Pass through sockets??

[Spannersphere]

Just been looking to buy a socket set and I have discovered the pass through sockets. They sound like they are good. I was wondering if anyone had experience with them. The particular ones I was looking at we're the gear wrench 1/4" and 3/8" drive.

 

[volvo92906]

I think they work well.

 

[Spannersphere]

Would you recommend the pass through over a standard square drive socket set

 

[bobcatdan]

They are 99% gimmick. I have a gear ratchet set from the late 90s I have maybe used twice where it actually helped. About a dozen more times I have grabbed it and put it back because it wasn't any help. Good dust collector.

 

[98sierra]

i think it was matco that was making some about 10 years ago, even made an air ratchet that was pass through! I have a pass through set , Craftsman, that i keep at home.. never used it

 

[Rico.]

They are 99% gimmick. I have a gear ratchet set from the late 90s I have maybe used twice where it actually helped. About a dozen more times I have grabbed it and put it back because it wasn't any help. Good dust collector.

I totall agree with this... I am a DIYer and in my 25 years of fixing and repairing my own cars
and bikes and those of my family I have NEVER needed one. certainly nothing that a
standard ratcheting spanner, open ended spanner or deep offset spanner coudn't manage.

If you're a pro, then having a set in the tool kit is a good idea as they're cheap (ish) and
a few times a year it could help you out, or if you just want a set then go for it.... But as for
needing a set.... Nah.. Much much better to just have a good quality normal socket set.

 

[Letsgobowhunting]

I would probably spend the money on a complete set of ratcheting wrenches. I would think they would do the same job but be more versatile.

 

[AbitNutz]

...they have their place. Here is a good set at a good price. I picked it up just to see what they're like....the ratchet is a locking flex head that is shockingly good.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XQ9M3W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bimmerZ5]

i don't know about the guys who are saying they are gimmicky ... i find them very useful when working on cars. in particular suspension related work where you have a stud that spins and you have to hold it still with an allen key or a tiny wrench.... you could work around it *sometimes* with a sensor socket as they are often 22mm, but not always. i've used mine a LOT, but then I've done a lot of suspension swapping. it just depends on what you're working on... they are very useful when its applicable. another application is if you combine the pass-thru stuff with the Gearwrench tap & die drive tools.... really, really awesome stuff.... some times you have to re-chase threads on a long stud that's in a recessed hole or might be obstructed by other studs around it, like on a european car wheel hub.... the pass thru tools allow you to keep your drive tool 'above surface' so you're cleared to lever it without bumping into the obstructions.

anyway, they have their uses and when they do, you'll appreciate it. but even when they aren't needed, they function just as well as a regular socket but with lower clearance which is also sometimes handy; i once had to remove the nuts for a strut mount that only had about 1" clearance above the stud... you'd normally need some sort of off-set wrench, but it would have been a pain to get the nut off without ratcheting mechanism like the Gearwrench...

 

[Loscaldazar]

Places I have used a pass through socket set

Strut disassemble and reassemble
Installing senders for gauges (you have to tighten in a sender unit with wires on it, and most of the time even deep sockets aren't deep enough).

The $20 I spent was well used!

 

[djcslice]

They are useful on a couple automotive tasks, as mentioned that would be suspension components. I also use them for low clearance areas. Because they come in a nice case, I keep them in my car for emergency wrenching.

I have a craftsman set that I got because I wanted an easy warranty replacement option. I believe they are made by gearwrench. There is a decent set at harbor freight but the sizes are limited and the case blows.

 

[kc-steve]

These are only "gimmicky" to people who don't run into specific situations of use. In the field of electronics I have found them useful often. Armstrong had some sets but quit making them and now I think GearWrench is the only maker I can think of. But I wouldn't be caught without a set unless you don't mind wasting a lot of time turning a nut off a long bolt with an open-end wrench or line wrench.

Steve

 

[Mr.Ric]

$0.02 worth, Like most tools, they have a specific purpose where they work better than any other tool. It's a really narrow range for these. And if you have a set of ratcheting combination wrenches, I can't think of anything they do best, except maybe add ballast to the bottom drawer of a top box. That's where mine have stayed for many years.

 

[KSB]

I have used them once, thankfully I just had to go to the tool crib and sign it out. I think the set they have in the tool crib is a Signet 3/8 drive.

 

[Loscaldazar]

These are only "gimmicky" to people who don't run into specific situations of use. In the field of electronics I have found them useful often. Armstrong had some sets but quit making them and now I think GearWrench is the only maker I can think of. But I wouldn't be caught without a set unless you don't mind wasting a lot of time turning a nut off a long bolt with an open-end wrench or line wrench.

Steve

Very true.

$0.02 worth, Like most tools, they have a specific purpose where they work better than any other tool. It's a really narrow range for these. And if you have a set of ratcheting combination wrenches, I can't think of anything they do best, except maybe add ballast to the bottom drawer of a top box. That's where mine have stayed for many years.

Ratcheting wrenches aren't a replacement for them however. With the pass through socket set, you can still apply torque at 90 degrees, where in many situations, the wrench (flex ratcheting one) would be bent to it's max, and then it's hard to apply torque. Installing senders for gauges (in a car) is one place where you need a set. I've made more than $20 helping other people install senders into their cars too. But it still is useless for 90% of people out there.

