deep socket or extension?

[scottmlew]

Assuming either a deep socket or a normal socket plus extension provide adequate clearance, which is preferred, and why?

 

[vartz04]

I usually use the extension, Deep wells in my opinion should only be used when needed, id rather put the torque on an extension than the thin walls of a deep socket.

now if I am working on something that would require a deep well for some and a shallow w/ an extension for others, and all the nuts are the same size, ill use the deep well just to save time.

Impacts I always use a deepwell you get more torque tha tway

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

this is kinda confusing question.lol

on impact or hand-tool?

impact, i'd use deep socket. because when you use extension, you loose energy on extension.

hand-tool, dont matter, whatever i can get my hands on.

 

[Chris Adams]

I just find a short extension on a short socket feels more controllable than a deep socket.
So standing with the drawer open, I would normally go for the shallow with extension, unless I needed the deep.
Just my comfort thing.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Extension, it has knurling.

 

[caper]

I never use short sockets unless I have to.Deepwalls whenever possible baby!

 

[malibu101]

I like using just a socket if I can but a shallow usually puts your knuckles against what you're working on. I used to use deeps most often until one of my few Snap-On purchases was a set of mid-depth sockets in SAE and Metric.
NOT just because of being SO but those are my usual go-to sockets, I like their size.
What do I like in my hand when "massive" torque is not required?-A older (discontinued)Craftsman stainless ratchet with an SO mid length socket.
Example of the handle I mean- http://cgi.ebay.com/CRAFTSMAN-STAIN...in_0?hash=item27abc103f1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
That's just what feels good to me, your opinions will vary.

 

[chadster1]

I sell a LOT more deep sockets than I do shallow. Impact and chrome.

 

[scottmlew]

Thanks for the comments everyone!

I typically use deeps out of laziness, but the last few times I grabbed a shallow plus extension and found it a bit easier to maneuver and thought it was a bit more "balanced". It sounds like there isn't a "right" and "wrong" answer. This is all for chromes...I only got shallow impacts recently and haven't really had much chance to use them yet.

Is there really a significant torque loss from using an extension on an impact? I was assuming that I would start using shallows on extensions when I could (e.g., lugnuts) but it sounds like perhaps I should reconsider?

 

[wreckercologist]

Is there really a significant torque loss from using an extension on an impact? I was assuming that I would start using shallows on extensions when I could (e.g., lugnuts) but it sounds like perhaps I should reconsider?

Yes. But, you have to do what is needed to get the job done. I can tell the difference when using an impact with extensions. Whether it's the sound or vibration, it is different. Same for swivels too.

By hand? I've broke a few extensions by hand, mostly 1/4". You can feel the extension "give" or twist and bow. That is where the torque is going. It's going someplace other than straight through the tool to the fastener.

As a general rule, deep sockets will work in most applications, but not all. That's why I have shallow, semi-deep, and deep in chrome and shallow and deep in impact. Deeps are a good place to start building a collection.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

oh btw, i use semi-deep socket.

 

[speed bump]

I never use short sockets unless I have to.Deepwalls whenever possible baby!

x2 the only reason I use my shallows is because the deeps didn't fit.

 

[1loudsuv]

to little time to screw around so I have both shallow and deep for 1/4-1/2 impact and chrome

 

[BB26]

It varies by drive size for me:

1/4'' Semi-deep
3/8'' Deep
1/2'' Shallow

Of course, if the preferred style does not fit, I will switch it up as needed.

 

[Packard V8]

Interesting. For manual use, I've always used a standard socket and an extension unless a deep was needed. It just feels better to me and is easier to maneuver in tight areas. My guess is flat rate techs just know deeps work 99% of the time and over the course of a week will save an hour of find-it-on-off-cleanup time if they stay with just deeps as opposed to having two or three types to sort through.

thnx, jack vines

thnx, jack vines

 

[JWink]

i like using my deeps sockets when ever possible. but i do hate feeling the torque loss when using shallow impacts with and extension instead of deep impacts