Replacing all with Semi Deeps?

[M.R.B]

Hi,

I am a student currently enrolled in an automotive program, and I get half off snapon tools. I am starting to build my collection, and am looking at buying sockets. I do not plan on being a full time mechanic, but rather work on my own vehicles, farm equipment, small engines etc. .
So I plan on buying a complete 1/4" set, since it is such a valuable size for stuff like small engines. Then I want to buy 1/2" deep impacts for the larger stuff. Now I am looking at 3/8", and am not sure if I should buy shallows and deeps, or if I can just get away with semi deeps. I am thinking that if I need a shallower size I can just get away with 1/4", and if I need a deep I can get away with the 1/2". I am trying to make a versatile tool set that I can easily carry with me in the truck, and wasn't sure if semi deeps can replace 3/8" shallows and deeps for someone like me

Thanks

 

[DieselNut88]

I have shallow and deep 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2. I also have shallow and deep 3/8 and 1/2 impact. You never know what you might need.

 

[Twisty]

If you try to “get away with” using 1/4 and 1/2 in lieu of 3/8 I think you will find yourself frusterated rather frequently. There are times where a 1/4 will not give you the reach, leverage, or acces you would get with a 3/8. Likewise, 1/2 is larger and access to tighter areas will become difficult. I have shallow, mids, and deeps for my 3/8 metrics and use them all. I’m keeping my eyes open for a 1/4 semi-deep set, now.

 

[-OSIS-]

If you’re looking for 3/8 impact sockets I’d say go ahead and get the semi deeps. I use them every single day on my impact my air ratchet and on hand ratchets. I also have shallow swivels but they’re more of luxury. You’ll be able to use those 98% of the time wrenching lol. Very very handy.

 

[lugnut71]

For chrome 3/8 drive I would recommend 6pt semi deeps, they will work 99% of the time, I also would buy shallow 12pts. lot of 12pt bolts now a days. I would also buy 1/2 drive semi deep impact sockets. For 3/8 impacts I would start with the swivel sockets. I use the swivels everyday.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I've survived with my only 3/8" chromes in my service truck being Gearwrench semi-deeps. That said, I also have full shallow and deep sets of 3/8" impacts in the same box that get constant use.

Problem you'll run into is the very shallow broach with the Snap-on semi-deeps that can really limit your access. It screwed me in some tight spots a couple of times, so I sold the Snap-ons and bought the gearwrench that have a full broach.

 

[Tallpilot]

We did an oil change the other day on a Hyundai 2.7L. The drain plug took a 17mm socket but my mid-length was too long so it had to be a shallow. I understand that they take up space and cost money but you really want the largest variety of drive sizes and lengths.

 

[M.R.B]

Hmmm... I am really stumped on what to get. A lot of ou are saying that the semis will work most if the time, but there are those times they won’t work. Maybe I am best off getting the semis first, and then it might be work getting deeps and shallows as well for 3/8 since that is most common size. Then quarter I can get the full set they offer, and 1/2 I can just get impacts

 

[mmason7764]

MRB,

The semi deep sockets should be adequate for the small engines and farm equipment. If your road vehicle is a pickup truck, access shouldn't be too bad. If you have a modern front wheel drive vehicle access will be very challenging.

Mark

 

[Wamsutta]

Forget the semi-deeps. Now is the time to take advantage of the discount program and buy 1/4 drive swivel sockets in chrome 12 point shallow. No other tool manufacturer makes better swivels and they're extremely expensive at full price.

 

[M.R.B]

Question, why get swivel sockets if I can just use a universal? I don’t plan on being a full time mechanic, so I think I can do without.

 

[Wamsutta]

Swivel sockets are indispensable when you're in a situation where you have to go in at a fastener from an angle to clear an obstruction. Combined with a long extension, they can really save the day. A universal joint is very useful also, but they require more room; and most of the time when you have to go in at an angle, you won't have that room.

 

[patchap]

Are you only buying sockets or ratchets etc to?snap on regular sockets aren't really anything special, but their ratchets are fantastic.

 

[ssdave]

Compare Proto sockets to Snap-on, and you may find that they beat the price of Snap-on. I have Snap-on swivels in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, and I bought a set of Proto in 1/4, and have most of a set in 1/2" that I've used since before I had Snap-on. I like the Proto every bit as well as the Snap-on, and they were about 1/4 of the cost when I got them from zoro at 25% off. The Snap-on may have just a bit more usable angle to them than the Proto.

I actually prefer my 3/8" and 1/2" drive shallow and deep Proto chrome 12 point to my Snap-on; I have both. I don't have semi-deep so have no input there. I prefer my Snap-on 1/4" drive 6 point regular and deeps to my Proto, though, and have a few semi-deep 1/4". I'm indifferent to the semi-deep.

If you're not going to be a pro mechanic and rely on the shop for delivery and warranty, I don't see much advantage to Snap-on. Only if the student discount brings the price substantially below Proto or SK or Williams would I buy them.

Come to think of it, I'd really recommend you buy Williams sockets instead of Snap-on. They're about 1/4 of the price of Snap-on from Zoro and other places. I see almost no difference between the Snap-on and Williams, there's just a slight difference in finish quality and they are stamped and knurled differently. I'd compare prices between Proto, Williams, and Snap-on at student discount and buy whichever is cheaper, unless you have a marked preference for one of them.

To answer your question on why buy swivel sockets instead of using a swivel; they work infinitely better, and take up less length so give better clearance. They are extremely useful.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Replacing all with semi deeps?? No.. Buy the most common sockets first.. They are the most common because they are the most used and practical.. Semi deep and deep sockets are sometimes needed, but can be the wrong thing to use as well.

Student discount? Get some Snap-on ratchets and flare nut wrenches..
Sockets?? I agree with Dave; look at ProTo and USA Williams,,, likely far less costly, even with the discount.

 

[sk farmer]

i think they guys who are telling you you need chrome swivels are crazy. i have sae swivels in 1/4 and 3/8. can't tell you the last time i used them and i work on a wide variety of things. grab 1/4 and 3/8 swivel adapter and be done with it. wobble extensions are more useful.


i do however use the **** out of my impact swivels in sae and metric and sae deep . why? because an impact wrench is much larger that a ratchet or breaker. it is also worth noting that a swivel impact will deliver more torque than a swivel adaptor and socket or extension swivel and socket.

mid depth sockets are nice and i would not be without them but shallow , deep are the most used in my world. 70% shallow, 25% deep and the rest divided into swivel, mid and extra shallow. in fact i have extra shallow in sae and am jonesing for metrics as well.

 

[mrborohachi]

OP you didn't say if your in the market for Metric or SAE sockets.

I mostly work on Import cars and I went with Snap-on impact semi deeps in 3/8 metric. I had to special order the 21mm size. What's great is I took the 18mm socket out of the holder and put the 19 in that and put the 21 in the 19's hole.

For a 1/4 set of sockets I have this Gearwrench set. Whats great is the set goes up to 9/16 & 15mm. The ratchet is one of the finest teeth ratchets you can buy. http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchet-and-socket-sets/120xptm/gearwrench-80300p-51-pc-1-4-drive-120xptm-sae-metric-6-point-standard-deep-socket-set.html

Don't forget MAC, Matco, Gearwrench and even Fluke has student discounts!!!!

 

[mrborohachi]

And get your self one of these and you'll be sitting pretty. I'm sure MATCO sells one in their brand.
Armstrong 19-947 3/8-Inch Drive Impact Armstrong MAXX Universal Joint

 

[jsaw]

Most times you need either shallow or deep. Once in a while there are situations where the semi deep is the only thing that will work.
On the other hand, For most situations, the Semi deep will work most of the time, but not every time.
I only own impact sockets. 80-90% of anything I do is done with power tools.
I have shallow, semi deep, deep, and impact swivels.

 

[MrGiggles]

Buy shallow and deep, as a DIY'er you will never take advantage of the convenience that a semi-deep offers.

There are times when a semi-deep will work the best, but they are far less common than the situations where you need a true deep well or a shallow.

Do not spend the money on a full set of swivel sockets. Invest in wobble extensions and impact swivels instead. Again, you are not doing it to make a living, the time saved is not worth the price.

Wrenches, screwdrivers, wire strippers, pliers, ratchets, and sockets are worth buying from SO, among other things.

