered.
- Made out of polished steel for corrosion resistance and reliability.
- Some overlap between the two sockets, so you can swap between them depending on the demands of the application.
Cons
- Kind of pricey, but worth it for those that want maximum range.
Wetols Universal Socket
Wetols Can Get Wet
For a universal socket that will stand the test of time, you’re going to need something that can handle moisture. And even though polished steel has some resistance to corrosion, it’s not fool-proof. So for those that are sick of dealing with orange-brown tools, we recommend the Wetols Universal Socket. This pick is “phosphated”, meaning it’s covered in a protective layer that shields the inner steel from corrosive dampness. And not only does this pick feature a long shelf life, but it’s also one of the most affordable options out there. Inexpensive, effective, and built to last, the Wetols Universal Socket might just be the last socket you ever have to buy.
Pros
- Ideal for those that work in humid or damp environments, the phosphated surface protects the steel components from corrosion.
- High value for a super low price.
- The pins are flush against each other but still retract smoothly with very little pressure.
Cons
- The maximum torque isn’t as high as the premium options, though it can still handle most standard nuts and bolts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of nuts and bolts are compatible with a universal socket?
These universal sockets conform to most types of nuts and bolts shapes. The list of compatible shapes includes: wingnuts, eyes, nuts, caps, flanges, hexes, hooks, and squares. Universal sockets can also be used on nuts and bolts of both imperial and metric sizes.
How much torque can my socket of choice handle?
The actual torque strength of these universal sockets is hard to gauge since they’re used in such a wide range of contexts. If you’re unsure if the socket will be able to handle a really tight or rusty bolt, we recommend first using it on a manual socket wrench. That way you can get a feel for the tightness of the bolt before giving it a burst with the power drill.
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