Semi deep impact, vs shallow and deep

[Kirbot]

So I just ordered a Milwaukee M18 Fuel, 3/8 impacts, and I need to pick up some sockets to go with it. ( I have plenty of 1/2" but I've never owned a 3/8" impact before)


I'm mainly looking at Grey Pneumatic and Sunex, but I noticed I could get a set of semi deep sockets for about the same price as a set of deep and shallow.

I'm leaning towards just getting the deep and shallows, but what would you start with?
I've never used semi deep sockets before. But they look like a pretty good do everything solution.

I know the correct answer is to get all three, but the budget needs to recover a while.

I'll be working on motorcycles, and my Jeep.

 

[gaffobohs]

So I just ordered a Milwaukee M18 Fuel, 3/8 impacts, and I need to pick up some sockets to go with it. ( I have plenty of 1/2" but I've never owned a 3/8" impact before)


I'm mainly looking at Grey Pneumatic and Sunex, but I noticed I could get a set of semi deep sockets for about the same price as a set of deep and shallow.

I'm leaning towards just getting the deep and shallows, but what would you start with?
I've never used semi deep sockets before. But they look like a pretty good do everything solution.

I know the correct answer is to get all three, but the budget needs to recover a while.

I'll be working on motorcycles, and my Jeep.

I got the sunex 3/8 master set when i bought my 3/8 air impact. They are great sockets no complaints at all! I use them as a heavy duty tech so they will be perfect for your needs

Out of curiosity was it the kit you bought? And if so how much? My Greggs Distributor guy quoted me $469 CAD for the kit. He claims their kits are stronger/more heavy duty than the big box stores such as home depot

 

[Kirbot]

I got the sunex 3/8 master set when i bought my 3/8 air impact. They are great sockets no complaints at all! I use them as a heavy duty tech so they will be perfect for your needs

Out of curiosity was it the kit you bought? And if so how much? My Greggs Distributor guy quoted me $469 CAD for the kit. He claims their kits are stronger/more heavy duty than the big box stores such as home depot

I've been looking at that big set. 42 sockets, deep and shallow, Metric and SAE. It's $70 on amazon right now. Might be hard to pass up.

This is the one I bought.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200589360_200589360

It has the smaller batteries, which keeps the price down. But I'll usually be working in the garage with it, (and thus, close to the charger and the extra battery)

That was the best price I could find, And a $50 off coupon got it down to $210 shipped.

 

[woodstockva]

I have a set of the 3/8" metric Grey Pneumatic semi-deep impacts.....very nice blowmold case & they work well. Definitely have found multiple times where shallow was too short, and deep was too long....the semi-deeps worked great.

I will have a review coming out on them at some point soon, but they are definitely worth investing in.

 

[92integra]

love my gp mid length sockets ! for like 40 bucks you cant go wrong. although i mostly use 1/4" the mid length is my go to socket! .... if youre looking for a 1/4" set check out gear wrench they are awsome for the money.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's tough to beat the versatility offered by the SUNEX 3/8 semi deep impact socket sets. The SUNEX set offers a wider range of sizes than even found on a tool truck at a fraction of the price.

 

[TheRobotCow]

+1 for Grey Pneumatic.
I bought a set of metric 3/8 semi deeps from my Cornwell guy. The case the sockets come in makes it very easy to take these where ever you need them to go. The case also has each spot with the size marked to make it quick and easy to know which one you need. I use them at work with my Mac 3/8 electric impact gun.
I wanna say that you can get shallow, semi deep and deep impact sockets for about $75 on tooltopia.

I would also get some impact locking extensions. My Cornwell guy sold me a 3pc made by Sunex(GP also makes the same set).

 

[TheRobotCow]

Just because i really like these impact sockets from my experience with them.

Shallow and Deep Set
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1226m.aspx

Shallow
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213m.aspx

Semi Deep
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213msd.aspx

Deep
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213md.aspx

Locking Extensions
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1103ql.aspx

 

[bdelmar2]

The semi deep universal impacts are great for pulling newer chevy truck bellhousing bolts/studs.

Even with the cross member dropped and engine/trans tilted down there isn't enough room for a deep socket because it hits the fire wall and a short socket won't clear the stud.

