Pass-thru Socket Sets

[JasonCAT]

I searched the forum and mostly just found threads with everyone saying "yeah, I have one of these sets, but I haven't really tried using it regularly."

I assume they work great on that once-in-a-lifetime occasion that you need to wrench something on threaded rod with limited clearance, but some companies advertise them as eliminating the need for both deep and semi-deep sockets, even for professional use. Has anyone found this to be true? Anyone buy a set, use them regularly, and find them to be the miracle they're claimed to be?

...and I'm not talking about the gimmicky Kobalt universal-fastener-head spline ones that are supposedly SAE/Metric universal and work on like 37 different types of fasteners; I'm talking about a dedicated set with separate Metric/SAE sockets in 6 or 12 point.

Just looking at them, my initial impression is "yeah, right!" I haven't held one, though. I'm just starting out and have severely limited funds, so I have incomplete deep sets and no ratcheting wrenches. If these are the real deal/the future, I'll get on them like white on rice...but like I said, the claims seem sketchy.

 

[cheechi]

I have the HF which is 12 pt. It is my junk yard set and has seen plenty of use. I've worked with lag bolts and carriage bolts instead of getting a deep socket set. The nice thing is they work 'upside down' meaning you can get into tighter spaces than with some standard ratchets, and they kind of work in an in between size, between shallow and deep.

They will not replace a deep socket though. You are going to come across a tight enough space that needs a handle and deep socket that this will not fit, or won't swing as easily. Same as a ratchet & socket doesn't fully replace a set of wrenches.

I have owned mine for maybe 3 years and they have been great.

 

[DanCo]

A local wally world has a set branded Tactix on clearance for $10. Might pick it up just for shits and giggles.

Dan

 

[retDAC]

HF & Menard's pass thru sets are the same.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I searched the forum and mostly just found threads with everyone saying "yeah, I have one of these sets, but I haven't really tried using it regularly."

I assume they work great on that once-in-a-lifetime occasion that you need to wrench something on threaded rod with limited clearance, but some companies advertise them as eliminating the need for both deep and semi-deep sockets, even for professional use. Has anyone found this to be true? Anyone buy a set, use them regularly, and find them to be the miracle they're claimed to be?

...and I'm not talking about the gimmicky Kobalt universal-fastener-head spline ones that are supposedly SAE/Metric universal and work on like 37 different types of fasteners; I'm talking about a dedicated set with separate Metric/SAE sockets in 6 or 12 point.

Just looking at them, my initial impression is "yeah, right!" I haven't held one, though. I'm just starting out and have severely limited funds, so I have incomplete deep sets and no ratcheting wrenches. If these are the real deal/the future, I'll get on them like white on rice...but like I said, the claims seem sketchy.

Nah nah nah, I just bought those. I think most of them are both sae and metric but don't know that off hand; I think the harbor freight one might be half & half. They're just the standard "universal" bolt stripping pointed sockets that I tend never to use. I'll probably use them for exhaust bolts though because I almost always go a bit crazy on the length (it's a long story).

I had a coupon bro. 5 bucks for that set out of my pocket. It's real nice too even came with a sticker.

Since you're asking. Nah, you don't need them...you'll never use them. But...get more deep sockets even if they end up being impact. Anything recessed and you're gonna be s.o.l. well not really with extensions but some people don't like to use extensions.

 

[unslow1]

I bought the Gear Wrench 1/4 drive set at Advance for $10. I've only used it a couple of times. Most of the time a ratcheting wrench will work. It's not that I don't like it. It's that I forget I even have it.

 

[kc-steve]

I have a 1/4"dr Armstrong SAE set that's no longer made. I wouldn't call them the "future" though. They are specialty tools. I used to work on electronics equipment and know how handy these can be in certain circumstances, like when a long screw is used and the nut is a few inches down on the screw. I haven't run into that in other uses than electronics though, but I'm sure there are other instances where it can be useful.

Steve

 

[bobcatdan]

Pass threws are useless. What can't you do with a gear wrench that a pass threw would work better?

 

[Loscaldazar]

Pass threws are useless. What can't you do with a gear wrench that a pass threw would work better?

There are a few uses where nothing else will do (at least without having to modify one of your current tools beyond repair).

