Socket to me: Best socket sets for motorcycle maintenance

Sometimes, things go wrong and everyone will have experienced the sinking feeling when a socket starts to move, only to round-off the nut or bolt in question. Once that happens, you need to stop and reach for the specialist tools. These 3/8in drive rounded-nut socket from Blue Spot come in handy when a normal socket cannot grip the fastener for whatever reason, it has rounded off, is damaged, rusted or painted. As they turn, they increase grip and can be used with impact drivers as well as regular ratchet handles.

Tested by Gareth Evans. Quality 5. Value

Packed to the rafters with pieces (149 pieces in all) this socket set offers support for 1/4", 3/8" And 1/2" drive sets. The kit is fantastic value for money all things considered and will offer Sealey's usual excellent quality. The knurled ring of the handles offer extra grip and includes wobble extension bars.

Another big name in tools, what this set from Teng lacks in quantity, it should more than make up for in quality. A plastic-encased handle with thumb direction lever and push-button socket release means the socket stays on the handle until you want it to come off. There are only nine sockets included but they look quality and the included extensions are used with the sliding T-bar unit.

Operating like a spanner but with the convenience, security and grip of a socket ratchet handle, this allows sockets to be used on long fixings where the limited depth of even a deep socket would prevent their use. The sockets are driven from the outside and allow the socket and handle to fit, and work, over any length of fixing. Not a staple but could be useful in your tool arsenal.

Not a huge offering but a good one from motorcycle accessory specialists Oxford. This plastic-gripped 3/8in ratchet handle uses push-button socket release for security and comes with 10 sockets, from 10-19mm. It uses a 72-tooth ratchet so you only need 5 of rotation to move a fastener on but its main strength is its strength, we've tried and tested this and it is seriously impressive, far stronger than any fixing it is ever likely to encounter. Excellent value.

If you're lucky (or committed) enough to own an air compressor and an impact gun, which can make stubborn fixings comply with your wishes, then a decent set of impact sockets is a must. These are tougher than the sockets usually found in sets and feature just six drive sides for better grip on the fixing and less chance of damage. This set comes with both 3/8in and 1/2in drive. Short and deep sockets are also very useful.

Sometimes, and it will happen eventually, you need to get a bit brutal with a stubborn fixing and that's where an impact driver can help. It works a bit like an air-powered impact gun, except here, you set the driver up on your fitting and hit it with a hefty hammer. This transmits a shock to the fitting to try to break 'stiction', for example if the fitting is corroded. It also provides a small turning force to try to break that force holding it back. A very useful addition to any tool box.

Not that we would ever advocate using this instead of a proper socket but there are times when this tool may just come to the rescue. It has 54 steel pins inside that fit around whatever fixing you are working with, from 7mm to 19mm hex and can, apparently, help with damaged nuts, bolts and screws. It could also be useful for other fixings, such as hooks for example. Comes with 1/4in and 3/8in drive adapters. For the price, if it gets you out of trouble once, it's worth it.