Pass through sockets are they worth it?

[ianguilly]

I guess I'm missing something, but what makes pass through sockets different from ratcheting wrenches? I have 3 sets of gearwrenches and I just don't feel I need the pass through, but mabe I.m missing their point.

 

[e30bradley]

post a link.. what is a pass through socket? ..

 

[ianguilly]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM198326548P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

 

[RKA]

Someone asked the same question within the last week or two. You might want to find that thread and read the responses.

 

[Ascinder]

I've used the pass through ability about 2 times in 5 years of ownership. Both times I could have gotten by with an open ended wrench. A much longer extension would be a good thing to have if you wanted to be able to maximize their usefulness

 

[woody 73]

I have a set from china and I seem too recall at the time it got the job done on an old woodworking machine that I was working on; Not a lot of need for it but they do work.

 

[StevePgh]

While I'm not certain they are a necessity, I've had quite a bit of use from mine, mostly non-automotive. The most recent uses were for doing some chain link fence repair and bolting a mailbox to a cement pad.

The benefit you get from using a pass through over a deep well could be one of two things: Dealing with a nut on a REALLY long stud that you can't cut down (or don't feel like cutting down) rendering the deep well not deep enough, and/or keeping the torque (or ratchet swing due to necessity) closer to the nut, instead of a few inches from the top of the stud. The latter statement has a benefit of greater torque and less of a chance of not putting all of your torque on the nut because you are also trying to keep the ratchet and deep well perpendicular to the stud. On especially small and rusted diameter studs, I have bent or snapped them using deep wells when applying torque and not being careful as to where my torque was being applied.

Your question is how is it different from ratcheting wrenches, and I'd say those benefits are threefold: larger surface area for the nut, a slight ratcheting height advantage if you need to avoid obstacles (more with extensions), and (IMHO) greater torque due to a larger and higher quality ratcheting mechanism. The disadvantages are the same as the advantages (go figure, buy more tools), but you also need a larger box around the nut to fit the excess diameter of the socket/ratchet and a larger clearance from the top of the stud to any obstacles to get the thing over the stud. The larger surface area for the nut (the depth of the pass-through socket) is nice to have when dealing with smaller diameter nuts on a rusted stud (or nylon insert nuts) that once initially broken can't be easily unthreaded by fingers - anyone using a ratcheting wrench has experienced slipping off the nut enough times to curse about it and happens much less with a passthrough socket.

For as much as I use them compared to the ratcheting wrenches, the HF variety (#67974, $25 usual sale price w/o 20% coupon) is probably more than adequate to keep in the box 'just in case'. I have a cheapie set, probably an early clone of the original, "Performance Tool" brand with no COO listed, that have held up just fine over 5+ years. If I had to choose between ratcheting wrenches or pass-throughs, I'd go with the wrenches. For a $25 up-front investment it is hard to pass up the pass-throughs, even if you just keep them in the car as the socket set part of the emergency roadside toolkit.

 

[NastyNate]

I had a set for a couple months before it was stolen. It was a great truck/ junk yard set. Less to carry offers a little versatility. I don't think its intended for they guy who has everything, more towards the I want as little as possible to do the most.

 

[warmpancakes]

they are great for late model chevys that use the studs in the manifolds it allows you to pull at base of fastener rather than way out

 

[cbracer]

I think they are a fabulous idea, only wish one company would really put their offerings behind such a product with a complete line up of bits. They are lighter, less expensive to make and stronger. The downside is there is no real torque wrench adapter to use these sockets on a standard square drive (except for a 3/8 adapter used on the gearwrench die adapter set).

 

[GSteg]

I love my set, particularly when removing nuts off the exhaust manifold. In my car, a regular socket won't reach the nut, but a deep socket is way too long. The pass-through saves the day, and I didn't have to spent $200 on a set of Snap On semi-deep sockets either.

 

[xurusaibobx]

works wonders when your doing struts and sway bar links

 

[dankicksass]

@cbracer that adapter is available separately, it's about five bucks. Cripe has it for three bucks, IIRC.

I use the magnetic drain plug sockets from that Gearwrench pass-thru line far more than I actually use pass-thru sockets, but the pass-thru sockets have their place. Sometimes it's a clearance thing, sometimes it's a threaded rod thing, but whatever it is, they help get the job done.

 

[6-Speed]

I have the Craftsman set, which comes with 6 pt pass-thru sockets, which I really like over my ratchet wrenches which are 12 pt. I don't reach for the set much but they are handy when you need them.

 

[shoturtle]

The pass through are nice but it seems like just adding more to the tool box. A good set of ratchet wrench can do the same, have a slimmer profile also. I do prefer spline over 12 point. They grab better on 6pt nuts and bolts.

 

[HaroRider]

I have a set I got for Christmas, they just sit in my box. With a good set of tools this is not needed. As mentioned above its more for people who "just want to get by" If you have a good set of tools you really dont need it.