The semi deep will clear the stud without hitting the firewall.

Not quite the same as regular impact sockets, but similar principle.

 

[franzdom]

More love for Sunex.

 

[BK13]

I have the SAE Sunex 'master' set with the shallows and deeps, and the mid-length set as well. I like them a bunch.

 

[mrborohachi]

I went to a set of Metric 3/8" Snap-On sockets 8-19mm. I got them for just over $100 on the Student program. Just pick up USA singles of short sockets form Cripe Dist.

 

[Kirbot]

Just because i really like these impact sockets from my experience with them.

Shallow and Deep Set
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1226m.aspx

Shallow
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213m.aspx

Semi Deep
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213msd.aspx

Deep
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213md.aspx

Locking Extensions
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1103ql.aspx

That's a REALLY good price on the semi deeps compared to what I was seeing on Amazon. They want $50 with shipping.


I would go ahead and order them, but I have some Amazon money I need to use up first, so I think I might go with these, and then order both sets of semi deeps from tooltopia in a little while.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TSS4I0/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Edit
I just noticed the set I linked is Tooltopia through Amazon. I wish they had the semi deeps on there too

 

[Kirbot]

Well I went and changed my mind again...
I realized I'm basically out of money at this point, so I'm just going to pick up these. ( I have a $20 Amazon gift card to cover them)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9Y1LAU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That set will hold me over until the budget recovers and I can place an order with Tooltopia or Advance Auto and get some more in Sunex or GP

 

[sk farmer]

my most used 3/8 sockets? i would have to say my sk 3/8 deep swivel sockets. i know they are not on your list but they are what i use most. i have shallow, deep, shallow swivel and deep swivel so i am pretty well set. i think the mid depth sockets would be a good tradeoff. i hate to say it but i think the hf impacts in most styles would be plenty good in 3/8 drive.

 

[Kirbot]

my most used 3/8 sockets? i would have to say my sk 3/8 deep swivel sockets. i know they are not on your list but they are what i use most. i have shallow, deep, shallow swivel and deep swivel so i am pretty well set. i think the mid depth sockets would be a good tradeoff. i hate to say it but i think the hf impacts in most styles would be plenty good in 3/8 drive.

Swivels are definitely on my want list.

The only reason I'm not going with harborfreight for these is that they skip so many sizes.
I actually use them in 1/2" drive with no complaints.

I might try the swivels from HF since they're SO much cheaper. The reviews tend to be pretty un-loving though.

 

[Kamanhart]

Such a small world, I picked up my 3/8 Milwakee Yesterday and i went with the Big 40 piece SK set. Deep and shallow for metric and standard. Cost me right at 150 for the sockets but they are laser etched and stamped which is nice and I have a love affair with SK so it was worth it to me.

 

[SASORacing]

deep and shallow cover bases very well. I wouldnt get semi deeps, sure they are a jack of all trades, but a master of none!

 

[rice rocket]

deep and shallow cover bases very well. I wouldnt get semi deeps, sure they are a jack of all trades, but a master of none!

Wrong.

They are incredibly masterful when you have a rear differential mounting stud that's jammed between the subframe and the spare tire well and the stud is sticking out too far to use the shallow, but the deep hits the trunk.

 

[SASORacing]

Swivels are definitely on my want list.

The only reason I'm not going with harborfreight for these is that they skip so many sizes.
I actually use them in 1/2" drive with no complaints.

I might try the swivels from HF since they're SO much cheaper. The reviews tend to be pretty un-loving though.

Matco makes a great affordable swivel set. The USA ones are the thinnest, slightly thinner than Craftsman and Snap-on. They also have the famous pinless design.
SBUPM106TB

 

[SASORacing]

But honestly, those pinless ones are expensive unless you get the "V" version part # SBUPM106V which are 1/2 the money.

And honestly, just buy the nice pinless usa swivel joint from Matco for ~$45 And use it with your deep and shallow 3/8 impact sockets. It will save you a lot of money!

 

[LUKE221]

Personally i never saw the point of semi deep sockets

 

[SASORacing]

Wrong.

They are incredibly masterful when you have a rear differential mounting stud that's jammed between the subframe and the spare tire well and the stud is sticking out too far to use the shallow, but the deep hits the trunk.

