I bought the Sunex Deep 1/2 set... now what?

roofdweller49 · Mar 17, 2023

So I read somewhere here that people were using 1/2 deep impact more often than a 1/2 shallow. So when I needed to do suspension work on my car, I purchased the sunex 2653 set (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27)
Turns out, I run into clearance issues on my car and I need a shallow set. Now at this point, I don't have extensions or a u joint either. So now I can buy the shallow set, the extension set (2500 or 2504) and the u-joint for about $110-120 total.

But at that point, should I just buy this?

Master Set
and just have two sets of deeps?

I prefer the smaller blow molded cases, but I prefer saving money more. Will I even be using the larger sizes on cars (not pick ups)?

Fly YX · Mar 17, 2023

So you’re going to ask a bunch a tool crackheads if you should buy more tools?

If they are what you need to get the job done then YES.

dchawk81 · Mar 17, 2023

Fly YX said:
So you’re going to ask a bunch a tool crackheads if you should buy more tools?

If they are what you need to get the job done then YES.

roofdweller49 · Mar 17, 2023

I guess I can sell off my deep only set?

dchawk81 · Mar 17, 2023

The master sets are what I have.

joel_400 · Mar 17, 2023

The master sets are hard to beat. Worst case you could go to harbor frieght for the short ones and just keep what you have. Just a thought.
Joel

roofdweller49 · Mar 17, 2023

Or... Are the Astro Nano sockets in 1/2" drive a good shallow? Or are they more specialty?

dchawk81 · Mar 17, 2023

roofdweller49 said:
Or... Are the Astro Nano sockets in 1/2" drive a good shallow? Or are they more specialty?

They're more specialty but they'll get the bolt head as opposed to the nut too. Sometimes that's your only real access.

gfd_703 · Mar 17, 2023

Master set case is junk. Won't stand up to all the weight. Mine was broken when I got it and they will not warranty or even sell me one. Wanted me to send whole set back and they would send me a new set. Great sockets, crappy case.

dchawk81 · Mar 17, 2023

gfd_703 said:
Master set case is junk. Won't stand up to all the weight. Mine was broken when I got it and they will not warranty or even sell me one. Wanted me to send whole set back and they would send me a new set. Great sockets, crappy case.

Have had both master sets since 2017 and both cases are fine.

So much for anecdotes.

tyyost · Mar 17, 2023

While the master set would have been a good buy once cry once example unless it was even or less I would spend another penny on “extra” sockets. That said, if you have a buddy you can gift them to or send them along to someone who can use them for short money go for it. Extra 1/2 deep sockets in a home gamers box is going to use lots of space for little gain.

FWIW, I have the 3/8 master set, and in 1/2 I have a mediocre Stanley metric deep set from Wally World. Two years ago I bought a Tekton no skip set, and have only used it twice. If I was you, I buy a nice metric set from HF with a coupon and use them.

KnurledNut · Mar 17, 2023

But do you have mids yet? :see:

Lucid Moments · Mar 18, 2023

The real problem isn't the deep sockets it is the impact wrench you are using. So but the master kit and then you need a compact impact wrench to use with them.

Dakotadadv8 · Mar 18, 2023

I would just buy a decent breaker bar, shallow socket set, u joint adapter, and extensions.

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

tyyost said:
While the master set would have been a good buy once cry once example unless it was even or less I would spend another penny on “extra” sockets. That said, if you have a buddy you can gift them to or send them along to someone who can use them for short money go for it. Extra 1/2 deep sockets in a home gamers box is going to use lots of space for little gain.

FWIW, I have the 3/8 master set, and in 1/2 I have a mediocre Stanley metric deep set from Wally World. Two years ago I bought a Tekton no skip set, and have only used it twice. If I was you, I buy a nice metric set from HF with a coupon and use them.

I started out buying individuals. One for this, one for that. The piecemeal approach was okay when it was just for lug nuts each time I bought a different car. It got tedious for general work and fortunately it didn't take me long to see if I actually bought everything piecemeal, I'd have more money in that than a master set, and no case to keep them in.

Other than super specialty like those 1-7/8" suspension nuts, 2-3/4" yoke nuts, etc, I can pretty much just lay the kit open and know everything is going to be covered.

roofdweller49 · Mar 18, 2023

Lucid Moments said:
The real problem isn't the deep sockets it is the impact wrench you are using. So but the master kit and then you need a compact impact wrench to use with them.

Yeah, I originally bought the set because my friend has a 1/2" Snap On electric gun (it's a long boy), but only ran chromes on it outside of his wheel socket set...
I then went ahead and got myself a Makita XWT15, and have better access, but have still found myself running out of room

Dakotadadv8 said:
I would just buy a decent breaker bar, shallow socket set, u joint adapter, and extensions.

Have those, but now that I have the impact, I'm lazy

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

roofdweller49 said:
Have those, but now that I have the impact, I'm lazy

Wurd.

Although I prefer the term "calorie efficient."

