Are Mid-depth Sockets Useful??

[John in OH]

I've got complete sets of standard depth and deep sockets, but have never used the mid-depth sockets. I see that the NAPA Carlyle mid-depth sockets are currently on sale and I'm wondering how useful you all find these mid-depth sockets.

http://realdeals.napaecatalog.com/app.php?RelId=6.2.3.12

Other than a burning desire to have a tool that I currently don't have, is it worth it to have a set or two (probably 3/8 drive, SAE & metric; CHT-SSMD38011 or CHT-SSMD38014M)?

Are there specific applications where you would use these sockets? Do you find them handy to have? Please convince me why I should .... or should not .... buy a set of these mid-depth Carlyle sockets!

 

[Rlfd213]

I use my mid depth sockets a lot. Just like any other tool they have their use.

 

[Mickey O]

Are Mid-depth Sockets Useful??

Yes.

 

[Fedwrench]

Extremely useful

In fact they're probably my reach for first socket. Instant knuckle clearance, you'll probably quit using deep sockets 90% of the time.

search semi deep and mid length for numerous threads.

 

[gdpolk]

I've never needed one. Are they useful, sure but it's also useful to have a variety of tape measure types and lengths when in reality almost nobody would NEED more than a small 16-25' tape and larger 100" roll up tape.

As a general rule of thumb, if you have to ask why you "need" something, how to use it, or what it's for, then odds are you don't need it. That doesn't mean you may not want it though.

 

[mcmtech]

My 1/4 drive semi deep metric set is my most used set at work

 

[John in OH]

I use my mid depth sockets a lot. Just like any other tool they have their use.

So, .... WHY do you use them a lot??? I've gotten along without them for decades, so why would I now use them a "lot" now??

 

[jd_1138]

I can see where they could be used in tight places where there's not enough room to get deep sockets into, but you need the extra height to get to a nut on a carriage bolt for example. So a shallow wouldn't work.

 

[General Geoff]

Not essential but highly useful if you have them.

 

[SIX225]

Depends on application. I don't have any, but have run into situations where they would have been nice because both a shallow with an extension or a deep well was too long. Somehow I'm remembering power steering bolts the front of an engine (FWD) and the inner fender where these would have been handy.

 

[M6erfan]

I'm not a pro but I've never been in a situation where a mid depth would've saved me. I don't own any....

 

[Know Wosad]

Mid are my grab first. Longer or shorter if needed. Seldom.
They sure show the use too.

 

[OHMS LAW]

I use these first in 3/8 and 1/4 applications. As stated above they are pretty much the first socket I reach for when using my air rat. Only use a deep or shallow if that's what space allows for.

 

[Wes J]

I'm not a pro but I've never been in a situation where a mid depth would've saved me. I don't own any....

Same. Except I'm a "pro", whatever that is.

It's more about selling you another set of sockets that any kind of utility.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Mine are my main 3/8" sockets when going service calls. Have them on an Ernst rail with a couple of extensions and a flex ratchet. Even at the shop, I can just grab and go instead of individual sockets from trays.

Older picture, currently have a locking flex head ratchet in place of the Roto

I had the SK 1/4" set which was fantastic, but not necessary for me on a daily basis.

 

[M6erfan]

Extremely useful

In fact they're probably my reach for first socket. Instant knuckle clearance, you'll probably quit using deep sockets 90% of the time.

This is why I grab my deep sockets over shallows most of the time. Not sure why mid depth would be an advantage here over "regular" deeps

 

[BFHtime]

I find the mid length sockets easier to manipulate than shallow sockets. especially pulling off smaller sockets, with greasy hands. The little extra length, of the semi-deep sockets, are easier to turn by hand also. The shallow sockets are often too short to get a grip on, without an extension, when turning by hand.

There are times where a deep is too tall to fit, and a shallow is not deep enough. Many of these times a ratchet wrench could also be used, or either end of a combo wrench.

It is like anything else, most times you can get away with using another tool to do the same job, but it may not be the ideal way to get it done quicker.

If you use your tools, then I would expect that you would find them useful, to answer the OP's question.

 

[Fedwrench]

This is why I grab my deep sockets over shallows most of the time. Not sure why mid depth would be an advantage here over "regular" deeps

i'm not a fan of deep sockets except for lug nuts & in those few situations when because of a long threaded rod extension. To me, I find the semi deep socket places the drive tool closer to the fastener reducing the angled twisting action that occurs often with deep sockets.
I have chrome & impact semi deep sockets in 1/4 & 3/8 drive that I use probably more than any of my other sockets. They might not be a priority for many people but, I wouldn't want to be without mine

 

[1950mercury]

I use them all the time... But the Napa ones don't have shallow broaching so I passed.

 

[anndel]

I don't have a need for them. I just grab the deep or shallow sockets and never had a need the mids.

 

[slip knot]

I picked up a set of metric mid gearwrench in 1/4 and 3/8 a while back to augement my meager metric stuff. I've used them quite a bit and like the fact that I dont need a deep for a slightly longer stud and they dont seem as "flexible" as a deep.

 

[BK13]

I have 12 point Snap On 1/4" mm and 3/8 mm and SAE. Carlyle 6 point 1/4" SAE and both in 3/8", and Sunex 3/8" SAE. I kinda like 'em.


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[T45]

This is why I grab my deep sockets over shallows most of the time. Not sure why mid depth would be an advantage here over "regular" deeps

Deep sockets are a waste in 99/100 cases, once you have semi deep you almost never "need" a true deep socket on modern applications.