 

[jmm]

They are 99% gimmick. I have a gear ratchet set from the late 90s I have maybe used twice where it actually helped. About a dozen more times I have grabbed it and put it back because it wasn't any help. Good dust collector.

I agree. The times when they're actually necessary are very few and far between, but when you really need a pass through they're nice to have (recessed nut on threaded shaft which needs to be held firm with an allen wrench...sound familiar?).

If you're asking about buying a pass through set instead of a regular ratchet set, I'd say no. You're limiting yourself as to brands, accessories, etc.

 

[6-Speed]

Removing and installing sway bar end links is the only application I ever used the pass-thru ratchets for; they come in really handy when you need them. The Craftsman set has 6-pt sockets, which I really like. For everything else I use a standard ratchets and sockets or wrenches of various types.

 

[6-Speed]

Standard ratchets/sockets sets are much more versatile than the pass-thru type. You have a large number of extensions, adapters, universal joints, and socket types (standard, deep, 6 pt, 12 pt, etc.) available to you. You can also use standard sockets with torque wrenches, breaker bars, etc.

 

[abvw]

Looks like a torn LCA bushing there...

 

[bustdknuckle]

I dont have a set but have borrowed them to adjust valves a Detroit engines, seemed to help go faster and easier.

 

[celticbhoy]

I never thought I'd ever need them, and I saw a mastercraft set and craftsman set going for less that $30 but passed on them... i've come across at least 8 situations within the past 2 months where a set would have made the job so much easier and quicker, especially when working on volvo's, saab's, pretty much any euro make. I'll pick up a set next time I see it on sale.

 

[908Jim]

I have a set branded Kobalt that I picked up on sale for something like $20. I will admit that I don't use them often, or even as often as my gear wrenches however sometimes the extra clearance between the handle and the fastener makes using it more comfortable than flexing the head of the gear wrench.

Would I have paid snap on prices for a tool like this? No, I simply don't use it for that many jobs. For $20-$30, different story. My .02

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Farmall450]

I would probably spend the money on a complete set of ratcheting wrenches. I would think they would do the same job but be more versatile.

I would agree.

 

[98sierra]

Removing and installing sway bar end links is the only application I ever used the pass-thru ratchets for; they come in really handy when you need them. The Craftsman set has 6-pt sockets, which I really like. For everything else I use a standard ratchets and sockets or wrenches of various types.

akthough it does come in handy here, you can simply put a wrench on the nut and a ratched with torx/alen head and do the same thing just visa versa, when i do those i always grab a wrench and put the allen head on a 3/8 impact.. makes quick work of them

 

[#1SomeGuy]

akthough it does come in handy here, you can simply put a wrench on the nut and a ratched with torx/alen head and do the same thing just visa versa, when i do those i always grab a wrench and put the allen head on a 3/8 impact.. makes quick work of them

Hell no...I can't count the number of times I see the allen head get stripped out. Always apply torque on the bolt, not the allen.

 

[98sierra]

idk, i guess me and my impact have a better relationship than you and yours? never had a problem...

 

[Requin6]

A buddy of mine gave me a set of the craftsman 'universal' pass through sockets as a gift. I tried them out for normal wrenching where I would have normally used a standard square drive and I have a couple thoughts....

They seem to slip off bolts with ease. This also causes the bolts to get rounded off.

If you need an extension, forget this style. It seems like the selection of extensions is very minimal.

They have their place I suppose, I am grateful to receive them as a gift but I wouldn't recommend them as your go to set. I have found a few spots to use these (suspension) but not very many.

 

[6-Speed]

Looks like a torn LCA bushing there...

Yes it is torn ... I replaced the LCAs and axles a few months ago.

 

[KinzeMech]

I have full sets in all three sizes (1/4" ,3/8", & 1/2") with locking flex ratchet handles, and I would hate to wrench without them. If forced to choose, I would take these over standard square drive sockets, without hesitation.

I don't see the gimmick in them. You guys do realize you can use these even when the pass through feature is not needed, right? If that is all you see when you look at them, you're not taking a very broad view.

They're stronger than square drive sockets. I have broken (only) a few sockets, and I've twisted a square drive lug or two off a ratchet, or extension in my time, but I have not yet broken one of these.

They're also have a lower profile than even a low profile socket on a low profile ratchet. Almost a full inch. That's the difference between fits and doesn't fit, fairly often.

I have found only two drawbacks to them. There is no swivel extension for them, and you can't use them on power tools (impact/air ratchet, etc). The impact thing is no big deal (not supposed to do that anyway), and as for the lack of a swivel, well the one or two times a year I need a swivel to reach something I dig the standard sockets out of the back of the toolbox.

 

[er3456df]

Gas tank strap nuts (very long threaded rods) made this worth the $50-ish I paid for the set.

I also make the set pull double duty as my "buncha **** in a convenient box behind the seat of my daily driver" tools. So that helps justify the cost to me.

