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

A socket wrench, with its ratcheting handle, lets you turn a nut or bolt without repositioning the tool on the fastener — as you would need to do with a wrench — when there isn’t enough room to turn it in a full circle.

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

Maddeline McKenzie Ovard was arrested Monday after the victim told police Ovard hit her with a socket wrench, punched her multiple times while wearing brass knuckles, then stole $400, her phone and her keys, the Post Register reported Tuesday.

From Washington Times