Can Universal Deep Sockets Replace Regular Deep Sockets?

[oldschoolcraft]

Eventually I'll build out a huge collection of tools but want to focus on the core needs first.

So one idea I had: if I bought a set of Universal Flex Deep Sockets (like the kind SO makes), can those be used in place of a regular deep socket?

I understand the universal sockets are a bit longer, so you may run into a clearance issue, but in that case, I could probably use a box end wrench.

And in cases where you need a universal joint socket, you really need one, and nothing else will do, right?

So for a bare minimum, could you get away with just having shallow and
"universal deep" as your two sets of sockets, with a box end wrench to cover clearance issues?

Or are you better off with a shallow and deep regular set, and a single universal adapter to add on as needed?

Assume that price of the more expensive universal sockets isn't a factor, and assume you had to choose. You can't have shallow, deep, and universal sets. Specifically referring to non-impact, chrome sockets here.

I'm not a pro and it's okay if it takes double or triple the time to do something. But I hate running into a situation where I shrug and just simply can't do it at all. That's why I'm leaning towards the universal socket set, but maybe I'm wrong.

Edit: my new idea is to use blue painters tape around a deep universal temporarily if I need a deep 1/4 socket. Otherwise if it’s just a clearance issue that doesn’t require a deep socket I’ll use my regular shallow socket plus extension as I have been doing all along.

 

[ChaseDE]

You can never not do it at all, there is always some solution. I have MANY universal deep sockets and all kinds of stuff but most are SAE and almost never get used. I have got by just fine with short and long metric sockets and use of a swivel here and there.

Example would be like changing spark plugs on the back bank of a transverse V6 like a honda pilot, you need a deep socket on the plug, and a short extension down the tube, then a swivel and a long extension cause the firewall is up and over the hole. I doubt a universal deep socket would even work there.

 

[ssdave]

Flex deep sockets serve an entire different purpose than standard deeps. Standard deeps work like a shallow plus an extension to give extra clearance for your hands or the ratchet from the work surface. Flex will not work like an extension, they won't hold much sideways thrust.

I use standard deeps quite commonly, flex deeps I only have a few and almost never use them. They don't work as well as standard depth flex; the only reason to use them is on studs that require the extra depth.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Easy answer : no. PITA when you're upside down and backwards cranking on something and the universal/swivel keeps going wonky.

 

[KM223]

No. As Mohawk and others have said. UJ’s aren’t a one stop shop unfortunately. They have a place and that’s the lane they need to stay in. Especially deep.

 

[pi_guy]

I have had the deep metric swivel for years and often it is my go to set. I have never broken one only had the floppy ones replaced. They are kind of useless when the swivel is too floppy. Often on exhaust manifold studs where the american nut has become a little undersized the metric flex deep worked great.
They would get picked before my standard deep was. I do use 1/4 flex sockets quite a bit and have swivel deep in 1/4 drive.

 

[Wamsutta]

Universal deep sockets are fine until you try to use a flex head ratchet.

 

[jonesg]

Eventually I'll build out a huge collection of tools but want to focus on the core needs first.

So one idea I had: if I bought a set of Universal Flex Deep Sockets (like the kind SO makes), can those be used in place of a regular deep socket?

I understand the universal sockets are a bit longer, so you may run into a clearance issue, but in that case, I could probably use a box end wrench.

And in cases where you need a universal joint socket, you really need one, and nothing else will do, right? Whereas if you need a regular deep socket, a box end wrench will suffice (albeit more slowly).

So for a bare minimum, could you get away with just having shallow and
"universal deep" as your two sets of sockets, with a box end wrench to cover clearance issues?

Or are you better off with a shallow and deep regular set, and a single universal adapter to add on as needed?

Assume that price of the more expensive universal sockets isn't a factor, and assume you had to choose. You can't have shallow, deep, and universal sets. Specifically referring to non-impact, chrome sockets here.

I'm not a pro and it's okay if it takes double or triple the time to do something. But I hate running into a situation where I shrug and just simply can't do it at all. That's why I'm leaning towards the universal socket set, but maybe I'm wrong.

In your position I'd go to HF and buy the lot, deep ,shallow , metric and sae for the same price as deep swivels. Impact grade.

 

[pi_guy]

Universal deep sockets are fine until you try to use a flex head ratchet.

Funny that is what I use....

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Not for me, they **** for impact.

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on what you work on. My recommendation would be to get sunex semi deep or mid length impact socket sets. they won;t break the bank and can do 95% of what you need a deep socket for. Hell depending on what your working on, you could get by with the semi deeps most of the time. I do.

 

[larry_g]

Given the choice I would go with standard. Then I have the option of adding a wobble extension, breaker bar, flex head ratchet, a universal or just use with a plain ratchet and no worry about it getting out of line. I find I prefer the plain socket on a wobble extension over universal sockets.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Yarpo]

And in cases where you need a universal joint socket, you really need one, and nothing else will do, right? Whereas if you need a regular deep socket, a box end wrench will suffice (albeit more slowly).

