1/2" Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set Options?

[PretendMechanic]

Putting together a little portable 1/2" impact tool box and I need me some semi-deeps.

Going with Tekton for 8-24mm in shallow and deep and want approximately the same coverage. I know sets usually start at 10mm and I'm fine with that, at least that's what I tell myself.

I picked Tekton for the shallows and deeps because their physical design is superior with fully stepped shoulders, even on the shallow sockets. Not having fully stepped shoulders has bit me in the *** a few times before, and I don't want to deal with that when using limited tools in a field out of a portable tool box.

Grey Pneumatic makes a set but it's only available in 10-36mm (skip 31) and is therefore $250. I have no need for semi-deeps over 24mm so that's a waste.

I've found a Genius (Taiwan) set in 10-24mm. with fully stepped shoulders for about $100 USD.

Are there any other decent quality sets I missed?

Don't want China, Taiwan is fine, doubt I can afford USA.

I'm not considering Snap-On/Mac/Matco/Cornwell etc. unless they can be had for somewhat decent pricing.

Of course right after I buy the Genius set I'm sure Tekton will anounce a 1/2" semi deep impact line...

Does anyone know if Tekton has one in the works?

 

[T45]

Not having fully stepped shoulders has bit me in the *** a few times before, and I don't want to deal with that when using limited tools in a field out of a portable tool box.

wtf are you working on that needs semi-deeep 1/2 sockets?

 

[PretendMechanic]

wtf are you working on that needs semi-deeep 1/2 sockets?

It's more about me trying to limit the amount of tools I need to carry with me.

A 1/2" semi deep can sort of be a pretend 3/8" socket.

 

[ecotec]

Putting together a little portable 1/2" impact tool box and I need me some semi-deeps.

Going with Tekton for 8-24mm in shallow and deep and want approximately the same coverage. I know sets usually start at 10mm and I'm fine with that, at least that's what I tell myself.

I picked Tekton for the shallows and deeps because their physical design is superior with fully stepped shoulders, even on the shallow sockets. Not having fully stepped shoulders has bit me in the *** a few times before, and I don't want to deal with that when using limited tools in a field out of a portable tool box.

Grey Pneumatic makes a set but it's only available in 10-36mm (skip 31) and is therefore $250. I have no need for semi-deeps over 24mm so that's a waste.

I've found a Genius (Taiwan) set in 10-24mm. with fully stepped shoulders for about $100 USD.

Are there any other decent quality sets I missed?

Don't want China, Taiwan is fine, doubt I can afford USA.

I'm not considering Snap-On/Mac/Matco/Cornwell etc. unless they can be had for somewhat decent pricing.

Of course right after I buy the Genius set I'm sure Tekton will anounce a 1/2" semi deep impact line...

Does anyone know if Tekton has one in the works?

I have had the Genius set for a few years. It was what I could justify at the time. It has been terrific.

I have seen nothing that implies that Tekton is making a set. If they did something like the 3/8” set with shallow, semi-deep and deep in 1/2” drive, I bet that it would do well.

 

[PretendMechanic]

In regards to the chunky non-stepped shoulders burning me, that's just working on small import stuff and only having a 1/2" impact socket set on me.

 

[PretendMechanic]

I have had the Genius set for a few years. It was what I could justify at the time. It has been terrific.

I have seen nothing that implies that Tekton is making a set. If they did something like the 3/8” set with shallow, semi-deep and deep in 1/2” drive, I bet that it would do well.

Happy to hear the Genius set is taking a beating. I've wanted some of their tools for a while but never actually pulled the trigger. The lack of 1/2" semi-deep impact socket sets on the market is probably going to force my hand.

I agree Tekton should do a 1/2" semi-deep impact set in 8-24mm for metric and at least 5/16 - 1" for SAE.

How do we petition them to get that started?

 

[ecotec]

Happy to hear the Genius set is taking a beating. I've wanted some of their tools for a while but never actually pulled the trigger. The lack of 1/2" semi-deep impact socket sets on the market is probably going to force my hand.

