Tube wrenches, that is, a female driver to wrap around the male head of a bolt or nut, have been around for a few centuries. Early examples include keys used to wind clocks since the Middle Ages. The heads and cavities were typically square. Hex heads eventually became more common starting in the 19th century. The ratcheting socket wrench "Ratchet (mechanical)"), with interchangeable (indexable) sockets, was invented by an American, J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vermont "Woodstock (Vermont)"). The tool was patented (Patent No. 38,914) at the Patent Agency on June 16, 1863.[4]​[5]​ The first illustration of the tool appears on p. 248 of the Scientific American issue of April 16, 1864.[6]​.

Bolt heads and square sockets were the easiest to make in the days when hand filing "File (tool)") was the typical manufacturing method. With the proliferation of modern manufacturing methods, it became easy to manufacture hexagonal heads and sockets. The hexagonal shape allows for easier adjustment in tight environments (where nearby obstacles obstruct the wrench's turn), because fewer degrees of arc are needed with each turn before the wrench needs to be repositioned in the shim. Ratcheting wrenches further reduce this problem, as the wrench only needs to be turned as many degrees as necessary for the ratchet to catch the next tooth.

The quick release feature common to ratchets was invented by Peter M. Roberts.[7]​.

Interchangeable glasses

Several manufacturers make other specialized ratchets, with hammer heads, various drive sizes, and other unusual features.

Motorized keys

There are versions of ratchet-powered tools that use compressed air power to drive pneumatic socket wrenches that tighten or loosen nuts or bolts. Another type of compressed air powered tools are impact wrenches that are used for common tasks such as tightening wheel nuts. Electric impact wrenches for the same tasks are also not uncommon. Small 12 and 18 volt cordless impact devices are often used today as power ratchets for removing and installing nuts and bolts. Ratchets with hydraulic motors, characterized by their high torque, are rare outside of heavy industry. Sockets used for impact work (called "impact sockets") are made with thicker walls and tempered to a lower hardness so as not to break under the impacts of the impact tool. They typically have a black oxide finish rather than the usual chrome plating of the hand tool variety. Standard sockets (i.e. non-impact sockets) can break if used with impact wrenches, posing a safety risk.

Contenido

Hay dos tipos principales de vasos para llaves estándar y para accionamientos de impacto. Se hace referencia a los vasos por su número de "puntos" para las intersecciones puntiagudas de sus lados interiores multifacéticos. Los diseños comunes incluyen:.

Las formas menos utilizadas incluyen el cuadrado de 4 puntos, el triple cuadrado de 12 puntos (que no debe confundirse con el doble hexágono de 12 puntos) y el octogonal de 8 puntos (que no debe confundirse con la forma más común de doble cuadrado de 8 puntos). Estas formas menos comunes se encuentran típicamente en aplicaciones especiales o industrias particulares como aviones, accesorios de plomería de PVC o automóviles fabricados en Alemania y el Reino Unido. Con vagones de ferrocarril, tornillos de ajuste de válvulas y tapones de tubería, el destornillador de forma cuadrada de 4 puntos todavía se puede encontrar en configuraciones de uso general tanto macho como hembra. Las tuercas y las cabezas de los pernos también se producen en formas de doble hexágono de 12 puntos y varios tipos de ranuras, más comunes en aplicaciones aeronáuticas y aeroespaciales.

Cuando se trabaja con llaves hexagonales comunes de 6 puntos, el casquillo con forma de 12 puntos ofrece el doble de puntos de partida o posibles posiciones para colocar el casquillo en la tuerca, por lo que permite la alineación cada 30 grados, en lugar de cada 60 grados de ángulo. La mayoría de los fabricantes de vasos para pernos hexagonales más grandes los producen en configuraciones de 6 puntos (hexagonales) y tamaños limitados de 12 puntos (doble hexagonal).

