Deep Socket set, 6 or 12 PT 3/8 or 1/2?

[JOE.G]

Hi, I have Deep sockets in most of the common sizes, I am looking to buy a SAE and a Metric set that has a decent selection so i don't have to borrow any when I find something I don't have. Tekton Makes a 32 piece set taht I am looking at. I am leaning towards 6 PT in 3/8. I believe for basic use this will be a good way to go, I could always use and adapter to go to 1/2 and I also have a good selection of 1/2 Impact sockets if I need.

So Basically 3/8 6 PT a good choice?

 

[Umclemrbig]

Yes


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[Iowafox]

Go with all 6pt for everything unless you have a need for 12pt. I think all tool manufactures should go away from 1/2dr in 12pt. I am a firm believer that 6pt is the way to go unless absolutely needed a 12pt. Then again I am in Iowa where rust starts after the first year and 12pts round everything off.

 

[BrandoJames]

1. A 6 point socket is your best choice for most situations.
2. Go with a 3/8" chrome set for hand tools and 1/2" impact set for power tools.
3. Buy a complete socket set without skips.
4. If all you currently have are deep sockets, you might consider a shallow or semi-deep set.

Tekton is a solid DIY choice. I also built a nice set of 3/8" Blue Point chrome shallows via the Snap-on website--they're selling individuals at $3 to $4 a pop (Taiwan made).

https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Shallow,-mm,-Chrome-(Blue-Point)/682205

 

[Mr_B]

Go with all 6pt for everything unless you have a need for 12pt. I think all tool manufactures should go away from 1/2dr in 12pt. I am a firm believer that 6pt is the way to go unless absolutely needed a 12pt. Then again I am in Iowa where rust starts after the first year and 12pts round everything off.

For when you need 12pt 1/2" drive about best bet and coverage of 10 to 22 or 36 cover most scenarios .
If you do engine work, turbos, motorsport, big trucks, farm and excavation equipment you come across some 12pts and 12pt does have it's uses in other scenarios .

 

[JOE.G]

My Current sockets made up of the following Snap On, Craftsmen USA Only, Tekton, Proto, GW and some williams Sockets.
Everything listed below is not a mixture of 6 and 12 PT I have complete sets in both 6 and 12 PT.
SAE
1/4 standard depth from 5/32 to 9/16 no skips 6 PT and 12 PT
3/8 Standard Depth from 1/4 to 1 no skips 6 PT and 12 PT
1/2 Standard Depth from 3/8 to 1-9/16 6 PT and 12 PT no skips

Metric
1/4 Standard Depth 4mm to 14mm 6 & 12 PT No Skips
3/8 Standard Depth 6mm to 17 mm 6 & 12 PT No skips
1/2 Standard 9 MM to to 36 MM 6 & 12 PT No skips
I mean zero skips, I have some hard to find in between odd ball sizes that i may never use but I have it.
I have a fairly large selection of SAE and MM 1/2 Impact sockets both standard and deep

I do have random 1/4,3/8,/1/2 6 and 12 PT Deep chrome sockets but I have a lot of skips, I do have access to 2 very well stocked shops for tools I need to borrow but I am looking to just stock mine better.

 

[BrandoJames]

You're getting a bit OCD on us with your exhaustive list of sockets, lol. I'm not sure if you mean "standard depth" = shallow. Since most of your holes are in deep chrome, I'd recommend spending your money there.

Right before the lockdown, I bought a Mac 1/2" deep chrome set for $125 (new) via eBay. They're Taiwan made, but a really nice set. In fact, I just used them to remove a clutch on my riding mower. I also bought a 3/8" Matco ADV deep impact set for $69 (new), also on eBay. So you might look there.

 

[JOE.G]

Lol, My family owned Multiple repair shops and body shops along with towing companies in long Island NY, My Grandfather/Father and uncles have since retired and When I moved to teh country I took what I could as far as tools with me so I have a nice selection from that. I didn't grab many Deep sockets which is where I am lacking. Most of the tools I got were lightly used as they were always upgrading.