Looking for a decent, but not high dollar deep pass thru socket set

[jade97]

I need to replace the front & rear struts on the 2016 Explorer. For the front, YouTube states I need a deep 21 or 22 mm pass thru socket for the front & 17 or 18 mm crows foot for the rear. I can't verify the size because my daughter has the car at school.

Icon has the crows foot, although the HF I went to today didn't have the metric set.

Nobody seems to stock a deep pass thru socket set that includes 21 or 22 mm.

Looking for a decent, but not high dollar deep pass thru socket set. Any suggestions on a safe place to order and a decent brand?

I see nothing from Craftsman, icon, gear wrench, kobalt, or husky.

I have about 2.5 weeks to procure these tools.

 

[WWheeler]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'deep'?
My Craftsman max-access passthru set and every other passthru that I'm familiar with is low profile because they are a more compact set of sockets can do what a deep socket set does because they let a bolt or stud 'pass through'.

 

[Etchase]

I think only Bahco still makes a 1/2” pass thru set, but I could be wrong. I’ve never seen a deep socket, but they make pass thru extensions. The used craftsman, husky, GW 1/2 sets can go for more then the bahco new.

 

[rsanter]

How about a ratcheting wrench?

 

[Rkcubed]

Williams has a set. It’s the same set as the Blue Point.

3/8" Drive Bolt Thru Socket Set, 22 Pieces

{ "1": "3\/8\" Drive Bolt Thru Socket Set, 22 Pieces" }

www.williams-industrial.com

 

[dnschmidt]

What does the word deep have to do with a passthrough socket? I have a Bostitch set that meets your requirements but I don't even know if it's still sold.

 

[jade97]

The nut on top of the strut is deep down inside the strut bearing.

Is this a piece of excrement from Amazon?

UTMALL Steering Hub Suspension Shock Absorber Strut Nut Removal Tool Set Socket Kit, Suspension Strut Spreader Tool (18pcs Suspension Tool)

 

[Citation]

Can you use an offset box end wrench?

 

[Etchase]

This one is a little cheaper, and gives you far fewer tools, but if you’re just doing 1 car, it might be ok.

RALBIL 9PCS Strut Nut Socket - Shock Absorber Removel Tool Set 16mm 18mm 19mm 21mm 22mm 24mm Strut Nut Removal Tool with 12 Point 1/2" Drive Suspension Strut Spreader Socket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY2FK3N6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cgrutt]

Not sure if this is what you need but recently bought this set to do front struts on wife's Mercedes and son's BMW.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/strut-nut-socket-set-5-piece/003046schkt/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpJWoBhA8EiwAHZFzfpYj2m8F9z_mK1UCZLQWDA0NkC7H-9l6Hhm0hOeoCazTFRdp50pE3BoCK-wQAvD_BwE

Believe they are available individually if you don't want the set.

 

[f121]

Weld a cheap wrench onto a cheap socket?

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I was recommended these for struts recently. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E36ZF4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dnschmidt]

An angled socket wrench. NOW WE'RE TALKING.

 

[Lasu]

At least 4-5 brands sell them in Europe. +100€

 

[dnschmidt]

At least 4-5 brands sell them in Europe. +100€

Not for one. Ultimate Garage sells individuals of the FACOM. Not super cheap but sure as hell aren't 100 Euro's each. How the hell do you make the Euro symbol on an American keyboard anyway?

 

[WWheeler]

[...] How the hell do you make the Euro symbol on an American keyboard anyway?

Hold down Alt and type 0128 = €
Or in Windows, open the Character Map (click 'start' and type 'Character map' > select the result to open it}.

 

[Etchase]

On an IPhone just long press $ and a menu will pop up giving you access to a bunch of symbols including €. Works with all the keys on the keyboard.

 

[jade97]

The nut on top of the strut is deep down inside the strut bearing.

Is this a piece of excrement from Amazon?

UTMALL Steering Hub Suspension Shock Absorber Strut Nut Removal Tool Set Socket Kit, Suspension Strut Spreader Tool (18pcs Suspension Tool)

Well, it looks like what I need

But I guess we shall see about the quality. Not so good, if we go by the description on the label.

