Deep Sockets for Every job...

[Subyroo651]

I've seen this in videos and while working with others.. I've always tried to figure out why guys use deep sockets when they aren't needed?

My closest reasoning is that they can be used on most fasteners on a job, thereby saving the time to switch from shallow to deep.

But I still don't get it, I prefer shallow sockets and an extension if needed, but guys tend to use the Deep socket all the time, like an extension too.

 

[01ps]

I use deep whenever I can. I like the extra clearance for my hand. More comfortable

 

[crewchief888]

my "go to" sockets in 3/8" dr are deep

1/4" & 1/2" dr are shallow.

i only switch back and forth if i need to.

 

[balane]

They have built in handles for spinning the fastener by hand AND I don't have to use a extension. For me the shallow sockets are used only when forced by application.

 

[ThreePointedStar]

With S/O handles, there typically isn't a quick release button. Therefore it can be a pain to remove stubby sockets. Its much easier to remove a deep socket, and the knuckle room is a plus.

 

[volvo92906]

I use deep sockets in 3/8 and 1/2 drives 95% of the time. All I have are shallow in 1/4 and 3/4.

 

[jethro29]

I use deep every time that it is possible to do so.first ,more room for your knuckles,second a ratchet with a deep socket is more stable than a ratchet with an extension and a shallow socket,in my opinion anyway.

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

For me they are easier to grab, easier to find when they fall and easier to grab out of my Hanson trays. Essentially I just find them easier.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I use shallow always. Deep only if neccessary or lug nuts.
I feel like deep sockets can slip off of nuts easier if you are putting a lot of torque on them. I like deep sockets for lug nuts because it gives you a "handle" to thread them in.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

If your working on a big tear down job, the last thing you want in your cart is tons of sockets. I grab mainly deep... 8,10,13,15 to start. I've been doin transmission r&r's everyday for about 6 months now and found it much easier to use mainly deeps. I usually need to use a deep sockets of each size at least once for something. Why have twice the sockets in the cart as needed? Less time running back to the box, less time cleaning is a faster job.

 

[nanofrog]

Using deep sockets tends to result in fewer busted knuckles for me as well, so I only opt for shallow when there's clearance issues.

YMMV however, so do what works for you.

 

[rusty65]

I find shallow sockets good for hand tools and deeps for air and electric tools.


Sent From Snap On Headquarters deep in China.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I prefer the feel of a shallow socket and a 3" extension. Deeps only if I need them. It really all depends if you are using it on a bolt or a nut.

 

[trout]

semis all day

 

[Flash21]

I prefer the feel of a shallow socket and a 3" extension. Deeps only if I need them. It really all depends if you are using it on a bolt or a nut.

This... if you don't have semi-deep

my first grab unless forced by application is a 6pt semi-deep

 

[TwoInch]

semi deep. i can use the metric 3/8s set for a good 90% or more of jobs, and never have to switch to shallow or deep.

they are that convenient. i can not believe they are not more common and accepted than they are.

if you dont own a set, buy them right now, tonight. gearwrench semi-deeps are great, and a bargain at $40 or $50 bucks. do it.

 

[kool_BOY8323]

i dont own any semi or mid deeps. just shallows and deeps, and for me my deeps are shorter than a 3 inch extension and a shallow, or just a bit longer than a 1 inch extension and a shallow. so its whatever length i need, when i need it.

 

[devoncoolman]

Deeps 90% of the time. More convienient i guess. Shallows in 3/4 and 1im drives.

 

[MN4x4]

I find shallow sockets good for hand tools and deeps for air and electric tools.

^^^^This is me, too.

When I'm ratcheting I use shallow sockets mostly, and only grab deep when appropriate.

When I'm using my impact wrench(es) it's just the opposite - deep for everything unless the situation dictates a shallow socket with or without an appropriate extension.

I only have shallows of my 3/4" drive stuff, whether chrome or impact.

 

[cordes]

They have built in handles for spinning the fastener by hand AND I don't have to use a extension. For me the shallow sockets are used only when forced by application.

Same here. Especially for lug nuts and the like.

 

[DTB]

I use to use mainly shallow sockets in 3/8 drive and only deep sockets when needed but bought a set of Snap on semi deep sockets in SAE and metric and haven't really picked up a shallow socket since.lol.

 

[FiendFX]

I thought I was the only one that uses deep sockets frequently. Not to mention, I use deep socket + 3" adaptor most of the time.

 

[Subyroo651]

Thanks guys, so it's what I expected, it's basically a preference with justification in some areas.

Now I suddenly need a set of Semi-deep sockets haha. I heard Gearwrench are a bargin for a set but I have SO shallow & deep and I want them to match

 

[eljefino]

Maybe I'm doing it wrong but deeps for me seem to apply more shear force to the bolt heads and have a greater chance of breaking something (rusty.)

Although I'd like to line stuff up better so I can get "straight on" you know that isn't always an option.

 

[TwoInch]

Thanks guys, so it's what I expected, it's basically a preference with justification in some areas.

Now I suddenly need a set of Semi-deep sockets haha. I heard Gearwrench are a bargin for a set but I have SO shallow & deep and I want them to match

i have the snap on semi deeps in 3/8s. got em at a pawn shop for $65 missing one size. got the missing size on here the same day for a couple bucks.

check ebay and local pawn shops.

 

[senor fozz]

Screw them both, I like using mid length for front wheel drive cars, deep on everything else.

 

[rick carpenter]

I use deeps obviously when I need their length. But I also use them holding them up by the head so that I can twist the socket for a loose fitting bolt/nut with the hand holding it. When I use them the second way, the depth keeps my knuckle skin on.

 

[Tinner]

I use shallows, frequently with the shortest Snap On extensions. Those are one of the most used tools in my box and a real knuckle saver. Shallow swivel socket to short extension to u-joint will get into some unreal places. That's a situation where the tighter tolerances of the quality tools prove their worth.

 

[rodm1]

I use deep for the clearance it's kind of like adding a mini extension to it.

 

[exophyusical]

I've just recently started using deep sockets as my go to sockets. I've found its far more rare for me to need to waste time going back to my toolbox for a shallow socket than the other way around. If I really have to put out on a bolt I do find a shallow socket with no extension feels more solid.

As for impacts I can hardly see the point of shallow sockets, pretty rare to have enough space to use an impact but not a deep socket.