There might be a use for them, but I imagine its very rare when a semi deep impact is ever going to be the only solution.

Do you buy a set of semi deep impacts first for your 3/8 impact gun? The m12 fuel 3/8 is a great gun btw OP.

If you buy semis first then you are not going to have shortest clearance for tight spots. This is where shallow fits the bill, a good default size with best clearance.

Next after your shallow purchase, do you buy semi deep or deeps? I think the best answer is deep for max reach on long nuts and bolts.

Semis come last, I would love to hear a convincing debate stating otherwise...

 

[Kirbot]

And honestly, just buy the nice pinless usa swivel joint from Matco for ~$45 And use it with your deep and shallow 3/8 impact sockets. It will save you a lot of money!

That's probably what I should so.
I have plenty of non impact swivel sockets, that get used now and then.

So if there isn't clearance for the adapter, I can always use them.

 

[Dust Devil]

Semi-deep sockets are priceless!!*
















*For the time when you own shallow and deep and just HAVE to spend money one something.......

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

semi deep sockets will not cover for deep sockets, but they can be handy sometimes.

 

[hangfirew8]

My Greggs Distributor guy quoted me $469 CAD for the kit. He claims their kits are stronger/more heavy duty than the big box stores such as home depot

He may have been speaking of the difference between Chrome Vanadium and Chrome Molybdenum impact sockets. Cheaper brands tend to be Cr-V while the better brands tend to be Cr-Mo. From what I've heard here, the Cr-Mo sockets can be thinner walled and yet stronger, and have a safer failure mode in use.


Like Bdelmar2 said, there are times when tools have to just clear yet still fit. Fit and Clearance is everything in modern automotive work. The ability to get an electric impact and its socket on a fastener means the difference in getting a job done in less than half the time. Everything's tight under the hood and under the fender nowadays, and cars are built to be assembled, not repaired. As such I prefer a deep socket to be deeply broached.

If I can fit my compact electric impact or air wrench in there just barely, a deeply broached socket will allow me to run it all the way out in one go. Using a shallow is often not an option due to other things obstructing the fastener. Using a shallow in combination with very short extension works... if you enjoy assembling the tool chain, only to take it off half way through and use it without the shorty extension to finish the job.

I like the Sunex sockets because they are Cr-Mo and the hex broaching is fairly deep, unlike my Kobalt/Wright psuedo-deep nut-setter impacts. I've got my eye on the 3329 3/8 master set as sort of a "midi" companion to my 1/2 impact set, for use on my IR air ratchet. That set is next on my tool acquisition list.

 

[rice rocket]

There might be a use for them, but I imagine its very rare when a semi deep impact is ever going to be the only solution.

Do you buy a set of semi deep impacts first for your 3/8 impact gun? The m12 fuel 3/8 is a great gun btw OP.

If you buy semis first then you are not going to have shortest clearance for tight spots. This is where shallow fits the bill, a good default size with best clearance.

Next after your shallow purchase, do you buy semi deep or deeps? I think the best answer is deep for max reach on long nuts and bolts.

Semis come last, I would love to hear a convincing debate stating otherwise...

Don't backpedal now. They may not be the most useful, but they're certainly not a master of none. I went through about 5 different brands of sockets till I found the right one.

 

[gaffobohs]

He may have been speaking of the difference between Chrome Vanadium and Chrome Molybdenum impact sockets. Cheaper brands tend to be Cr-V while the better brands tend to be Cr-Mo. From what I've heard here, the Cr-Mo sockets can be thinner walled and yet stronger, and have a safer failure mode in use.


Like Bdelmar2 said, there are times when tools have to just clear yet still fit. Fit and Clearance is everything in modern automotive work. The ability to get an electric impact and its socket on a fastener means the difference in getting a job done in less than half the time. Everything's tight under the hood and under the fender nowadays, and cars are built to be assembled, not repaired. As such I prefer a deep socket to be deeply broached.

If I can fit my compact electric impact or air wrench in there just barely, a deeply broached socket will allow me to run it all the way out in one go. Using a shallow is often not an option due to other things obstructing the fastener. Using a shallow in combination with very short extension works... if you enjoy assembling the tool chain, only to take it off half way through and use it without the shorty extension to finish the job.

