Semi-deep tends to be my first grab
Semi-Deep vs. Deep Sockets
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
I now own a set of the 212FSMSY - will see how useful they are.
JHZR2
Staff member
Snap on
I think there is a NOS SK set and maybe some other brands. But couldn’t find Williams.
1/4” drive 12mm
Quinn shallow/Snap On semi-deep/Tekton Deep
3/8” drive 12mm
Astro Nano/Gearwrench shallow/Snap On semi-deep/Gearwrench Deep
Thoughts:
Minimal difference between shallow and semi-deep in 1/4”. Probably not worth it.
In 3/8”, the Astro Nano sockets are almost the same depth as standard chrome sockets; may not need to own both. Dimensionally, semi-deep appears to fit nicely in-between shallow and deep.
Quinn shallow/Snap On semi-deep/Tekton Deep
3/8” drive 12mm
Astro Nano/Gearwrench shallow/Snap On semi-deep/Gearwrench Deep
Thoughts:
Minimal difference between shallow and semi-deep in 1/4”. Probably not worth it.
In 3/8”, the Astro Nano sockets are almost the same depth as standard chrome sockets; may not need to own both. Dimensionally, semi-deep appears to fit nicely in-between shallow and deep.
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The times I wished I had a 2mm shorter socket.... It's worth it if you need it.
It's only tangentially related, but do you have the sockets that go in a ratcheting (or fixed I suppose) wrench?
Similar to the Astros but sort of reversed because the hex is smaller than the body of the socket, acting as a stop when dropped into a wrench
Garage Journal has an inaccurate read on the thesis.
When you encounter a stupidly long fastener, it's not there for your benefit. It helps align something at assembly or is otherwise beneficial to the manufacturing process.
I got my long sockets when I had to do a Saturn top engine mount. If you look at the thing and the stupidly long studs you're likely to think you can do better. But those long studs are good for aligning the engine (possibly sitting on a jack being serviced) and "sucking it back up", LOL.
As to the topic at hand, overly long sockets apply shear forces you don't want, if you can't brace the head of the ratchet due to clearance or whatever. This can break fasteners that would otherwise have survived.
When you encounter a stupidly long fastener, it's not there for your benefit. It helps align something at assembly or is otherwise beneficial to the manufacturing process.
I got my long sockets when I had to do a Saturn top engine mount. If you look at the thing and the stupidly long studs you're likely to think you can do better. But those long studs are good for aligning the engine (possibly sitting on a jack being serviced) and "sucking it back up", LOL.
As to the topic at hand, overly long sockets apply shear forces you don't want, if you can't brace the head of the ratchet due to clearance or whatever. This can break fasteners that would otherwise have survived.
I have this set somewhere:
8921 21 Piece 3/8" Drive Pass-Thru™ 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set - Gearwrench
Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 8921 21 Piece 3/8" Drive Pass-Thru™ 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set here.
You explained it better than I could. Plus, some fasteners have an unusually short hex head - that only exacerbates the issue with long sockets.
That's not exactly as useful, if for no other reason than you're locked into that weird exterior spline drive.I have this set somewhere:
8921 21 Piece 3/8" Drive Pass-Thru™ 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set - Gearwrench
Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the 8921 21 Piece 3/8" Drive Pass-Thru™ 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set here.www.gearwrench.com
The ability to put a really short socket into any ratcheting wrench (reversible, flex head, extra long, stubby) can be priceless in certain situations.
It's one of those things you'll usually only need a couple times a year, but when it provides access that would otherwise be impossible, I promise you'll smile
. The "pass thru" aspect is not really what I'm getting at (plus sometimes it's too small to be useful) but the short OAH is the key. I also have this tiny Power Torque set, runs 5-13mm and 13/64 - 1/2". These are kind of the "1/4 drive" equivalent of this style -- that's just my term as of course these are not square drive so actual drive size is not applicable.
Craftsman used to offer these but long discontinued. Note here they weren't focusing on pass-thru at all -- just a shallow socket meant to fit in a wrench. They do have a ball detent which helps retain them and that's nice
Socket length is totally an issue with the 4 and 6-tang locknut spanners for D44/D60/14b spindle nuts. If you try to torque them with a lever (vs a rotational tool like an impact), they just want to cock and lever out of the nut.
It's workable with care but a PITA
Ahh, I see what you mean.That's not exactly as useful, if for no other reason than you're locked into that weird exterior spline drive.
The ability to put a really short socket into any ratcheting wrench (reversible, flex head, extra long, stubby) can be priceless in certain situations.
It's one of those things you'll usually only need a couple times a year, but when it provides access that would otherwise be impossible, I promise you'll smile
I also have this tiny Power Torque set, runs 5-13mm and 13/64 - 1/2". These are kind of the "1/4 drive" equivalent of this style -- that's just my term as of course these are not square drive so actual drive size is not applicable. View attachment 142332
Craftsman used to offer these but long discontinued. Note here they weren't focusing on pass-thru at all -- just a shallow socket meant to fit in a wrench. They do have a ball detent which helps retain them and that's niceView attachment 142334
Apparently, the pictured 3/8” Astro nano sockets have a 17mm hex that can be used with their specialty ratcheting wrench.
Ratcheting Double Flex Head Wrench For Nano Sockets | Astro Pneumatic Tools
17 x 22mm ratchet wrench locks onto and retains Astro’s 3/8" and 1/2" drive low-profile Nano impact sockets 100 tooth flex-head design allows for use in the most confined spaces 0.9" to 1.1" total thickness with socket attached to maintain an extreme low-profile
www.astrotools.com
But they work fine with a normal ratcheting wrench too.
I’ve been using my Mountain ratcheting wrenches for those applications. The collar provides just enough clearance for those fasteners.
I bought some SnapOn semi deeps in 1/4 drive years ago. Use them a fair bit in the engine bay and under dash. Like them, but never enough I guess to buy a 3/8 set lol.
I was looking the other day... NAPA now thinks their Carlyle set (same thing) is worth something like $412!!!
It's The Emporer's New Clothes approach: they're REALLY expensive so they must be REALLY good!
In typical NAPA we-don't-really-care-about-Carlyle fashion, the web listing is terribly inaccurate. There's 10 sizes in the set and IIRC it's 10-19mm with no skips.
They're "ok" but not $412 ok. Most of the different badges right now (Platinum, ATD, Mountain, Icon) are ~$200 -- which is still high IMO but not completely outrageous
Yes, I see that now, 10 - 19mm. But, the price is now showing $449. I could swear it was $412 an hour ago.
Maybe a local pricing matter?
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The ones sold as Icon or Matco, Carlyle and others are all made by Kabo and good quality.
Exactly, the longer the socket the more unstable it is on the fastener. Not good if the nut/bolt head is already sketchy with rust.
