Semi Deep Socket Brands Please!

[malykaii]

No, not a beaten to death short vs deep vs mid depth!

Want to buy an SAE set (6 or 12pt, irrelevant) recommend away. I want unique please!

No Gearwrench or Snap On... Unique. (like I found Koken). Any others?

Thanks!

 

[DBendr]

Matco, Mac, Corndog,SK

 

[DBendr]

Nepros , Sunex

 

[T45]

Apex

http://apexbits.com/apex-3-8-square...l-6-point-and-double-hex-standard-length.aspx

38mm is their standard length in 3/8

 

[anndel]

Sorry but I would highly recommend Snap On. Next best thing:

Tekton, Sunex, Grey Pneumatic but if you can get them I recommend Koken.

 

[LB-1911]

No, not a beaten to death short vs deep vs mid depth!

Want to buy an SAE set (6 or 12pt, irrelevant) recommend away. I want unique please!

No Gearwrench or Snap On... Unique. (like I found Koken). Any others?

Thanks!

Most of sk's deep sockets are the length of other brands semi deep, extra deep from sk is about the length of a craftsman's deep.

Page 37 SK Catalog
http://www.skhandtool.com/products/catalog/skhtml/index.html#37/z

 

[1950mercury]

Impact or chrome

 

[malykaii]

Sorry but I would highly recommend Snap On. Next best thing:

Tekton, Sunex, Grey Pneumatic but if you can get them I recommend Koken.

I just bought my first set of sockets from S.O. (metric semi deep) and the drastic quality difference between them and my GearWrench sockets just isn't there. Especially at $27 vs $218.

I love unique brands. If you say the koken is nice, then I apreciate that! Many koken reviews are pretty good.

 

[malykaii]

Impact or chrome

Good question! (now I want to say both )

3/8d Chrome Semi Deep (for now, with 1/4d later)


(awsome, SK is a brand I don't own yet)

 

[woody6904]

Another option to maybe consider. Blackhawk 3/8 chrome deep sockets are shorter than my old 3/8 craftsman deep sockets. Not sure how they compare to semi deeps cause i dont own any, but with the size of the Blackhawks, i see no need to buy any semi deeps. Very nice, reasonably priced, made in the USA sockets.

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...176_Proto®-3|8"-Drive-Deep-Sockets---6-Point/

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...-by-Proto®-3|8"-Drive-Deep-Sockets---6-Point/

Notice the shorter Blackhawks versus the Protos.

 

[malykaii]

^totally affordable. Might just...


So do the Germans not make this stuff?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Good question! (now I want to say both )

3/8d Chrome Semi Deep (for now, with 1/4d later)


(awsome, SK is a brand I don't own yet)

SK for 1/4" Semi-Deep Chrome. I bought this set and added a long ratchet (SK40971) & 1-1/2" Williams extension. It's my go to set for smaller stuff.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-1-4-socket-sets-27712.html

I have 12pt SK Deeps up to 9/16" & 15mm that I've been using as 3/8" semi-deeps.

I just bought my first set of sockets from S.O. (metric semi deep) and the drastic quality difference between them and my GearWrench sockets just isn't there. Especially at $27 vs $218.

Toss some comparison pictures if you get the chance. It'd be good to see some side by sides.

 

[Wamsutta]

MAC SX146TR 1/4 - 1'' for the ultra low price of $214.99

They are 6 point, even though the link says 12 point.

 

[DBendr]

^totally affordable. Might just...


So do the Germans not make this stuff?

The Germans still consider flex heads "new technology"

 

[Wamsutta]

I just bought my first set of sockets from S.O. (metric semi deep) and the drastic quality difference between them and my GearWrench sockets just isn't there. Especially at $27 vs $218.

The one problem you'll find with the GearWrench sockets is that when you snap them onto an extension, the socket's detents will engage the friction ball of the extension and then continue on past the friction ball before coming to a complete stop at the square drive of the extension. When you let go of the socket, the socket will spring back and center itself onto the friction ball of the extension, but the socket will not be resting at a complete stop while engaged with the friction ball of the extension.

 

[martin666]

My other sets of semi-deeps are the two brands you asked to not mention, these 3/8" drive SK's have been fine. Not a SK fan but have no complaints with these and wouldn't hesitate buying them again.

 

[stage20]

SK Mac proto. Blackhawk prob cheapest.

 

[stage20]

I have some husky USA ons s as well

 

[T45]

The Germans still consider flex heads "new technology"

Don't german socket-sets tend to jump from 1/4 to 1/2 shallow (in lieu of 3/8) and the typical depth of this socket is 33-37mm, or almost exactly the same as a mid-deep 3/8... So the practical matter of bolt clearance and stand-off is really mitigated.