I agree Tekton should do a 1/2" semi-deep impact set in 8-24mm for metric and at least 5/16 - 1" for SAE.

How do we petition them to get that started?

They aren’t doing anything that is not profitable… and there is not the same need for 1/2” semi-deep as there is for semi-deep in 1/4” and 3/8”.

 

[assassin10000]

I've also got the genius semi-deeps. I like them.

The thinner, stepped wall, has helped in a few spots.

 

[Pontiac787]

Another vote for the genius. If you’re not in a hurry set up an Amazon price alert. They drop from time to time.

 

[jblnut]

Semi deep ?

I’ve cut a few deeps off over the years but it’s been one maybe two in 20yrs. I work on mostly farm stuff so maybe nothing where I’d need it but these semi deep threads seem like yall are just chasing the next “new tool high”.

 

[CoThG]

Semi deep ?

I’ve cut a few deeps off over the years but it’s been one maybe two in 20yrs. I work on mostly farm stuff so maybe nothing where I’d need it but these semi deep threads seem like yall are just chasing the next “new tool high”.

Then you have to get both 6 and 12 point in semi-deep...

 

[mikey03]

Then you have to get both 6 and 12 point in semi-deep...

Don’t forget full broached and half broach in 6 and 12 point

honestly for my money

1/2 deep impact
1/2 shallow chrome
3/8 semi deep chrome
3/8 impact universal
3/8 nano dual drive
1/4 shallow chrome
1/4 shallow chrome universal


thats what I find most useful tbh

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Why??? I thought you said this is supposed to be portable. **** will weigh a ton

 

[Pontiac787]

Semi deep ?

I’ve cut a few deeps off over the years but it’s been one maybe two in 20yrs. I work on mostly farm stuff so maybe nothing where I’d need it but these semi deep threads seem like yall are just chasing the next “new tool high”.

To me, the benefit of the semi-deep is that it will cover most of what a standard or deep will do so you only need to carry one set instead of two. I’ve never been in a place where a semi-deep 1/2” was the only solution.

 

[T45]

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Semi deep ?

I’ve cut a few deeps off over the years but it’s been one maybe two in 20yrs. I work on mostly farm stuff so maybe nothing where I’d need it but these semi deep threads seem like yall are just chasing the next “new tool high”.

Feel free to come with me to the land of FWD cars and timing jobs. You will quickly have every socket in your box cut in half!

 

[mikey03]

I used to watch that flat rate master guy when I was a kid, wonder what ever happened to him he stopped making videos

 

[CoThG]

I used to watch that flat rate master guy when I was a kid, wonder what ever happened to him he stopped making videos

He got fired a few years ago. Wonder what happened and why?

 

[Dave455]

How about KoKen?

They offer nice impact sockets, and semi deep are available.

 

[charbar]

All my semi deep 1/2" sockets are Harbor Freights that have been cut down. Works just fine. Cost 20 bucks and a bit of your time.

 

[mikey03]

All my semi deep 1/2" sockets are Harbor Freights that have been cut down. Works just fine. Cost 20 bucks and a bit of your time.

Oh that’s real smart if you ever need a deep you can bring it back to HF and they’ll warrantee it

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Genius tools makes a half inch drive 6 point impact semi deep socket set. I have it.

 

[Callelle]

I have the Genius set, grabbed them a few months ago for $50 for the set. I like them and have been using them over my normal Mac USA shallows/deeps

 

[KnurledNut]

I use the 15-27mm Snap-on set and filled in 10-14mm with Genius open stock. The Genius are thinner walled which is a good thing on those smaller sizes. Genius has more of a rough satin texture black finish on their CRMO sockets. My go-to 1/2 deep impacts are Genius CRV and they have good fitment and durability. I'm invested in probably 3k worth of Genius tools and feel they are an underrated and overlooked brand. The majority of their products are made in Taiwan.

 

[Yarpo]

I've also been using the Genius sockets at work for over 5 or 6 years (I think amazon said I bought them in 2019)
Not specifically the semi deep but I think just standard 3/8th drive impact sockets. Great for the price if that's the route you're leaning.