socket wrench

A socket wrench is a type of wrench tool used for tightening bolts and nuts. It typically consists of a bar with a removable socket designed to fit a specific bolt or nut. This design is particularly useful when a bolt head is recessed below the surface of the material being fastened.12

Modern socket wrenches are often sold in sets that include various socket sizes and a removable handle. These sets can also feature different types of handles, such as T-handles or ratchet handles, and accessories like torque-measuring devices. The development of socket wrenches, alongside other wrench types like open-end and box-end wrenches, has evolved significantly over time, with early versions fitting only specific nuts or screws and modern versions being drop forgings designed for broader utility.23