socket wrench

American  

noun

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

---

socket wrench British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of socket wrench

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Post • May 24, 2022

He’s the electric saw and socket wrench guy.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2018

Unlike gold, which is hovering around $1,300 an ounce, these old silver coins come in small enough denominations to barter for a loaf of bread or a socket wrench in an economic “Mad Max” scenario.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2017

The item created was a ratcheting socket wrench, 3D printed by ISS Commander Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore last Wednesday, based on a design simply emailed from Earth.

From Forbes • Dec. 22, 2014

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 "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia