New Tekton extra shallow socket and tiny 1/4 ratchet Releases

[Upstater57]

My shallows are made by OEM. I took the smallest (8mm) and largest (18mm) of the OEM set in 3/8" drive and took some pictures compared to their Nano 3/8" drive equivalents. I then put the OEM's in the thinnest 3/8" ratchet I own (HF dual head) and the Nano's in their specific ratchet. They might be made by the same factory as there is some resemblance? Tekton's sight shows 1/4" drive diagrams for their 3/8" drive sockets, so I don't know if their depth numbers are accurate for a true comparison?

I think Olsa makes some stubby impact sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 both sae and metric. They also have short hex drive sockets.

 

[Olsa Tools]

I think Olsa makes some stubby impact sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 both sae and metric. They also have short hex drive sockets.

Can indeed confirm that we do.

 

[Twisted Sid]

Do the Olsas fit in the astro nano ratchets?

 

[Upstater57]

Do the Olsas fit in the astro nano ratchets?

Yes. Ola also has very thin plugs to insert in the back of the shallow hex sockets to keep them from falling out.

 

[JBH]

The dual drive Diehard set is nice for chrome, and a large range. Diehard set

Is the retention in these compatible with the Reverse Gear (e.g., Facom/USAG, Würth, Wera, Tone, Deen) 11mm outer hex ratchet?

 

[nicks78camaro]

Who's gonna be the first to buy and post comparison pictures and measurements between the Tekton extra shallow and Astro nanos?

 

[WhataTool]

Who's gonna be the first to buy and post comparison pictures and measurements between the Tekton extra shallow and Astro nanos?

It will be the usual. Smaller sizes will be shorter, largest sizes will be larger than nano.
When you put them on a ratchet they will all be taller than nano sockets in a nano wrench.

People who prefer tekton or chrome stuff will call that a win.
People who prefer the shortest possible will ask what this changes. Then we do it all over again when someone discovers another Japanese brand with short sockets.

 

[51dueller]

Just noticed that they now have the extra shallow listed on the main page but are saying the missing sizes that are included in their other sets will be available in a couple months. Wonder why they released it if they are going to finish the set later? So early buyers would have to buy them separately if they wanted them.

 

[mikey03]

Why would anybody honestly want super shallow sockets because can’t you just make a dual drive in the same length even if your going to use it on a regular ratchet but now you got the option of using the ratcheting wrench or even a open end wrench in a real tight spot?

 

[JBH]

Is the retention in these compatible with the Reverse Gear (e.g., Facom/USAG, Würth, Wera, Tone, Deen) 11mm outer hex ratchet?

To answer my own question, I picked up the Die Hard set. The detent on these is in the wrong place to meet with the retention ring on the RG - too bad because that would be so widely compatible — in addition to the brand I mentioned above Marco, KS Tools, and probably others (VIM?) are Reverse Gear sourced. You can still use it, but it will fall out unless you’re careful.

Oddly, the detent is even a little high for the included ratchet. If you shake it the socket moves, maybe 2 mm down. So I wouldn’t say the Die Hard set is a great buy, though I’m keeping it just because I figure there may be some use sometime super shallow 1/4” drive sockets in abnormally large sizes (15-19mm) in a portable cat or something.

 

[Chipm]

@Steve_P ... the mechanic in this video ...

I cracked up at his comment about techs who believe "factory torque specs are just woke nonsense."

 

[Chipm]

Breaking fasteners loose with ratcheting wrenches is fine within reason. Maybe the wrench you broke was not a quality wrench but a brake caliper bolt is not a place I would use one.

It is the same story with most of these "warranty" discussions - just do your best not to break tools. I use ratcheting box wrenches on caliper bolts all the time WHEN they come loose easily. If I have to hang on it, I am switching to another tool. You have to be able to tell when you are nearing the limit of your tools.

 

[Upstater57]

It is the same story with most of these "warranty" discussions - just do your best not to break tools. I use ratcheting box wrenches on caliper bolts all the time WHEN they come loose easily. If I have to hang on it, I am switching to another tool. You have to be able to tell when you are nearing the limit of your tools.

Like the guys that put a pipe on a 1/4 drive and wonder why it breaks. LOL

 

[decableguy2000]

Received the 1/4" flex ratchet today and a 3/8" as well.