Algunos casquillos especializados están hechos con un casquillo especializado de "6 flautas", etc. que se conecta a pernos dañados de tamaños métricos y fraccionarios para su extracción. Algunos enchufes especializados están hechos para adaptarse a aplicaciones especializadas específicas y están diseñados y dimensionados para esa aplicación específica. Las tomas de bujías, las tomas de sensor de oxígeno, las tomas de rótula, las tomas de tuercas del eje, etc. encajan en esta categoría.

Impact sockets

Sockets for use with an impact wrench or impact driver are subjected to higher torques, which are also percussive, so these sockets are made from stronger materials. They are made from a thicker, stronger and more ductile steel alloy, and often use CrMo steel to replace the CrV steel normally used in non-impact sockets. Most impact sockets made for "standard" hex systems have a six-point design.

Chrome sockets are not suitable as the impact wrench can break the chrome plating, which can form razor-sharp flakes; Consequently, impact sockets use different coatings, often a black phosphate or black oxide conversion coating.

Standard and deep length sockets

Sockets are available in various depths or lengths, often divided by most manufacturers into two categories "standard" and "deep" depending on the ANSI or DIN standard to which they are manufactured and the tolerances allowed by those specifications for each socket length. Because the standards allow some flexibility in tolerances, it is common to see two manufacturers make deep sockets of the same size but with slightly different depths, even though they both meet the same specification. The standard length, also known as "shallow" sockets, has a lower profile and allows the user to access nuts in tight spaces. Deep sockets are useful for converting nuts to bolts when the bolt extends up into the socket (as is the case with many bolted joints), a very typical example being exhaust clamp bolts on an automobile. Low profile connectors, even shorter than standard connectors, are available for some applications, typically oil filter removal on engines with limited access.

Although most manufacturers offer only the sizes and depths described within standard ANSI or DIN specifications, there are some exceptions. Specialized manufacturers such as IMPERIAL-Newton Corp offer an expanded range of "extra deep" sockets for special industrial applications; and popular brands like Snap-on or Mac Tools offer what are called "semi-deep" or "mid-length" sockets, which provide much of the depth of a deep socket, while fitting into tighter spaces.

Through sockets and ratchets

Some glasses are designed to have the same outside diameter and shape within a certain size. Each step socket, within a given socket set, is designed to be used with a "special" ratchet that fits on the outside of the socket and not in the middle of the socket. By positioning the outside of the socket, they allow the bolt or stud to extend through the socket, eliminating the need for a deep socket in some applications. By attaching to the outside of the plug, they also allow the plug to be built up to 50% shorter and 20% less wide, which is an advantage in some situations. Step sockets and ratchets are designed for -inch, -inch and -inch sets in SAE and metric sizes. By using a fine-toothed ratchet and socket system that allows you to use a pitch ratchet like a conventional ratchet handle with interchangeable -inch and -inch drives. Some ratchets can be used with standard sockets. They are built by various manufacturers under a variety of trade names. Craftsman Tools calls it Max Axess and also sells GearWrench Pass-Thru brands. Lowes calls their plug system Xtreme Access, etc. Ratcheting open-end wrenches can often be used in the same application, but will almost always be significantly wider.

Male devices

Fitting devices with male-type ends are sometimes incorrectly called sockets, but in fact they are the opposite of a socket: a socket is a female recess or opening that receives another object. Wrenches with common male tip devices of this type include Allen hex wrenches (in metric and fractional inch sizes), Torx spline wrenches (T-3 to T-50), 4-point (square) and 12-point (triple square) sockets. Other specialized screw heads that are often installed or removed with screwdriver-type handles and appropriate tip type have socket varieties that fit different screw head types and can be attached to a socket wrench. Conversely, for low-torque situations, a "socket wrench" screwdriver handle with a socket wrench-type attachment on one end can be attached to many different types of sockets, screwdrivers, and extensions.

These are some of the common accessories used with -inch, -inch, -inch (and so on) socket wrenches.