 

[Htscheg]

Mid length have their uses, there is alot if good advice here!! Use that discount to your full advantage and get what you want! Soon enough you will have to buy off the truck and retail sticker shock will kick in lol

 

[garagelogician]

Hi,

I am a student currently enrolled in an automotive program, and I get half off snapon tools. I am starting to build my collection, and am looking at buying sockets. I do not plan on being a full time mechanic, but rather work on my own vehicles, farm equipment, small engines etc. .
So I plan on buying a complete 1/4" set, since it is such a valuable size for stuff like small engines. Then I want to buy 1/2" deep impacts for the larger stuff. Now I am looking at 3/8", and am not sure if I should buy shallows and deeps, or if I can just get away with semi deeps. I am thinking that if I need a shallower size I can just get away with 1/4", and if I need a deep I can get away with the 1/2". I am trying to make a versatile tool set that I can easily carry with me in the truck, and wasn't sure if semi deeps can replace 3/8" shallows and deeps for someone like me

Thanks

Forget the semi-deeps for just starting out, deeps and shallows are all you really need and will cover 99.9% of anyone's needs. There could be rare times that only a semi-deep would work, but you could probably cover that with a combination wrench as well.

You should really check out the Grey Pneumatic Duo sets. They are excellent quality and are cheaper at full price than Snap-On is at half price. Impact rated, but with the dimension of chrome sockets.

 

[Fedwrench]

On the subject of semi deep or mid length sockets, although they are usually my reach for first sockets, I feel they can replace my deep sockets most of the time but, not my shallows all of the time.

On a side note, i know many people might disagree with me but, sockets especially impact sockets, are one thing I wouldn't waste a half off student discount on buying snap on. You can get quality impact sockets from sunex to grey pneumatic that will serve you well at well below the snap on student discount price, too include 3/8 drive semi deep impact sockets. I would use your student discount on things such as dual 80 series ratchets, flank drive plus wrenches, flare nut wrenches, and other things that you just really like the snap on version of better than everyone else's.

There have been many threads recently about living without 3/8 drive and only using 1/4 & 1/2 drive. I think it mostly depends on what you work on but, with the wide range of sizes now available in 3/8 drive coupled with probably the greatest selection of ratchets and other drive tools in history being offered today, 3/8 might be the most useful drive size. Good luck in your quest.

 

[CR888]

I agree with the above advice, SO impacts are not significantly better than other makes but their ratchets, swivel sockets, flare nut wrenches etc ARE! A couple of Sunnex/Grey P/Genius impact master sets will sort you out for many years at a fraction of SO prices. Get those specific tools that SO makes that are best in class. Use this opportunity wisely. The folks here can help you and steer you the best they can.

 

[garagelogician]

Agreed with the two above, I would definitely use your discount on the real good stuff from SO. Using it on impact sockets would be a waste.

 

[Wamsutta]

i think they guys who are telling you you need chrome swivels are crazy.

They're the first sockets I grab when dealing with hex head screws in 1/4 drive; that and an 11 inch extension.

 

[SuitorsGarage]

Semi deeps are my most used 3/8 chrome sockets. That said...I would not have them as my only set. For me they are a sockets I prefer not so much need. I got by for a lot of years with a stubby extension and a shallow socket when I needed the reach of a semi deep.
My $.02 is think hard about what you really want from snap on while you have a discount available for new tools. Don't base a purchase on 50% of retail only when the same budget can get you tools to get more jobs done. I'm not bashing snap on. I think they make great tools and wish I had more but honestly you get about the same miles out of a chevy as you do a cadillac.

 

[lbhsbz]

I really like the semi-deeps. I will only pull out a shallow socket when a semi deep or deep won't fit. Longer sockets are easier to pull off of the driver, and have a built in extension to give your fingers a bit more clearance. I prefer Snap-On or brands that use a shallow broach...makes it a lot easier to get things started in areas where ones hand won't fit.

 

[77Mini]

You should buy shallow and deep in all 3 drive sizes. Semi-deeps are something you should look at after as an add on if you feel they would be helpful.

