Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Put Anything Together With The Best Universal Socket Adapter

Last updated on March 16, 2023

We looked at the top 12 Universal Sockets and dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Universal Sockets.

Best Universal Socket

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

A universal socket tool is made using a set of pins that depress to fit the form of any fastener that it is placed over. The tool then grips the fastener so that it can be removed. The benefit of this type of tool is that you won’t need to purchase a bunch of separate tools when working with different types of fasteners. Most universal sockets are able to grip everything from square nuts to hex nuts to eyehooks. They also remove nuts and bolts that have been stripped or worn down.

As you begin your search for the best universal socket, examine the construction of each model. You want to make sure it’s durable. Some options are made from a chrome vanadium steel with a hardness that can reach 56HRC. They may also feature a heat-treatment finish that adds an extra layer of protection against rust.

Check to see what size nuts and bolts the universal socket is able to handle. For example, the RAK Multi-Function Universal Socket Grip has 54 individual hardened steel spring pins that automatically adjust to fit 1/4- to 3/4-inch and 7- to 19-millimeter nuts and bolt heads.

Look to see if the universal socket comes with any adapters. You want to go with a model that has adapters that fit your electric drill, ratchet wrenches and electric screwdrivers. The KUSONKEY Professional Universal Socket Tool Set is one such model that offers this. Being able to attach the socket to your drill will significantly speed up the time it takes to remove fasteners.

Consider a universal socket tool that comes with extra features. For example, if you’re looking for a model that is more attractive, so you can give it as a birthday or Father’s Day gift, you’ll want to go with one that comes in a choice of red, blue, black and silver and is neatly stored in an appealing package.

Our Picks For The Top Universal Sockets

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
  The Best Overall

HANPURE Standard Home Improvement Universal Socket

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

HANPURE

Standard Home Improvement Universal Socket

Whether you enjoy woodworking or simply tackling projects around the house, this universal socket adapter is a must-have tool. It's constructed using a durable 54 chrome vanadium steel, so you can count on it standing the test of time. Since the socket is able to adjust to a variety of shapes and sizes, it eliminates the need for a host of other to...

Overall Take

Reliable Steel ConstructionGrab this universal socket adapter for the handyman in your life. It makes for an excellent stocking stuffer, birthday present or Father's Day gift.

 Best for Gifting

Moongo Tool Universal Socket Power Drill Adapter

Moongo Tool

Universal Socket Power Drill Adapter

The Moongo Tool Universal Socket Power Drill Adapter offers a really cool socket that is designed to fit nuts and bolts of varying sizes. This one small tool can replace a handful of other sockets for a good combination of space-saving and multi-functionality.

Overall Take

Socket Tool SetThe Moongo Tool Universal Socket Power Drill Adapter is a cool gadget that will soon become a go-to when you need a socket to loosen up a nut or bolt.

Pros
" As the fastener is turned, the torque is transmitted through the outer pins to the walls of the socket, making this socket an ideal choice for heavy-duty personal or professional use."
 Runner Up

Leberna Stainless Steel Mechanical Universal Socket

Leberna

Stainless Steel Mechanical Universal Socket

This universal socket adapter attaches to both power tools and wrenches. It fits screws that range from 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch and can also grab everything from round eyehooks to butterfly-shaped fasteners. Users will love that it's constructed from a shiny stainless steel, as this metal is known for resisting rust and corrosion.

Overall Take

Most VersatileIn addition to two universal socket adapters, this set also includes two power drill adapters.

 We Also Like

RAK Multi-Function Universal Socket Grip

RAK

Multi-Function Universal Socket Grip

Each of the 54 stainless-steel pins within this universal socket adapter are designed to conform to the shape of most objects. That means the device will work with everything from hex nuts to bolt heads to hooks. There's even a power drill adapter, so you can use the socket with the drill you already own.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickUse the provided adapter to turn your drill into a socket driver with this universal socket kit.

Pros
" The universal socket is perfect for home improvement, construction, carpentry, auto repair, and other household maintenance."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
19

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the universal sockets available to purchase.
12

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

10

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Gist Gear, AskMen, BestReviews, WhyWeLikeThis and Toolsoid.

27,611

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 12 Universal Sockets and also dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Universal Sockets.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval
Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

RAK Multi-Function Universal Socket Grip

Our Expert Score

6.0
1 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.2
2,259 user reviews

Our Take

Each of the 54 stainless-steel pins within this universal socket adapter are designed to conform to the shape of most objects. That means the device will work with everything from hex nuts to bolt heads to hooks. There's even a power drill adapter, so you can use the socket with the drill you already own.

What other experts liked

The universal socket is perfect for home improvement, construction, carpentry, auto repair, and other household maintenance.
- WhyWeLikeThis

What to Look For

  • Universal sockets are not only essential tools for individuals who work in construction or the automotive industry, but also for individuals who prefer to complete their own household maintenance projects. They are easy to use and eliminate the need to buy five different tools to match the specific type of fastener you’re trying to remove.
  • Always store your universal socket in a cool, dry location that doesn’t receive a great deal of humidity. If you have no other choice then to store them in a hot garage, consider installing a dehumidifier.
  • To protect your universal socket from dirt, dust and debris, it’s a good idea to place it in a storage case or the drawer of your tool chest. Since the socket and any adapters are compact, they won’t take up much room.
  • Make it a habit to clean your universal socket once a month. You can purchase a container of stainless-steel wipes to make the cleaning process a cinch. It’s also possible to use a little WD-40 and a lint-free cloth if you already have those items on hand.
  • When it comes to the price of a universal socket, you’ll find the price range between models is no more than $10. The KUSONKEY Professional Universal Socket Tool Set is moderately priced. At the top of the list is the RAK Multi-Function Universal Socket Grip.

Universal Socket Rankings

1. HANPURE Standard Home Improvement Universal Socket

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 1

2. Moongo Tool Universal Socket Power Drill Adapter

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 2

3. Leberna Stainless Steel Mechanical Universal Socket

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

4. RAK Multi-Function Universal Socket Grip

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 2

5. KUSONKEY One Size Chrome Universal Socket Tool Set

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 3

6. Moongo Tool Standard Universal Socket

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 2

7. Linkstyle Universal Self-Adjusting Socket Grip Adapter

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 3

8. EFFECTEER Flexible Self-Adjusting Universal Socket

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 2

9. DIA-GRIP Chromoly Steel Universal Socket Tool Set

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 3

10. bnowi Mechanical Universal Socket Wrench Set

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 1

11. PONFLY Multi-Function Universal Socket

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 1

12. MIMIVIVA Magic Grip Universal Socket Set

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 2

More to Explore

The idea to use spring-loaded pins to grip fasteners has been in existence since 1969, although there were no patents filed for a universal socket, which utilizes these pins, until many years later. For example, Charles D. Zayat, Jr. received a patent for his universal socket tool in 1995. Joel Steven Marks called his universal socket a self-forming socket and was approved for a patent in 1998. Today, there is a wide range of universal sockets on the market, all of which speed up the process of installing and removing a variety of fasteners.

More to explore