You cant always get a box end wrench on something. Imagine if the bolt is recessed and surrounded by something on all sides, think of it like a box with the bolt at the bottom. How you going to get your wrench on that?

There's so many quality tools that are cheap and suitable for a DIY and even pro person, you can buy a full set of HF/Tekton/GW deep for like 100 dollars.

 

[four.cycle]

Given the choice I would go with standard.

^ Definitely. Add a wobbly and a flex-head ratchet and you'll be covered most of the time.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Thanks guys so it sounds like the universal socket sets are more of a luxury than a necessity?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Thanks guys so it sounds like the universal socket sets are more of a luxury than a necessity?

IDK about that. They are definitely a different animal than a socket with a wobble extension. I'd say when funds allow, get both....IF you enjoy working with tools and want a growing arsenal.

Sure, you can make do without. Guys do it everyday. But there is more than 1 way to skin a cat, and some are easier than others.

 

[anndel]

No I tried that when I was building up my shop. Like others mentioned there are times when a deep socket will work and the u-joint deep can't and vice versa.

 

[Jim c]

Cheapest way to get serviceable quality tools: take your 20% off coupon and maybe $60 and head to harbor freight. Purchase Pittsburgh pro impact black sockets and get one swivel. If you need deep ones, then tear out another 20% coupon and take another $45 with you on ANOTHER day and grab a set of Pittsburg pro impact black deep. I know that the very idea of purchasing tools at harbor freight will draw fire from those who are dedicated to tool trucks etc... but those pro tools are both cheap and (somehow) strong, so I ask, why not? So far I ‘now of no one who has broken them and that makes them serviceable in my book. Yes people will scoff and laugh at your hf tools. And you can laugh and scoff at their revolving credit and monthly payments to the tool truck guy (who is vacationing in Jamaica while those guys are busting their tails tryIng to pay their snap on bill). Just MHO. Heck I have been trying to break the darn tools and would be interested to hear of any one who actually has.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Thanks guys so it sounds like the universal socket sets are more of a luxury than a necessity?

Sure, but Ive seen guys spend over an hour on a bellhousing bolt I pull in seconds with a universal.

 

[pi_guy]

Sure, but Ive seen guys spend over an hour on a bellhousing bolt I pull in seconds with a universal.

Often it comes down to how much they value time.
I can not remember how many times it was just easier using a universal type socket.
Taking a flex head ratchet and a long extension it quickly turns into a speedhandle setup.

 

[JR7]

I would just get the regular deep sockets and add the universals later if you still want/need them.

 

[Odes]

I'm with everyone else on this myself I try a wobble extension when ever I can instead of a universal I hate them but they do have their place

 

[Mikeske]

After wrenching for th last 40 plus years I never bought deep universals on aircraft. Never even needed them. Deep well and normal and universal shorts was all I ever needed and I could get everything I ever needed.

On vehicles if the deep well or normal socket could not get it a fastener I had a small set of short metric and SAE universals and they worked 99% of the time. The one percent a deep universal was needed I was able to get it with a 1/2” x 1/2” universal hooked up with a deep well socket.

I have found that the universals do on a occasion have where they get twisted and then it is pull out and reinsert.

 

[Wamsutta]

Funny that is what I use....

The word 'unwieldily' comes to mind.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

That is the type of tool that I buy one of for a specific job.

My standard depth impact swivels are not used unless absolutely needed. I have a set of chrome hand drive standard depth swivel sockets that are used in tighter quarters; but again, they were bought for a specific purpose.

My wobble extensions are usually My choice for hand drive.

Back to Your question: Yes, deepwell universal sockets could be used in place of deepwell sockets. It would be more costly, and in most applications, more cobblestone than a regular deepwell socket.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Original poster, revisiting this thread:

I’ve been accumulating a lot of tools over the last few years and I’m running out of space. I still haven’t gotten either 1/4” deep chrome or any universal socket sets.

I just don’t have room for a set of 1/4 deep and 1/4 shallow universal. So what I’m wondering is if I can get away with the 1/4” deep universal to pair with my shallow regulars and use it this way:

If I have a regular fastener I use the shallow socket with an extension.
If I have a fastener that requires weird angles/clearance I use the 1/4 deep universal.
If I have a fastener that’s recessed but requires a deep socket because it’s a nut on a bolt that just needs a deep socket, then I take my 1/4 deep universal and I wrap it with blue painters tape a couple times to lock the swivel down. When I’m done I take the tape off and it leaves no residue.

I know this sounds goofy but would it work? I also know I can go to HF and buy sets of everything for dirt cheap. I also know impacts are faster but I can’t justify them with my limited need. I just don’t have space for many more tools. And honestly with my hobbyist work, I haven’t had the need for either universal or deep sockets in 1/4 yet, so I’m thinking of this compromise.

Functionally would it work?

 

[MattT]

If I have a fastener that requires weird angles/clearance I use the 1/4 deep universal.

