How Does a Socket Wrench Work? | eHow.com

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Casing
- A socket wrench has a main, spoon-shaped casing for the handle. The mechanical parts of the wrench fit in the round, open portion of the wrench
Mounting
- The mounting platform has a cube-shaped lug on one side and ridged, clockwork-like sprockets on the other side, separated by a thin metal shelf. The cube end is used to attach and hold on to the sockets while the ridged end is used to determine the direction the wrench moves in.
Selection.
- On the opposite site of the wrench from the mounting platform is usually a dial-like apparatus that allows the user to select the direction the wrench can turn. By moving this dial, a metal wedge arm is activated that allows the wrench to move in only one direction by locking against the ridges on the mounting platform. When the dial is turned the opposite direction, the first arm is retracted and a second arm is extended, reversing the direction the wrench can turn.

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