 

[outdoorspace]

The pass through are nice but it seems like just adding more to the tool box. A good set of ratchet wrench can do the same, have a slimmer profile also. I do prefer spline over 12 point. They grab better on 6pt nuts and bolts.

Wrong. There are cases where this tool is an absolute necessity. The situation on 6-Speed's picture can definitely be handled using a regular wrench and a hex-key, but some vehicles like the much-loved Volkswagen, require the pass-through socket to do the job.
Please note that I am not the author of the following picture nor do I have any rights to it. I found it on the Internet and posted here for the sole purpose of illustration.

This VW strut mount nut is hidden in a sort of a "well" which doesn't allow a wrench to be fitted around it. Wrenches that have a 45-degree elbow bend also won't work here, as the sidewalls of the "well" are kind of steep. However, regular sockets won't work as the strut shaft needs to be counter-held by a hex-key in a similar fashion as the stabilizer link bolt on the picture a couple of posts above. Regular socket may work only with the help of an impact gun but not everybody has the liberty of using one. Thus, the three choices here are - specialized tool from VW, a 90-degree elbow wrenches or the pass-through sockets. Pass-through socket sets are way more common nowadays in most of the auto parts or tools stores than the 90-degree wrenches or VW-specific tools. Also, aftermarket shocks for these vehicles have another "nut" on the end of the strut shaft rather than the hex-shaped depression, which requires another socket (10 or 11 mm) to be fitted on it in order to hold the shaft from spinning. Here the pass-through sockets come very handy as they usually have opening large enough for the smaller socket to pass through it. Hope that helps.

Cheers.

 

[kenburkholz]

I have worked on pressure washers and several had pump compression studs that were about 10" long, they were inside a tube about 6" deep. I can't see how the nuts on these studs could have have been tightened or loosened without the pass through. I would have had to weld up a super deep socket to fit. Ken.

 

[greasemonkey44]

This VW strut mount nut is hidden in a sort of a "well" which doesn't allow a wrench to be fitted around it. Wrenches that have a 45-degree elbow bend also won't work here, as the sidewalls of the "well" are kind of steep. However, regular sockets won't work as the strut shaft needs to be counter-held by a hex-key in a similar fashion as the stabilizer link bolt on the picture a couple of posts above. Regular socket may work only with the help of an impact gun but not everybody has the liberty of using one. Thus, the three choices here are - specialized tool from VW, a 90-degree elbow wrenches or the pass-through sockets. Pass-through socket sets are way more common nowadays in most of the auto parts or tools stores than the 90-degree wrenches or VW-specific tools. Also, aftermarket shocks for these vehicles have another "nut" on the end of the strut shaft rather than the hex-shaped depression, which requires another socket (10 or 11 mm) to be fitted on it in order to hold the shaft from spinning. Here the pass-through sockets come very handy as they usually have opening large enough for the smaller socket to pass through it. Hope that helps.

Cheers.

i did one of those once; iirc the nuts were 21mm or so
i was at a friends in a pinch and an impact couldnt run it on. So i stuck a pipe wrench on a socket and tightened up the strut

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[MagnumForce]

Depends on what you use them for. As an industrial maintenance man that works with all kinds of threaded rod or does not want the hassle of having to use deep wells all the time they are indespensible. Beyond that they work just as well as normal sockets when you need a normal socket.

I like my spline drive ones as they actually give you more contact area than a 6 point and work so much better on something that may have been smacked around by forklifts, totes, etc.

Anyway I love mine and could not live without it. Would love a 1/2 inch set but no one sells one separately that I have found.

 

[Sonny2010]

Never heard or seen these until now. But seems like a wrench will do the job.

 

[Philbert]

If I where to deploy overseas again. I'd get the pass through sockets for the 3/4" nut for the air brakes. It's on a very long stud. And this would make quick work of caging brakes. And quick is good when your being shot at.

 

[rumb]

You don't need pass-through socket for that job, use offset wrench:

OR:

 

[Strouty]

They can be nice on a tight firewall, because they have less depth than a regular ratchet and socket. They are stronger than a ratcheting wrench (at least mine are) so I don't worry about busting the wrench or my knuckles as much.

I have the armstrong ones from way back, I believe they are no longer made. I used them on long threaded rod, but the ratcheting wrenches made most of this unnecessary. The funny thing is that one of my sockets was stamped wrong, so I actually have two of the same size sockets and am missing one size. I think it was 7/8" is actually another 3/4" but I can't remember. I have not used mine in a long time.

 

[GSteg]

I think I've used my set once in the last year or so. I use it for valve adjustments where sometimes a regular offset wrench may not get into tight spots. I can add on the extension and have more flexibility whenever I need. Good stuff when you need it.

