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GENERAL INFORMATION
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WARNING
Do not use hand sockets with air or impact
tools because they may shatter and cause
injury. Always wear eye protection when
using impact or air tools
Various handles are available for sockets. Use the
speed handle for fast operation. Flexible ratchet heads in
varying length allow the socket to be turned with varying
force and at odd angles. Extension bars allow the socket
setup to reach difficult areas. The ratchet is the most
versatile. It allows the user to install or remove the nut without removing the socket
Sockets combined with any number of drivers make them undoubtedly the fastest. Safest and
most convenient tool for fastener removal and installation
Impact Drivers
An impact driver provides extra force for removing fasteners by converting the impact of a
hammer into a turning motion. This makes it possible to remove stubborn fasteners without damaging
them. Impact drivers and interchangeable bits (Figure 10) are available from most tool suppliers.
When using a socket with an impact driver. Make sure the socket is designed for impact use. Refer to
Socket Wrenches. Ratchets and handles in this section.
WARNING
Do not use hand sockets with air or
impact tools because they may shatter
and cause injury. Always wear eye
protection when using impact or air tools
Allen Wrenches
Use Allen or setscrew wrenches (Figure 11) on
fasteners with hexagonal recesses in the fastener
head. These wrenches are available in L-shaped bar.
Socket and T-handle types. A metric set is required
when working on most motorcycles. Allen bolts are
sometimes called socket bolts.
Torque Wrenches
Use a torque wrench with a socket, torque adapter or similar extension to tighten a fastener to a
measured torque. Torque wrenches come in several drive sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4) and have
various methods of reading the torque value. The drive size indicates the size of the square drive that
