Socket Wrench
Also known as
Ratchet Wrench, Ratchet, Socket Ratchet, 1/2" Drive, 3/8" Drive
Used for
Driving nuts and bolts quickly with interchangeable sockets. The ratchet mechanism means you can tighten without repositioning the wrench. Essential for assembling truss, hanging motors, and building structural steel.
Trade note
The "drive size" (1/4", 3/8", 1/2") refers to the square peg that accepts sockets — larger drives handle higher torque. In casual conversation, stagehands often say "ratchet" when they mean the entire socket wrench assembly. The ratcheting mechanism was patented in the 1880s.
Direct answer
Socket Wrench is used for driving nuts and bolts quickly with interchangeable sockets. The ratchet mechanism means you can tighten without repositioning the wrench. Essential for assembling truss, hanging motors, and building structural steel. It is also known as Ratchet Wrench, Ratchet, Socket Ratchet, 1/2" Drive, 3/8" Drive. Trade note: The "drive size" (1/4", 3/8", 1/2") refers to the square peg that accepts sockets — larger drives handle higher torque. In casual conversation, stagehands often say "ratchet" when they mean the entire socket wrench assembly. The ratcheting mechanism was patented in the 1880s.
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