Metric sockets is used to turn bolts and nuts. The size of the metric socket must be correctly or teh bolt will be damaged. If an wrong size metric socket is used, the metric socket will not fit the bolt proper and will strip the bolt.
Using the correct sized metric socket will ensure that the bolt does not get round due to improper gripping of the bolt head by the metric socket. Small metric sockets such as 4 and 5 mm sized socket are used on small bolts such as those found on model kit. The model kits contain small and fragile bolt that can easily break if you use the wrong size of metric socket.
How to Choose the Right Metric Socket
Medium sized metric sockets such as 13 mm sized socket are used very often in the engine bay as many of the bolts on engine component have a 13 mm sized head. Large metric sockets are used for heavy-duty task such as those required to set the axle nuts. The large sized metric socket can take a large amount of torque before it loosens from the bolt.
The more larger the metric socket the thicker the metal and the more stress the fastener will take. The drive size of the metric socket will determine the amount of force that the metric socket can take from the tool. Small metric drive size are used for small components such as the dashboards of vehicle.
The small drive size helps avoid damaging component in the tight spaces around the dashboard. A medium sized drive metric socket is used for most components under the hood of the car. Large drive size are used for heavy components such as the suspension and the wheels of the car.
Drive sizes for these component can take the force of impact guns when tightening the components. Using the wrong size drive for the component will strip the metric sockets drive or the socket may fly off the bolt. The drive size will help to transmit the force from the tool to the bolt.
The point count of a metric socket will determine how the metric socket grips the bolt head. Six-point metric sockets will provide a strong grip on the bolt as six of the points will grip the flat walls of the bolt head. Six-point metric sockets are very useful for bolts that is rusted as there is less chance of rounding the bolt head.
Twelve-point metric sockets will allow for faster engagement into the bolt but will provide less grip than six-point metric sockets. Use six point metric sockets if maximum grip is needed. Twelve point metric sockets are best used for situations that requires fast engagement.
Depth of the metric socket will determine whether or not the metric socket will fit into the specific component. Short sized metric sockets are used for bolts whose head is flush with the component. Deep metric sockets are used for bolts whose threads extend outward from the component or for components that have studs.
A deep metric socket allows the ratchet tool to clear the fastener. In situations where depth is an issue for the components, the size of the gap will help to determine what size metric socket should be used: deep or short. The spark plugs on vehicles require specific type of metric sockets.
Deep metric sockets should be used for spark plugs as the spark plugs are located deep inside the engine components. Some spark plugs are thin and require slim metric sockets but others are thick and require metric sockets with rubber liner to avoid damaging the spark plug. Using the wrong size metric socket on the spark plug can crack the spark plug or the porcelain shard can fall into the engine.
Metric and imperial bolts are two different measurement systems. Mixing the two will cause problems for the bolts. Using a metric socket on an imperial bolt will create an imprecise fit for the bolt.
This can cause the bolt to wobble and strip. Use metric sockets for metric bolts and imperial sockets for imperial bolts. Impact-rated metric sockets should only be used with impact guns as the chrome sockets can shatter if used with an impact gun.
Additionally, organize the metric sockets according to drive size and depth so that when working on a vehicle, you can find the proper metric socket quick.
