Skip advert
Advertisement

Socket sets

A decent selection of sockets is vital for DIY jobs on the car. We pick the best from 12 sets

Using the British Standard, we tested each set's 10mm socket to 1.5 times the required limit - around 85lb/ft. The extension and ratchet were taken to just over 122lb/ft. We looked for a range of standard height and deep tools; our sets included Imperial AF, metric TRX star and spline sockets. Ratchet action and number of teeth, plus socket thickness and accessories, were also rated.

Verdict

Yamoto's Best Buy has the perfect blend of strength, extras and a good AF and metric range in standard and deep sockets. And all for less than £50! Much the same can be said of the Recommended Sealey - but the higher price and smaller size count relegates it to second. The Franklin set is tough and well designed, yet its rather steep cost drops it into third place.

Advertisement - Article continues below

1. Yamoto YMT-582-6200K
2. Sealey AK692
3. Franklin XL3826

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,430Avg. savings £3,128 off RRP*Used from £24,851
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,266 off RRP*Used from £12,400
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,417 off RRP*Used from £7,195
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,056 off RRP*Used from £10,399
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The petrol hot hatch isn't dead yet! VW Golf GTI and R to live on
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front corner tracking, low

The petrol hot hatch isn't dead yet! VW Golf GTI and R to live on

Volkswagen is developing the EA888 2.0-litre turbo engine for new emissions regs, meaning new hot hatches are in the works
News
27 Jan 2026
Meet Renault’s new SUV: a Dacia Duster but not as we know it…
Renault Duster - front

Meet Renault’s new SUV: a Dacia Duster but not as we know it…

Posher inside and out and with more headroom, welcome to the upside down world of the Indian Duster
News
26 Jan 2026
Updated MG4 EV gets £3k price hike, but is still cheaper than a VW ID.3
2026 MG4 EV

Updated MG4 EV gets £3k price hike, but is still cheaper than a VW ID.3

The ‘original’ MG4 EV has been tweaked with a new interior and prices
News
28 Jan 2026