Astro Pneumatic vs. VIM Chrome Sockets

[The Critic]

Looking to add a set of extra-deep 3/8" dr chrome sockets. VIM is 2.25x the price of Astro -- what makes them worth the extra coin?

VIM Tools EDM600 VIMEDM600 10 Pc 3/8" Dr. Extra Deep 6Pt Socket Set (10 - 19mm)

VIM Tools EDM600 VIMEDM600 10 Pc 3/8 Dr Extra Deep 6Pt Socket Set 10 - 19mm Extra long sockets allow you to get to a nut on a long thread Complete set without

www.tooloutfitters.com

Astro Pneumatic 4110 AST4110 10pc 3/8" Drive Extra Deep Metric Socket Set

Astro Pneumatic 4110 AST4110 10pc 3/8 Drive Extra Deep Metric Socket Set 6-point extra deep 4 75 long 3/8 drive sockets 8-17mm no skipped sizes Popular for use

www.tooloutfitters.com

 

[Callelle]

Nothing. Everything VIM is overpriced and often nothing more than a gimmick. I have VIM extra deep 1/4 drives, only because Astro didn't have their 3/8 set out at the time. I almost exclusively use the Astros now. If there was one thing, it's that the VIM set is a normal 10-19, I find myself wanting an extra deep 18 or 19 more often than I do an 8 or a 9. Not $100 worth though.

 

[Mr_B]

Astro should of added 18 and 19 to that set so it 12pc and added 20 bucks to the price, still been great value and a no brainer best option as full size range at a great price point .
I too found 18 and 19 extra deep handy, extra deep 19 saved time /hassle on sensor removal/fitting more than once .

 

[mikey03]

I honestly dont need extra deep sockets but I had seen them from Astro and though it was real weird to stop at 17

 

[drtyler]

I have the Astro set, and they are excellent. Can’t see how the VIM are worth the premium.

Might supplement with the CTA 18mm and 19mm extra deep one day, but have not needed them.

 

[ecotec]

Everything that I own, that was made by VIM, is branded Matco. None of it is gimmick tools. The vast majority is Matco bit sockets that I bought for clearance prices on The VIM site before Covid.

I was considering buying the CTA extra deep sockets at a local store, but seeing how cheap the Astro set is, I may go with that.

I only have a few extra deep sockets (10mm 11mm, and 1/2”)

 

[atikovi]

What are these used for? I can see using a regular deep socket on a nut that is on a stud with an inch of thread sticking out, but where would you have 2 or 3 inches of thread sticking out?

 

[The Critic]

What are these used for? I can see using a regular deep socket on a nut that is on a stud with an inch of thread sticking out, but where would you have 2 or 3 inches of thread sticking out?

Saves you from having to grab an extension.

 

[WhataTool]

What are these used for? I can see using a regular deep socket on a nut that is on a stud with an inch of thread sticking out, but where would you have 2 or 3 inches of thread sticking out?

Bumper bolts, turbo boost pipes, U bolt shackles

 

[ecotec]

What are these used for? I can see using a regular deep socket on a nut that is on a stud with an inch of thread sticking out, but where would you have 2 or 3 inches of thread sticking out?

These work better than shorter sockets on extensions in situations where the outside of the socket keeps the socket lined up straight with bolt. Bumper covers are the example that is coming to mind, but there are other examples.

Edit: Whatatool beat be to it.

You stick the socket in the hole, and ride the edge to the bolt.

 

[atikovi]

Bumper bolts, turbo boost pipes, U bolt shackles

OK, I just haven't yet encountered bumper or U bolt shackles that a deep socket didn't reach or wrench couldn't access.

 

[WhataTool]

You could definitely use a wrench if you wanted on most the things, on a diesel boost pipe might take me 3 mins vs a cordless ratchet with an extra deep. But in some scenarios, sure you could use a wrench in place of it

 

[Callelle]

What are these used for? I can see using a regular deep socket on a nut that is on a stud with an inch of thread sticking out, but where would you have 2 or 3 inches of thread sticking out?

Turbo clamps, Bumpers, all the exhaust clamps on the trucks I work on have massive V band clamps between the sections of them, including the entire after treatment can.

 

[mreisner]

Spring tensioners for belts on farm equipment, a lot of times you'll have four to six inches easy of thread and sometimes even more where you only can use a box end or an open-end wrench.

 

[RTM]

where would you have 2 or 3 inches of thread sticking out?

Slab anchor bolts on my shed.

 

[pfbz]

Everything VIM is overpriced...

^^^ This.

 

[nicks78camaro]

CTA 17 Pc. Deep Metric Socket Set | JDTCo.

Master XL Deep Includes sizes 6mm t+G1275o 21mm. Sockets are 120mm long and deep broached for extra-deep reach. Provides access to recessed areas with extra long bolts, as found on some bumpers, rear lamps, glow plugs and door hinge fittings, including: valve cover bolts (7mm), diesel glow...

www.jerseydiscounttool.com

Maybe this 6-21 set? I believe 19-21 are 1/2" drive though.