Do I need a low profile passthrough ratchet and sockets?

[m6z]

I stumbled upon this neat little set last night and almost ordered it. Is it useful? I honestly can't think of anything it'll do that a ratcheting wrench won't. Still, I'm interested.. What's the hive think?

Assortment with short hexagonal sockets and reversible ratchet in bimaterial box (11 pcs.) 610 1/4 EFK, Professional tools USAG

Assortment with short hexagonal sockets and reversible ratchet in bimaterial box (11 pcs.) 610 1/4 EFK, Professional tools USAG.

www.usag.it

 

[nbpt100]

The low profile can help you access into some tight areas that a conventional ratchet and socket may not reach. Ratcheting box wrenches can do almost all of what they can do. i.e. a nut on a long threaded rod. If you are not wrenching for a living I would be inclined to decline. If you are wrenching every day you may want to consider such a tool set. They may save you some time.

I think I recall on the Ford Taurus/ Sable Duratec 3.0L people liked to use them to replace the water pump. Not 100% essential but saved time.

I am sure the good folks here can chime in on a cases where they made their lives better.

Edit. If it is not a lot of money for you, just get it. Then you can see for yourself how it will benefit you and maybe you would also want the 3/8 drive. There are also kits that come with extensions giving them more utility.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have a Craftsman set I bought years ago. It has come in handy building struts, assembling IKEA couches and a variety of other odd scenarios. It also winds up being pretty low-profile (I don't think that's a feature so much as an output of the design itself), which has been pretty handy. I don't think it's a replacement alternative to a traditional ratchet/socket set, but a great second one. I find myself glad I have it consistently enough that I kept it around when I was putting together what went into the Full Bank cart when I got it.

 

[kbeefy]

They were neat when I first saw them about 30 years ago, now I can't think of a situation where they would be any better than a gearwrench.
Maybe if a really long stud had a nut tightened into a 1/2 depression where a wrench couldn't get to it....

Ah, just noticed it's 1/4". Still can't really think of a practical use.

 

[VolvoRyan]

My rule is: "If you don't know if it's useful, you don't need it."

That ad just looks a little suspect. They made the competitor as "fat" as possible, and it's no coincidence that their tool is the only one that fits in their jig.

Their "jig" does represent a special problem, for which one might want to get a special tool.... so just get the special tool.

A zero offset wrench will probably solve this problem, but has a zillion more uses:

Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-19 mm

Upgrade your toolkit with our Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-19 mm. Perfect for precise and versatile work in tight spaces.

capritools.com

-Ryan

 

[WWheeler]

My old Craftsman pass-thru (Max Access) socket set has saved me a lot of time on old-school headlight assembly/adjustment studs that are fine thread and sometimes 3-4" long, waaaaay longer than a typical deep socket will reach, and usually tucked up in tight spots where even if you had an extra-long (120mm) deep socket it won't fit. I used to have to do them quite often and the threads are almost always just crusty enough you can't spin the nut at all by hand. I have gotten them done with a ratcheting wrench before but still was a PITA because they keep slipping off the nut, something a pass-thru socket doesn't, but if you're stuck trying to do it with a standard wrench doing 1/8 to 1/16 turns you'll be there for what seems like all day until your arm is sore and cramping from contortioning it for so long. Been there and done that. Pass-thru's make it take seconds, not minutes or even hours.

 

[m6z]

Good point on those old headlight adjusters. I haven't adjusted a set of headlight's in probably 20 years though.

 

[mrjaw14]

it looks like that kit is a different version of the new bit kit available at harbor freight. here's the exact same thing that harbor freight sells from amazon. you can click on wrenches you'll see the kit the OP listed

 

[kbeefy]

A zero offset wrench will probably solve this problem, but has a zillion more uses:

Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-19 mm

Upgrade your toolkit with our Double Box End Wrench Set, Metric, 8-19 mm. Perfect for precise and versatile work in tight spaces.

capritools.com

-Ryan

I have 'mountain wrenches', flexible ratcheting version of zero offsets. I really like them.

Mountain Wrenches

 

[kbeefy]

it looks like that kit is a different version of the new bit kit available at harbor freight. here's the exact same thing that harbor freight sells from amazon. you can click on wrenches you'll see the kit the OP listed

Here ya go....