To remove the springs off the strut on a Subaru, you need either an offset/sunk box end wrench that is sunk with a near 90 degree angle (otherwise it won't fit) or a pass through socket to grip the bolt on the top hat. Then you come around with a hex bit, and pull the pass through one way, and the hex bit the other way to remove the top hat and then remove the springs from the strut. I've never found a wrench that works well and is worth the money. A $20 pass through set does the job for me every time without fail, while giving me versatility for my number 2 use!

I also use pass my pass through socket set for installing oil pressure, water temp, oil temp, etc senders into cars. The senders have wires sticking out of the back of them, and deep sockets don't work 90% of the time.

To the OP, a pass through will never replace a standard socket set. The way the extension system works is poor (it is very sloppy compared to the extension bars a standard set uses), and many of the smaller sizes don't have a big enough hole machined in the pass through part to actually let a threaded rod or other large piece pass through. Also, the extensions limit the size of the threaded rod that pass through, especially in larger sizes.

On the plus, the socket drive system is much stronger than regular sockets, but I've never heard of someone stripping out the square end of a socket before so....

 

[btbsandman]

HF & Menard's pass thru sets are the same.

Do you have pics?

 

[erswill]

Here are the links:

http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piece-saemetric-go-thru-socket-set-67974.html

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...-pass-through-socket-set/p-1740387-c-9159.htm

 

[BigAl62]

I have an old O Ratchet set, I only used it once and I actually forgot I owned it until I found it in the bottom drawer of my home tool box. Handy if you need a pass through socket, otherwise it's just a waste of money in my opinion.

 

[bobcatdan]

There are a few uses where nothing else will do (at least without having to modify one of your current tools beyond repair).

To remove the springs off the strut on a Subaru, you need either an offset/sunk box end wrench that is sunk with a near 90 degree angle (otherwise it won't fit) or a pass through socket to grip the bolt on the top hat. Then you come around with a hex bit, and pull the pass through one way, and the hex bit the other way to remove the top hat and then remove the springs from the strut. I've never found a wrench that works well and is worth the money. A $20 pass through set does the job for me every time without fail, while giving me versatility for my number 2 use!

I also use pass my pass through socket set for installing oil pressure, water temp, oil temp, etc senders into cars. The senders have wires sticking out of the back of them, and deep sockets don't work 90% of the time.

To the OP, a pass through will never replace a standard socket set. The way the extension system works is poor (it is very sloppy compared to the extension bars a standard set uses), and many of the smaller sizes don't have a big enough hole machined in the pass through part to actually let a threaded rod or other large piece pass through. Also, the extensions limit the size of the threaded rod that pass through, especially in larger sizes.

On the plus, the socket drive system is much stronger than regular sockets, but I've never heard of someone stripping out the square end of a socket before so....

I'm glad one person found one use for this miracle tool from the future that makes all others obsolete.

 

[rharman]

I bought a Craftsman set about 3 years ago for a great price. Thought it would really come in handy.

Only time I've touched it was to move the box/case from one shelf to another.

Maybe some day....

 

[firebox40dash5]

I'm glad one person found one use for this miracle tool from the future that makes all others obsolete.

I usually just use an impact gun for that... trying the use the hex or whatever they put on the shaft is usually just trouble when the rust takes hold.

IMO they don't replace shallow sockets, deep sockets, or wrenches. Sure they can do many of the things all of them can do, maybe do a few things better than one of them, and perhaps even do a couple things better than any of them... but they still don't really replace them.

I did know one mechanic who had very few regular sockets and used the hell out of a set of pass-throughs. He also got fired from several shops and ended up selling his tools when his box got repoed. Correlation doesn't mean causation, but you make the call.

 

[picshooter]

In another life when I was doing front end work they worked great for shimming upper control arms.

 

[WVBrady]

Pass threws are useless. What can't you do with a gear wrench that a pass threw would work better?

I was wondering if the ratcheting mechanism on the pass throughs would be stronger than that of the gear wrench. I don't break things loose with my gear wrenches.

 

[cheechi]

I haven't tried them side by side but I have turned the same fastener with a (gearwrench brand) ratcheting wrench and the HF pass through. I got to say I think I could put more *** behind the HF one. It's head is bigger I assume there is more contact between the gear and pawl.

Don't quote me on this, I think the ratchet itself is 19mm so to compare them apples to apples you'd have to get the matching size. Keep in mind also, the ratchet itself is an offset. Not huge but there is that, could be good or bad depending on your situation at the time.