Lucid Moments · Mar 18, 2023

roofdweller49 said:
Yeah, I originally bought the set because my friend has a 1/2" Snap On electric gun (it's a long boy), but only ran chromes on it outside of his wheel socket set...
I then went ahead and got myself a Makita XWT15, and have better access, but have still found myself running out of room

Have those, but now that I have the impact, I'm lazy

I was trying to go along with the whole "this is Garage Journal you need more tools" theme that seemed to be running. My comment wasn't meant to be serious.

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

Lucid Moments said:
I was trying to go along with the whole "this is Garage Journal you need more tools" theme that seemed to be running. My comment wasn't meant to be serious.

"This is Garage Journal you need more tools" is dead serious. You don't joke around about things like that.

It really should be the slogan at the top of the page.

Fedwrench · Mar 18, 2023

KnurledNut said:
But do you have mids yet?

I really like my Genius mid lengths but, that won't help you at this point.
I would just bebop over to Harbor freight and grab a shallow metric impact socket set and a few extensions. Low cost, decent, it's not like you're going to be using the stuff hard, day in and day out. If you don't like Harbor Freight, visit Lowes, Home Depot, many auto parts stores or amazon :beer:

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

dchawk81 said:
They're more specialty but they'll get the bolt head as opposed to the nut too. Sometimes that's your only real access.

To clarify this...

The nanos really only have bolt head depth to them. So you're not going to get on a nut if it has exposed threads. If it's a bolt with a captive nut or a bolt into a threaded whatever, this is going to be perfect. It's just preferable to remove the nut and hold the bolt when possible, rather than the other way around. Mostly just to avoid damaging threads.

Sometimes you have no choice for access reasons and sometimes you need to spin a bolt to free it up anyway.

Dakotadadv8 · Mar 18, 2023

Doing suspension work on PU truck, HD van, and sedans in rust region. 1/2 drive: standard combo wrenches, shallow chrome sockets, breaker bar, extensions, u-joint adapter, and standard length ratchet. 1/2 drive impact wrench and impact sockets on standby. This setup has worked for the last 20 years for this home gamer.

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

Dakotadadv8 said:
Doing suspension work on PU truck, HD van, and sedans in rust region. 1/2 drive: standard combo wrenches, shallow chrome sockets, breaker bar, extensions, u-joint adapter, and standard length ratchet. 1/2 drive impact wrench and impact sockets on standby. This setup has worked for the last 20 years for this home gamer.

The only problem I have with this is the lack of power tools...

assassin10000 · Mar 18, 2023

If you prefer the smaller cases, I'd get the standard sunex sockets.

How much more clearance do you need? My typical go to sockets are the genius mid lengths.

Here's a pic next to a chrome and impact HF deep and standard socket.

The astro nano's are nice for tight spaces, to get on a bolt head with a universal with space constraints or even with a wrench to get enough clearance around an obstruction.

Also the official gj motto:

So get all 3...

roofdweller49 · Mar 18, 2023

Are the Pittsburgh Pros stamped or just lasered? My 16mm deep sunex is already missing a bunch of finish after one project. I prefer the Pittsburgh style taper on paper, but not sure if it matters.

jayemm · Mar 18, 2023

Would a set of stubby impact sockets like this work? There are no skipped sizes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PQ7W99Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

assassin10000 said:
If you prefer the smaller cases, I'd get the standard sunex sockets.

How much more clearance do you need? My typical go to sockets are the genius mid lengths.

Here's a pic next to a chrome and impact HF deep and standard socket.

The astro nano's are nice for tight spaces, to get on a bolt head with a universal with space constraints or even with a wrench to get enough clearance around an obstruction.

Also the official gj motto:

So get all 3...

To the tune of Hot Blooded:

"I've got a fever of a hundred and three...my 10mm just walked out on me."

roofdweller49 · Mar 18, 2023

jayemm said:
Would a set of stubby impact sockets like this work? There are no skipped sizes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PQ7W99Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those look like the Astros.

I'm just torn because for impact sockets I like the blow mold cases, and I like the idea of everything in one box. However, I do like the neck down on the Pittsburgh Pros, as well as the price. I guess I can get socket rails, and maybe a small tool bag to keep it all in

jayemm · Mar 18, 2023

roofdweller49 said:
Those look like the Astros.

I'm just torn because for impact sockets I like the blow mold cases, and I like the idea of everything in one box. However, I do like the neck down on the Pittsburgh Pros, as well as the price. I guess I can get socket rails, and maybe a small tool bag to keep it all in

Have you checked Amazon for one's with a blow molded case, though they may skip a few sizes. There's usually a fair selection offered on there.

boom_bap · Mar 18, 2023

Sunex 2669 and harbor freight extensions.

dchawk81 · Mar 18, 2023

roofdweller49 said:
I guess I can sell off my deep only set?

Yes you may now go off the deep end.

tyyost · Mar 19, 2023

Tekton has sets that come in blow molded cases.

I bought the Sunex Deep 1/2 set... now what?

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Sunex 2669 and harbor freight extensions.​

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Sunex 2669 and harbor freight extensions.