Deep sockets that are less deep..

[groverstudio]

I'm trying to replace an oil pressure sensor on a VW vanagon. The sensor is in a tight spot, but I can get to it with a regular socket / flexi joint and extension bar as lever. The problem is that the electrical contact blade on the end of the sensor does not allow the socket to reach the grip area. Deep wall sockets are 2X the length of the regular sockets so they don't fit in the area. Is there a place to get a deep socket that is ~7/16-3/4" longer than the 1.5" regular sockets rather than being a full 3 inches??

Thanks!

John

 

[fst4dr]

Get a deep socket and cut it down to make it fit

 

[kythri]

Several manufacturers have mid-length sockets.

Snap-on and the other truck brands are going to probably be some of the most common, but I think SK and GearWrench both have mid-lengths.

 

[MeentSS02]

Auto parts stores rent oil pressure sensor sockets.

 

[zkling]

Yep, as kythri said, most big tool makers have mid length sockets. I have a few SK ones. They do come in handy at times. I'm a fan of SK, I think they produce good stuff at a reasonable price. Or most parts stores rent special sockets like this. I don't think cutting down a deep well socket would be a good idea. And just an overall PITA to begin with.

 

[fury9]

Get a deep socket and cut it down to make it fit

X2^^^

 

[Wakefield]

"semideep" there is probably some special tool that looks like an oxygen sensor tool?
probably expensive if made by Germans

 

[RECox286]

I have some that I refer to as '3/4 deep' sockets. They all say

"SK" on the side along with the size, so I guess I'll say find an

SK dealer. And I know what you mean about sometimes it's

nice to have a short, a midsize or a deep socket to choose from.

Uncle Bob

 

[G_P]

HF socket and cut it to fit.

Sent via carrier pigeon

 

[kiatech]

HF socket and cut it to fit.

Sent via carrier pigeon

that was my idea

 

[Haukur]

Cutting a cheapo socket was my first thought as well. That is why I have terrible, horrible, cheap tools as well as my good tools. You can modify them and you won't get a sting in your heart doing it.

 

[NHBandit]

This... Most OP switches I've ever seen were pipe thread so all you have to do is get it to turn a little and then you can remove it with your fingers. Unless you have some odd sized VW thing this should do the trick.

 

[ChevyEFI]

A midget open end wrench, angled into the space.
Offset box end wrench.
Crows foot.
Bigger square drive to allow clearance.
Spark plug style socket with hex drive.
Socket modified by shortening.
Socket modified by adding external hex or square drive to drive end.

 

[flippin]

Have you considered a "pass through" socket set like Matco Special Forces or the Armstrong Eliminators. I know that Gear Wrench, Craftsman and just about every other company make a "pass though" set which often come in handy for these situations as well. I use mine all the time when a deep socket is either too deep to fit or not deep enough to catch.

 

[groverstudio]

I used the hack saw trick. I was able to make the socket the perfect length!
Thank you all for the info and suggestions.

John

 

[lax39er]

I know this response is a little late, but the new Husky deep walls seem to be shorter then a normal deep wall by about an inch or at least the replacement I received last holiday season.