Low profile 1/4 drive sockets

[nbpt100]

I recently had a situation where a low profile 1/4" drive socket would have saved me a lot of time. I took a cursory look on line and all I could find was the Gearwrench and that says it is reduced by 22%. I would have thought it could be better than that. Maybe 50%. I prefer chrome sockets because impact have a thicker wall and that was an issue too. I saw more options in 3/8 which I will get, but I also want a 1/4 drive.

Any suggestions. Is the GW the best I can do in 1/4 drive chrome with a relatively thin wall. It is ok if you want to tell me snap on. If that what is out there, but I am on a mid grade budget.

 

[Jeff]

KoKen has a low profile set.

Z-Series

What is the Z-Series? Koken Z-Series is designed for lower profile applications in difficult to get to locations. Recent year garage tools (automobile maintenance tools) are requested to respond working at narrow space of engine rooms. There is severe situation that the standard of socket...

kokenusa.com

 

[BrandonV]

Facom should have some thin wall offerings.

 

[Stubby1743]

The Koken Zeal 1/4" drive sockets can't be beaten when it comes to low profile sockets IMO.

 

[nbpt100]

The Koken Zeal 1/4" drive sockets can't be beaten when it comes to low profile sockets IMO.

Thanks, I did not mention I wanted SAE sizes. I'll get the metirc too, but I work on quite a bit of SAE equipment.

 

[ThePostman]

Second for the Ko-ken, they have bailed me out where nothing else would fit. A window regulator a month ago comes to mind ...

 

[ThePostman]

You can always buy some cheap sacrificial lambs to grind down as well, been there, done that too

 

[tamaraw]

Not cheap, but Nepros does very shallow 1/4" sockets and they offer imperial sizes as well.

 

[four.cycle]

O'Reilly's Auto Parts
Less than $20 bucks out the door.

 

[Cc_windsurfer]

Vim dual drive are awesome. They are my go to 1/4 set even when I don't need the ultra low profile.

 

[cherrybomb]

Next question, where do you buy the koken?

 

[Fedwrench]

you want Ko-Ken Zeal not just regular Ko-Ken. I don't think anything else is as short except possibly the dual drive versions where you can use a ratcheting wrench.
Shop around for the best deal. include shipping cost in the total cost. You can get Ko-Koken from drpd tool, palmac.net, kokenusa.com usatoolhub.com and others.

On a side note, the Gearwrench short shallow sockets aren't that short. One must remember that most Asian made shallow 1/4 drive sockets use 1 inch as their overall length. However, most US made 1/4 drive sockets use 7/8 as their overall length. With Gearwrench, that 22% means less of a reduction because, you're starting out with a taller socket.

Ko-Ken Zeal 1/4 drive sockets are only 14mm long in sizes 4-7mm and 15mm long in sizes 8-14mm. I don't think you'll find a shorter 1/4 drive socket. Good luck in your quest

 

[Caa311]

O'Reilly's Auto Parts
Less than $20 bucks out the door.

All these 1/4 sets stop at 13mm! I want a 14mm in my set.

 

[GeoBruin]

The Power Torque on a ratcheting wrench is shallower than my shallow sockets by themselves.

 

[four.cycle]

hey, full disclosure: I bought that little rack of "PowerTorque" sockets for a buddy of mine - I've never used them, and I never really got any feedback from him about them - I cannot speak to quality or performance - I can only let you know they exist.

 

[nbpt100]

The Power Torque on a ratcheting wrench is shallower than my shallow sockets by themselves.

GeoBruin, can you give us a measurement on that? My guess..... About 5/8"
4 Cycle, thanks for that info and disclosure.

The Power Torque have some interesting sizes in the SAE Like 7/32, 9/32, 15/32". Similar to CAA311, I would have preferred a 9/16 in the set and drop a couple of the other 32's. Has anyone ever used a 15/32? It may fit on a 12mm, I mean on a piece of equipment that is not 100+ yrs old.
I read they are Made in Taiwan, and are the same as Performance Tool and Mr Good Wrench branded tools. I would assume about the same quality as Husky or Kobalt.???? Anyone care to take a stab at this?

I have not seen either of these brands in a long time. An indy auto parts store near me use to sell Performance tools.

Thanks Fedwrench. Your post was very helpful!!!! I am leaning towards the dual drive. As I think that will give the lowest profile possible. Not necessarily the thinnest however. I appreciate your knowledge and your willingness to share what you know. You always strive to make meaningful posts.

 

[Dave455]

Another vote for KoKen Z Series / Zeal. Very compact tools. Probably the lowest profile “regular” sockets.


Alternatively, you can opt for one of the “pass through” designs. I think Snap On are about the best, and available in SAE too.

I own these, and really need them only about 2 or 3 times a year, but when I do I’m glad I’ve got them!


Facom offer these too, which are more affordable. Basically the same tools are available USAG branded, which might be a frac cheaper.

 

[unslow1]

The Power Torque on a ratcheting wrench is shallower than my shallow sockets by themselves.

Now that's the height I would be interested in.

I just checked and for those interested the Power Torque are about 10% the cost of the Koken.

 

[GeoBruin]

Now that's the height I would be interested in.

About 3/4"

 

[Cruzan80]

What hex size does the Power torque fit?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Koken Zeal are my preference. 9mm is not including in the 1/4 set.

 

[lardy1]

I like my Vim Dual Drive sockets but don't have any of the others to make a comparison. They're very shallow though and versatile.

 

[Fedwrench]

VIM also offers a dual drive 1/4 set and a ratcheting boxed end wrench 11 X 13mm with a built in retaining to hold the sockets. I think VIM is expanding their range offerings this year for dual drive items.

