Order of tool use- Socket vs Box End Wrench

[CGarage]

I was always taught that the order of tool use when removing fasteners is:

- Socket
- Box End Wrench
- Open End Wrench / Crescent Wrench
- Adjustable Wrench (emergency use mostly)
- Pliers (if the fastener is stripped or if the flats are mangled)

What is the difference between a socket and a box end wrench, then?
Why is the socket preferred to the box end?

 

[jumbojak]

Sockets go on a ratchet which... Ratchets. With ratcheting wrenches becoming common a lot of the convenience is there with wrenches nowadays. I like wrenches, personally.

 

[Packard V8]

Sockets go on a ratchet which... Ratchets. With ratcheting wrenches becoming common a lot of the convenience is there with wrenches nowadays. I like wrenches, personally.

For some of us, the first step when loosening difficult fasteners, the socket goes on the breaker bar.

jack vines

 

[abaker1624]

I was always taught that the order of tool use when removing fasteners is:

- Socket
- Box End Wrench
- Open End Wrench / Crescent Wrench
- Adjustable Wrench (emergency use mostly)
- Pliers (if the fastener is stripped or if the flats are mangled)

What is the difference between a socket and a box end wrench, then?
Why is the socket preferred to the box end?

You would use the wrench for better centerline contact on the nut. When you use a socket and ratchet the leverage gets moved farther away from the centerline of the nut. This will in some cases cause the ratchet to lose contact on the nut. If you use an impact on the socket this is not an issue. Orientation of the wrench is also important, box end is always better than open end when trying to break a bolt or nut loose.



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[BrandoJames]

The “order of use” is rather arbitrary. A lot depends on clearance, angle of approach, and the relative quality of your different tools. Your list doesn’t include ratcheting wrenches.

If clearance is tight and it’s a difficult angle, then my first choice would be a 6 point flex ratcheting wrench. If the fastener is easily accessible, then 6 pt socket first. In some cases, an offset box wrench would be your smartest first choice. If it's a large fastener with high torque specs, then a 6 pt impact socket on impact wrench is my first choice. It just depends on the situation.

 

[CGarage]

That all makes sense. But is it correct to assume that a socket is not a safer choice compared to the box end, and both are equal in this regard? Safe in terms of reduced risk of rounding a fastener.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The “order of use” is rather arbitrary. A lot depends on clearance, angle of approach, and the relative quality of your different tools. Your list doesn’t include ratcheting wrenches.

If clearance is tight and it’s a difficult angle, then my first choice would be a 6 point ratcheting wrench. If the fastener is easily accessible, then 6 pt socket first. In some cases, an offset box wrench would be your smartest first choice. If it's a large fastener with high torque specs, then a 6 pt impact socket on impact wrench is my first choice. It just depends on the situation.

Yeah, the list in the OP sounds like some BS someone would tell you about how to pick tools working on a 60's car. It's rare one has multiple options to remove a fastener, or even clearance for things like vice-grips/pliers.



What fits is what you use; prioritize 6 point if it's frozen, rusty, rotted, or otherwise unknown. And hand tools are last on the list.

 

[OHMS LAW]

When working with hydraulic systems adjustable wrenches are gold. Sizes vary from 3/4 , 11/16 ,7/8 , 1 1/4 and any and all between. Unless you want to carry a wrench roll in your pocket two adjustable wrenches so about all.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

I work underground mining.

Order:

Miner's wrench (12 inch adjustable)
Hammer
Grinder/torch.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

When working with hydraulic systems adjustable wrenches are gold. Sizes vary from 3/4 , 11/16 ,7/8 , 1 1/4 and any and all between. Unless you want to carry a wrench roll in your pocket two adjustable wrenches so about all.

One of the many reasons why, in an industrial setting, adjustable wrenches still rock.

