need 1/2" drive deep well socket recommendations

[DrBaker]

I'm looking for a set of 1/2" deeps in both metric and SAE. I prefer sets as close to 10-27mm and 3/8 to 1-1/4" as possible.

I have the impacts already so just need the regular Chrome. Most of my sockets are Craftsman USA. For my home use, something of similar quality to those would be just fine.

I've been looking around and rarely see any sets with over about 10-11 which will leave me searching for several matching singles to complete my Hansen trays (bad OCD). Any larger sets out there at a good value?

Usually when I find a larger set it will also have the shorts. I've got 2 large sets of those already, so I prefer a set with just the deeps. If a ratchet were included in a set, that would be ok. I've decided ratchets to me are like purses to my wife.

 

[herfalerf]

I've always wondered this, but why would you want 1/2 in 10mm 12mm etc. Seems to me you would just break a lot of bolts. Always wondered why companies even made 1/2 stuff that small.

 

[d.mcfarland]

SK sets have good value it seems like.

 

[DrBaker]

I've always wondered this, but why would you want 1/2 in 10mm 12mm etc. Seems to me you would just break a lot of bolts. Always wondered why companies even made 1/2 stuff that small.

It's not a need, but more of an OCD issue. I can't stand the empty peg(s) at the end of the tray.

 

[herfalerf]

It's not a need, but more of an OCD issue. I can't stand the empty peg(s) at the end of the tray.

Now that I can understand.

 

[amolaver]

Why get chrome at all, especially in 1/2"?

 

[dpaton]

I'll throw in a (biased) vote for SK.

As for the need for 1/2" deeps in such small sizes, I've run into oddball fasteners, odd reach situations, and just plumb stuck bolts that ended up cooperating only when faced with a 1/2" system and a lot of bicep. Not very often, but once and a while they pop up, and it's nice to have the power to make them bend to our will, though hopefully not literally.

 

[Moose364]

I will throw in for Proto, SK, and you can still find Craftsman USA on ebay, any of them will be great

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Are you looking for 12pt or 6pt?

Williams (Taiwan) would fit the bill for a complete set, but not drive you completely broke over peg fillers. Same sockets are also sold as Blue Point by Snap-On, and are very good quality.

Williams 12 point sets:
32928 (3/8" - 1-1/2")
32951 (9mm-24mm)
32825 (25mm)
32827 (27mm)

Williams 6 point sets:
32939 (3/8" - 1-1/2")
32947 (9mm-24mm)
32725 (25mm)
32727 (27mm)

If you shop around, you should find a good deal on them. Amazon has the sets for right around $110 each.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Or, as others have said, SK is also another good option:

SK 12 point sets:
4815 (3/8" - 1-1/4")
1951 (10mm-32mm)

SK 6 point sets:
4815-6 (3/8" - 1-1/4")
1945 (10mm-24mm)
+40025 (25mm)
+40027 (27mm)

1947 (10mm-32mm)

 

[nanofrog]

A few alternatives not yet mentioned that might be of interest.

Proto
Williams
King Tony (sets will have most of them, but you can get the singles you need)
Gearwrench

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I went with an unpackaged Craftsman 12pt set from ebay. I wasnt going to spend big bucks on these as I don't use them often. I got a 16pc set for like $60.

 

[BK13]

Wright?

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench----

80729---27 pc 1/2" Drive 6 pt SAE socket set...$ 87.93

80730---37 pc 1/2" Drive 12 pt Metric socket set...$ 85.95

Best price I've found--- www.tooldiscounter.com

I realize that these sets include shallow sockets, as well, but the price is right...

 

[DrBaker]

I ended up going with Gearwrench. I was able to use some coupons at AAP that made it hard to beat.

My SAE set is complete. I just need a 23mm and 25mm 12pt to complete the metric side. Does Gearwrench sell those two deep sizes as singles? None at AAP or on Gearwrench website.

 

[thor80]

Why get chrome at all, especially in 1/2"?

Everytime I think this I end up needing a chrome socket for clearance, it sure would be awesome to streamline though, I think I'm one of the wierdos that kind of likes to lighten my box every now and then.

 

[Cope]

I've always wondered this, but why would you want 1/2 in 10mm 12mm etc. Seems to me you would just break a lot of bolts. Always wondered why companies even made 1/2 stuff that small.

I once broke 4 3/8" 10mm sockets trying to remove an A/C compressor bolt on a Dodge 318V8. My last option was a 1/2" drive 10mm. Not likely to need one often, but if you do....

 

[pauls_workshop]

A few ideas: Ebay is great for this sort of thing. You can get Bahco by Williams US or Kobalt by Williams US if you look, real good sockets at great prices. NOS or little used. Or look at Proto or Blackhawk by Proto. Blackhawk by Proto US made is real similar to proper Proto but goes cheaper. Good stuff. Wright is great if you can find it. SK, new or old is great. You can get old used SK for little more than old used Craftsman but much higher quality than Craftsman. US Craftsman is FINE for DIY use though. No reason at all to settle for non US quality here. You can get the real deal for not any more and often less, just get NOS or little used off the bay. - Paul

 

[oldldh]

I just need a 23mm and 25mm 12pt to complete the metric side. Does Gearwrench sell those two deep sizes as singles? None at AAP or on Gearwrench website.

The GearWrench catalog doesn't list either a 23 or 25 mm deep socket...

No joy...

 

[Wamsutta]

Proto does sockets very very well.