Tube wrenches, that is, a female driver to wrap around the male head of a bolt or nut, have been around for a few centuries. Early examples include keys used to wind clocks since the Middle Ages. The heads and cavities were typically square. Hex heads eventually became more common starting in the 19th century. The ratcheting socket wrench "Ratchet (mechanical)"), with interchangeable (indexable) sockets, was invented by an American, J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vermont "Woodstock (Vermont)"). The tool was patented (Patent No. 38,914) at the Patent Agency on June 16, 1863.[4]​[5]​ The first illustration of the tool appears on p. 248 of the Scientific American issue of April 16, 1864.[6]​.

Bolt heads and square sockets were the easiest to make in the days when hand filing "File (tool)") was the typical manufacturing method. With the proliferation of modern manufacturing methods, it became easy to manufacture hexagonal heads and sockets. The hexagonal shape allows for easier adjustment in tight environments (where nearby obstacles obstruct the wrench's turn), because fewer degrees of arc are needed with each turn before the wrench needs to be repositioned in the shim. Ratcheting wrenches further reduce this problem, as the wrench only needs to be turned as many degrees as necessary for the ratchet to catch the next tooth.

The quick release feature common to ratchets was invented by Peter M. Roberts.[7]​.

Interchangeable glasses

Several manufacturers make other specialized ratchets, with hammer heads, various drive sizes, and other unusual features.

Motorized keys

There are versions of ratchet-powered tools that use compressed air power to drive pneumatic socket wrenches that tighten or loosen nuts or bolts. Another type of compressed air powered tools are impact wrenches that are used for common tasks such as tightening wheel nuts. Electric impact wrenches for the same tasks are also not uncommon. Small 12 and 18 volt cordless impact devices are often used today as power ratchets for removing and installing nuts and bolts. Ratchets with hydraulic motors, characterized by their high torque, are rare outside of heavy industry. Sockets used for impact work (called "impact sockets") are made with thicker walls and tempered to a lower hardness so as not to break under the impacts of the impact tool. They typically have a black oxide finish rather than the usual chrome plating of the hand tool variety. Standard sockets (i.e. non-impact sockets) can break if used with impact wrenches, posing a safety risk.

Contenido

Hay dos tipos principales de vasos para llaves estándar y para accionamientos de impacto. Se hace referencia a los vasos por su número de "puntos" para las intersecciones puntiagudas de sus lados interiores multifacéticos. Los diseños comunes incluyen:.

Las formas menos utilizadas incluyen el cuadrado de 4 puntos, el triple cuadrado de 12 puntos (que no debe confundirse con el doble hexágono de 12 puntos) y el octogonal de 8 puntos (que no debe confundirse con la forma más común de doble cuadrado de 8 puntos). Estas formas menos comunes se encuentran típicamente en aplicaciones especiales o industrias particulares como aviones, accesorios de plomería de PVC o automóviles fabricados en Alemania y el Reino Unido. Con vagones de ferrocarril, tornillos de ajuste de válvulas y tapones de tubería, el destornillador de forma cuadrada de 4 puntos todavía se puede encontrar en configuraciones de uso general tanto macho como hembra. Las tuercas y las cabezas de los pernos también se producen en formas de doble hexágono de 12 puntos y varios tipos de ranuras, más comunes en aplicaciones aeronáuticas y aeroespaciales.

Cuando se trabaja con llaves hexagonales comunes de 6 puntos, el casquillo con forma de 12 puntos ofrece el doble de puntos de partida o posibles posiciones para colocar el casquillo en la tuerca, por lo que permite la alineación cada 30 grados, en lugar de cada 60 grados de ángulo. La mayoría de los fabricantes de vasos para pernos hexagonales más grandes los producen en configuraciones de 6 puntos (hexagonales) y tamaños limitados de 12 puntos (doble hexagonal).

