American Socket Wrenches (Inch Sizes to One Inch): 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8", 7/16", 1/2, 9/16, 19/32, 5/8...
See complete list of American Socket Wrenches at Sizes.com.
socket wrenches via kwout
The 8-pt (point) sockets fit only square heads while a 12-pt (point) socket fits both hexagonal and square heads. 12-point sockets also fit 12-pt heads, which are found only in aerospace bolts.
Sockets are available in various depths or lengths, but most manufacturers divide them into two categories of "standard" and "deep" (either 6 points deep (6pt d) or 12 points deep (12pt d)).
One end of a socket has a square recess which fits the socket wrench. In consumer wrenches, the square drives are ¼ inches, ⅜ inches, ½ inches, and ¾ inches.
In the 1940's, Snap-On made sockets with a 5/16 inches drive. 1/8 inch drive is rare, however in some use for small machine screws.
Sockets are created that are deeper than the normal socket, thus that they will fit over bolts that protrude so far that the normal socket will not come down far enough to engage the nut. Some companies also make an intermediate, semi-deep socket.
The size of a socket is the width-across-flats dimension and it is marked on the socket. Typically the socket is marked in a way that specifies whether it's inch or metric (metric typically has bands of a sort of knurlin). Obviously, any size that is a fraction is an inch size; fractions are not permitted in metric sizing.
Most of the sockets vended are for use with hand tools. They are not appropriate for use with power drivers, however the sizing of sockets made for power drivers is the same.
Tip! Choosing the right wrench for a project involves more than just matching sizes. Use the right style of wrench to make your project easier. Check out this helpful wrench buying guide shared by Lowes.com.