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Medium Depth Sockets

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jkesselr

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Do you guys know if anyone other than the big boys sells medium depth sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drives? I know the expensive companies do, but since these are not going to be used a lot, I would like to go with a cheaper import, if available. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance fellas!
 
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jkesselr

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I did, I am looking for some of the **** that isn't all over Google.
 
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J

jkesselr

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Thanks guys! Any thoughts on the quality of KD sockets? I have some of their automotive tools. They aren't snappys by any stretch of the imagination, but worth it or not?
 
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Fedwrench

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jkesselr said:
Thanks guys! Any thoughts on the quality of KD sockets? I have some of their automotive tools. They aren't snappys by any stretch of the imagination, but worth it or not?
Click to expand...

Are we talking current made tools with a KD part number prefix? If so, those are actually Gearwrench tools. You probably won't find a nicer made socket inside & out.

If we're talking the older but, no longer made US made mechanics tools, they were basically no frills get the job done tools similar to US made craftsman.
 
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Mohawk Dave

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Fedwrench said:
Are we talking current made tools with a KD part number prefix? If so, those are actually Gearwrench tools. You probably won't find a nicer made socket inside & out.
Click to expand...

Agreed. And when searching for the best price, the KD Prefix can "usually" be found cheaper than the GW prefix, albeit the same thing.

And btw, they are called Semi Deep. I have the Snappy sets, $50 a pop on CL, how could I say no? I use them the most, then grab shallow or deep if needed.

Welcome to the forum:beer:
 
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LB-1911

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Backpack Hunter

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Granted I'm not a pro, but I don't think I have ever used a semi deep socket.
What do you plan on using them for?
 
T

T45

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A diffrent broach profile --Semi deep has deeper broach vs Deep socket w/shallow broach

More compact vs deep -- modern applications use "true deeps" very rarely

More stand-off vs shallow -- Some shallow sockets are overly shallow, eg snap on 1/4s

Because they are rare alot of people have never used them.
 
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PureLeaf

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I have the gear wrench set in 3/8ths, they look very nice, and I've never had to use them ever.
 
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jkesselr

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Wow, thanks for the help guys! Do you guys know of anybody that makes them in 1/4"? It sounds like KD is the way to go in 3/8".

As for why? I have never had a problem using shallow or deep, but I am always looking to expand my tools to do a job better or faster. Think about it. How many of you have gear wrenches? Nobody really needs them, you could just keep resetting a standard boxed wrench, but it makes things easier and faster. Same thing here. Where a shallow is too short and a deep won't fit, I am stuck with using a wrench right now. This opens a new world of possibilities. Besides, I like cool shiny new **** in my toolbox...
 
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CJM8515

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I got several stanley sets that are clearly nicer thant he current offerings Ive seen in walmart and the likes. Someone gave them to me as a gift eons ago, no issues. I prefer the semi deep sockets over true deeps. Work just as well in a shorter package and Ive never once had an issue.
 
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LB-1911

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jkesselr said:
Wow, thanks for the help guys! Do you guys know of anybody that makes them in 1/4"? It sounds like KD is the way to go in 3/8".
Click to expand...

As previously mentioned

PJNJ said:
Gearwrench for 1/4 and 3/8.


Carlyle (NAPA) just introduced them in 1/4 and 3/8 - here's a link -
http://www.carlyletools.com/new-products.

:beer:
Click to expand...

Look around over @
http://nathenarnoldtools.com/search?type=product&q=mid+depth

BoGo Deal
PROMO KDT-80554S Mid-Length Socket Metric Set 3/8Dr 14Pc 6pt + KDT-80304S GearWrench Mid-Length Socket Metric Set 1/4Dr 13Pc 6pt

* http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80554SPRO.html

* ntx can be hit or miss at times.
https://www.google.com/search?q=*+h...ls++garage+journal+site:www.garagejournal.com
 
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BK13

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I find it interesting that you see the metric GW on BOGO all the time, but never the SAE. I kinda want both... (Actually, I'd like to find the SK 1/4" BOGO where you get the SAE free if you buy the MM...)
 