Lug-nuts or sparkplugs are special applications iMHO and warrant special sockets anyways. Engines are too compact and engineers too cost, space,and weight conscious to use fasteners with stupid amounts of un-used threads etc. Mid deeps are light, more portable, packable more maneuvarble, easier to handle etc.

Alot of shallows are too shallow for my taste unless obstructions are a specific issue. Lastly, 3/8 semi-deep is same as 1/2 shallow in terms of form factor so it often saves you switching over a drive and lets you keep a lighter, thinner and easier to handle ratchet.

 

[Adam.C]

This is why I grab my deep sockets over shallows most of the time. Not sure why mid depth would be an advantage here over "regular" deeps

I don't believe there is a government or industry standard defining "shallow" and "deep" sockets. I'm wondering how many people saying they don't need semi-deeps own SK deeps. SK deep sockets are short, closer to Snap On semi deeps.

Also, I think Snap On shallows are really shallow. Haven't seen a side by side with other brands except Koken. Snap On shallows are very close to Zeal height, IIRC.

I too use semis as mini extensions, having nothing to do with thread protrusion and only knuckle clearance.

But, as I am away from home, can someone who has a couple different brands take some measurements? Here are numbers for 13mm snap on products: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4753786&postcount=7

 

[neuralsnafu]

I can think of a few times that a mid depth would have saved me a few minutes and a dozen swears...

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[T45]

1/4 shallow is 22-25mm
1/4 semi is 28mm
1/4 deep is 50mm

3/8 shallow is 25-27mm
3/8 semi is 38-40mm
3/8 deep is 75mm

1/2 shallow is 38-40mm

Based on testing of various brands. snappy (and many usa) are 22mm deep 1/4 i find too shallow, either a 25mm (many euro sockets) or a 28mm is more friendly day to day IMHO in that drive. As another poster mentioned up thread, semi is easier to spin/assemble, and remove without QR ratchets. hope this helps with some data

 

[crackit]

I've assembled some partial sets from singles I've picked up at flea markets and garage sales, but I've never actually needed one. They do look cool though.

 

[M6erfan]

Hmmmmm, Ko-ken offers a 1/4" mid length metric set. Might be in my future...

 

[LB-1911]

I have 12 point Snap On 1/4" mm and 3/8 mm and SAE. Carlyle 6 point 1/4" SAE and both in 3/8", and Sunex 3/8" SAE. I kinda like 'em.

Yes you do...

Apparently, I have a bit of a 'thing' for mid-length/semi-deep sockets... when I found out Carlyle was introducing some, it was inevitable that I was going to pick some up...

Carlyle 3/8" MM
SO 3/8" MM
SO 3/8" SAE
Sunex 3/8" SAE
SO 1/4" MM

Snap On/Carlyle... the NAPA stuff is just a little longer...
[

 

[BK13]

Yes you do...

Truth be told, if I wasn't so lazy, I'd probably have the KoKen 1/4" and 3/8" chromes as well....

LOL


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[90zcar]

In 3/8 I only use shallow and mid length sockets. I actually don't own deep well 3/8 sockets. If I need a deep I grab the 1/2" drive ones.


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[M6erfan]

This thread is great. I've always wondered what the attraction is to mid length sockets, good points all around.

Did I mention Frank's is having a sale on those 1/4" Ko-kens?...

 

[Trey T]

I don't own mid-length sockets ... I don't think I'll ever get them.

I've done enough wrenching that it becomes a chore now. Still with this thread, it has not convinced me yet to get mid-length sockets.

I would recommend swivel sockets over mid-length, based on my experience. I work on mainly Toyota, Honda, and Porsche.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

they are worth it!

 

[rhandwor]

I keep a set of mid length sockets 10mm to 16mm and found I need them on newer cars. With an air wrench they allow me to get on certain nuts with long studs.

 

[BK13]

Did I mention Frank's is having a sale on those 1/4" Ko-kens?...

You, sir, are a terrible influence.....

 

[bert1913]

I had to pull a starter from my aerostar van. I couldn't drop the starter without disconnecting the battery cable first. There was not enogh room for a deep socket, mid length was just right

 

[nh_yota]

If you're in a mechanical trade and spend 40+ hours a week wrenching on things I can see how having three depths of sockets would be valuable.

On the other hand, if you're a weekend warrior like me you need to justify the cost of a certain tool and the space it occupies. I think that a set of ratcheting combination wrenches are more useful than a set of mid-depth sockets, or even deep sockets for that matter.

Most of my automotive repairs involve 2-3 shallow sockets and ratchet, a 10mm nut driver, a couple of combination wrenches, a torque wrench, a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. I have the special magnetic spark plug socket and a few specific deep sockets for lug nut use, so truthfully my set of Craftsman deep sockets gets used very rarely and I can't even remember the last time I used it. My next tool purchase will probably be a set of ratcheting combination wrenches.

 

[BK13]

On the other hand, if you're a weekend warrior like me you need to justify the cost of a certain tool and the space it occupies.

I'm just a weekend hack, but I can justify anything! LOL. I AM trying to justify the five KoKen extra deep (120mm) 3/8" sockets, but the entry price is proving to be a bigger barrier than I first imagined. (I also want to pick up the Sunex extra deep 1/2" impacts, but I have an actual use for those...)

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I have never found a need for mid length sockets.