I don't need a ratchet, extensions, etc, just looking for a socket set like this to use with ratcheting wrenches:
Any other options besides tool truck brands?
Any other options besides tool truck brands?
low profile sockets to use with ratcheting wrench
- Thread starter Steve_P
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plinker
Well-known member
Sunex & Astro have sets, they are impact grade but that doesnt make much difference. I'd say chrome is less common.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7SC4TA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7SC4TA/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I actually use the Pricess Auto sets (SAE and metric) that the OP posted for my 1/4" equivalent ratchet wrench sockets.
I then use the Harbor Freight set for my 3/8" drive equivalent sockets. I threw away all the sockets smaller than 1/2" and 12mm, because they are way too bulky to be useful and the smaller Princess Auto sockets cover that range already.
www.harborfreight.com
For 1/2" drive equivalent sizes I use a no longer made Bostitch pass through set that goes up to I think 1-1/4" and 27mm if I remember correctly.
I then use the Harbor Freight set for my 3/8" drive equivalent sockets. I threw away all the sockets smaller than 1/2" and 12mm, because they are way too bulky to be useful and the smaller Princess Auto sockets cover that range already.
SAE and Metric Go-Thru Socket Set, 21-Piece
Amazing deals on this 21Pc Sae/Metric Go-Thru Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
For 1/2" drive equivalent sizes I use a no longer made Bostitch pass through set that goes up to I think 1-1/4" and 27mm if I remember correctly.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
If you need it to have retention that's an easy fix. You just need to make a quick custom tool.
Buy or grab a spare 3/8" square drive female to 1/4" male square drive socket adapter. Preferably one that reduces immediately to 1/4" square instead of tapering to 1/4" square at the 1/4" male end. Then use a lathe, hacksaw, angle grinder cutoff wheel, Dremel, etc. to cut off the 1/4" square drive male end plus a small amount of the larger diameter socket body. Essentially you cut off what in the end looks like a coin with a 1/4" square drive sticking out the center of one side (pic1). Now you have a small adapter that fits into the top of the Oreilly sockets and has ball detent engagement (pic2). Now, after you put an Oreilly socket into a ratchet wrench, you just press your custom small adapter into the top of the Oreilly socket and it will lock the socket firmly to the ratchet wrench. It works very well (pic3).
Attachments
this is quite smart, i like it
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Astro has already solved this problem for you. They make a special ratcheting wrench that takes their Nano Impact sockets (one side takes the 3/8" versions and the other the 1/2" versions) it has a retaining ring that clips onto the tiny grooves in the hex part of the sockets. Why reinvent the wheel?
+1 on the Astro low profile sockets and the ratcheting wrench they make to go with them. If you don't want to buy the Astro wrench, you can put a small rubber band around the hex shaped part of the the Astro socket and it'll hold the socket pretty securely in the box end of whatever wrench you're using.
Ign
Well-known member
ptgarcia
Well-known member
I have the OEMTOOLS pass thru set as well. Came free with my OEMTOOLS ratcheting wrench set.
Crescent 20pc set on sale for $34.95 on Amazon Prime if you are a Prime member
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Something like this, but might not be as low profile: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F2QGIZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Thanks for the replies- I'll check out the suggestions. I somehow forgot to mention that I already have the Astro set- looking for something that uses a smaller wrench size on the smaller sockets. Yes, I realize that these will/can fall out of a regular ratcheting wrench, but it's not something that I'm going to use unless there's no other possibility. @Tools4Me has a simple solution for retention- awesome idea!
@Ign- That Craftsman set is awesome! Never seen that before.
@Ign- That Craftsman set is awesome! Never seen that before.
KnurledNut
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Rabid Badger
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I knew I bought those Pittsburgh adapters for a reason.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Here's the dope on the Astro wrench for use with the nano sockets: https://www.astrotools.com/ratcheting-double-flex-head-wrench-for-nano-sockets.html
Rabid Badger
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If I buy that then I have to buy the 1/2 inch sockets...
dnschmidt
Well-known member
No you don't. The 3/8" sockets fit on one end of the wrench and the 1/2" sockets fit on the other.
I have a Craftsman pass thru set, appears to be a decent copy of the Gearwrench set. I think the sockets work with both wrenches. Kobalt also used to sell a pass thru set as well.
I really like the Astro wrench. Didn't know about it, and I already have the 3/8 and 1/2 nano sockets.
I really like the Astro wrench. Didn't know about it, and I already have the 3/8 and 1/2 nano sockets.
Rabid Badger
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You don't understand. I'll have a tool with incomplete accessories. I'll have to buy the 1/2 inch sockets.
ptgarcia
Well-known member
The hex is the same size as the socket. Use a 10mm wrench on a 10mm socket, etc.
Also, the sockets have a groove that works specifically with the circlip in the OEMTOOLS ratcheting wrenches to retain the socket in the wrench. Its a nice setup, especially at the price.
Also, the sockets have a groove that works specifically with the circlip in the OEMTOOLS ratcheting wrenches to retain the socket in the wrench. Its a nice setup, especially at the price.
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
I've also got the OEMTools set mentioned above, they're a lifesaver in certain situations, particularly when I need a 'mid-length' socket -- I'll stuff one of them into a standard length socket and come out a little shorter than my deep sockets. The ratcheting wrenches have held up well too, which is great because the next option up was ~$130 versus the $90 I paid for the wrenches + pass-through sockets.
59_burst
Member
Been using the Astro Nanos for over a year- been among the most used sockets in the shop.
619DioFan
Well-known member
I have these in both sae and metric. I did buy the ratchet that goes with them as well. the ratchet has an adaptor that works with reg sockets. you can also use these sockets with a standard ratchet. I use them with my HF thin ratchet. haven't tried them with a wrench. they are very short and fit in some tight spots.
Ign
Well-known member
Well, I didn't realize the PowerTorque set(s) existed but thanks to this thread I picked up both today.
$11.90 out the door after a $15 O'Rewards thing they emailed me
$11.90 out the door after a $15 O'Rewards thing they emailed me
Ign
Well-known member
Oh and don't forget this PartsMaster set for using the sockets of your choice 
Indexmill
Well-known member
OP, that's ******* brilliant. Thank you.
I assume you're talking about the socket retainer method- that's not my idea. But I did copy it, I dont have a lathe, but it looks like I do. I chopped off 90% of an adapter w a hack saw, then put it on the side of the grinding wheel... extension worked flawless to hold it but I still wore a face shield... then on a sanding disc. It somehow looks perfect. And it works great!
Your way of making is probably easier than using a lathe. I would have to switch to my 4 jaw chuck, dial it in and then machine it. Just cutting it with a cutoff wheel and then a flapper disk would probably be good enough.