 

[jumbojak]

For some of us, the first step when loosening difficult fasteners, the socket goes on the breaker bar.

jack vines

Then you'd pop the socket off the breaker bar and go to town with your ratchet. I go for the impact wrench whenever possible. Sockets all day long there but otherwise I like a wrench.

 

[Professional Tool User]

If access is not an issue, that is the correct order. Sockets can always be attached to an impact gun or ratchet and are less likely to slip off because you can push on it. Box end is better than open end because it is less likely to slip.

 

[CGarage]

..... Box end is better than open end because it is less likely to slip.

I thought it was because the box end contacts all flats on the fastener making it less likely to round the fastener compared to the open end.

Really interesting comments and some things I had not thought of.

 

[Tools85]

I always prefer to start with 6 point socket if I can. I've stripped older nuts with a 12 point

 

[Fedwrench]

In the land of time is money, i always try to use power tools first. I only do things by hand when I have to.

There are times when i might break a fastener loose by hand but, then use something cordless to quickly remove/install it.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I start with what works for the situation and gives me clearance to use whatever I grabbed. If it doesn't fit, then it doesn't get used. If it won't work with the clearance I have it stays in the tool box (or goes back). Experience will tell you more than some arbitrary book list.

BTW, on your list, you missed Vice Grips.

Most our old customers I swear used Pliers, Channellocks, Vice Grips, Hammer and Flat Screwdriver, Hammer and Chisel, and Phone (to call us after they'd finished ***ing it up).

 

[Joebass]

When working with hydraulic systems adjustable wrenches are gold. Sizes vary from 3/4 , 11/16 ,7/8 , 1 1/4 and any and all between. Unless you want to carry a wrench roll in your pocket two adjustable wrenches so about all.

This is true to a degree. There's alot of times when those wrenches won't fit. This is where angle wrenches shine.

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you only have straight-on access, a tee handle setup so you're not pushing the socket cockeyed is ideal when it can be used, and helps avoid stripping female head fasteners like allen, torx, etc. That's why it's used for dies.

 

[ex-x-fire]

For some of us, the first step when loosening difficult fasteners, the socket goes on the breaker bar.

jack vines

Air tools.

 

[ZRX61]

Depends on the location of the fastener, if you're removing the vacuum pump from the front of a RR Merlin only an open end will fit...

 

[cherrybomb]

If you only have straight-on access, a tee handle setup so you're not pushing the socket cockeyed is ideal when it can be used, and helps avoid stripping female head fasteners like allen, torx, etc. That's why it's used for dies.

I also agree with using the tee handle,to keep everything in proper alignment. You can slide out the length of bar to get a break away torque,while keeping a bit of the other end for the alignment purpose. Very convenient and valuable tool.Some what overlooked in todays wrenching methods.Another use,with a proper socket,drive a tap.

 

[PR1Gneon]

I use
90% sockets
9% ratcheting wrenches
1% other

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[General Geoff]

Socket unless there are clearance issues

 

[Indexmill]

Why can't we just try to answer somebody's question in the spirit that they asked it?

If a reasonable person thinks for two seconds about the OP's question, then his answer is fundamentally correct. Of course it depends on access. Of course it depends on what the kind of work you normally do. Of course time is money.

But, if we take the question on it's merit, then the order is socket, wrench, then everything else. We often over-think **** and try to look smart...

 

[CGarage]

Well said, Indexmill.
Thank you for reading my post.

 

[wxm]

You would use the wrench for better centerline contact on the nut. When you use a socket and ratchet the leverage gets moved farther away from the centerline of the nut. This will in some cases cause the ratchet to lose contact on the nut.

What’s said.

 

[WittHay]

i think the order is correct for the diy whether working on a car, lawnmower or assembling something

There are weird fasteners like oil pan drain bolts. Soft metal, slight tapered head and when you reach under with a fixed ratchet and socket, easy to round off the head.

With a wrench you can see the contact with the fastener better and you can pull in a straight line . Different perspective when a vehicle is on a hoist vs. a foot off the ground with jack stands