New Tool Disappointment

[Downwindtracker 2]

Imagine with being disappointed with new tools.

First was a S-K 18mm 1/2" deep off Amazon, the broach was shallow. I like deep broaches, still, it's better than the one I didn't have.

The other was a new Gray 5/8" combination. I had given up hope of finding a full polished one in the wild. The shank meets up with box end at bottom. In Gray's older designs, it meets half way up. In some older box end designs and current Stalhwille , it meets at the top. This gives you a bit of offset. It's kind of handy. So handy, a HD mechanic I was talking with, had gone out and bought a set of Jet combinations to compliment his Snap-Ons. Fashion is a *****.

 

[jasonphelps]

Same here with S-K. Far too shallow broach for lug nuts.

 

[LB-1911]

Imagine with being disappointed with new tools.

First was a S-K 18mm 1/2" deep off Amazon, the broach was shallow. I like deep broaches, still, it's better than the one I didn't have.

For future reference - Broach depth of SK sockets can be found in the catalog which you can download at the link below.

https://sktools.com/content/dam/sktools/catalogs/SK Catalog 2018 Full.pdf

(might be slow to load)

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Your experience is an example of why many of Us own multiple sets of sockets and wrenches of various brands.

I have lots of tools that are very good; but some are not very good for certain applications.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I was using an old Fuller branded KTC on my camper tie down. A fleamarket find used as part of the camper equipment. It had that offset, here I wish I knew how to post photos to illustrate. The usefulness of a tool gives way to looks. I would bet Gray copied Snap-On, chuckle.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Can someone explain the utility of deep well sockets with shallow broaching? It seems to me that a short drive extension can provide the same functionality.

For me a big part of the appeal of deep wells is the ability to retain the fastener in the socket without changing the position of my hand or the tool.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I don't think the shallow broach has anything to do with usefulness, rather with warranty claims. The closer you bring that internal shoulder up to where the force is being appied, the less likely the socket will split.

 

[Spacey_G]

Can someone explain the utility of deep well sockets with shallow broaching? It seems to me that a short drive extension can provide the same functionality.

For me a big part of the appeal of deep wells is the ability to retain the fastener in the socket without changing the position of my hand or the tool.

It lets you access a nut threaded deeper on a bolt or threaded rod than you can get with a shallow socket + extension. The shallow broach keeps the nut at the end of the socket instead of letting it wander up into the socket. Whether that has any real utility or not I can't say, but I do prefer it.

 

[Szilagyi]

The shallow broach is useful if you are trying to start a nut and you have a deep socket on your ratchet, but how big a deal is it just grab the shallow. I could see liking both, but I think I would rather have the flexibility of the deep broach. You can always drop a nut or two in the deep broach socket to hold a nut at the end.

 

[plinker]

Can someone explain the utility of deep well sockets with shallow broaching? It seems to me that a short drive extension can provide the same functionality.

For me a big part of the appeal of deep wells is the ability to retain the fastener in the socket without changing the position of my hand or the tool.

Shallow broaching can help a lot when you are trying to start a nut on a stud or bolt as the nut doesnt get "lost" in the depths of the socket. There have been times where a shallow socket wont do it.

Grease fittings are another area where a shallow broach is quite useful.

Depends on the situation as to whether it's useful or not, both broach depths are handy to have.