# Why are ratchet sockets smooth and slippery instead of rough and grippy? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 12, 2018, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963 "2018-06-12T13:40:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/21 "2018-06-12T16:47:23Z")
I like them shiny and new-looking there sitting on the shelf … for most of them that’s all they do … sit on the shelf … I’ve used my 11 mm socket once in my entire life but it shore is pretty … ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/22 "2018-06-12T16:55:32Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > I just wish there was a good way to clean the inside surface of a socket… Put it in a bucket of kerosene overnight. Of course then you have to clean off the kerosene. To do that drop it in a bucket of… NM, this could go on a long time. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/23 "2018-06-12T17:03:05Z")
To the OP, it would be just another operation after the drop-forging, where a knurl would be rolled on in about third of a second in a machine similar to a screw making machine. I wouldn’t mind a set like that myself. Short ones probably wouldn’t be worth the hassle, but deep sockets would benefit from this, since you could use a deep socket on long bolts or removing nuts from long studs from deep recesses. Once it’s free you use the textured socket to spin it out. > [@TriPolar](#): > > I wish I could just buy Snap-On tools. Can I do that somehow? [tangent]A couple of weeks ago I walked over to my local garage and asked for one of the mechanics, to be told “He’s in the Snap-on truck,” and indeed there was a Snap-on truck parked on the side. Presumably they stop by every week or so to sell tools to the mechanics and/or replace broken ones. So, what would happen if a random guy like me walked up to the truck and asked to buy a socket set? “Who are you? Get outta here!” “We don’t sell to the general public!” or “Sure, that’ll be $2,499 (or some other crazy high price the mechanics don’t pay)” or would anyone walking up to the Snap-on truck be treated the same?[/tangent] ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/24 "2018-06-12T17:14:07Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > To the OP, it would be just another operation after the drop-forging, where a knurl would be rolled on in about third of a second in a machine similar to a screw making machine. > > I wouldn’t mind a set like that myself. Short ones probably wouldn’t be worth the hassle, but deep sockets would benefit from this, since you could use a deep socket on long bolts or removing nuts from long studs from deep recesses. Once it’s free you use the textured socket to spin it out. > [tangent]A couple of weeks ago I walked over to my local garage and asked for one of the mechanics, to be told “He’s in the Snap-on truck,” and indeed there was a Snap-on truck parked on the side. > > Presumably they stop by every week or so to sell tools to the mechanics and/or replace broken ones. > > So, what would happen if a random guy like me walked up to the truck and asked to buy a socket set? > “Who are you? Get outta here!” “We don’t sell to the general public!” or “Sure, that’ll be $2,499 (or some other crazy high price the mechanics don’t pay)” > > or would anyone walking up to the Snap-on truck be treated the same?[/tangent] They will sell to anyone. My neighbor is a Snap-On dealer. He has two huge trucks. I’m sure he would be happy to sell to you. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/25 "2018-06-12T17:14:17Z")
I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned, but you’re talking about turning sockets into sanding drums. I usually throw an extension in if I need to turn it by hand, it usually provides enough surface area to get the job done. But mechanics are typically going to be using power tools where possible and can zip the whole bolt out, and don’t want to risk grinding up anything with a knurled edge in the process. eta: the Craftsman set linked to above with the little teeth on the inside, I bought a set of those (different brand, no knurling) and basically can’t use 'em. They chew up bolt heads like nothing. YMMV, but I make sure to keep 6 point and 12 point sockets everywhere, and use the 6 points on standard hex bolts to protect the head. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/26 "2018-06-12T18:10:10Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Put it in a bucket of kerosene overnight. Of course then you have to clean off the kerosene. To do that drop it in a bucket of… NM, this could go on a long time. A bit OT, but I clean my all my hand tools - including my Craftsman ratchets, sockets, and extensions - using [Rem[sup]®[/sup] Oil Wipes](https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/880x660/Primary/922/922702.jpg). The wipes remove dirt and grease and leave a protective film of oil on the tool. After cleaning the outside surface of a socket, I “wad up” the wipe, stick it _inside_ the socket, and then twist it a few times. But it doesn’t do a good job of removing the dirt in the creases and crevices, especially for 12-point sockets and small sockets. Someone needs to invent a set of small bristle brushes for cleaning sockets. If they work well, I will be the first to buy. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/27 "2018-06-12T18:32:51Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I have some of those. It takes as much time for me to turn them to where the light is right for reading as it does to keep grabbing sockets until I find one that fits. But I’m losing a lot of focus at short distances and having difficulty with contrast. An embossed size can be made readable by just rubbing a black grease pencil over it to fill in the hollow. Luckily for me, I’ve never been able to do that. I’ll make 3 trips from the project to the tools and back, each time with 1 or 2 sockets before I finally decide to grab like 10 of them or just take the entire case with me. Don’t know why, it’s just never clicked for me. Hell, the majority of the time I’m not even kinda close on my first couple tries. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/28 "2018-06-12T19:36:37Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Someone needs to invent a set of small bristle brushes for cleaning sockets. If they work well, I will be the first to buy. 🙂 They have them at the CVS in the Oral Care aisle. Not a joke, they make some really tiny things for cleaning between teeth. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/29 "2018-06-12T19:38:12Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Luckily for me, I’ve never been able to do that. I’ll make 3 trips from the project to the tools and back, each time with 1 or 2 sockets before I finally decide to grab like 10 of them or just take the entire case with me. > Don’t know why, it’s just never clicked for me. Hell, the majority of the time I’m not even kinda close on my first couple tries. I got a buddy who I call the World’s Greatest Mechanic. He can eyeball a rusty old bolt from across the room and then say it’s a 7/16, and he’ll be right. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/30 "2018-06-12T19:43:28Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > They will sell to anyone. > > My neighbor is a Snap-On dealer. He has two huge trucks. > I’m sure he would be happy to sell to you. Yeah, but they don’t necessarily honor the warranty if it’s not a commercial sale. The real value with Snap-On is that warranty replacement/repair. The guy that opened the[Tool Nut](https://www.toolnut.com/) used to be a Snap-On driver. He was known for pulling over his truck when he saw a car stopped on the side of the road and selling the driver the tools to fix it. ---
**Author:** ![PoppaSan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/poppasan/32/189_2.png) [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/31 "2018-06-12T23:59:59Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Luckily for me, I’ve never been able to do that. I’ll make 3 trips from the project to the tools and back, each time with 1 or 2 sockets before I finally decide to grab like 10 of them or just take the entire case with me. > Don’t know why, it’s just never clicked for me. Hell, the majority of the time I’m not even kinda close on my first couple tries. You have to realize that even if you owned every socket size made under 1 1/2" you would still spend about 95% of the time using one of about a dozen sizes for most projects. In my experience (dataset of 1) 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16" (most common,) 1/2", 9/16", 3/4", 7mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm are the most used. Keep those at the ready on a separate organizer and pack the rest in a lower drawer since they will rarely get called upon. I’ve stopped buying the 150 piece socket sets because how many 9/32" can I stash? ---
**Author:** ![Perderabo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Perderabo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perderabo)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/32 "2018-06-13T00:13:30Z")
I bought this socket set for myself: > **[EPAuto 40 Pieces 1/4-Inch & 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set with 72 Tooth...](https://www.amazon.com/40-Pieces-EPAuto-Reversible-Ratchet/dp/B01LZEMYOD)** > > EPAuto 40 Pieces 1/4-Inch & 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set with 72 Tooth Reversible Ratchet - - Amazon.com If you look at the picture, that red thing, which is made of plastic is called a “spin disk”. I use it the handle where I must and the spin disk where I can. > **[Spin disk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin_disk)** > > A spin disk is a socket wrench accessory used to quickly turn nuts after they have been loosened with the wrench. > Spin disks are usually a flat round disk, commonly of plastic, with a square hole in the middle to fit over the socket wrench's male adapter plug. The edges are grooved for a solid grip. > Using the spin disk will be much quicker than using the socket wrench's handle, especially if its range of motion is limited. If the nut is very loose, just using ones fingers may be the best option... This is the first socket set I have owned with a spin disk. I guess they may be new. Anyway I like it. