WARNING
Do not use hand sockets with air or
impact tools. They may shatter and
cause injury. Always wear eye protec
tion when using impact or air tools.
Various handles are available for sockets. The
speed handle is used for fast operation. Flexible
ratchet heads in varying lengths allow the socket to
be turned with varying force and at odd angles. Ex-
tension bars allow the socket setup to reach difficult
areas. The ratchet is the most versatile wrench. It al-
lows 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 installa-
tion.
Impact Driver
An impact driver provides extra force for remov-
ing fasteners by converting the impact of a hammer
into a turning motion. This makes it possible to re-
move stubborn fasteners without damaging them.
Impact drivers and interchangeable bits (
Figure 17
)
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, They may shatter and
cause injury. Always wear eye protec
tion when using impact or air tools.
Allen Wrenches
Allen or setscrew wrenches (
Figure 18
) are used
on fasteners with hexagonal recesses in the fastener
head. These wrenches are available in L-shaped
bars, sockets and T-handles. A metric set is required
when working on most vehicles made by Japanese
and European manufacturers. Allen bolts are some-
times called socket bolts.
Torque Wrenches
A torque wrench is used 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 use various
methods of reading the torque value. The drive size
indicates the size of the square drive that accepts the
socket, adapter or extension. Common methods of
reading the torque value are the deflecting beam (A,
Figure 19
), the dial indicator (B) and the audible
click (C).
When choosing a torque wrench, consider the
torque range, drive size and accuracy. The torque
GENERAL INFORMATION
11
1
16
17
18