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What's Next: 3/8 any versus 1/2 deep sockets

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texchappy

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OK, here was the question:
more useful for a home mechanic working on an '07 Acura MDX and 1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0l - 3/8inch shallow or 1/2" drive deep. I already have 1/4 shallow 6 pt, 3/8 universal (C'man China that I really dislike but have william's round head 3/8 ratchet), and 1/2" shallow 6 pt. All these are sets.

Maybe a better question: What are the most common bolt sizes and screws on those two cars?
 

DirtRoad

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You want complete sets in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive, shallow and deep.

You will use them all, seriously
 
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texchappy

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OK, sure, feed my tool acquisition syndrome ;)

That leads back to the question I originally asked about which to get next?
 
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texchappy

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Universal is, as I get it, a design between 6 pt and 12 pt that's supposed to do all bolts in that size regardless of head. It's a shallow in my case.
 

Givl Reggin

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blackz26

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No, you don't NEED swivels. But what u mean I think are spline drive. Before getting anything else, I'd do deep and shallow 3/8. Then 1/2. Can do a lot more with 3/8 then 1/2. But as mentioned, eventually you'll need them all
 

diesel research

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No, you don't NEED swivels.
:lol_hitti

oh how little ye know, my young padawan. Get involved with more indepth wrenching on a wider variety of vehicles, you are in for a huge surprise. Not everything is built like a berreta.

mid depths eventually play a role too.

kdt-80304s.gif



just in case the crybabies think i am being a brand/coo snob, the above pictured units are imported and available from local autoparts stores, or online, for as low as $40.
 

BK13

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:lol_hitti

oh how little ye know, my young padawan. Get involved with more indepth wrenching on a wider variety of vehicles, you are in for a huge surprise. Not everything is built like a berreta.

mid depths eventually play a role too.

kdt-80304s.gif



just in case the crybabies think i am being a brand/coo snob, the above pictured units are imported and available from local autopRarts stores, or online, for as low as $40.

I have a set (actually, metric 3/8 and SAE 1/4 and 3/8 sets) of Snap On but those are pretty cool. What are they?

To the OP, I would be getting set up with 3/8 everything before I go for deep 1/2" stuff.
 
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texchappy

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OK, think 3/8" drive will be towards where I go. Noticed a good deep set of Williams at Toolsdelivered. Might spring for the Stahlwille shallows or go back to my standby Williams. Any suggestions besides these?
 

blackz26

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:lol_hitti

oh how little ye know, my young padawan. Get involved with more indepth wrenching on a wider variety of vehicles, you are in for a huge surprise. Not everything is built like a berreta.

mid depths eventually play a role too.

kdt-80304s.gif



just in case the crybabies think i am being a brand/coo snob, the above pictured units are imported and available from local autoparts stores, or online, for as low as $40.

Never said it was. Never got to turn a bolt on mine. Let one change the oil.

So, realistically, tell me why someone NEEDS universal sockets? Where a socket with a swiveling wouldn't work? Because I sure don't know obviously.
 

blackz26

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OK, think 3/8" drive will be towards where I go. Noticed a good deep set of Williams at Toolsdelivered. Might spring for the Stahlwille shallows or go back to my standby Williams. Any suggestions besides these?

Duralast. Much cheaper and really good quality.
 

kts

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TwoInch

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I picked that set up from Amazon the other week for $41. Excellent fit and finish and just the right length. I have a few sockets the same length that a friend lathed down for me for special jobs but these are nicer and might become my go to 3/8 set.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00829RMAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

i have looked at them online many times. diesel said they are available at local auto parts stores, i am curious which.

i own the snap on mid length metrics in 3/8. most used sockets i have.
 
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diesel research

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what store carries those gearwrench mid lengths? never come across them in a store.

not carries, but napa and advance can get them, amongst others.


As for swivel sockets vs add on swivels, the extra length/height interferes or creates a harsher angle in many applications. Basically, meaning adding 2" of length, wont work when you have 1" of space. transmissions and certain front drive accessories are just an example.
 

TwoInch

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im suprised the mid lengths are not more widely known and used. i use shallow sockets much less often since getting them. come to think of it, i use deep much less often too.

they just fit nice.. often
 

diesel research

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mid lengths are the real deal.

instead of challenging everyone to "prove" their need, try to use some imagination.

Short socket too shallow, long socket too long. or need an "extension", but shortest extension too long.
 

blackz26

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mid lengths are the real deal.

instead of challenging everyone to "prove" their need, try to use some imagination.

Short socket too shallow, long socket too long. or need an "extension", but shortest extension too long.

Sorry for trying you learn, and just not bring able to seeing a place they'd be usable.
 

rick carpenter

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No, you don't NEED swivels. But what u mean I think are spline drive. Before getting anything else, I'd do deep and shallow 3/8. Then 1/2. Can do a lot more with 3/8 then 1/2. But as mentioned, eventually you'll need them all

My Jetta needed a 13mm swivel socket according to an online diy guide. I got it done with a straight socket but it sure would have been easier with a swivel so that's on my to get list. I've filled out my 3/8 shallow set except for swivels (so far) and bought 1/2 individuals before needing them.
 

diesel research

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Sorry for trying you learn, and just not bring able to seeing a place they'd be usable.

they are usable almost everywhere a shallow is not required.

again, it takes very little imagination to figure out how another 3/4" may help "stand off" in some situation, and how in most "regular" cases, it would not interfere, except in tight applications.

crappy video

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M95ExA-x3sM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 

DCarr

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Maybe a better question: What are the most common bolt sizes and screws on those two cars?

10, 13, 15,17 & 19 MM

W/ 10, 13 & 15 MM being the most common

But neither are limited to those sizes.
 

TwoInch

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Sorry for trying you learn, and just not bring able to seeing a place they'd be usable.
in many instances, they do the job of both shallow and deep socket, and will work when one or the other would be required normally. thus meaning you have a more useful tool, and have to switch back and forth from shallow and deep much less often.

they are damn useful, and worth every penny. i imagine you are young, or very new to mechanical work in general if you struggle to see how they would be useful.
 

abvw

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Mid lengths are real handy when working on timing belts, where deeps wont fit in the space between the belt and wheel well, and shallows are too short to reach the fasteners.
 

pmohr

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10, 13, 15,17 & 19 MM

W/ 10, 13 & 15 MM being the most common

But neither are limited to those sizes.

You won't be finding much in the way of 13/15mm on a Honda product.

The most common on that one will be 10/12/14, but you really only need 8/10/12/14/17/19 to work on most anything on the vehicle.
 

TwoInch

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