"18-piece special tool set for the five-corner sleeve of the saucer-type sub-pump"

 

[Samuel D]

There are often many ways to do this job (depends on the exact vehicle which tool will fit), but if I was buying something specific for the job, I would choose an option that allows the use of a torque wrench.

 

[JohnDeere]

“LENQTH”

 

[M635_Guy]

Not sure if this is what you need but recently bought this set to do front struts on wife's Mercedes and son's BMW.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/strut-nut-socket-set-5-piece/003046schkt/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpJWoBhA8EiwAHZFzfpYj2m8F9z_mK1UCZLQWDA0NkC7H-9l6Hhm0hOeoCazTFRdp50pE3BoCK-wQAvD_BwE

Believe they are available individually if you don't want the set.

I have that set - they work pretty well, and allow use of a torque wrench too.

Editing to add that I also have an old Craftsman set that has been a life-saver in all kinds of situations. I've used it on struts, but wasn't great for a torque wrench since you can't really use it if you need a hex to hold the center in place. But totally worth having if you can dig one up on ebay/etc. Here are some pix - I couldn't find a PN for the whole kit so I took pix of the case and interior, but also included part numbers in case that helps:






3/8" equiv. pass-thru




They also work pretty well when you need a really low-profile ratchet, too.

 

[M635_Guy]

Well damn - I just did a quick search on eBay to see if I could find a part number for the set, and I guess I did... 29309

...but somebody wants $250 for it

Craftsman 29309 Max Axess 51 PC Set Pass Through in Red Case for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Craftsman 29309 Max Axess 51 PC Set Pass Through in Red Case at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I see one for $120 that is missing a couple things.

Apologies - so much for "not high-dollar." I never dreamed anyone would ask that much. I'm pretty sure it was not expensive when I bought it...

 

[WWheeler]

Well damn - I just did a quick search on eBay to see if I could find a part number for the set, and I guess I did... 29309

...but somebody wants $250 for it

Craftsman 29309 Max Axess 51 PC Set Pass Through in Red Case for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Craftsman 29309 Max Axess 51 PC Set Pass Through in Red Case at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I see one for $120 that is missing a couple things.

Apologies - so much for "not high-dollar." I never dreamed anyone would ask that much. I'm pretty sure it was not expensive when I bought it...

Yeah, I picked up the larger set from a garage sale for $25 five or so years ago now and was really surprised how much those sets are going for. I tried to google it at the time but I couldn't recall what craftsman called their pass-thrus.

I don't use it often so it's still like brand new but a few times I have it's helped me out where no other tool I owned would.

 

[rpcraft]

FWIW if you need to get a new version of the Max AXXes that Craftsman used to sell GearWrench sells one now. It's a decent kit. I think maybe missing the driver handle the craftsman set had. That said I don't see why you would need a deep socket version considering it's a pass through. I've done shocks on my 87 Turbo coupe using the Craftsman set, no issues though if you really want to do it by hand. Alternately I also used an air impact set to full speed and full pressure because the speed and torque overcame the need to hold the middle piece still. I had tried it with an 18 volt dewalt and milwauke but the lacked the speed to overcome the friction of the nylock nut in the same manner the air impact did it seems.

Link to Gearwrench set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAHNM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[WWheeler]

An angled socket wrench. NOW WE'RE TALKING.

At least 4-5 brands sell them in Europe. +100€

I bought this 'Duratech' set for $33 and it's been fine. I like them. The tool roll is a nice addition too. I didn't see much point in spending more for something I rarely use.

 

[M635_Guy]

I also used an air impact set to full speed and full pressure because the speed and torque overcame the need to hold the middle piece still

I've been advised multiple times that doing it that way can damage the seals inside the shock. I definitely use the impact to take the strut assembly apart, but do the tightening by hand.

[I know it works most of the time and doesn't damage all of the time, but not worth it to me to risk it.]

