Sockets and Ratchets: The Most Essential Tools for Every Mechanic

Having the right tools in your garage or workshop really can change the game when it comes to how easy and efficient your work is. Some of the key hand tools that mechanics rely on are a variety of sockets and ratchets.

Having the correct sockets, ratchets, and attachments really does make it easier to work with pretty much any hardware you will come across, giving you leverage and improving access you may not have otherwise. In this guide, we’re going to cover the must-have socket and ratchet tools that every mechanic should have in their toolbox and where beginners should start.

1. Socket Sets (Deep & Shallow, Metric & SAE)

A good socket set is fundamental for any mechanic. Sockets come in two main depths: shallow for most uses with the most torque and deep for accessing recessed bolts and clearance for threaded nuts.

Main Uses:

• Tightening and loosening nuts and bolts effectively.
• Available in both metric and SAE (inch-based) sizes for compatibility with different hardware, vehicles, and fasteners.
• Deep sockets provide extra reach, while shallow sockets are great for tight spaces and more control.

Beginner mechanics or enthusiasts should focus on investing in a comprehensive socket set that includes both metric and SAE sizes, as well as six-point and twelve-point sockets for different applications. The socket and ratchet sets will be the foundation of most mechanic’s toolboxes and will be something you probably use daily. This is definitely one of the places to invest in quality and upgrade when necessary. A good set with short and deep sockets in different drives will be the best place to start. Here is a good example of a socket set from Tekton.

2. Impact Sockets (For Air or Electric Impact Wrenches)

Impact sockets are specially designed to withstand the high torque output of air or electric impact wrenches. Most new mechanics may be surprised the first time they crack or shatter a regular socket when they put it on a high-torque impact gun; that’s where the impact socket becomes a necessity.

Main Uses:

• Removing stubborn, rusted, or high-torque fasteners such as wheel lugs and subframe bolts.
• Most often used with air-powered or cordless impact wrenches.
• More durable than standard sockets due to their thicker walls and impact-resistant material.

Choose chrome-molybdenum (Cr-Mo) steel impact sockets for durability and longevity. Cr-Mo has more elasticity than the chrome vanadium steel of a normal socket, so it is more likely to bend than break. This means it has a better chance of withstanding the vibrations of powered tools and less potential for a dangerous situation. Here is a good example of an impact socket set from Craftsman.

3. Spark Plug Sockets (With Inserts)

Spark plug sockets are specially designed to remove and install spark plugs without damaging them. While these are not as necessary as a regular socket set, if you are working on cars, then the time savings and reliability of these special sockets will far outweigh the price.

Main Uses:

• Best for removing and installing spark plugs without cracking the ceramic insulator of the plug.
• Comes with a rubber insert or magnetic feature to securely hold the spark plug, making removal and installation much easier and less likely to strip or cross-thread the part or the engine’s head.
• Available in various sizes, commonly 5/8″ and 13/16″, recommend several based on what you are working on.

You can use an extension and universal joint to reach spark plugs in tight engine bays, like the backside of a transverse V6 or V8. Without these tools, jobs like these would not only take much longer; they can be downright infuriating. Here is a good example of a spark plug socket set from Craftsman.

4. Swivel Sockets and U-Joints

Swivel sockets, also known as universal joint (or U-joint) sockets, have a pivoting design that allows them to reach bolts at awkward angles. These types of attachments can save massive amounts of time by allowing you to work around something instead of having to remove more components, also saving the potential risk of damage or additional replacement costs such as gaskets or fluids.

Main Uses:

• Perfect for working in tight spaces with difficult bolt angles.
• Reduces the need for multiple extensions or additional part removal.
• Great for accessing bolts in engine bays, suspension components, and under dashboards.

Use impact-rated swivel sockets for high-torque applications to prevent wear and tear similar to the sockets listed above. You won’t want to put an impact socket on a standard U-joint, as it can come apart rather violently from the shock of the impact wrench. These are useful to have in the same sizes that you have ratchets in, most commonly 1/4,” 3/8,” and 1/2.” Here is a good example of a swivel socket set from Gearwrench.

5. Breaker Bar

A breaker bar is a long, non-ratcheting bar that provides maximum leverage for loosening stubborn or over-tightened fasteners. When using a breaker bar, ensure that your socket is seated cleanly on the nut or bolt so that the torque applied doesn’t strip the fastener’s head.

