Their use prevents damage to the ratcheting mechanism of a socket wrench. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms. Draper then sprung into action himself, striking Norwood repeatedly with the socket wrench. The word "ratchet" is also used informally to refer to a ratcheting socket wrench. The most prevalent form is the ratcheting socket wrench, often informally called a ratchet. He thus used a slightly longer socket wrench that gave him more reach. In current English usage, the term "socket wrench" describes the wrench, not the socket.