Amazon link

 

[WWheeler]

it looks like that kit is a different version of the new bit kit available at harbor freight. here's the exact same thing that harbor freight sells from amazon. you can click on wrenches you'll see the kit the OP listed

The set you posted a pic of is the USAG set, not Harbor Freight, and you didn't post a link but I found it on Amazon but did not see where Harbor Freight sells a pass-thru set like in the OP. I do see where HF does sell what looks like that same mini flex ratchet set though.

 

[kbeefy]

My old Craftsman pass-thru (Max Access) socket set has saved me a lot of time on old-school headlight assembly/adjustment studs

This Tite Reach extension has been a game changer for headlight adjustments for me.

Tite Reach

It wouldn't have helped in your situation, but for little torx or 6mm adjusters it's pretty cool.

 

[Dave455]

I think that a low profile socket set definitely has it’s uses. The “low profile” aspect is probably more useful than the “pass through”.

Things that a low profile socket will deal with, that a ratcheting wrench will not, are fasteners that are recessed, or located behind a steel lip, such as on steel pressings.

I’ve got the Snap On 1/4” set. Not quite the same thing, and got it on a deal a few years back. I’ve really needed it on maybe only 2 or 3 occasions, but it’s been useful on a couple of others - by which I mean I’ve been able to remove a component without removing a load of other stuff first.

Both Facom and USAG offer versions of that set. The Facom was the first, and is most likely the best finished. I haven’t seen the USAG. but they are both owned by SBD and typically the USAG are slightly cheaper, but not so well finished.

That set is made in Taiwan. I don’t have a particular problem with that, as the Taiwanese Facom seems to be about the best Taiwanese there is.

 

[richfinn]

I've used my gearwrench serpentine belt tool kit for jobs other than drive belts

 

[mrjaw14]

The set you posted a pic of is the USAG set, not Harbor Freight, and you didn't post a link but I found it on Amazon but did not see where Harbor Freight sells a pass-thru set like in the OP. I do see where HF does sell what looks like that same mini flex ratchet set though.

you are correct, I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. i was saying that the "bits" version of that USAG kit is the same version HF sells/ HF does not sell the socket version. I was just interested to find out that the bits version is what HF sells. Not sure if that indicates that HF may also get the socket version in the future. sorry I wasn't more clear

 

[nbpt100]

I've used my gearwrench serpentine belt tool kit for jobs other than drive belts

Yes indeed!!!! good point rich.


Harbor Frieght has this go through set. I give them credit for having an extention and not skipping sizes.

SAE and Metric Go-Thru Socket Set, 21-Piece

Amazing deals on this 21Pc Sae/Metric Go-Thru Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Voi]

I got the Bostich set many years ago. Steeply discounted at Menards.

The low profile larger sockets have saved me a few times where I didn't have a ratcheting wrench in that size. But that's a short drive & an to pick up a wrench if one doesn't have the pass through set.

Friend of mine has a Craftsman set & the thin walls & lower profile have been helpful when working on the equipment in his shop. His are thinner walled than mine as I recall.

When I have taken advantage of the pass through nature there have been times where I felt they were better than a ratcheting wrench. Just easier to keep on a nut, especially during longer runs on threaded rod that was hard to get to.

I like mine enough to only use them when I need them to reduce chances of breaking one. But I don't use them much. So little I sometimes forget about them. Glad to have them but really glad I got them cheap, if that makes any sense.

 

[WWheeler]

I honestly can't think of anything it'll do that a ratcheting wrench won't.

Although usually promoted for it's thinness because it eliminates the thickness of the ratchet and drive of a standard ratchet/socket combo I always more thought of these sets as more of a space saver dual duty type tool, like best for keeping in an auto kit, since it's designed so it can basically take the place of both a shallow and a deep set.

 

[JBH]

I have a few of those (can’t tell any real difference between the Facom branded ones and USAG branded ones - Wera, Matco, Tone, Würth, and other 11mm outer hex sockets fit as well. I assume they have the same maker. Snapon’s fit if you take the retainer ring out IIRC.