Main Uses:

• Breaking loose seized or rusted bolts that are way too tight.
• Reduces strain on your standard ratchets.
• Available in different lengths, typically 18″ to 30″, for added leverage.

You can do this a few different ways; you can get a non-ratcheting bar wrench that your socket attaches to, or you can get a cheater pipe (a longer pipe fitted over the handle) to gain additional leverage when necessary. A common cheater pipe I use often is the long arm of my floor jack slipped over my breaker bar (or ratchet if you are lazy like me). Here is a good example of a breaker bar from Craftsman.

6. Ratchet Wrenches

Ratchet wrenches, or more simply known as just ratchets, are probably the absolute most ‘go-to’ tool for quickly tightening and loosening bolts with socket attachments. Beginners especially, before you get power tools for everything, you will likely use a ratchet for almost everything you do on a car, every time.

Main Uses:

• Essential for fastening and removing nuts and bolts efficiently.
• Three most common drive sizes:
  • 1/4″ drive: Best for small fasteners and precision work.
  • 3/8″ drive: The most common size, suitable for most automotive applications.
  • 1/2″ drive: Used for high-torque applications such as wheels, suspension, and heavy engine work.

In addition to the different drive sizes, you will eventually want to expand into different lengths of the various ratchets and would even suggest considering flex-head ratchets and stubby ratchets for better access in tight spaces. These are tools you will definitely want to spend a little more to get a high-quality ratchet with a good warranty. Here is a good example of a ratchet set from Craftsman.

7. Torque Wrenches

A torque wrench is used to tighten bolts to manufacturer-specified torque settings, ensuring proper clamping force and preventing over-tightening. Many new mechanics and DIYers often skip this, using the commonly joked German torque spec known as “GutenTight,” but to do the job correctly, you will want to get yourself a torque wrench (and actually use it!)

Main Uses:

• Key to preventing over-tightening or under-tightening of hardware, which can lead to failures (sometimes catastrophic failures).
• Essential for critical items such as engine work, suspension components, and wheel lug nuts.
• Available in cheaper manual (click-type) and more expensive and precise digital models.

Starting out, a standard 1/2″ drive click-style torque wrench is probably the best, as you can size up and down as needed and then expand your collection from there. Always store click-type torque wrenches at their lowest setting to maintain accuracy. Once you start doing more sensitive work like rebuilding engines or torque to yield fasteners, you may want to get digital torque wrenches that have degree settings as well. Here is a good example of a torque wrench from Tekton.

8. Extensions and Attachments

Extensions and various attachments can enhance the effective use of your sockets and ratchets by providing greater reach and flexibility. You may be surprised about the creative approach needed for some jobs, where stacking extensions and possibly a wobble extension that is several feet long to get around other components can save you hours on a job, so these can be quite handy.

Main Uses:

• Extensions: Help reach bolts in deep or recessed areas; get these in various lengths in all of your ratchet drive sizes.
• Adapters: Convert between different drive sizes (e.g., 3/8″ to 1/2″). Sometimes when paired with extensions, this may be the only way to physically fit your tools onto the nuts or bolts to be removed.
• Wobble extensions: Provide slight angular movement for better access when a U-joint may be too large to fit in the tight space you have.

Keep a set of various-length extensions and adapters in your toolbox to improve accessibility and make jobs easier. I highly suggest slowly adding multiples of these to your toolbox over time, as you can stack them. You can even get flexible extensions that can be shockingly helpful, although you won’t be able to apply much torque to them. Here is a good example of an extension and adapter set from Gearwrench.

Final Thoughts

Having a complete socket and ratchet set is essential for every mechanic, whether you’re performing routine maintenance or swapping engines. Investing in high-quality tools will improve your efficiency, accuracy, and overall work experience.

Whatever tool brands you choose to buy, focusing on a complete/lifetime warranty and accessibility for replacements should be your priority. As you break tools (which you will), you may choose to upgrade over time if you notice you are breaking the same things over and over.

If you are a beginner and learning what other tools you need to set up your garage and fill your toolbox, we discuss a lot of the garage and tool essentials here. By equipping yourself with these basic tools early on, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any mechanical job with confidence and build your foundation as you grow your skills and tool collection.