Do I need chrome metric deep sockets?

[mooman]

I'm a general do it yourselfer. Work on my truck and van. Don't retore cars or anything like that.
I already have a set of 1/2" drive, 6 pt. metric deep impact sockets.
Do I really need a chrome set of these as well?? Opinions?

 

[mrshaun]

I like them easier to hold onto and easier to get off of a snap on ratchet. sometimes a stud will cause you to need a deep socket.

 

[Teken]

Yes . . . .

 

[mooman]

Teken,
For a man of many words, I'm surprised by your answer.
I would've thought I'd at least get a link to a great deal of 1/2" deep metric Armstrongs.

 

[Teken]

Teken,
For a man of many words, I'm surprised by your answer.
I would've thought I'd at least get a link to a great deal of 1/2" deep metric Armstrongs.

This time next week, someone will! Just received two extra sets of 1/2" metric deep and shallow sockets . . .

They will be sold . . .

 

[Brad54]

I'm a general do it yourselfer. Work on my truck and van. Don't retore cars or anything like that.
I already have a set of 1/2" drive, 6 pt. metric deep impact sockets.
Do I really need a chrome set of these as well?? Opinions?

No. If you've got a set of deep impacts, there's no need for the chrome sockets.
I DO work on hot rods, cars, and DIY stuff, and most of it is American, so it's all Standard fasteners. I have 1/2-inch deep impact Standards, and didn't have chrome versions for YEARS. I only put the chrome set together (from swap meets) so that I'd have a second set of them to use when friends come over and help me wrench.

Chrome ones are thin-wall, and lighter, so they're a little easier to get into tight places and being lighter they're less fatiguing than then heavier thick-wall impact sockets. But if you aren't using them every day to make your living, there's no reason to spend the extra money.

-Brad

 

[mooman]

Thanks for your input guys.

 

[Mickey O]

You absolutely need them, in both metric and SAE, you might think about also getting semi deep sockets in impact and chrome, plus doubles on everything in case you lose something.

There are times when an impact socket is too big to fit because of wall thickness, and a chrome will work. My SAE deep chromes are very worn, I've used them quite a bit over the years. Until recently I didn't have chrome metric deep and had to buy them to do the trailer hitch on my van, better to have and not need than to need and not have. Look for a nice set of used ones at a good price if you don't think you'll use them too much. Or maybe get a set of Craftsman's on sale or at the flea market (guy at Alsip Swap-O-Rama sells them reasonably priced).

 

[hischj]

YES YOU NEED CHROME METRIC DEEP SOCKETS!

Do you really want that feeling when you need them and you don't have them?

 

[Indy_500]

you can never have too many tools. I just sit there and laugh at my mom because she says i have too many and wont' take me anywhere for tools. I find ways around these issues.

 

[dieseldodge01]

I have a set in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. I used the deep 3/8 to change my fuel pump two weeks ago. I have a Blackhawk deep metric that goes up to 25 mm, haven't had to use them yet. For less than $40 I couldn't go wrong.

 

[chevy302dz]

Yes you will need them if you get deep enough into your cars ie suspension, steering, major engine work. If you call it quits at tune ups, fluid changes, and brakes you could most likely get away without them.

 

[nexum1919]

If you'll get 1/2" drive chrome sockets, get them 12 POINT both regular and deep. Some most probable scenarios that you'll be needing them:
1- actual 12 point bolts (clutch, drivetrain, cv axles, hubs etc)
2- using them with ratchet or a breaker bar in a real tight space, then 12 pt will be superior in terms of access and swing angles
3- hammering them into rounded bolts, studs and damaged wheel locks, effectively using them as bolt-outs. Again 12 'jaws' in the socket will grip much better. (But avoid the 'surface drive' stuff in which the peaks look rounded. just get good old sharp edged craftsman-like stuff)
4- If you get larger sizes (20-32) shallow, you can use them as pressing adapters for ball joints, bearings, bushings etc. Again 12pt sockets are 'rounder' inside then 6pt ones, they simulate a smooth circle better...

 

[Fedwrench]

Not in 1/2 drive. If you're using 1/2 drive, you'll most likely have enough room for 1/2 drive impacts. there are exceptions of course, like some asian engine head bolts. I would recommend picking up a set of 1/4 and 3/8 drive metric chrome deep sockets when they're on sale for half off at Sears. Those would be handy.
Not to cloud the picture but, I reach for my semi deep or mid length sockets probably more than my deeps but, that's just me.

 

[tw33k2514]

Not to say you will never need them, but I personally have never needed a 1/2" deep chrome socket. My impact sockets have always worked just fine.

 

[regguy1]

You absolutely need them, in both metric and SAE, you might think about also getting semi deep sockets in impact and chrome, plus doubles on everything in case you lose something.

There are times when an impact socket is too big to fit because of wall thickness, and a chrome will work. My SAE deep chromes are very worn, I've used them quite a bit over the years. Until recently I didn't have chrome metric deep and had to buy them to do the trailer hitch on my van, better to have and not need than to need and not have. Look for a nice set of used ones at a good price if you don't think you'll use them too much. Or maybe get a set of Craftsman's on sale or at the flea market (guy at Alsip Swap-O-Rama sells them reasonably priced).

Right on...Also consider what my Snap-on man says when I tell I don't really Need it......"but sometimes you just Want it"