 

[Fedwrench]

UPS delivered my Tekton metric extra shallow socket set. 8-24mm no skips on the wrong-colored rail.
Nice chrome, off corner engagement, on the heavy side. Initial thoughts: these wouldn't make me give up my Astro nanos or Ko-Ken Zeal sets. 8mm is .67 overall, 24mm comes in at .87. They are shiny

 

[mikey03]

UPS delivered my Tekton metric extra shallow socket set. 8-24mm no skips on the wrong-colored rail.
Nice chrome, off corner engagement, on the heavy side. Initial thoughts: these wouldn't make me give up my Astro nanos or Ko-Ken Zeal sets. 8mm is .67 overall, 24mm comes in at .87. They are shiny

Made made you decide to buy them instead of using astro nanos? I love love love tekton but not making these dual drive seems like a real

 

[Fedwrench]

Made made you decide to buy them instead of using astro nanos? I love love love tekton but not making these dual drive seems like a real

Sometimes I just like shiny

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Sometimes I just like shiny

I believe they are all shallower than then the nano and koken zeal? At least that is what is listed for the specs, are the specs wrong?

As far as the Harbor Freight 67794, that is often brought up when discussing low profile ratchets, I can confirm that it is not shallower than the Koekn Zeal. Koken Zeal is the shallowest 3/8 " square drive ratchet. Koken Zeal 2725ZB-3/8 (L160) on the right, Harbor Freight 67794 on the left. I think the HF one is thicker becuase of the push button.





I haven't opened it to check the 1/4 " drive side, but it appears to be identical to the 3/8 in terms of thickness.

 

[WhataTool]

I believe they are all shallower than then the nano and koken zeal? At least that is what is listed for the specs, are the specs wrong?

To sum up the last 8 years or so, new super shallow sockets intros are sort of the following:

"introducing the Mega Super Shallow Sockets by us, they are so shallow they compare or beat Nano's in height!***"

***(When put on regular square drive ratchets, not including Nano sockets used on wrenches or nano ratchets which is how they got popular and why people continue to buy them)

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

To sum up the last 8 years or so, new super shallow sockets intros are sort of the following:

"introducing the Mega Super Shallow Sockets by us, they are so shallow they compare or beat Nano's in height!***"

***(When put on regular square drive ratchets, not including Nano sockets used on wrenches or nano ratchets which is how they got popular and why people continue to buy them)

They are smaller than the nano

 

[WhataTool]

They are smaller than the nano

And this is why it continues, until the next thread on them or YT or IG comment section.
There's like some type of modern Spinal Tap disconnect in people's brains when they see a spec number slightly better by itself and feel that changes the game.

This thread so far contains dimensions for square drive ratchets by themselves and sockets by them selves, all compared to nano sockets which are a total 0.88" tall WHEN ON A RATCHET

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

And this is why it continues, until the next thread on them or YT or IG comment section.
There's like some type of modern Spinal Tap disconnect in people's brains when they see a spec number slightly better by itself and feel that changes the game.

This thread so far contains dimensions for square drive ratchets by themselves and sockets by them selves, all compared to nano sockets which are a total 0.88" tall WHEN ON A RATCHET

The Tekton set contains many new wolrd records. If I'm not mistaken, only the 19 mm is not a new world record.

The Astro Nano's are all 22.5 mm in overall length. Every single one of the tekton sockets is less than that.

Yes. The external 6 point 17 mm hex drive DOES give you an overall lower profile.
Astro Nano 3/8 Socket + 17 mm hex ratchet < Tekton 3/8 extra shallow socket + worlds smallest 3/8 square drive ratchet, the Koken one
I'm not debating that.

No one has yet to make a 17 mm external hex drive torque wrench. Yes, you can just use a 17 mm torque wrench adapter. But a 6 point version does not exist, only 12 point. Even if it did, there's no retaining mechanism to retain the nano socket, like there is in the ratchet. What I'm saying is:
Astro Nano 3/8 Socket + 3/8 Square Drive Torque Wrench A > Tekton 3/8 extra shallow socket + 3/8 square drive torque wrench A

If a 17 mm external hex 6 point torque wrench is created, than extra shallow 3/8 sockets would no longer have much of a purpose, but until that day comes, the overall lowest profile 3/8" drive torque wrench and socket combination, would be the Tekton extral shallow set, EXCEPT for the 19 mm. There's a different manufacturer who makes a shallower one.

