1/4 inch sockets...

[rick carpenter]

I have a decent set of 3/8 inch sockets. For working on my car I am getting 1/2 inch sockets as I need them but I need a set of small 1/4 inch metric sockets. If I only wanted one set, would std length or deep sockets be better all around?

 

[d.mcfarland]

In the past, the general consensus around here was that 1/4 drive deep sockets are rarely needed. I have both lengths just because they came in sets.

 

[sk farmer]

standard first, then deep, then mid.

if they were not so hard to come by i might recommend mid before deep.

i have all three in metric and just standard and deep in sae. i use the mid more than the deep and almost as much as the standard depth if that makes sense.

 

[Mister Laugh]

I may be the odd duck here, but I can't remember the last time I used my standard length 1/4" drives, just my deeps.

 

[byoungblood]

I use my 1/4" deep sockets all the time. Sometimes more than the standard length ones unless space is an issue.

 

[JeremyManning]

I have mid only and they meet my needs

 

[MattPersman]

I use deep and standard you run across lots of valve cover bolts that have a stud type thread going up for wire harness securing

 

[Rezeppa]

You need both there is no way around it try to find a set with both. Just my opinion.

 

[cburnscrx]

I've got both, and I use both. I was a little surprised how often I used the deep sockets around the house. Who knew?

 

[Applesauce]

I only use my metric deeps, because I find them easier to hold onto (i.e., holding both the socket and ratchet). In fact, I glued cut-off metric allen wrenches in all my shallows, and these are among my favourite tools.

 

[Jure]

I use my 1/4" deep sockets all the time. Sometimes more than the standard length ones unless space is an issue.

same

 

[cundifc]

I used my deeps more times that not

 

[bonneyman]

In 1/4" drive, I have both. In my line of work I always seem to need both. Alot of times, though, I can use either, and I usually switch off between them so to even out the wear.
I also find 6 point to be more useful in 1/4" than 12 point. JMHO.

 

[03protege]

Probably use the deeps more than standard, but when you need the standard you really need it.

You can both from craftsman so cheap it's a no brainer.

 

[Gmonkee]

I found that moving from heavy machinery to auto work I was breaking bolts off with 3/8" stuff. The 1/4" set I changed to was all standard short sockets and a low profile ratchet became my go-to set for those 6mm metric bolts in everything. Prevented a lot of damaged bolts over time.

Just recently I have started accumulating a deep 1/4 set of SAE and metrics but have not used them yet. Now back to working on yellow tractors there is little call for 1/4" in general. I keep them around for the occasional auto related use all the same.

 

[FiveFinger]

I use my deeps unless there is a clearance issue. I use the extra length to grip with my fingers to spin the nut off after it is free enough or hold the socket while to prevent the ratchet's drag from rotating the socket.

 

[wise]

I use both, I use shorts more though. Most of the time either will do the job I think, but there are times only one will do.

 

[blacK20]

I always reach for my deep sockets first no matter what. Unless the situation calls for a short socket.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In the past, the general consensus around here was that 1/4 drive deep sockets are rarely needed. I have both lengths just because they came in sets.

I haven't needed a deep 1/4" drive socket in the 45 years I have been acquiring tools !

 

[shoturtle]

I would get a set of standard length first. Then deep.

 

[wannab20hatch]

I use my deeps way more than standard. They seem to just collect dust. I bought my matco sets on ebay super cheap and practically new.

My next set to buy is 1/4 deep magnetic

 

[dirtydogintex]

I found that moving from heavy machinery to auto work I was breaking bolts off with 3/8" stuff. The 1/4" set I changed to was all standard short sockets and a low profile ratchet became my go-to set for those 6mm metric bolts in everything. Prevented a lot of damaged bolts over time.

likewise on breaking bolts w/ 3/8" stuff
my 1/4"drv 'go-to' stuff is a set of CM 6pt deeps w/a CM low profile & Mac mr5f flex ratchet

I use my deeps unless there is a clearance issue. I use the extra length to grip with my fingers to spin the nut off after it is free enough or hold the socket while to prevent the ratchet's drag from rotating the socket.

+1, +2.... +however many
very rarely do I run into clearance issues

knurled deeps would be cool - anyone make 'em?

 

[amlv20]

I use deep 1/4 always, I have a few magnetic deep sockets.i want the whole set.but shallow magnetic sockets **** as they don't go over the entire head and can strip a bolt.

 

[neonnblack]

If you do alot of interior stuff, deep sockets are nice. Lots of studs on headlights/tailights need it, but not the force of a 3/8. lots of interior bolts that are set in, etc.

 

[Fedwrench]

Who the hell on this board only wants one set of anything?

Seriously though, if you're only working on your car then, just buy what you need for your car. Take a late model GM car for example, you'd use 7, 8, 10, and 13mm alot. 5.5mm once in awhile. You could tailor a set just of needed sizes on the cheap.

However, this is the Garage Journal so, you'll need shallow, semi deep, and deep sockets in chrome and impact versions along with swivel sockets too. and don't forget an assortment of extensions in locking, wobble, and regular versions. I'll leave the various types, lengths, and handle type ratchets to your own descretion.

 

[pendragon1998]

Heck, if you buy a handful of sockets individually, you'll end up paying about as much as you would for a set. This craftsman set has the a nice array of socket sizes that are the same as the 1/4 module includes, minus the ratchet and extensions. The module is apparently mostly made in China. I don't know if the set I linked is still USA, but I suspect it may be. Maybe someone can chime in?

 

[kc-steve]

Since I do a lot of household electronic repairs I tend to use the standard height a lot, and thinking about getting deep sockets.

But recently I ran across the pass-thru sockets from Armstrong (closeouts) and thought what great idea, especially for those situations where a nut is locked down on a long screw found typically in some electronics applications.

I haven't posted the set on my website yet. It is just SAE also. But message me if you want to buy a set. Includes pass-thru ratchet, 6" ext, 2" ext., a 1/4" adapter, and 9 sockets. See attached photos.

Steve

 

[atwageman]

I've got standard, deep, and semi-deep in 1/4 drive. I have standard and deep sets in both 6pt and 12pt.

 

[jvitez]

I use deep way more than standard. But sometimes deep won't fit. You need both. And they're pretty cheap too, at least compared to 1/2."