Who makes quality Semi-deeps? I do

[Big Johnson]

Most of my sockets are Craftsman (about 500 sockets total), I have a bunch of Super Indestro, Snap-on, Mac, Cornwell, but don't have any semi-deeps. I'm in college, on a budget, so I don't have $200 for sockets I don't really need. I don't need them, but I do want them. So, I decided Id just get some deeps and cut them to semi-deep length. I measure c-man for specs; no good, the drive, inside the socket, doesnt go deep enough to cut to SO specs; specs are listed on their catalog. I did some measuring and found some deep Taiwan-made sockets(Taiwan better than china, think bluepoint) I had laying around from one of the toolboxes I bought. They go just about deep enough to cut them to semi-deep specs. I cut them with cut off tool, ground em down, chamfered them, and polished them. Now, I have a good set of semi-deeps with spending little more than a couple hours of my time, and some sweat. Now, If I could only do the same and make myself a Verus.

 

[Robbie UK]

I seem to be trimming standard sockets on a grinder more and more to get at suspension parts and ARB bushes. Not used a cut-off tool (presuming you are talking about a cut-off on a hand grinder) to do this as I am sure my aim is not that good!

I have been thinking of getting a bunch of more regularly used socket sizes cut down to various lengths on a lathe. Getting a slightly thinner ratchet has helped things but I wish car designers would give us more space!!!

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Here is size comparison.

 

[Big Johnson]

Here is size comparison.

Thanks for the pics. Shows how much of a difference between deep and semi-deep. Craftsman stopped making them for some reason; they only had them in a set anyways. I was thinking about making the really short ones with standard depth sockets, but my go-throughs are pretty damn shallow. If I had to choose one 3/8 drive socket set froms Snappy it would be the semi-deeps; they fit over studs and get into some tight spaces.

 

[rsanter]

I have thought about doing the same thing but using a lathe

Bob

 

[fordbroncodave]

i think the op was turning these in a lathe. if he was cutting them with a cut off wheel he could damage them to easily by a miscut or heating it up enough to warp or cause chrome damage.

i do not think there are any semi deep socket sets that are budget brand any more. the closest sets are probably SK which are a fraction of the price of snap on or matco's

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

http://www.frankstools.com/koken-38dr-semi-deep-socket-set-r3833008.html

 

[BJ42LX]

Nope. He said cutoff wheel. If cut slowly it will be fine.

i think the op was turning these in a lathe. if he was cutting them with a cut off wheel he could damage them to easily by a miscut or heating it up enough to warp or cause chrome damage.

I cut them with cut off tool, ground em down, chamfered them, and polished them.

 

[Rogue1987]

http://www.frankstools.com/koken-38dr-semi-deep-socket-set-r3833008.html

Anyone ever order from there?

 

[Big Johnson]

Anyone ever order from there?

No 15mm. I hate when they pull that ****; might be the only one I ever need.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

If anyone tries cutting them with a lathe, I'd like to hear their results. I would suspect any quality socket would be pretty damn hard steel, not to mention the chrome plating. Might be tough to cut on a lathe.

 

[sharkytm]

Power hacksaw?

 

[Altec]

If I wanted to make some, I'd use full-broach Craftsman's.

Anyone ever order from there?

The owner is member here. Seems like a cool guy.

 

[pipsters]

Somehow I'm having trouble getting past "on a budget" and "500 sockets"

 

[Chamkila]

Subscribed"............

 

[greasemonkey44]

ive made some before for dash work; used a cut off wheel and clearanced the edges on a grinder
one time i had to slot a 14mm socket to accommodate a sensor wire
if i keep needing unique sockets im gonna buy that cheap HF mini lathe and use that to cut them down

 

[JDS968]

This thread utterly demands extensive photographic documentation of described activities and the results!

 

[xurusaibobx]

matco impact 3/8 semi deep metric set isnt bad 180 i think

 

[ajchien]

This thread utterly demands extensive photographic documentation of described activities and the results!

You mean:

 

[Big Johnson]

Craftsman, SnapOn, Powerbuilt

 

[fordbroncodave]

I have 2 craftsman semi deeps i'd sell to someone for reference. $5 each plus shipping

 

[Stick Figure]

I have a 14mm Craftsman that I cut down on my lathe. I'm not sure if it is "Snap on" length, but it worked for what I needed. I'll see if I can snap a pic of it to share.

 

[amolaver]

matco impact 3/8 semi deep metric set isnt bad 180 i think

just for reference, when they were available, i bought a semi deep metric impact SK set..for like $75. SK4080 i believe. i continue to search for any of these sets as i'd LOVE at least one more. the set i've had has been used hard (on a nitrocat 3/8 impact mostly), and they are still in excellent condition. my most used sockets i'd guess.

not sure how you'd get them or how much they would be, but my nepros semi deep set has the best finish of ANY brand i've ever seen (yes, including the trucks). they also work as actual tools, not as jewelry i almost never use chrome sockets, but when i do, it is almost certainly the nepros.

ahm

 

[Big Johnson]

Somehow I'm having trouble getting past "on a budget" and "500 sockets"

Not too hard, or expensive. 299 piece Craftsman (little over $300). Previous sockets I had, Impact sockets, swivel sockets, sockets that came with the used box I bought, sockets given to me by my grandfather(Nasa engineer,WW2 Veteran)he passed away this year RIP. If they were all Snap-On it would be about $10,000, Flank-Drive, what a joke. Yes I know it works, but a chinese pos **** has the same thing nowadays. Gotta have Flank-drive... wait, no I don't because everybody has copied it.

 

[Big Johnson]

Craftsman, SnapOn, Powerbuilt

If any of you want a set of these Made In America, well in my garage, using global parts(Taiwan) sockets sets give me a holler. Price is $48.99 per socket, no discounts when ordering sets. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime offer, custom built to your specs. In addition, I will engrave any COO of your liking; including, but not limited to, North Korea. I have developed the new the Patented "Shaving's Drive." The shavings made while cutting these sockets will not be cleaned out by yours truly. The shavings create a close-contact with fastener, which ensures almost, well Im guessing, 99.99% more torque capacity.