Vim Tools 0.25 in. Dual Drive Metric Socket Set, 9 Pieces VIM-DDM400 | Zoro

Order Vim Tools 0.25 in. Dual Drive Metric Socket Set, 9 Pieces, VIM-DDM400 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

RW1113 – VIM Tools

Dual Drive Ratchet 11mm x 13mm , F/R Offset double Box, 72 teeth

vimtools.com

 

[ChefRex]

I would highly recommend the dual drive on what ever you decide on. I have SO in both metric and std but I do make my living with them and they get used regularly.

 

[Steve_P]

Since this is GJ, you need both the Zeal, and the dual drive. Disclosure: of course, I have both- I don't want to be banned! The Powercraft were so cheap locally that I couldn't resist.

 

[honcho]

Thanks, I did not mention I wanted SAE sizes. I'll get the metirc too, but I work on quite a bit of SAE equipment.

I have some old 1/4" drive sockets that are considerably shorter than more modern sockets. I believe they're Walden brand, I even think I know where they are and I'll try to post a photo and measure the length.

 

[JEdiag]

Another vote for KoKen Z Series / Zeal. Very compact tools. Probably the lowest profile “regular” sockets.


Alternatively, you can opt for one of the “pass through” designs. I think Snap On are about the best, and available in SAE too.

I own these, and really need them only about 2 or 3 times a year, but when I do I’m glad I’ve got them!


Facom offer these too, which are more affordable. Basically the same tools are available USAG branded, which might be a frac cheaper.

I bought set of the same snap ons at a pawn shop when i needed them in a pinch. Mine were 12 pt which i needed for a turbo removal. Worked flawlessly.

 

[bonneyman]

Another vote for KoKen Z Series / Zeal. Very compact tools. Probably the lowest profile “regular” sockets.

Dang, I like the Kokens! If I were starting out all over again I'd be going hungry to equip myself with them.

 

[bcradio]

I would love to see a picture of what you need this for. Maybe some of us here could help come up with other possible solutions as well...

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I have the power torque mentioned upthread in both sae and metric and use them a lot. The external hex is 7/16” or 11mm so having a couple types of nice ratcheting wrench in that size will help get the most out of it- reversible, stubby, flex etc. I wish the sizes included were a little more extensive but for ~$15/set I can’t really complain.

 

[Dave455]

Dang, I like the Kokens! If I were starting out all over again I'd be going hungry to equip myself with them.

The KoKen Z Series / Zeal tools are beautifully made.

The only thing to be aware if, is that they are low profile - perhaps too low profile for everyday use. If you have any appreciable length of bolt protruding from a nut, you may not get full engagement.

Here’s a KoKen Z series socket (R) compared to a regular (L). The regular are the better option for normal use.

 

[Pinemarten]

All these 1/4 sets stop at 13mm! I want a 14mm in my set.

I don't always need to remove a 14mm (or 9/16") head fastener, but when I do, I always grab a 1/4" drive tool..................LOL

 

[bonneyman]

The KoKen Z Series / Zeal tools are beautifully made.

The only thing to be aware if, is that they are low profile - perhaps too low profile for everyday use. If you have any appreciable length of bolt protruding from a nut, you may not get full engagement.

Here’s a KoKen Z series socket (R) compared to a regular (L). The regular are the better option for normal use.

Shoot that's short! Combined with a Gearwrench and one of their socket adaptors and you have a slim tool indeed!

I wish I'd have known about Koken earlier. I just might have snagged a set of the shorty's.

 

[Caa311]

I don't always need to remove a 14mm (or 9/16") head fastener, but when I do, I always grab a 1/4" drive tool..................LOL

I don't always need to explain myself but today I will. It's for a small edc kit with a Wera bit check.........lol

 

[JEdiag]

I try to stick with wright as much as possible and branch out when they dont offer what I need. I bought a set of snap on 3/8 low pro and a set of proto. Both are very nice but I am really thinking the kokens might just be the ticket for the sets I dont have. I havent bought koken before and only recently learned about them but I think I might be sold.

 

[M6erfan]

I don't always need to remove a 14mm (or 9/16") head fastener, but when I do, I always grab a 1/4" drive tool..................LOL

Bugs me too. A lot of Euro sets stop at 13mm in 1/4" sockets. Many Japan sets include 14mm. Might look at Tone Japan.

For example . . .

https://www.amazon.com/TONE-Socket-Wrench-Insert-MIX21620P/dp/B07SZ1NBS4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M6erfan]

Here's a USAG set that includes 14mm socket . . .

https://www.amazon.com/USAG-U06100001-610-EFK-Socket/dp/B079YVBVK9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dave455]

Shoot that's short! Combined with a Gearwrench and one of their socket adaptors and you have a slim tool indeed!

I wish I'd have known about Koken earlier. I just might have snagged a set of the shorty's.

I know exactly what you mean.

That would be a very effective combination. Close to a pass through ratchet and dedicated sockets, but at a fraction of the cost.

I only have Z Series / Zeal sockets in 3/8 drive, but I’m considering adding a few 1/4” to my road box. Might get one of those socket adaptors too.

 

[bonneyman]

Yeah, we did the job to get it done with what we had, and we thought we had good tools. Then these new ideas and concepts come out, and you wonder how you ever did your job back then.

 

[Dave455]

Yeah, we did the job to get it done with what we had, and we thought we had good tools. Then these new ideas and concepts come out, and you wonder how you ever did your job back then.

This is very true.

Unfortunately, we seem to be having to fight the manufacturers now, who are all competing to cram ever more unnecessary **** into ever smaller spaces.

Sometimes you really need these compact tools, sometimes they just save you having to remove 10 lbs of tagliatelle in order to remove the crappy plastic part that shouldn’t have broken anyway!