Algunos casquillos especializados están hechos con un casquillo especializado de "6 flautas", etc. que se conecta a pernos dañados de tamaños métricos y fraccionarios para su extracción. Algunos enchufes especializados están hechos para adaptarse a aplicaciones especializadas específicas y están diseñados y dimensionados para esa aplicación específica. Las tomas de bujías, las tomas de sensor de oxígeno, las tomas de rótula, las tomas de tuercas del eje, etc. encajan en esta categoría.

Impact sockets

Sockets for use with an impact wrench or impact driver are subjected to higher torques, which are also percussive, so these sockets are made from stronger materials. They are made from a thicker, stronger and more ductile steel alloy, and often use CrMo steel to replace the CrV steel normally used in non-impact sockets. Most impact sockets made for "standard" hex systems have a six-point design.

Chrome sockets are not suitable as the impact wrench can break the chrome plating, which can form razor-sharp flakes; Consequently, impact sockets use different coatings, often a black phosphate or black oxide conversion coating.

Standard and deep length sockets

Sockets are available in various depths or lengths, often divided by most manufacturers into two categories "standard" and "deep" depending on the ANSI or DIN standard to which they are manufactured and the tolerances allowed by those specifications for each socket length. Because the standards allow some flexibility in tolerances, it is common to see two manufacturers make deep sockets of the same size but with slightly different depths, even though they both meet the same specification. The standard length, also known as "shallow" sockets, has a lower profile and allows the user to access nuts in tight spaces. Deep sockets are useful for converting nuts to bolts when the bolt extends up into the socket (as is the case with many bolted joints), a very typical example being exhaust clamp bolts on an automobile. Low profile connectors, even shorter than standard connectors, are available for some applications, typically oil filter removal on engines with limited access.

Although most manufacturers offer only the sizes and depths described within standard ANSI or DIN specifications, there are some exceptions. Specialized manufacturers such as IMPERIAL-Newton Corp offer an expanded range of "extra deep" sockets for special industrial applications; and popular brands like Snap-on or Mac Tools offer what are called "semi-deep" or "mid-length" sockets, which provide much of the depth of a deep socket, while fitting into tighter spaces.

Through sockets and ratchets

Some glasses are designed to have the same outside diameter and shape within a certain size. Each step socket, within a given socket set, is designed to be used with a "special" ratchet that fits on the outside of the socket and not in the middle of the socket. By positioning the outside of the socket, they allow the bolt or stud to extend through the socket, eliminating the need for a deep socket in some applications. By attaching to the outside of the plug, they also allow the plug to be built up to 50% shorter and 20% less wide, which is an advantage in some situations. Step sockets and ratchets are designed for -inch, -inch and -inch sets in SAE and metric sizes. By using a fine-toothed ratchet and socket system that allows you to use a pitch ratchet like a conventional ratchet handle with interchangeable -inch and -inch drives. Some ratchets can be used with standard sockets. They are built by various manufacturers under a variety of trade names. Craftsman Tools calls it Max Axess and also sells GearWrench Pass-Thru brands. Lowes calls their plug system Xtreme Access, etc. Ratcheting open-end wrenches can often be used in the same application, but will almost always be significantly wider.

Male devices

Fitting devices with male-type ends are sometimes incorrectly called sockets, but in fact they are the opposite of a socket: a socket is a female recess or opening that receives another object. Wrenches with common male tip devices of this type include Allen hex wrenches (in metric and fractional inch sizes), Torx spline wrenches (T-3 to T-50), 4-point (square) and 12-point (triple square) sockets. Other specialized screw heads that are often installed or removed with screwdriver-type handles and appropriate tip type have socket varieties that fit different screw head types and can be attached to a socket wrench. Conversely, for low-torque situations, a "socket wrench" screwdriver handle with a socket wrench-type attachment on one end can be attached to many different types of sockets, screwdrivers, and extensions.

These are some of the common accessories used with -inch, -inch, -inch (and so on) socket wrenches.