I got this universal socket wrench as a gift and rarely use it—here's what to get instead
Crescent wrenches, pocket knives, and multi-tools make better stocking stuffers
Credit:
Hanpure
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Two Christmases ago, I got the multi-use, portable Universal Socket tool as a gift.
As a woodworker and rather handy person, I was excited—it seemed like a super useful, practical tool, flexible enough to grab onto all kinds of irregularly-shaped fasteners like wing nuts and square nuts. I wondered how it hadn’t cornered the market already.
After all, with one socket that fits just about everything, why would anyone even need a large, heavy, multi-dozen socket set? This was going to be my new favorite tool.
Unfortunately, in the ensuing two years, I’ve used the Universal Socket exactly twice. Once to try it out, and then once because I couldn’t find the right sized socket from my own socket set. I wasn’t impressed either time.
Why you shouldn’t waste your money on this as a stocking stuffer or gift
The first problem with the universal socket is the balance. A regular socket rotates around the exact center of a ratchet’s spin radius, so it turns smoothly. The universal socket, however, doesn’t necessarily lock to the exact center. It frequently sits offset on the fastener, making it jumpy and awkward to turn.
The second problem is that it doesn’t lock nearly as tightly onto the fastener as a regular socket does. The universal socket finds the right size easily enough, but can slip around a nut or bolt, particularly when off-center. This isn’t a huge problem in and of itself, but it can lead to the fastener stripping.
Both of these issues can be overcome with careful use. The Universal Socket does remove all kinds of fasteners. But it’s nowhere near as fast or easy as a regular socket. The company advertises it as a tool that can replace your entire socket set. It can’t.
What to buy instead
Multi-use items like this 40-piece socket set and this 17-in-1 survival tool can come in handy for small fixes around the house or while camping outdoors.
If you’re looking to buy a small, tool-inspired gift for a loved one, there are much better options.
Crescent wrenches provide all of the flexibility needed for odd sizes. Socket sets, too, are a nice idea, since you can pick one up that can do everything the Universal Socket can do for only about twice the price and twice the performance.
If you’re looking for a portable tool that actually will be useful, try the Gerber pocket knife or the Hostaque multi-tool.
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