Pass through socket set

[AutoTeck84]

Last year I bought the big GW pass through socket set. When looking at the reviews for this set I thought to myself "God, I'm going to be using this set all the time!" Couldn't be farther off base. I literally almost never have a use for them. I did use it maybe once on some threaded rod but that's it. They just don't seem like anything time saving for automotive work. I do like how they are thinner from tip of socket to back of ratchet but I have better tools for tight spaces. No disrespect because I'm sure lots of people love them but first thing I thought was "look at this goofy thing. The extensions are awkwark and using the drive adapters are brutal to take in and out than the sockets wiggle around. Just wondering if other people feel this way or if it's just me.

 

[dutchgray]

I have a set, its definitely a specialty item not an everyday use thing. I don't think I have ever used it on something that couldn't be done another way either.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I've never used mine either. Had it for a couple years too.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have a old set of Craftsman "0-Ratchet" that I have used only twice. But when I did need them they were great. Just don't use them often.

 

[6-Speed]

They are handy for taking apart and installing strut/stabilizer end links.

 

[jloehlein]

I don't use mine in my shop, but carry them with me in my car. I've used them occasionally on the side of the road or at friends' houses, and I've used them quite a bit in the junkyard - it's nice not having to carry around different depth sockets.

I agree that the drive adapters are annoying - I wish they slid in from the front so you could put downward pressure on the ratchet.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I thought I had found a use for the ratchet when I got the gearwrench oil plug sockets then I was like damn it takes 3/8s drive too.

 

[wvrailroader]

I have a HF 3/8" drive set and a Kobalt 1/2" drive set and have never used either set. I have them if I need them though.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

 

[AutoTeck84]

Glad some other people think the same. I was starting to think maybe their grand use was over my head. But I'll use them next time I do struts. Seems like decent tools for those

 

[geartow]

I have the big GW set,the small GW set ,a Bostich set and small kobalt set. The small kobalt set in the car is my goto.set for rd fixes. The large GW set at work is the cats behind for adjusting lift chains on fork lifts.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I have the Craftsman version which apparently is basically GearWrench, or at least they are interchangeable. I haven't used it yet, but for Chinese Craftsman, it's not too too bad for the price I paid.

 

[Askme42]

I don't see why i would use them over ratcheting wrenches.

 

[DSLTRK]

The sets to get are the spline drive. I have the Crescent X6 set and it's a very nice kit.

 

[bob from indiana]

I have a Husky set and use it for a couple of jobs at work putting Hoffman electrical panels together. If i have to put an end plate on after the subpan is installed the 9/16" socket makes the job much less trouble. I wish the set had a 5/16" socket. It would be ok to carry it in the car. I did get a couple of extensions from Sears that fit it.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I bought a 1/4 drive Kobalt set when they were first introduced. I have used it once, on the road to install my Satellite Radio antenna. I didn't have a ratcheting wrench handy

 

[Finky198]

I have and use the craftsman max axess pass thru set, as my low profile ratchet and socket set, every combination is much thiner than its similar sized shallow socket and fl80 combo

What would be nice would be flex head version or extra long handle ratchet.

In tight spaces there the in-between from my ratcheting wrenches to my shallow sockets and will take plenty of torque I have yet to brake one.

They have work well on brake bleeder screws under the hood like alt/power steering brackets when your not removing the entire fan assembly

 

[AutoTeck84]

I bought a 1/4 drive Kobalt set when they were first introduced. I have used it once, on the road to install my Satellite Radio antenna. I didn't have a ratcheting wrench handy

Forgive my ignorance, but how can a pass through set have a drive size?

 

[retDAC]

I have and use the craftsman max axess pass thru set, as my low profile ratchet and socket set, every combination is much thiner than its similar sized shallow socket and fl80 combo

What would be nice would be flex head version or extra long handle ratchet.

...

Gearwrench has a flex head for you. Not sure about whether there is a long handle.

 

[retDAC]

Forgive my ignorance, but how can a pass through set have a drive size?

It's actually square drive equivalent size, but who wants to say all that?

