WORKSHOP

A good set of sockets can make working on your bike a pleasure, these are the things you should be looking for.

WORDS Mel Falconer PHOTOS: Ben Wilkins

What are good quality sockets made from? Chrome vanadium is a good material to look for. It’ s a steel alloy, the the amount of each individual material put into the mix depends on what characteristics are needed from the end product. CV typically has high levels of chromium( hard, yet malleable) lesser amounts of vanadium( increases strength of steel) along with other substances like manganese, carbon and silicon. CV is structurally strong( it has a high tensile strength compared to other alloys) and can withstand high wear and fatigue rates. It can also withstand mild nonpermanent deformation, that is, it can tolerate certain forces and still return to its original shape [ this is known as its modulus of elasticity ].

How are high quality sockets produced? A process known as cold forging is used where the material is put under immense pressure in a metal-forming die, to produce the socket according to the die’ s shape. Chrome vanadium’ s elasticity is essential as it doesn’ t break down under pressure. The quality of dies used is crucial: they have to be precisely machined( in order to produce the right tool shape) and have to cope with the tremendous forces involved: they have the ability to deform the whole tool piece. The size of dies can be immense, some up to the size of a double decker bus. Further processes include hardening for added toughness and strength, and tempering which reduces brittleness. As a finish, sockets are chrome plated, primarily for corrosion protection and decorative reasons. Chrome plating is often referred to as chrome but is in fact the process of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto the sockets.

What’ s the difference between standard and impact grade sockets? Hand sockets tend to have thinner walls to allow access and clearance

KIWI RIDER 93