socket wrench

noun

1. a box wrench with a socket that is an extension of the shank.

socket wrench

noun

1. a wrench having a handle onto which socketed heads of various sizes can be fitted Alsosocket set

Word History and Origins

Origin of socket wrench¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Leveraging the heavy chair onto a homemade wooden brace, he quickly slips off the old wheels and slips on the new, tightening them with a socket wrench.

From Seattle Times

A socket wrench does the same job as a conventional wrench, only more efficiently.

From Washington Post

The extreme brevity — typical one-acts more often last an hour or longer — serves as a tool, like a socket wrench, to make clear that grief is unbearable, even in small doses.

From New York Times

A container of IcyHot, a bag of little black specks, five or six heavy-duty bungee cords, a screwdriver, a socket wrench, and a small sledgehammer.

From Literature

He’s the electric saw and socket wrench guy.

From Seattle Times