What type of wrench is designed to transmit turning force from the handle to the nut?

The socket wrench is specifically designed to fit over the head of a nut or bolt, allowing for efficient and effective application of torque. This type of wrench transmits the turning force from the handle directly to the nut, facilitating easier removal or tightening of fasteners without the need for direct hand contact. The design of a socket wrench usually includes a ratcheting mechanism, enabling it to turn the fastener without needing to reposition the tool with each turn.

In comparison, other wrench types, such as the adjustable wrench, open wrench, and box end wrench, may serve different functions but do not specialize in the same manner as a socket wrench. For example, an adjustable wrench has a movable jaw allowing it to grasp different sizes of nuts and is not designed to specifically transmit force as effectively as a socket. The open wrench provides a fixed-sized opening for fastening but requires more space to operate, while the box end wrench offers a closed-loop fitting to a nut without the additional leverage provided by a ratchet mechanism.