 

[plinker]

On a side note, i know many people might disagree with me but, sockets especially impact sockets, are one thing I wouldn't waste a half off student discount on buying snap on. You can get quality impact sockets from sunex to grey pneumatic that will serve you well at well below the snap on student discount price, too include 3/8 drive semi deep impact sockets. I would use your student discount on things such as dual 80 series ratchets, flank drive plus wrenches, flare nut wrenches, and other things that you just really like the snap on version of better than everyone else's.

+1, Sums it up well. I've got a set of semi deeps, dont really use them unless needed. Now the extra shallows I have almost (but not quite) replaced my normal shallows just because they are a lower profile, which can be handy at times.

 

[rmsg0040]

^^ That how I am feeling, got shallow and deep, will likely get the low profile sunex/astro set next. They work with a 17mm wrench and also act as a pass through socket. I keep thinking about buying semi-deeps but don't see where I will use them.

 

[jimmyin3D]

get the sunex 6pt semi deep impacts or the grey pneumatic ones, they are about $35-$50 for the metric and run 8mm-21mm for sunex or 7mm-19mm for the greys. depending on what you work on but most people are able to use these for a good amount of what they work on. Try them out!

 

[WhiffySpark]

The 1/2 impacts from snapon are worth it IMO. I have 3/8 as well.

I got by with deep and shallow 3/8 for a long time. I brought mid depths and use them whenever possible. Sometimes they are too short for a stud

 

[DadsTools]

On the subject of semi deep or mid length sockets, although they are usually my reach for first sockets, I feel they can replace my deep sockets most of the time but, not my shallows all of the time.

On a side note, i know many people might disagree with me but, sockets especially impact sockets, are one thing I wouldn't waste a half off student discount on buying snap on. You can get quality impact sockets from sunex to grey pneumatic that will serve you well at well below the snap on student discount price, too include 3/8 drive semi deep impact sockets. I would use your student discount on things such as dual 80 series ratchets, flank drive plus wrenches, flare nut wrenches, and other things that you just really like the snap on version of better than everyone else's.

There have been many threads recently about living without 3/8 drive and only using 1/4 & 1/2 drive. I think it mostly depends on what you work on but, with the wide range of sizes now available in 3/8 drive coupled with probably the greatest selection of ratchets and other drive tools in history being offered today, 3/8 might be the most useful drive size. Good luck in your quest.

I like this.

 

[Wamsutta]

5.5mm-15mm 515.00 USD

Now is the time to use the student discount.

 

[ssdave]

5.5mm-15mm 515.00 USD

Now is the time to use the student discount.

Can get those for more than 50% off used on ebay all the time. Here's one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-1-...222856210616?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

Also get the proto set 5-15mm 12 pieces, for $135 from zoro on 25% off coupon: https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-set-metric-14-in-dr-12-pc-j47205/i/G2472495/

I have both the Proto and the Snap-on, and both are excellent; I don't have a preference for either over the other. Snap-on would win out on ease of warranty if you worked in a shop. For the price difference new, I like the Proto. Plus, I picked mine up for $90 on ebay, brand new.

I like snap-on a lot; I probably have as much as most anybody does that doesn't work in a shop; and a lot more than a lot of full-time mechanics. But even at the student discount it's not necessarily the best way to get some of the less used tools that you can wait and buy at a good price elsewhere.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have both the Proto and the Snap-on, and both are excellent; I don't have a preference for either over the other.

Can the Proto swivels go in at an extreme angle? I can lean my Snap-on swivels over almost to a full 90 and they'll still turn. Craftsman don't even come close to that.

 

[Mikeske]

I would say after over 40 years of working on vehicles, tractors, small engines and aircraft I only bought one semi deep 3/8ths 13 MM and that was a Mac and it was needed on a tractor engine I was working on.

All the rest of the times shallow 65-70% of the time 20-30% of the time deeps. I just never justified the semi deeps and never used them and now that I am retired the tools I have are extensive and I just never bought the semi deeps as I was able to find if a 3/8ths shallow and deep did not work I either drop down to a deep 1/4" and it worked just fine. Lots of options if you just go with the standard sizes.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have a set of 1/4 drive semi deeps in metric, but only because at the time I was too cheap to buy separate shallow and deep sets. Most of the time I can get by without deeps, but occasionally need them for studded bolts.