A socket assembly for turning a fastener with a wrench has ball mechanisms that normally engage with sides of the fastener and that can be deactivated out of engagement with the fastener by turning a collar of the socket assembly. The socket includes a socket body having a fastener receiving opening sized and shaped to engage the fastener so as to drive the fastener rotationally. At least one ball opening is provided in the fastener receiving opening adjacent the fastener when the fastener is received in the opening. A ball is provided capable of partially protruding from the ball opening with the socket in an engaged state. A ball taper insert cams against the ball to push the ball into the ball opening. A spring biases the ball taper insert so as to urge the ball into the ball opening to engage the fastener.