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Ole Slewfoot

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Most deeps can be made semi deep in about 3 seconds with a cutoff wheel.
Just make sure you are starting with a deep broach.
 
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lugnut71

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Been wrenchin for 21 years now, my snap on 1/4 and 3/8 drive semi deep are my go to, day in an out. 99 percent of time they do it all. so much so that I sold my snap on shallows and deeps years ago and replaced with cheaper version. They just sit in the drawer, except that 1%
 
D

DSM_PWR

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Spoiled Bradt said:
I use the semi-deep as my go-to. Longer or shorter as needed. Rarely.
Gearwrench, of course.
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^^^ What he said, except Snap-On.

IMG_9445cropampsize_zpspmslvghk.jpg
 
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Loscaldazar

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BK13 said:
Do you have a number on the Sunex 1/2" sets?

SK does chrome 1/4" and impact 3/8"...
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Sk also does 3/8 chrome semi deep. Their "deep" sockets are actually the same length as other brand's semi-deep from 6MM to 15MM and 1/4"-9/16." It's the stupidest labeling I've seen, but yes, they do make chrome 3/8 drive semi deep.

SK's deep 16MM to 26MM and 5/8" to 1" are the same depth as other brand's deep sockets. Sk also sells "extra-deep" 3/8 drive sockets in sizes 7MM-15MM and 1/4"-9/16" which are actual deep sockets compared to other brands.

So SK does 1/4 and 3/8 chrome semi deep, and 3/8 impact semi deep.
 
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Pipe

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BK13 said:
Yeah, in my slightly obsessive research, I've only found SO 1/2" drive semi deeps, chrome SAE and metric impact.
Click to expand...

About this time last year I got the buy one get one metric AND sae snap on 1/2 impact semi deeps. It was when the sae set just came out I believe.
 
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BK13

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Loscaldazar said:
Sk also does 3/8 chrome semi deep. Their "deep" sockets are actually the same length as other brand's semi-deep from 6MM to 15MM and 1/4"-9/16." It's the stupidest labeling I've seen, but yes, they do make chrome 3/8 drive semi deep.

SK's deep 16MM to 26MM and 5/8" to 1" are the same depth as other brand's deep sockets. Sk also sells "extra-deep" 3/8 drive sockets in sizes 7MM-15MM and 1/4"-9/16" which are actual deep sockets compared to other brands.

So SK does 1/4 and 3/8 chrome semi deep, and 3/8 impact semi deep.
Click to expand...



I sorta knew that, but I think I let myself forget so my sausage-like thumbs wouldn't have to type out all that you did on my phone. LOL
 
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BK13

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Pipe said:
About this time last year I got the buy one get one metric AND sae snap on 1/2 impact semi deeps. It was when the sae set just came out I believe.
Click to expand...



I missed that. One of the downfalls of not having a driver.
 
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bdelmar2

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I have the 3/8 and 1/4 gearwrench and use them daily in a shop, seldom use deep or shallow anymore. Usually because someone has borrowed one of the semi deeps.

Was like $40 for both sets on amazon which is why I gave them a shot, hard to beat $20 a rack, and they come on decent racks as well.

I even use them with air tools, 1/4 air ratchet and both air ratchet and impact on the 3/8. No sign of wear to speak of yet after about a year or so ish.

However I don't use them on the impact if I think its going to be a hard fastener to remove, mainly for speed/convenience.

For actual impacting I most often use the gray pneumatic semi deep universal impacts.
 
1

10thanncobra

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I have the metric semi deep in 3/8s and as stated before they are my go to socket. Love them. Rarely need my shallows/deeps.
 
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6MocoA

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PureLeaf said:
I have the gear wrench set in 3/8ths, they look very nice, and I've never had to use them ever.
Click to expand...

I had them too and sold them. Absolutely never 'needed' to use them. Would grab them sometimes to justify their existence, but never ended up needing them.
 
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BK13

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Yeah, all three of my sets are Taiwan.

Edit: not mid length, 1/4" shallow and deep, 3/8" standard impact.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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