 

[CJM8515]

I have a husky set. I bought it on a whim as one of those items that "when you need it, you are happy you have it!" Ive run into that several times over the years. Doing some sorta work and that is the only tool that would make your job easier or work at all

 

[BeachBoy]

They are handy for taking apart and installing strut/stabilizer end links.

Would a simple wrench work? Or the nit is too low from the frame opening?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[jdl25]

I got the HF version years ago. It is like new. I know one day it will be used.

 

[bczygan]

I use mine as much as any other set.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Not my photo, but there is no easy and cheap way to get Subaru (and VW I've heard) struts apart with out a pass through set. The hex bit holds the shaft still, while the pass through socket set removes the nut to take it apart. The nut is recessed so ratcheting wrenches won't work. You need a almost 90 degree offset box end wrench to get down there (which are very hard to find for sale, only found one set from Stahlwille I believe that works. $200 vs $20 for a pass through set).

(credit for pics: https://howtune.com/articles/132-replacing-struts-on-a-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti)

 

[zakmartin]

I always felt like a reversible box ratchet would do a better job than a pass-through ratchet wrench and socket, which is why I've avoided them. That, and I don't have any drawer space left in my tool boxes.

 

[Agentwho]

I like to keep a set in the cars toolbox. Gearwrench did a great job of fitting a lot into a compact little case that tucks out of the way nicely. I picked my sets up years ago and admittedly used them a lot more back then when I didn't have so many tools.

 

[ClineWrench]

I have a VW With the same config as Loscaldazar's Subaru example. I went the Gedore route (compares to Hazet, Stahlwille and other German Brands). Only needed to buy one deep 60 degree offset wrench. Problem solved for less than 30 bucks and it's an extremely high quality tool to boot!

 

[Marcm157]

I received a set last year for Christmas and the plastic case still has some scraps of wrapping paper on it. I'm sure I will use it at some point but so far just haven't had the need...

 

[Hondarancher4435]

I have the big GW set,the small GW set ,a Bostich set and small kobalt set. The small kobalt set in the car is my goto.set for rd fixes. The large GW set at work is the cats behind for adjusting lift chains on fork lifts.

That's funny I work on forklifts for a living and haven't bought a set of these pass thru sockets due to seeing a limited need for them but I had always thought they might be good for lift chains.

The other guy I work with has a set of extra deep 1/2 sockets ,6in deep and I borrow them if I know il be adjusting chains

 

[Empty Pockets]

Forgive my ignorance, but how can a pass through set have a drive size?

I'm prolly using the wrong terminology. with the small, medium and large pass thru socket sets, I'm still thinking in terms of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive. Poor choice of terminology on my part

 

[Empty Pockets]

I always felt like a reversible box ratchet would do a better job than a pass-through ratchet wrench and socket, which is why I've avoided them. That, and I don't have any drawer space left in my tool boxes.

You can always buy another tool box

 

[BoonDockSaint]

The extensions are awkwark and using the drive adapters are brutal to take in and out than the sockets wiggle around. Just wondering if other people feel this way or if it's just me.

Me too. I have the same set that I don't use much. My original thought was It's a metric/SAE set in a carry case seemed flexible for out in the woods on the quads and in the mud trucks. I've used it some but like you said, its awkward, the sockets fall out of the "ratchet" ...I'll keep it but won't use it much.

 

[toolmutt]

I bought the Kobalt set from Cripe a few years ago because it was cheap and I thought it might come in handy someday. That someday hasn't arrived yet. They've never been off the rack.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

What would be nice would be flex head version or extra long handle ratchet.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M9TJ2O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not my photo, but there is no easy and cheap way to get Subaru (and VW I've heard) struts apart with out a pass through set. The hex bit holds the shaft still, while the pass through socket set removes the nut to take it apart. The nut is recessed so ratcheting wrenches won't work. You need a almost 90 degree offset box end wrench to get down there (which are very hard to find for sale, only found one set from Stahlwille I believe that works. $200 vs $20 for a pass through set).

I really wanted to like the pass-thru sets for this very reason.

