How Carbon Steel Sockets Are Made

Regardless of the variety of tools you might have at home, you can always depend on high-quality carbon steel sockets to keep your hand tools safe and effective. While there are several different varieties of steel, most hand tool makers use chromium-vanadium or chromium-molybdenum alloys to provide the right mix of strength and toughness. The steel alloys also have higher corrosion resistance than regular iron. The process of creating these hand tool alloys starts with scrap and iron ore being melted in a blast furnace. The resulting molten metal is then sampled to see how much carbon and other elements need to be added for the alloy to meet its specific requirements.

The alloys are then forged into shapes such as sockets and bits that will be used in your tool kit. These parts are then subjected to heat treating to further tweak their properties. As the steel is heated and then quickly cooled, it changes its structure and takes on one of three geometric arrangements: austenite, ferrite or martensite. This is what makes the alloys stronger and harder than non-heat-treated steel.

When it comes to hand tool manufacturing, a combination of hardness, toughness and ductility is ideal. Having enough hardness ensures that your tools can withstand the twisting force, or torque, applied when a fastener is turned by a wrench. However, if your tools are too hard they may become brittle and break easily.

Ductility is the ability of a material to change shape or stretch without breaking. This is important for a socket as it allows the tool to grip a fastener and hold it firmly in place without shattering under pressure. Impact sockets are made of more ductile steel than standard sockets to prevent them from shattering under the greater forces that an impact wrench can apply to them.

Aside from the steel used to make a tool’s body, the quality of a set of sockets also depends on its ratchet. Choose a ratchet that features a 2-component ergonomic anti-slip handle that will guarantee a comfortable grip and increased work safety. You should also be sure that the ratchet can be used with or without gloves.

A great option for everyday use is the PRO Fachmayer Max ratchet and socket set. It includes dozens of 1/2 "sockets and bits, two extensions and spark plug sockets. It is designed for professional use and contains the finest German-made sockets manufactured from Chromium-Vanadium. This set comes in a convenient suitcase that is perfect for keeping your toolkit organized and ready to go at all times. The best part is that the ratchet is guaranteed for life by the manufacturer. This warranty is a testament to the excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials of these tools. Be sure to register your product with the manufacturer after buying it to receive a free replacement in case of any damage or malfunction. Also, you will be able to track the status of your warranty claim online.