I like them because of the access they provide. I have some “nicer” 1/4” socket sets - Hazet, Stahlwille, Gedore, full size Facom. Proto - but the little Facom/USAG or Würth sets seem to get grabbed 1st. Or the AF equivalent from Matco if I need inch sizing.

 

[Paco Pena]

I have an older craftsman one that somebody gave me years ago. I thought it was neat but about as useful as a Ginsu steak knife set. Over the years I found it useful several times that would have required me to pull a lot of parts off otherwise. Mission critical no, worth buying maybe.

Paco

 

[Fedwrench]

if you've gone this long without it, you probably don't need it but, this is Garage Journal where need and want are interchangeable.
I have the USAG set. It's a nice set that I've used a few times but, it does have its limitations. to begin with the ratchet handle is only 4.5 inches long overall so, you're limited as to how much torque you can apply. The good news is that each socket has an 11mm hex shaped base so, you can use any length of ratcheting wrench for additional torque. If you happen to use a USAG ratcheting 11 mm wrench, it will even have the thin wire retainer to assist in holding on to your low profile socket unlike other ratcheting wrenches. I do not consider these sockets to be pass through type though. Why? Because the hole in the hex shaped base is only 1/4 square drive so, one can use a regular 1/4 square drive ratchet with these sockets. Not much will pass through a 1/4 square drive hole
The sockets themselves are real shallow with only 5/16 exposed from the hex shaped base. Are you going to use these everyday? Probably not but, it is a nicely made compact kit. The one thing it does well over a regular ratcheting wrench, it that is provides offset with a narrower width than a similar sized ratcheting wrench. There are several versions of this kit. In addition to FACOM & USAG, there is a Blackhawk version that pops up on Ebay for $49.98 and it was also listed on Grainger but, I think inventory is drying up on those sets as they were a limited run. Toptul offers a similar set. I believe VIM is coming out with a set but, the VIM sockets will have a 1/4 inch hex base to be used with any of their bit ratchets and not regular 1/4 square drive ratchets. These interest me.

 

[m6z]

Fedwrench, you are an absolute wealth of knowledge.

Thanks for pointing out that set really isn't a passthrough. Those VIM hex sockets sound pretty cool. I might hold off until they're available.

 

[f121]

Probably not. I have snap on 3/8 low profile set, which is really nice, but so far I think I’ve used it twice in 3 years.

 

[bonneyman]

I saw a video of a guy using those pass-thru sockets to install unistrut on construction sites. Said it worked great and watching him work sure made it look useful. Other than that I've not seen a real need for them. JMHOP

 

[Grokew]

I was thinking for threaded rods, but then saw Fedwrench's post. Still useful for tight spaces

I have a duralast #61-105, it is a passthrough, but the handle is straight, if it was a flex head, it would be even better.

 

[GreyOwl]

I have a set branded “O-Ratchet” that my wife got me from QVC maybe 20 or so years ago. I have maybe used it 2 or 3 times since. It seems to be good quality polished chrome. The ratcheting box end seems to be much easier to use.

 

[BarrelRoll]

I have a 15 year old gear wrench/ kd pass through socket 3/8" socket set I picked up in a lot of tools. I don't think I've ever actually used it in the 15 years it's been occupying drawer space. When I was shopping for a bit ratchet I came across the snapon low profile pass through 1/4" ratchet with the 1/4" hex bit driver adapter bit and was tempted to order it along with a set of low profile sockets. After not really seeing a use for it I just ended up ordering a TM72 bit ratchet and saved $180 vs more tools I probably would never use. I'd like it though can't really see a use for it at work (mining/ industrial maintenance). I think ratcheting wrenches have replaced the need for these pass through sockets 99% of the time.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

If you're just looking for a great pass through set check out the bahco s530t

 

[Iridium rand]

Basically the only time you need pass through sockets if you already have ratcheting wrenches is if it’s recessed and too long for a deep socket, rare scenario to be sure.

Low profile ratchets on the other hand are quite useful if you don’t have one already, same goes for bit ratchets which IMO is a much more important tool to have

 

[64C10]

I have a set branded “O-Ratchet” that my wife got me from QVC maybe 20 or so years ago. I have maybe used it 2 or 3 times since. It seems to be good quality polished chrome. The ratcheting box end seems to be much easier to use.