 

[mister_two]

Search for pass through socket set and I found this thread. Need to do the stabilizer links on my 2000 Accord. Was going to pick up a pass thru set from HF. But now I see that pic with the offset wrench, so should I get a 17mm offset wrench instead of the pass thru socket set at HF? I think the HF set is $20.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have the Harbor Freight pass through set which I find to be an amazing bargain. I don't need them much but for $17 I can't see how you can get a better socket set to keep in your car. They are beautifully finished and have done everything I've asked of them. The ratchet is great and you get both SAE and metric. AMAZING VALUE HERE!

I agree that the biggest problem is the lack of longer extensions. If they had six and 10 inch extensions in this variety it would be killer. Many times the three inch that comes in the kit just doesn't get it done.

 

[sberry]

I got everything I need but a tool you can use some is hard to beat at 17$. Not much to lose other than storage space if you don't like it. At 170$ I would have to have a real use in mind. I am not much for gimmicks, this isn't really that. I havnt bought a set just to have them, the store can keep them handy for me should I ever need it.

 

[toolmutt]

I bought the Kobalt set from Cripe Distributing for dirt cheap several years ago. I have yet to even pull a socket off the rail. However, it may be "just the right tool" someday so it remains in the specialty tool drawer of my box.

 

[TjoFrasse]

Wrong. There are cases where this tool is an absolute necessity. The situation on 6-Speed's picture can definitely be handled using a regular wrench and a hex-key, but some vehicles like the much-loved Volkswagen, require the pass-through socket to do the job.
Please note that I am not the author of the following picture nor do I have any rights to it. I found it on the Internet and posted here for the sole purpose of illustration.


This VW strut mount nut is hidden in a sort of a "well" which doesn't allow a wrench to be fitted around it. Wrenches that have a 45-degree elbow bend also won't work here, as the sidewalls of the "well" are kind of steep. However, regular sockets won't work as the strut shaft needs to be counter-held by a hex-key in a similar fashion as the stabilizer link bolt on the picture a couple of posts above. Regular socket may work only with the help of an impact gun but not everybody has the liberty of using one. Thus, the three choices here are - specialized tool from VW, a 90-degree elbow wrenches or the pass-through sockets. Pass-through socket sets are way more common nowadays in most of the auto parts or tools stores than the 90-degree wrenches or VW-specific tools. Also, aftermarket shocks for these vehicles have another "nut" on the end of the strut shaft rather than the hex-shaped depression, which requires another socket (10 or 11 mm) to be fitted on it in order to hold the shaft from spinning. Here the pass-through sockets come very handy as they usually have opening large enough for the smaller socket to pass through it. Hope that helps.

Cheers.

Yep, only job I have ever used my set for. 21mm socket and 7mm hex. As other have pointed out, there is other options, but not ratcheting.

I would say it is definitely not a must. That time/effort you save by having ratcheting action is not worth it unless you do VAG struts all day... Still don't regret my set though, it was cheap. I think that a set like the Bahco, that is based around a hex for socket connection is better than the proprietary stuff some sets use. The ratchet for my set doubles as a 19mm flex head wrench, so that makes it less of a "one use" tool.

 

[sberry]

I bought the Kobalt set from Cripe Distributing for dirt cheap several years ago. I have yet to even pull a socket off the rail. However, it may be "just the right tool" someday so it remains in the specialty tool drawer of my box.

I would say this is way more than typical, unless you have something definite in mind the day you buy it the thing finds a home where one has to work around it forever.
Where it is the right thing its probably great.

 

[bobbycos]

i got the Kobalt metric and sae sets from Lowes "years" ago and have used them from time to time , they worked good for me

 

[Gmonkee]

While far from a need I'd like a set as my 'grab and go' ratchet-wrench setup. Paired with sets of DOE wrenches that I already have, makes a nice capable kit.

They along with an already substantial pile of homeowner grade tools (would and) do see use around the house more than my work. It helps I'm not paranoid about loaning them either.

 

[Tool Pro]

Channellock has the 39100 Ultra-Access 16 piece pass-through set. Very small case and price; good to keep on hand for those special applications.

 

[dclassical]

I bought a the set at Harbor Freight the other day for $17 and it made the strut replacement work much easier/possible.

I tried the offset wrench, but the bolt was recessed too deep. I also have the "tube" wrenches (post #25 - not sure what they are called) but the allen wrench needed could not fit in the hole.

I had wanted to buy a set for a few years now since they are cheap and I thought it would be nice to have them on hand. I should have done that instead of having to stop working to go to the store.

 

[HairMetal]

What did they use to use before these?

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I picked up a set a couple months ago but haven't used them yet. I gave $50 for a Matco set w/ SAE and metric sockets. Figured it was worth that to have around.

 

[PJNJ]

What did they use to use before these?

Specialty tools such as -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KO3QK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2652177/?gclid=CNK1vuHnisQCFWkS7AodWDAAQA , etc.

 

[stikman56]

They have their place. Best tool I've ever found for adjusting a park brake cable.