 

[kenburkholz]

I have only used my pass thru sockets on really long studs, usually over 4" long. Ken.

 

[MN4x4]

I have a couple of the GearWrench sets and I like 'em. I had the HF ones as well and found both the wrench and the sockets to be big and clunky so I sold them.

I don't use them on a 'regular' basis, but the GearWrench ones come in handy when you need a really short socket/wrench combo to get into a spot where even a shallow socket doesn't fit. Of course, I also use them all the time when I'm working with threaded rod. Duh!

 

[PoorOwner]

I have the HF set but it is bulky, most of the time did not fit at all.
The reason is the ratchet needs to be big enough for the spline drive, and that's more space it occupies than the correct size ratcheting wrench.

 

[Agentwho]

I like my gearwrench passthrew set. The best use I find for them is getting into tight clearance spaces that regular ratchets dont fit into. I also like how nice n compact the case is, makes it convenient to keep in the truck. All n all I dont think they are a replacment for standart sockets but think they are worth having around.

 

[dede2897234]

I own the Gearwrench 3/8" drive pass thru, locking flex, standard and metric socket set. I used this set the last 2 weekends to replace the idler pulley and the 2 serpentine belts on a 2003 Subaru Forester. Due to the location of the radiator, the use of a standard ratchet and socket was not possible.

Last month, I replaced the valve cover gasket and spark plug gaskets on the same vehicle on the driver's side. It was necessary to tighten the 2-10mm bolts on the valve cover from underneath the vehicle. Due to the limited engine bay space, I had to use my Kobalt 1/4" drive pass thru, locking flex ratchet.

A good choice among pass thru socket sets is from Bostitch sold at Wal-Mart. It has a lower ratchet and socket profile (by 3/16") than the Gearwrench model. Also, the socket secures tighter to the ratchet as compared to Gearwrench. Lastly, the Bostitch ratchet is a 72 tooth design versus 60 tooth for Gearwrench.

The lowest profile pass thru set that I've seen and own is the Armstrong Eliminator. It is no longer made. It is possible to buy a 3/8" drive metric or standard set starting at $50 on eBay.


Dave

 

[Honda guy]

I have a nice GearWrech pass-thru set, that I got in a trade. Basically got the set for free. I've had the set for over 2 years and haven't seen a situation yet, where I thought it would be more useful than a ratcheting wrench. I don't see myself ever using it, but will probably hang onto it anyhow. I just hate getting rid of tools.

 

[kmk7110]

i like my craftsman set. i take it to the junkyard or toss it in the car when i need to go someplace and work on something. I'm not a full time mechanic tho either.

 

[T_Roze]

Every tool has it's purpose, and you can't go wrong owning too many! Lol. Pass through sockets will not replace a set of impacts or deep sockets. But they do work well for certain applications. I have a Mastercraft Maximum set that stays in my car full time. Use it at work probably once a month, which really is not a lot in the grand scheme of things, but when I do, it's usually saving my bacon on the top hat of a strut or awkward tie rods/sway bar links. I would not invest in pass throughs as an alternative to deep sockets or gear wrenches, but as an addition to your box you'll won't be disappointed you bought a set.

As a side note, I use my gear wrenches all the time. I break stuff loose with them constantly, and after three and a half years of having them I have no complaints at all. If you can pull it, the wrench can take it. Just no sniping. Then they complain!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RedneckWelder]

Personally I'm planning to grab a set of ratcheting wrenches before a set of pass throughs...which I figure I will get eventually but much more important stuff to grab at this time.

As far as the stuff I work on, the areas that I seem to run into where the height of a pass through set would be nice to have are areas that really don't have room for the ratchet head anyway as far as width and depth go...

 

[nicksnothereman]

Personally I'm planning to grab a set of ratcheting wrenches before a set of pass throughs...which I figure I will get eventually but much more important stuff to grab at this time.

As far as the stuff I work on, the areas that I seem to run into where the height of a pass through set would be nice to have are areas that really don't have room for the ratchet head anyway as far as width and depth go...

Yep, that's the one. There's other ways to do it (thread the nut and use bolt cutters as you go) but then you gotta rethread the bolt if you want it to be serviceable. More or less it ends up being my poor planning in buying bolts length wise (or using what I have) usually I get enough torque when I use a wrench versus a socket that it's not much of an issue. It does **** with non-ratcheting wrenches but I wouldn't want to ever hammer anything geared.