I like the Sunex sockets because they are Cr-Mo and the hex broaching is fairly deep, unlike my Kobalt/Wright psuedo-deep nut-setter impacts. I've got my eye on the 3329 3/8 master set as sort of a "midi" companion to my 1/2 impact set, for use on my IR air ratchet. That set is next on my tool acquisition list. [emoji481]

No it was the Milwaukee fuel 3/8 impact kit I was talking about.

 

[67King]

I bought SK's through Harry J Esptein not long ago. Their prices weren't a whole lot higher than the imports. Anyway, I went with semi 3/8" and deep 1/4". I rarely run into studs where I need a true, full deep on bigger fasteners. I didn't bother with shallow because I figure if my impact will fit, a deep socket will.

 

[Kirbot]

SK doesn't make 3/8 semi-deep impact sockets.

If they don't, they used to.
Advance Auto carries them. And I think I saw them on tooltopia.

 

[gaffobohs]

He fed you a line of complete ****. I understand that in Germany, you can buy Made in Germany, but the Chinese ones are all the same.

Yeah I figured as much and certainly wouldn't pay that price for the kit!

 

[SASORacing]

95% sure that the USA pinless swivels are all the same OEM.

The pinless swivels that I described are made in differnt places. One is the V version, nowhere near as good, but cheaper.

 

[cheechi]

I know you're looking primarily at impacts but let me tell you how I did it. I work on my own stuff when I can.

in impact I have shallow and deep. Usually I can make a 1" extension work if I need what a semi-deep would offer. Not always easy.

In chrome I have shallow, semi deep, universals, and deeps in my drawer for SAE & Metric. I love the GW semi deeps. I'm sure nicer brands have nicer sockets but these things are perfect size and cost wise for me. I usually start with a standard size and go up in size as needed, but the semi deeps, goldilocks says they are just right.

Different extensions and ratchets and all aside, I feel like you can usually do the same job with less stuff. But who wants to. These things are great addition to any toolbox home or pro. That said I don't feel that I am missing out by not having semi deep impacts. But maybe I'm just an idiot and don't know my own advice is that good.

 

[stage20]

i hope those tektons are marked as well as etched. once the etching is gone you wont know what size it is unless you engrave them.

 

[Kirbot]

In chrome I have shallow, semi deep, universals, and deeps in my drawer for SAE & Metric. I love the GW semi deeps. I'm sure nicer brands have nicer sockets but these things are perfect size and cost wise for me. I usually start with a standard size and go up in size as needed, but the semi deeps, goldilocks says they are just right.

That sounds like a pretty good setup really. If clearance is that much of an issue, I'll probably be using a ratchet anyway.

i hope those tektons are marked as well as etched. once the etching is gone you wont know what size it is unless you engrave them.

I think they're just etched unfortunately. Same as Grey Pneumatic
The case is marked though, so if they do wear out I'll still have that at least.

I'll probably get the deeps from Sunex, so I expect those will get most of the wear.

 

[efb16acrx]

The pinless swivels that I described are made in differnt places. One is the V version, nowhere near as good, but cheaper.

That's because the cheaper adv sockets are the roll pin and collar design almost everyone else uses, and not pinless. All the pinless ones, armstrong, gearwrench, matco, craftsman, ARE the same.

As for the OP, get them all, duh. I've got shallow midlength and deep in regular impact sockets and pinless swivels.

 

[SASORacing]

Don't backpedal now. They may not be the most useful, but they're certainly not a master of none. I went through about 5 different brands of sockets till I found the right one.

What I meant by master of none is that they are neither shallow or deep, they dont do either well. They are average, middle, not a master but an amateur. I am glad you find them to be better?

 

[02camaro86]

for the 30th time, sunex master sets are great

 

[stage20]

That sounds like a pretty good setup really. If clearance is that much of an issue, I'll probably be using a ratchet anyway.




I think they're just etched unfortunately. Same as Grey Pneumatic
The case is marked though, so if they do wear out I'll still have that at least.

I'll probably get the deeps from Sunex, so I expect those will get most of the wear.

I like my sunex 1/2 drive deeps. Got a few I need to engrave though. They only have etching too.