My VW uses 21mm and 22mm which are uncommon sizes in the pass-thru sets. I think the OEM top nut uses 21mm and the nut for my aftermarket strut is 22. That might be backwards...

The pass-thru sets offer no option for adapting a torque wrench to them.

One of my aftermarket struts requires a stupid 10mm x 12mm oval socket through the center (the other strut was rebuilt and uses a standard hex socket). Other sizes seem to exist individually, but not this one.

I finally caved and purchased a Steelman Pro strut removal set which included 16-27mm pass thru sockets (with a standard hex like a spark plug socket for use with a normal wrench or a torque wrench with a crowsfoot adapter) and every specialty bit for just about any strut ever made: http://steelmanpro.com/specialty/strut-shock-installation-tool-kit.html

I think it was $180 from Zoro after a 30% coupon. This isn't a replacement for a pass-thru socket set (only deep sockets), but could be used if needed in some scenarios. For strut removal, it unfortunately seems to be the only option.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[byoungblood]

To those that own these sets, do the sockets from the various manufacturers interchange with one another? Or are you stuck buying that brand's sockets? I've never looked at them side by side.

I've always figured that lack of interchangeability severely limits the appeal of these sets.

 

[Tellingthem]

I got the craftsman set cheap and keep it in my truck. It has all the sockets and bits in one pretty tight package. So it fits nicely behind my seat. I've used them a handful of time and they work so far. I wouldn't spend a ton of money on them but do think they are handy to have.

 

[Loscaldazar]

To those that own these sets, do the sockets from the various manufacturers interchange with one another? Or are you stuck buying that brand's sockets? I've never looked at them side by side.

I've always figured that lack of interchangeability severely limits the appeal of these sets.

Gearwrench, Craftsman, Crescent and Husky all interchange (all the ones made by Apex).

Otherwise if they use a 6 point design (like Kobalt), those all interchange and can be used with regular wrenches too.

 

[retDAC]

To those that own these sets, do the sockets from the various manufacturers interchange with one another? Or are you stuck buying that brand's sockets? I've never looked at them side by side.

I've always figured that lack of interchangeability severely limits the appeal of these sets.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209810

 

[xyhapu]

I use a mix of Bostitch and old Kobalt hex drive pass throughs as my main ratchet and socket set. The pass throughs are lower profile, stronger, and obviously pass through, and with the hex drive the sockets can be turned with a regular wrench as well (you can even think of the hex drive sockets as size adapters for your 23mm ratcheting wrench and forgo the dedicated ratchet altogether).

The disadvantages are compatibility with square drive tools such as extensions and torque wrenches, but that can be solved with adapters. It takes a bit of effort to collect all the adapters you'd need (that's why I have a mix of brands, no one company makes all the adapters), but once you have them and are used to them, it barely takes any extra time to figure out what to use. Worst comes to worst, I just turn the hex drive ratchet (or any 23mm ratcheting wrench) into a square drive ratchet with the adapter and use my backup square drive sockets. The great thing is the Bostitch square drive adapter plugs in from the front; why the Apex design has them going in from the rear I have no idea, though I do own a Craftsman set and bought Kobalt adapters to adapt between the hex drive and cyclone (I think that's what Apex calls it?) drive.

Just a thing to be wary of, while old Kobalt and Bostitch have the same '3/8' size hex drives, the '1/2' drive of the Kobalt is 22 (or was it 24?) mm while the Bostitch '1/2' drive is 23 mm. I was kicking myself for buying the Kobalt 1/2 square to hex adapter (so I can use the pass through sockets and extensions on square drive stuff) because it was too small/big for my Bostitch sockets, then kicked myself again upon realizing after far too much thought that the correct 'adapter' would literally be a regular 23mm socket. Lesson learned, having your drive end be a standard hex has a lot benefits you don't immediately realize once you start thinking outside the square drive box!

I have no idea why the less versatile cyclone drive seems to be the one gaining traction, but at any rate, with a bit of marketing I can easily imagine one pass through design or another one day in the far future becoming the standard over square drive, as the only downsides seem to be incompatibility with most of the tools out there.