Maybe if there was enough interest, they will create a 17 mm 6 point external hex torque wrench. At which point yes, nano socket + the designated ratchet OR nano socket + 17 mm 6 point external hex torque wrench (not yet invented) would be the lowest profile possible.

Also not so sure. My database is not as complete for dual drive stuff. But I do believe the other manufacturers that make even shallower ones than the nano ones. Ah yes, maybe Wera or Boxo. My database is not as complete, but I think it's the case.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Can anyone confirm that the astro nano 17 mm external hex ratchet retains the sockets?

Also note that the ratchets are 12 point, kind of odd, when the sockets are 6 point. I don't follow why this was done.
The sockets have a cut out around them.

Is this just for an o-ring and doesn't act as a retaining mechanism when paired with the ratchet.

Meaning if you have them in the ratchet, and flip the ratchet over, do the sockets just fall out?

Ok I watched a video on youtube, it does retain the sockets. Anyone know how this is done? A magnet?
What ever the retaining mechanism is or how it works, torque wrench adapters don't have any retaining mechanism.

 

[51dueller]

There is a groove cut in the middle of the 12 point ring that holds a metal clip that fits into the notches on the socket.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

There is a groove cut in the middle of the 12 point ring that holds a metal clip that fits into the notches on the socket.

Thank you!! I can't wrap my head around it being 12 point over 6 point. Any ideas?
I understand that for a typical box end sure go with 12 point. But for this ratchet that is meant to be used with the nano sockets, 6 point would seem to be more logical.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

Thank you!! I can't wrap my head around it being 12 point over 6 point. Any ideas?

12 point is twice the contact points for the metal clip to retain the socket vs 6 point.

 

[Twisted Sid]

Can anyone confirm that the astro nano 17 mm external hex ratchet retains the sockets?

Also note that the ratchets are 12 point, kind of odd, when the sockets are 6 point. I don't follow why this was done.
The sockets have a cut out around them.

Is this just for an o-ring and doesn't act as a retaining mechanism when paired with the ratchet.

Meaning if you have them in the ratchet, and flip the ratchet over, do the sockets just fall out?

Ok I watched a video on youtube, it does retain the sockets. Anyone know how this is done? A magnet?
What ever the retaining mechanism is or how it works, torque wrench adapters don't have any retaining mechanism.

 

[mikey03]

Thank you!! I can't wrap my head around it being 12 point over 6 point. Any ideas?
I understand that for a typical box end sure go with 12 point. But for this ratchet that is meant to be used with the nano sockets, 6 point would seem to be more logical.

Twice as fast to push the socket in and have it click without having to angle it as accurately.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

I got the metric set. Here's a good size comparison to other 17 mm sockets. It may have helped me with rear strut replacement on a Honda. Couldn't get the bottom bolt back on with a socket. I didn't have a 17 mm socket that was shallow enough to allow for a torque wrench + socket combination to tighten to spec, spring was in the way. Had do you box end wrench. Torque wrench adapter in such narrow space wasn't feasible. Had to keep adjusting it. You will notice a significant size difference in overall height. Tekton super shallow is the first on the left.

From Left to Right
Tekton 3/8 " SQ Drive Chrome Shallow 17 mm 6 Point
Kobalt 3/8 " SQ Drive Chrome Shallow 17 mm 6 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 3/8 " SQ Drive Impact Shallow 17 mm 6 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 3/8 " SQ Drive Impact Shallow 17 mm 6 Point Magnetic
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 3/8 " SQ Drive Impact Shallow 17 mm 6 Point Swivel
Capri 3/8 " SQ Drive Impact Semi-Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Gear Wrench 3/8" SQ Drive Chrome Semi-Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 3/8 " SQ Drive Impact Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Wallmart 3/8 " SQ Drive Chrome Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Wallmart 1/2 " SQ Drive Chrome Shallow 17 mm 6 Point
Stanley 1/2 " SQ Drive Chrome Shallow 17 mm 12 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 1/2 " SQ Drive Impact Shallow 17 mm 6 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 1/2 " SQ Drive Impact Shallow 17 mm 6 Point Swivel
Genius 1/2 " SQ Drive Impact Semi-Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 1/2 " SQ Drive Impact Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Wallmart 1/2 " SQ Drive Chrome Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Noname Chinese Amazon Brand 1/2 " SQ Drive Lug Nut Deep 17 mm 6 Point
Astro 1/2 " SQ Drive Impact Drum 17 mm 6 Point