If the maximum amount of sockets on the item equals the amount you need, you can also take it to Larzuk, he will add the maximum amount of sockets to the item as a quest reward.

When you find a good base without sockets you can try to add sockets with the Horadric Cube socket recipe.See the detailed type definition for more info. Note that for Runewords, Scepters, Maces, Hammers, and Clubs are distinct classes, even though the game groups them all under the Mace class. Insight can only be made in Polearms or Staves (missile weapons too in patch 2.4), so it will not work in Spears (which look like Polearms). It shows the latest data from Resurrected v2.7 (where indicated). The item type must be eligible for the Runeword. This is a searchable, filterable, sortable database of all Diablo 2 Resurrected Runewords.If the item has more sockets, the Runeword will not work. The item needs the have the exact amount of sockets as listed in the recipe.Runewords convert Armor or Weapons in Unique Equipment once the required amount of Runes is placed in the correct order, granting said item a fixed set of properties. (Ladder Runewords are available in all game modes including non-ladder Single Player in Diablo 2: Resurrected) Yes. You can not use, magic, rare, unique, set, or crafted items. Wealth can be applied to Chest Armor and is composed of 3 Runes. All Resistances +5-20 (varies) 12-25 Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies) Headgear. Ethereal and superior items can be used to create a Runeword.

Diablo 2 runewords armor