 

[Etchase]

The inexpensive Apex pass thru socket sets mentioned above are 3/8 drive and typically only go to 19mm. The Bahco set is 1/2 drive and does go to the desired size, but is pricey. The bargain APEX pass through are SATA and Crescent branded but have a fixed head ratchet.

 

[fletcher94]

I was originally looking at the matco set but settled on the gearwrench set. Gearwrench works just seeems sorta cheap. If I used it more often ide probably upgrade.

 

[Farmall450]

I was originally looking at the matco set but settled on the gearwrench set. Gearwrench works just seeems sorta cheap. If I used it more often ide probably upgrade.

I have the small (1/4 equivalent?) GW set and have used it a few times. Really need the larger one for most applications.

 

[Farmall450]

Seems like a complex way around using a ratcheting wrench for most things.

 

[fletcher94]

I have the small (1/4 equivalent?) GW set and have used it a few times. Really need the larger one for most applications.

I don’t think I’ve even used the 1/4” drive sizes. Maybe used the set like ten times an always been the 3/8”. There was one time I wish it went larger than 3/8 but was still able to complete the job other ways. Maybe if I did more automotive work it would be different but even than I don’t see pass through sets often.

I also saw millwakee is coming out with a new m12 cordless indisider ratchet they call it. Pretty cool but I wont be the first to buy.

 

[619DioFan]

Just buy quick struts and avoid having to disassemble the old ones.

 

[Toold_up]

Armstrong made an Eliminator set years ago. Matco had a "Special Forces" set with a pnumatic impact (3/8 drive).

I have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 Drive Eliminator sets as well as the Special Forces from Matco kit.

Armstrong:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Matco:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[gleman]

Armstrong made an Eliminator set years ago. Matco had a "Special Forces" set with a pnumatic impact (3/8 drive).

I have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 Drive Eliminator sets as well as the Special Forces from Matco kit.

Armstrong:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Matco:

Pardon Our Interruption...

My garage sale score for the summer was a unused 1/2" Armstrong set for 20 bucks.






Do you have any idea whats supposed to go in the unused cutout?

 

[Toold_up]

The long 1/2 drive extension

 

[Toold_up]

My garage sale score for the summer was a unused 1/2" Armstrong set for 20 bucks.






Do you have any idea whats supposed to go in the unused cutout?

You deserve a "You ****!" for that score btw!

 

[VolvoRyan]

I've been advised multiple times that doing it that way can damage the seals inside the shock. I definitely use the impact to take the strut assembly apart, but do the tightening by hand.

[I know it works most of the time and doesn't damage all of the time, but not worth it to me to risk it.]

Super true. I know folks who've lunched a strut this way.

CTA makes these strut nut sockets:

Search for 'strut nut socket' | FCP Euro

parts online. Buy OEM & Genuine parts with a Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping and Unlimited 365 Day Returns.

www.fcpeuro.com

-Ryan

 

[M635_Guy]

Super true. I know folks who've lunched a strut this way.

CTA makes these strut nut sockets:

Search for 'strut nut socket' | FCP Euro

parts online. Buy OEM & Genuine parts with a Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping and Unlimited 365 Day Returns.

www.fcpeuro.com

-Ryan

I hadn't seen those - I bought this Schwaben set several years ago:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/strut-nut-socket-set-5-piece/003046schkt/

 

[VolvoRyan]

I hadn't seen those - I bought this Schwaben set several years ago:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben-parts/strut-nut-socket-set-5-piece/003046schkt/

You kinda need both styles, as it really depends on the flavor of strut. Some need a wrench to come in from the side to hold the flats.... others want a torx or hex bit to come in from the top.

-Ryan

 

[M635_Guy]

You kinda need both styles, as it really depends on the flavor of strut. Some need a wrench to come in from the side to hold the flats.... others want a torx or hex bit to come in from the top.

-Ryan

So far I've just been able to use a hex wrench with the Schwaben sockets and a torque wrench to do them for BMW, Mazda, and Honda. Can't remember what we did for the Volvo.