 

[KinzeMech]

A buddy of mine gave me a set of the craftsman 'universal' pass through sockets as a gift. I tried them out for normal wrenching where I would have normally used a standard square drive and I have a couple thoughts....
They seem to slip off bolts with ease. This also causes the bolts to get rounded off.

What do you mean when you say 'universal'?
Craftsman has the pass through sockets which they are calling "max axxess", they have 12 point spline sockets which they call "universal", and they have the combination of the two which they call "max axxess universal".

It sounds like you have the max axxess universal set, which is a 12 point spline socket. I've got one of those sets, and while I haven't used it enough times to develop a thorough opinion, results so far are underwhelming. I have noticed the same tendency for the socket to slide off the bolt head if you are not applying force strictly perpendicular to the shank of the bolt.

The common 6 point max axxess sockets do not have this problem.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Places where these work great........

Removing u-joints at both at both t-case and axle yokes. Both conventional ratchets and ratchet wrenches are to big to clear obstructions. Since I have a 4wd shop these get used often

Temperature sending unit on Ford thriftpower sixes. The sending unit on these engines are at the back of the engine right next to the fire wall-tight fit. Yea a regular wrench will work but alot of time is saved with the pass thru design. Time is money

Outer retaining nut on tail light housing on the most recent 2 seat Ford Thunderbirds.
The bolt also acts a guide to position the housing back to where it belongs. The bolt is affixed to the housing and is about 6 inches long. Not a hole lot of room to throw a wrench inside the trunk where the access point is

I'm sure I've used my set on a few other awkward/tight places, just don't recall. I'm sure others have found useful spots for these

 

[abvw]

Hell no...I can't count the number of times I see the allen head get stripped out. Always apply torque on the bolt, not the allen.

You mean the nut. Regular wrench works too, just make sure you pull that instead of the ratchet. The pass through has one advantage over the wrench method, the handles are much nicer on your hand than wrenches when you're fighting with a rusty and spinning sway bar links.

I use the pass through to do serpentine belts. Slip the socket on, grab a long 19mm wrench and slip the open end in and turn. I've broken my serpentine belt tool too many times (welded the drive end on twice) I don't even reach for it anymore.

 

[Spannersphere]

Thanks for the opinions guys it helped heaps

 

[Rico.]

Thanks for the opinions guys it helped heaps

Wow... That has to be a first for GJ

 

[Fastbird]

I have the Craftsman pass through set, and use it quite frequently. Valve adjustments with poly locks, Sway bar links, tight confines that a regular ratchet/socket won't fit on, and the biggie, fuel tank straps on older vehicles. But truthfully, if you want just ONE set of carry around sockets, these would do good because they're lower profile, get into tighter spaces than a regular ratchet setup, and if you find yourself in need of the pass through feature, you've got it.

 

[retDAC]

What do you mean when you say 'universal'?
Craftsman has the pass through sockets which they are calling "max axxess", they have 12 point spline sockets which they call "universal", and they have the combination of the two which they call "max axxess universal".

It sounds like you have the max axxess universal set, which is a 12 point spline socket. I've got one of those sets, and while I haven't used it enough times to develop a thorough opinion, results so far are underwhelming. I have noticed the same tendency for the socket to slide off the bolt head if you are not applying force strictly perpendicular to the shank of the bolt.

The common 6 point max axxess sockets do not have this problem.

Pulled out a 1/2" headed bolt and one each 6 point max axxess socket (Chinese), 12 point 3/8" drive Cman (US), a max axxess universal spline (Chinese), and a 1/2" drive Cman "universal" spline (Taiwan).

KM is correct: the 6 point is least likely to rock off the bolt. Seems a tie between the other three.

As to side to side turning play: 6 point has the least, Taiwan spline next, Chinese spline after that, and 12 point last. Very small differences between the spline style. The 12 point has some wear; the others are new or nearly so.

 

[e-tek]

I bought a nice set last year - least used tools in my arsenal.

 

[Requin6]

What do you mean when you say 'universal'?
Craftsman has the pass through sockets which they are calling "max axxess", they have 12 point spline sockets which they call "universal", and they have the combination of the two which they call "max axxess universal".

It sounds like you have the max axxess universal set, which is a 12 point spline socket. I've got one of those sets, and while I haven't used it enough times to develop a thorough opinion, results so far are underwhelming. I have noticed the same tendency for the socket to slide off the bolt head if you are not applying force strictly perpendicular to the shank of the bolt.

The common 6 point max axxess sockets do not have this problem.

Yeah the black handled universal max axxess with the 12pt splines is what I have. I am sure the 6pt splines are much more useful.

Like you said, rather underwhelming.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

You mean the nut. Regular wrench works too, just make sure you pull that instead of the ratchet. The pass through has one advantage over the wrench method, the handles are much nicer on your hand than wrenches when you're fighting with a rusty and spinning sway bar links.

I use the pass through to do serpentine belts. Slip the socket on, grab a long 19mm wrench and slip the open end in and turn. I've broken my serpentine belt tool too many times (welded the drive end on twice) I don't even reach for it anymore.

Oops ya, that's what I meant lol those little 5mm allen heads always strip out.