For the majority of those type situations it's shallow universals you need. A deep universal isn't going to fit any better than a regular, or mid length, socket with a universal joint except in very rare circumstances.

And attempting to use taped up deep universals in place of normal deep sockets is gonna really ****.

 

[hotrod1968]

Eventually I'll build out a huge collection of tools but want to focus on the core needs first.

So one idea I had: if I bought a set of Universal Flex Deep Sockets (like the kind SO makes), can those be used in place of a regular deep socket?

I understand the universal sockets are a bit longer, so you may run into a clearance issue, but in that case, I could probably use a box end wrench.

And in cases where you need a universal joint socket, you really need one, and nothing else will do, right?

So for a bare minimum, could you get away with just having shallow and
"universal deep" as your two sets of sockets, with a box end wrench to cover clearance issues?

Or are you better off with a shallow and deep regular set, and a single universal adapter to add on as needed?

Assume that price of the more expensive universal sockets isn't a factor, and assume you had to choose. You can't have shallow, deep, and universal sets. Specifically referring to non-impact, chrome sockets here.

I'm not a pro and it's okay if it takes double or triple the time to do something. But I hate running into a situation where I shrug and just simply can't do it at all. That's why I'm leaning towards the universal socket set, but maybe I'm wrong.

Edit: my new idea is to use blue painters tape around a deep universal temporarily if I need a deep 1/4 socket. Otherwise if it’s just a clearance issue that doesn’t require a deep socket I’ll use my regular shallow socket plus extension as I have been doing all along.

If you use hand tools on a consistent basis.... no....

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[vanapplebomb]

While I love my standard depth universal impact sockets, I have not had a use for deep universal sockets. I use my standard depth universals in tight places quite frequently, but every time I have a nut/bolt I need a deep socket for, I have always gotten by with a universal adapter and a regular deep socket.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Cheapest way to get serviceable quality tools: take your 20% off coupon and maybe $60 and head to harbor freight. Purchase Pittsburgh pro impact black sockets and get one swivel. If you need deep ones, then tear out another 20% coupon and take another $45 with you on ANOTHER day and grab a set of Pittsburg pro impact black deep. I know that the very idea of purchasing tools at harbor freight will draw fire from those who are dedicated to tool trucks etc... but those pro tools are both cheap and (somehow) strong, so I ask, why not? So far I ‘now of no one who has broken them and that makes them serviceable in my book. Yes people will scoff and laugh at your hf tools. And you can laugh and scoff at their revolving credit and monthly payments to the tool truck guy (who is vacationing in Jamaica while those guys are busting their tails tryIng to pay their snap on bill). Just MHO. Heck I have been trying to break the darn tools and would be interested to hear of any one who actually has.

Back in 1992 I was just starting to build my tool set, an old timer suggested that I purchase Sunex impact sockets. I purchased 1/2" standard and metric deep sets for around $40 a piece. After 20 years of working in GM dealerships I have not worn out or broken any of them. I can't imagine how many lug nuts the 19 and 22mm sockets have removed and reinstalled over the years and they still look fine. When I was in school I thought that I would purchase all my 3/8 impacts through the Snap On discount program, because they had to be better than the cheap sockets that I already had. The commonly used sizes 10, 13, 15, and 18mm would need to be warrantied about once a year because they would be all wallowed out. Now depending on the dealer he may or may not warranty the worn out sockets. As the SO warranty states "the warranty is for the life of the tool", if the tool is worn out it is at the end of it's life.

After wrenching for th last 40 plus years I never bought deep universals on aircraft. Never even needed them. Deep well and normal and universal shorts was all I ever needed and I could get everything I ever needed.

On vehicles if the deep well or normal socket could not get it a fastener I had a small set of short metric and SAE universals and they worked 99% of the time. The one percent a deep universal was needed I was able to get it with a 1/2” x 1/2” universal hooked up with a deep well socket.

I have found that the universals do on a occasion have where they get twisted and then it is pull out and reinsert.

GM loves putting a stud on the end of a bolt so that they have a place to fasten a line or harness to. The deep swivel sockets come in very handy in these situations. For a professional where time is money they can be a valuable tool, for a home gamer I would probably pass.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I can't think of any situation where a universal deep socket would be much different than a deep socket with a universal joint.

 

[Sugarfryz]

Dude if you’re a hobbyist just buy a single 1/4 universal that can go on the shallow sockets you already have, buy a deep socket set, and you can use your 1/4 universal on that. In my opinion, is so rare you’ll need a universal deep socket set, when the job can’t be done with a swivel and just putting a socket on it. I’ve been a mechanic for years and see no value in universal deep swivels. If I need a deep swivel I use a 3/8 swivel and put a deep socket on it. You only buy shallow swivels bc they fit in places others won’t. This is way over complicated

 

[CR888]

For the price of a set of SO swivels, one could almost completely purchase all the sockets he needs to do 90% of jobs at a store like HF. To be honest a lot of their sockets if chosen well are far from rubbish.