I’ve got the same QVC set - been in the “house” box for years, used it a grand total of twice, both times on chain link fence that they put some ungodly long bolts in.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I stumbled upon this neat little set last night and almost ordered it. Is it useful? I honestly can't think of anything it'll do that a ratcheting wrench won't. Still, I'm interested.. What's the hive think?

Assortment with short hexagonal sockets and reversible ratchet in bimaterial box (11 pcs.) 610 1/4 EFK, Professional tools USAG

Assortment with short hexagonal sockets and reversible ratchet in bimaterial box (11 pcs.) 610 1/4 EFK, Professional tools USAG.

www.usag.it

If you have to ask, you probably do not need this tool. Save a buck or two and order the tool when you have a sue for it.
This is from a guy with a signature contrary to the advice. I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have.

 

[Al Borland]

Meh...
More of a "Solution in search of a problem" kind of tool.
Can't think of any use that wouldn't be covered by a socket set or ratcheting wrench.
On the other hand, for "I've got a shiny new precious!" use, it's perfect.
And this is Garage Journal, so whadda we do?
We get them, and keep them with our Robogrips, Gatorgrips, and those 10-in-1 Puck wrenches

 

[BombShelter]

I bought a huge Lowe's Kobalt Set a few years ago for dirt cheap, it has several sizes and bigger wrenches. For the 2x a year I pull it out, it's a huge time-saver and that's why I bought it, I'd say 70% of my tools fit the same catagory and I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[M635_Guy]

Meh...
More of a "Solution in search of a problem" kind of tool.
Can't think of any use that wouldn't be covered by a socket set or ratcheting wrench.
On the other hand, for "I've got a shiny new precious!" use, it's perfect.
And this is Garage Journal, so whadda we do?
We get them, and keep them with our Robogrips, Gatorgrips, and those 10-in-1 Puck wrenches

I don't know if it's just European cars, but they're awfully handy when building struts and doing other brake/suspension stuff where you have to use a hex wrench and a socket at the same time (I don't remember needing them using them when I did the brakes/suspension on my wife's car other than the struts). There are other ways to do it, but passthrough sockets work great for that - ratcheting wrenches don't work as well in some cases because they don't offer offset. My passthrough set is regular sized, but I have had a couple situations (water pump comes to mind) where the overall shallowness was very handy.

As I mentioned above - the IKEA couches I've put together several times for my spawn have long threaded rods that bring the pieces together. The included tool made me want to find the person who designed it and dump a bucket of meatballs on them.

 

[Old Donn]

Bought a Gear Wrench pass-thru set on sale at Sears some years back because I thought I had to have it. It came home, went in the tool chest, never to be seen again. It's not "Drawer of Shame" material, like the Gatorgrip, I've just never found any use for it.

 

[steel 35]

I have a Mac pass thru Ratchet with some of the sockets, haven’t used it.

 

[DAustin]

Did you forget where you're at? Of course, you need one, maybe two.

 

[javyLSU]

The set you posted a pic of is the USAG set, not Harbor Freight, and you didn't post a link but I found it on Amazon but did not see where Harbor Freight sells a pass-thru set like in the OP. I do see where HF does sell what looks like that same mini flex ratchet set though.

FWIW, Harbor Freight sells a full-size pass through socket set, they call it a "go-thru socket set."

SAE and Metric Go-Thru Socket Set, 21-Piece

Amazing deals on this 21Pc Sae/Metric Go-Thru Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Gummi Bear]

I bought a kit from O-Ratchet back in the mid 90's. I was building a lot of stuff with threaded rod, and it was pretty useful for that. I don't use it very often, but it is handy when I need it. I have a SAE set, back then, I did very little metric stuff.

There was a discussion about this several years ago. I get tickled when ideas get recycled and rebranded as a new innovation.

Know anything about "O-Ratchet"?

Looks like a specialty tool where the guts can be removed and adapted so that a nut could be ratcheted on to a very long threaded rod or bolt. It also can be adapted to drive hex sockets or conventional 3/8" sockets. It is stamped "Taiwan" but also has markings of a Texas tool company. I...

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