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

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,517 off RRP*Used from £10,936
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,266 off RRP*Used from £14,495
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,037 off RRP*Used from £10,399
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £9,362 off RRP*Used from £8,395
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Some Chinese car brands are doomed to disappear, warns Skoda boss
Skoda Kodiaq - front cornering

Some Chinese car brands are doomed to disappear, warns Skoda boss

Skoda’s sales and marketing boss warns “there will be a consolidation” of the number of Chinese car brands around
News
3 Feb 2026
Dacia Bigster vs Citroen C5 Aircross: low prices and plenty of space, but which SUV does it best?
Dacia Bigster vs Citroen C5 Aircross - front tracking

Dacia Bigster vs Citroen C5 Aircross: low prices and plenty of space, but which SUV does it best?

Citroen’s latest C5 Aircross hybrid is aiming to woo budget family SUV buyers, but standing in its way is the wallet-friendly Dacia Bigster hybrid
Car group tests
31 Jan 2026
New Kia EV1 electric city car on the way to rival the Renault Twingo
Kia EV1 - front (watermarked)

New Kia EV1 electric city car on the way to rival the Renault Twingo

Kia's design boss lifts the lid on plans for a Renault Twingo and Volkswagen ID. Lupo rival, and our exclusive images preview how the EV1 could look
News
2 Feb 2026