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/33 "2018-06-13T00:29:33Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > [Finger socket driver](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067YFRY2/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0067YFRY2&pd_rd_wg=lRvEe&pd_rd_r=RQWG8QWB9GHB40JTX33H&pd_rd_w=SZBp5) > > Personally, I don’t really see how a knurled socket would help that much. And as another said, it would be much harder to clean. Those look awesome! How did I never know about those before? Typically, I only want to turn a socket by hand when space is tight. There are times when there’s only room for the ratchet to go one click, so it’s a pain to go turn, click, turn, click, etc. Also, there are times when the bolt is too loose to give the ratchet enough force to rotate back, but too tight to turn by hand. If the socket was knurled, it would make it a bit easier to get some of those bolts off since I can get my hand into that spot and grip the socket itself. I don’t know how useful the little knurled band would be on those [Craftsman](http://www.sears.com/craftsman-19-piece-3-8inch-dr-inch-and-metric/p-00924963000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=16&blockNo=16&blockType=G16#) sockets. It seems too skinny to really make a difference. ---
**Author:** ![Backwater\_Under\_Duck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ba8739/32.png) [@Backwater\_Under\_Duck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Backwater_Under_Duck)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/34 "2018-06-13T01:26:43Z")
For when you really just want/need to use your hands, I have a set of these [Thumb Wheel Ratchets](https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/3-piece-thumbwheel-ratchet-set-94011.html) from Harbor Freight. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/35 "2018-06-13T01:45:49Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I got a buddy who I call the World’s Greatest Mechanic. He can eyeball a rusty old bolt from across the room and then say it’s a 7/16, and he’ll be right. Likely less being what size he can see, as much more likely what size would typically be used on a particular application IMHO. At least that’s me. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/36 "2018-06-13T02:04:53Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Likely less being what size he can see, as much more likely what size would typically be used on a particular application IMHO. At least that’s me. He’s got that going for him, it is experience that he relies on. But I have never seen him pick the wrong socket or wrench. And then no matter how rusty that bolt his he’s got the knack for getting it off. I’m sure he’s got it wrong plenty of times, but his average is so high it’s not easy to catch. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/37 "2018-06-13T07:39:45Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > A couple of weeks ago I walked over to my local garage and asked for one of the mechanics, to be told “He’s in the Snap-on truck,” and indeed there was a Snap-on truck parked on the side. Why am I picturing it like an ice-cream truck? I wonder what tune a tool truck would play? ---
**Author:** ![PoppaSan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/poppasan/32/189_2.png) [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/38 "2018-06-13T09:01:23Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > Those look awesome! How did I never know about those before? > > Typically, I only want to turn a socket by hand when space is tight. There are times when there’s only room for the ratchet to go one click, so it’s a pain to go turn, click, turn, click, etc. Also, there are times when the bolt is too loose to give the ratchet enough force to rotate back, but too tight to turn by hand. If the socket was knurled, it would make it a bit easier to get some of those bolts off since I can get my hand into that spot and grip the socket itself. > > I don’t know how useful the little knurled band would be on those [Craftsman](http://www.sears.com/craftsman-19-piece-3-8inch-dr-inch-and-metric/p-00924963000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=16&blockNo=16&blockType=G16#) sockets. It seems too skinny to really make a difference. Straighten out your breaker bar and use it as a nut driver. ---
**Author:** ![Isilder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/39 "2018-06-13T14:01:32Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > This. > > I prefer a smooth, chrome finish because it makes them super simple to clean. And I am still able to grip the socket when the situation calls for it. > > I just wish there was a good way to clean the inside surface of a socket… Its actually for safety . You are meant to spot a crack developing and cease using the tool. Never happens at a home, but at a garage, sure they eventually crack a socket that is used for years. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963/40 "2018-06-13T14:10:52Z")
> [@Isilder](#): > > Its actually for safety . You are meant to spot a crack developing and cease using the tool. > Never happens at a home, but at a garage, sure they eventually crack a socket that is used for years. I’ve cracked several. But, I really, really, doubt that’s the reason for the chrome finish. Chrome is just a nice, smooth, clean, “professional” finish. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ratchet-sockets-smooth-and-slippery-instead-of-rough-and-grippy/815963.md?page=3)