The brilliance of semi-deep, however,
is you don't need to use 1/2 panzer tank
german ratchets

.

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got Gearwrench semi-deeps at home. 3/8" and 1/4". They are very nice for the money.
I've got Snappy 3/8" semi deep impacts at work, and they work fine as well. Use the 15mm off that set the most. For chromies, I'd get the Gearwrench ones and be done with it.

 

[four.cycle]

check the S-K listings on Ebay. recently there have been several sets listed.
just don't get caught up in one of the crazy bidding wars and pay too much.

 

[malykaii]

Toss some comparison pictures if you get the chance. It'd be good to see some side by sides.

Will do tomorrow when I go to work.

The one problem you'll find with the GearWrench sockets is that when you snap them onto an extension, the socket's detents will engage the friction ball of the extension and then continue on past the friction ball

You know, I can't say I've ever experienced this phenominon, or if it's happening I've never noticed. I will investigate tomorrow.

 

[malykaii]

check the S-K listings on Ebay. recently there have been several sets listed.
just don't get caught up in one of the crazy bidding wars and pay too much.

Bidding wars? Lolz, never. I'm the *** that sits quiet like a sniper and 10 seconds before the end post my bid.

 

[1950mercury]

The one problem you'll find with the GearWrench sockets is that when you snap them onto an extension, the socket's detents will engage the friction ball of the extension and then continue on past the friction ball before coming to a complete stop at the square drive of the extension. When you let go of the socket, the socket will spring back and center itself onto the friction ball of the extension, but the socket will not be resting at a complete stop while engaged with the friction ball of the extension.

Yea but is that difference worth 190.00 bucks

 

[PJNJ]

Yea but is that difference worth 190.00 bucks

I have the Gearwrench in 1/4 and 3/8 metric semi-deep and I haven't really noticed any problem with "spring back" or their usability. For many jobs they have become my go-to sockets and I have had no problems using them.

And to answer the question, (as you know already) any difference is definitely not worth $190 or probably more in my case as I got them in a BOGO sale. They are very good sockets and worth much more than their cost.

As for the concept of "unique", I go with one of three concepts when buying tools -
1. the best;
2. best bang for the buck; and
3. what I can afford that will get the job done.

Often it's number 2 or 3 and rarely number 1. "Unique" is for people with much more money than I have or can afford.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yea but is that difference worth 190.00 bucks

That depends on how aggravated you get. GearWrench makes a great looking socket, but I can't stand that one discrepancy.

 

[fras_auto]

no, not a beaten to death short vs deep vs mid depth!

Want to buy an sae set (6 or 12pt, irrelevant) recommend away. I want unique please!

No gearwrench or snap on... Unique. (like i found koken). Any others?

Thanks!

carlyle has new mid depth sockets

ssmd14010 6 point sae-$30.47

ssmd14013m 6 point metric-$40.93

 

[stage20]

carlyle has new mid depth sockets

ssmd14010 6 point sae-$30.47

ssmd14013m 6 point metric-$40.93

that may be a good alternative

 

[stage20]

the man says no gearwrench and i see gearwrench in every post.

 

[four.cycle]

S-K 10-piece 3/8" drive 6-pt SAE semi-deep socket set (sockets only)
3/16" - 9/16"
used. shiny.
99 cents + $5 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Fri. 02/26
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Tools-1-...:g:S20AAOSwPc9Wx822&item=361494159447&vxp=mtr

 

[cheechi]

I've got Gearwrench semi-deeps at home. 3/8" and 1/4". They are very nice for the money.
I've got Snappy 3/8" semi deep impacts at work, and they work fine as well. Use the 15mm off that set the most. For chromies, I'd get the Gearwrench ones and be done with it.

This is what I would do. I don't know how they compare to any others listed but they are fully broached on all the mid depth sockets. Something that was at the top of my list when I was looking for some.

I have not had any issue putting any GW socket onto any extension or ratchet.

I get you don't want them and I don't want to push them at you. But at the end of the day these specifically, the mids, are about equal to any other brand you are going to find. Unless you'd like to play Russian roulette with an SK finish.

 

[T45]

Snap on is $450 off the truck for 2 sets, (half that if used...)

Gearwrench is $41 via BOGO offer online here...

http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...tric-Mid-Length-Socket-Set-P219713C30003.aspx

If you need a whole tray full of fractional and metric...etc

that money adds up fast...$900 vs $82?

For a hobbyist, one set won't break the bank either way tho.

