How often do you really use deep sockets!

[MDSPHOTO]

I've always owned a cheap incomplete socket set and since I got a nice set of ratchets for Christmas I wanted to get a nice complete set of sockets. Many of the sets I've seen come with a large quantity of deep sockets and the only time I can recall that I ever needed a deep socket was for a spark plug change on a lawn mower. Do you guys use the deep sockets much and for what uses?

 

[Flounder_Pounder]

Quite a bit

 

[byoungblood]

All the time. I'll often reach for a deep socket instead of a regular length and extension. Even in cases where the extension wouldn't be necessary, it gives your knuckles a little extra clearance.

 

[OHMS LAW]

I use em all the time. But also are you always working on stuff or are you a weekend warrior?

 

[colin39]

All the time. I'll often reach for a deep socket instead of a regular length and extension. Even in cases where the extension wouldn't be necessary, it gives your knuckles a little extra clearance.

Lol same here, I grab deeps all the time, if I need a short I grab a ratchet spanner.

 

[brownbagg]

nearly everyday, but the cheap impact deep sockets work great for what ever I do,.

 

[colin39]

nearly everyday, but the cheap impact deep sockets work great for what ever I do,.

Also noted as I buy mostly impact, as at some stage its going on a gun. So why worry about breakage.

 

[sberry]

The combination of various sockets and extensions is a bit of science in to itself, it makes up for a lot of fancier gizmo u joint flex it what evers that ride in a box most of the time.
Cheap is great, lacking is not, go to Sears and score a sale set where the thinking is done about the sizes and some of the selection. They are such a super deal you can toss the ratchets or give them a try or just fill your box with them but the bang for the buck and covering some bases is super hi and fast and its way easier to go from there individually scoring a few things you use a lot or are super demanding, special etc.

Find a store close, HF, Sears, Menards or Walmart and keep enough change in your pocket and score a modest set of bits as the need comes up. Use all the cheap that works, use it as a feeler to find what you actually need vs spending on expensive sets you need one piece from. The cost is so low there is no need for buyers remorse or to go into great pain but with available shopping so convenient these days would cover basics and go from there.

Auto parts stores now have reasonable singles, not as cheap as sets on sale but 3 or 4 bucks for a socket you need when you are there scoring a part is affordable.

 

[Davefr]

I probably end up using deep more then shallow. (or at least as often)

I'd rather use a deep then a shallow with a small extension.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I use my chrome deeps a lot, if I'm using impact sockets I only grab the shallow if the deep don't fit.

 

[NKlamerus]

My first choice is always my Mac and Matco deep impact rails. I like having the weight and knowing if I put all my weight on it, it won't snap.

 

[CJM8515]

Always use deep unless it wont fit or I am afraid of slippage due to the angle the deep will cause.

 

[theoldwizard1]

• 3/8" deep - a lot, but those are my most commonly used standard depth sockets
• 1/2" deep - occassionaly, less since I bought lug nut flip socket set
• 1/4" deep - never, don't own them

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I always grab a deep socket first no matter what...unless I have a clearance issue then I go short. I always use my 3" wobble extension with everything.

 

[redwrench60]

Constantly. For all the reasons mentioned already.

 

[joejeep92]

I reach for my deeps first unless there is a space constraint.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'll muddy the waters a bit. I routinely use 19, 21, & 22mm 1/2 drive deep impact sockets on my impact to remove lug nuts. However, I don't use the other drive size deeps that often. However, what really gets a work out is my 3/8 drive semi deep impact socket set from Sunex. It runs 8-22mm and I believe the sockets measure 1.75 inches in length. They give me knuckle clearance and can clear must threads sticking out past a nut. They're usually on the end of a M12 impact or ratchet I wish they made a set in 1/4 inch drive.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

In order from most use to least: semi-deep, deep and I rarely use shallow.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I use shallow the most with a 3" extension on the 3/8 ratchet for knuckle clearance.

 

[panknuckshovel]

I almost only use the deep sockets, gives me more room to get two hands on the ratchet.

 

[ganymede]

I grab regular length first but better mechanics than I always grab deep first.
Given the intricacy of machines n vehicles maybe deep sockets should be called regular sockets and regular should be called short.

 

[cheechi]

I'm not in an engine bay all day every day. That said, I use my standard depth most often, next my universals, next my GW mid length. The mids have essentially replaced my deeps in 3/8 and 1/4 drive. Can't say enough good about them. Not just for the money, but they are the right length for most things most of the time, and fully broached for times that matters.

I also have a go through set that I really like, and ratcheting wrenches (including stubby) that can get things done. So deeps aren't my only 'other' option.

When I'm working on something that needs the impact, I think the deeps are built a little better than the shallows so that's what I use when it fits(both HF). I have started to use the impact ratchet more and I can't say if it's coincidence but all the usage I've had with it recently has needed the deeps.

 

[kiatech]

Deep when ever possible

 

[sonvolt]

As mentioned throughout mostly deep like 85% of the time

 

[BDT/NWMN]

very much

 

[AndeiH]

my 3/8 ratchet is offset so that gives some knuckle space. standard sockets about 90% of the time.

 

[deter]

I'm the exact opposite of the OP, I only use my deep wells and see almost no reason to use the shorties 90% of the time

 

[ClineWrench]

I use my deeps as much as possible and only use my standards when I absolutely have to. The idea is that deeps will fit nearly every bolt and nut I have to deal with, so its much more universal to use them.

On a rare occasion I'll be in a tight area that requires standard or shallow sockets.

 

[jdmstr]

i use them allot more than my shallow depth sockets.

 

[Matt_C]

Everyday. I might use a shallow socket maybe 2 or 3 times a month, but deep sockets (both 1/4" and 3/8" drive) get used every day, multiple times, sizes, etc.

Funnily enough, I used a shallow socket today (22mm, 1/2" drive). I think the last time I used a shallow socket was a 13mm (3/8" drive) last week because my normal deep socket was too tall for the space.

 

[low_dakota94]

My 3/8" metric deeps are easily the most used on a daily basis.

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Used to use them alot, but since I've picked up a set of SO semi deeps, I haven't hardly touched them!

 

[chrismenke]

1/4 inch chrome metric deep are my go to for bikes...3/8 chrome metric deep for cars. There are not a lot of instances where I require a shallow, but they're there if need be.

Thicker walls on deep impacts mean they get used mostly for impact applications where there's room around the fastener.

 

[BK13]

1/4" almost always semi-deep
3/8" probably 65% semi-deep, 30% standard, 5% or less deep
1/2" almost always deep, but then the only thing I use (or used, since I bought a cordless impact) is removing and installing lug nuts.

 

[joejeep92]

I'd forgotten about my semi-deeps...have them in chrome and impact but never really used them unless needed but maybe I need to give them a shot...

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

^^ Perfect amount of knuckle clearance, but still short enough to not be an obstruction most of the time.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I grab deep first and shallow if the deep don't fix

 

[MDSPHOTO]

Thanks for the responses. To answer many questions I am a weekend warrior, oil changes on my bikes, bolt on parts, lawnmower and maintenance and putting stuff together. I've survived for 30-years with a small set I got at People's Drug Store. Over the years I've lost a number of sockets and the 1/4" ratchet that came with the set broke last year. I've been eyeing this 176 piece set from Sears as it should more than what I need to carry me through the rest of my days.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-176-...0934032000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11

 

[BK13]

Give the Gearwrench semi-deeps a try, in whatever drive size you use the most...

 

[ABSTIFFGS]

I also regularly reach for the deep sockets.