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). The item type must be eligible for the Runeword. Now these are much harder to come by, as a socket quest will give it 5 sockets, and since 5 is the max, it’ll be more likely even when using the cube to add sockets (if it follows the original diablo 2 LoD formulae) with ral rune + amn rune + perfect amethyst cubed with the non socketed and can’t be superior (or inferior, such as cracked crypt.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.You can not use, magic, rare, unique, set, or crafted items. Ethereal and superior items can be used to create a Runeword.

Diablo 2 best polearm 5 socket recipe