Abstract: A socket wrench having the usual handle and squared stud on which a selected wrench socket may be fitted in the usual manner and provided with a gear train extending from the stud to the handle and has a drive wheel extending circumferentially about the handle and keyed to the gear train to permit relative rotation of the drive wheel and socket. Means are provided for releasably locking the thumb wheel against rotation relative to the handle to permit torque to be applied to the nut being tightened or loosened. Resilient means normally urge the drive wheel out of locking engagement where it may be easily rotated by the thumb of the operator to impart corresponding rotation to the nut to tighten or loosen it with minimum pressure.