What tool is typically used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts in restricted overhead clearance?

The correct answer is that the socket wrench is the tool typically used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts in situations with restricted overhead clearance. This is because a socket wrench has a ratcheting mechanism that allows it to work in very tight spaces where a traditional open or closed-end wrench may not fit or may require significantly more movement to achieve the same result.

The design of a socket wrench allows it to be attached to a ratchet handle, enabling the user to turn the wrench with very limited space available above it, as the ratchet will allow for continuous tightening or loosening without the need to reposition the tool after each turn. Additionally, sockets come in various shapes and sizes which can conform to different types of fasteners, further improving accessibility in confined areas.

For restricted clearance applications, the intuitive design and functionality of a socket wrench make it the most practical choice compared to other wrenches, which may lack the same capability to operate efficiently in tight spots.