My advice would be to spend money only on the stuff that is your go-to favorites unless you are a pro, and then you need to weigh your capital investment vs your requirement for warranty, downtime, and broken work-pieces (not tools, but the things you are working on)

and then do the math and decide

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Another option to maybe consider. Blackhawk 3/8 chrome deep sockets are shorter than my old 3/8 craftsman deep sockets. Not sure how they compare to semi deeps cause i dont own any, but with the size of the Blackhawks, i see no need to buy any semi deeps. Very nice, reasonably priced, made in the USA sockets.

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...176_Proto®-3|8"-Drive-Deep-Sockets---6-Point/

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...-by-Proto®-3|8"-Drive-Deep-Sockets---6-Point/

Notice the shorter Blackhawks versus the Protos.

I have a set of semi-deep Blackhawk 12pt and they are badass. Nothing beats a quality 12pt socket on a 12pt fastener. I actually used them today.

 

[malykaii]

the man says no gearwrench and i see gearwrench in every post.

-I can see why though. There's so few options apparently. Truck brands aren't worth it and I want to try something other than G.W. However, y'all have shown me that there's only SK, Japanese, and Blackhawk.
-I almost bought the blackhawk but decided on Koken at the last second from Frank Stools

S-K 10-piece 3/8" drive 6-pt SAE semi-deep socket set (sockets only)
3/16" - 9/16"
used. shiny.
99 cents + $5 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Fri. 02/26
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Tools-1-...:g:S20AAOSwPc9Wx822&item=361494159447&vxp=mtr

I played the game and even when I sniper bid, the auction went to $47. That's pathetic, that set new is $59. Who really needs to save $12 that badly?

I'd get the Gearwrench ones and be done with it.

I got my unique 3/8d Koken comming, so for the 1/4d I'll do just that. I can get sae and metric together for less than one used SK set.

 

[four.cycle]

I played the game and even when I sniper bid, the auction went to $47. That's pathetic, that set new is $59. Who really needs to save $12 that badly?

It's not "pathetic", it's just the nature of Ebay. People get caught up in bidding wars at the last minute and lose sight of what actual value and/or new retail selling price might be.
Or it's possible they never bothered to check prices on Amazon (or any number of online tool dealers) before bidding.

Selling prices on Ebay are what buyers are willing to pay; they have no relationship to actual market value or MSRP.

 

[malykaii]

It's not "pathetic", it's just the nature of Ebay. People get caught up in bidding wars at the last minute and lose sight of what actual value and/or new retail selling price might be.
Or it's possible they never bothered to check prices on Amazon (or any number of online tool dealers) before bidding.

Selling prices on Ebay are what buyers are willing to pay; they have no relationship to actual market value or MSRP.

You'r right... I was typing quick. Pathetic isn't it, stupid is what I meant.

No need to look for the price, There's SK dealers right on ebay selling brand new "$59 But It Now"

That has to be it, people senselessly getting carried away without setting boundaries.

 

[four.cycle]

Trying to "make sense" of Ebay is a fool's errand.
I've only been using it since October, and I figured out that prices - whether that be asking prices or actual selling prices - just make absolutely no sense sometimes.
Some stuff gets bid way up, some stuff times out with no bidders.
A set of seven used wrenches went from $9.99 to $40 in the last 90 seconds yesterday.
A virtually new set of 3/8" metric sockets got NO bids until I grabbed it at the last minute about an hour ago for $15.

There's no "good" or "bad" or "stupid" to it: it's just the nature of the beast. If you want fixed prices, use Amazon or ToolTopia or any number of online vendors. Or just search "buy it now" stuff.
Nothing is going to change on Ebay just because people think the sellers and buyers are crazy.

 

[Sal Bandini]

You can buy my Craftsman mid-length set.

Now that would be unique.

 

[amolaver]

.
-I almost bought the blackhawk but decided on Koken at the last second from Frank Stools

Really. No one is going say anything about that? Fine. I'll snicker by myself then.

I played the game and even when I sniper bid, the auction went to $47. That's pathetic, that set new is $59. Who really needs to save $12 that badly?


I got my unique 3/8d Koken comming, so for the 1/4d I'll do just that. I can get sae and metric together for less than one used SK set.

That $12 difference is almost 20%. Would you turn down a 20% coupon?

Don't get me wrong, the koken stuff is great. Some of the highest quality tools I've ever used, and imo, sk's chrome sockets are just about their least compelling item...but 20% is pretty good if that's 20% better than the best online price you can find (and...obviously..you really want that item).

ahm

 

[Empty Pockets]

Over time, I've done well on Ebay, but then again, I'm not buying tools because I have to, It's just what I want.

If the used stuff goes too high, I'll buy new.