Semi-Deep SnapOn Sockets?

[internetdude]

So here's the deal. In the past I've almost always bought just whatever cheap tools happened to be on sale. Well, now I've decided to buy Snap-On tools for the stuff I use most often. They have a good warranty, they're a quality tool, and they have a good resale value if I ever had to sell them.

I'm a DIYer, a bit handy but I don't want to buy Snap-On everything, that's overkill for my needs. So far I've acquired a T80 3/8 ratchet and the 4-piece mini pick set. Now I'm shopping for a set of 3/8 metric sockets. I'd like to buy new because I'll have them and use them for a couple decades more (hopefully).

I can afford it but don't want to spend the cash to buy a short and a deep socket set (although I do have a cheaper chain store set of short & deep sockets already).

I'm leaning toward just buying one set of semi-deep Snap-On sockets. To owners of the semi-deep ones, do they get the job done for the most part without having to resort to short or deep ones?

My concern is that I don't want to buy semi-deep and then regret it after a few months and wind up buying shallow/deep later on. I rarely need the full depth of my current deep sockets.

I mostly use my tools to do minor car repair DIY stuff. Haven't got so serious that I've removed an engine/trans yet but I'm slowly expanding on the jobs that I DIY.

Next up for me besides sockets is the 206AFX extension set, that will be handy

 

[Adam.C]

I bought most of my snap on stuff from ebay. I don't care about the warranty issue. You can get full sets of sockets in near new condition for roughly 50% retail. I recommend this approach.

As to depths, you'll need shallows. I REALLY LIKE semi deeps. So I recommend shallow and semi deep.

 

[internetdude]

Thanks. I've been scouring eBay, all of the buy-it-now prices are like 75-100% of retail. Looks like I'll have to get involved in auctions, a lot of times I like to buy-it-now instead of waiting up to a week, but it depends on pricing. Plus shipping to Canada can negate any savings over buying new (I bought the pick set new directly since it was same price as eBay+shipping).

 

[dgxlh]

My semi deep set is what I reach for when I'm getting a socket, but there is still occasions when I need a shallow (deep not so much) I'd say 95% of the time the semi deep will work. But when you need a shallow or deep you need it. I'd suggest getting the semis and then trying to find craftsman USA deep and shallow.

 

[gsingh]

My semi deep set is what I reach for when I'm getting a socket, but there is still occasions when I need a shallow (deep not so much) I'd say 95% of the time the semi deep will work. But when you need a shallow or deep you need it. I'd suggest getting the semis and then trying to find craftsman USA deep and shallow.

x2

 

[internetdude]

OK, a few votes for semi-deep. Good, I will buy them. Not sure yet on eBay, I'll keep my eye on there.

FYI SnapOn ships direct to me for $5.60 per shipment because their warehouse isn't too far away. Shipping on eBay is typically $25-30 including shipping & import charges. I always check the new direct SnapOn cost before buying online.

Thanks, I'll go semi-deep for now, and keep my (Mastercraft I think it is) shallow set around until I'm ready to buy shallow SnapOn.

 

[shawhite]

The semi deeps are my vote best of both worlds. But like said above there will be times when u need a deep or a shallow.

 

[Altmech]

OK, a few votes for semi-deep. Good, I will buy them. Not sure yet on eBay, I'll keep my eye on there.

FYI SnapOn ships direct to me for $5.60 per shipment because their warehouse isn't too far away. Shipping on eBay is typically $25-30 including shipping & import charges. I always check the new direct SnapOn cost before buying online.

Thanks, I'll go semi-deep for now, and keep my (Mastercraft I think it is) shallow set around until I'm ready to buy shallow SnapOn.

I'd buy snappy semi deeps for your go to sockets and keep some cheaper shallow/deep for the times they are a must. Those semis will work for 90% of the time

 

[Dave455]

Think you've got a really sensible approach! Just buying a few Snap On items was how I got started. Works well!

Think the Semi deep are a great idea, but personally I'd get the regular shallow sockets! You'll use 'em a lot, and there will be a few occasions where they will be all you can use!

If you want to add a set of deep sockets later, they don't have to be Snap On as you will use 'em less! Wright, SK and so on are all worthy of consideration! Alternatively, just get a few deep sockets in the sizes you use on your own vehicles. I do about 80% of my vehicle work with 10,13,17 and 19!

If you can run to it, Snap On Breaker bars are nice! They offer a 12 inch in 3/8 drive that just give you a little extra leverage and will save your ratchet from abuse! One of those and a couple of extensions will give you a really nice little package!

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Being that you are a Do-it-Yourselfer, and already have short and deepwell sockets; you would be ******* money away on a set of semi-deep sockets unless your need for them is clearly demonstrated..

Yes, some of us have a need for them, but not everyone.. I cost justify my tool purchases, and use them professionally. I definitely do not own every tool made..

 

[greasemonkey44]

I would recommend a cheaper option honestly.
I was in the same place a few months ago with 1/4 mid depth. Didn't know if i would like or use them, so i bought gear wrench. I ended up liking them and upgraded the few i use most.
http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-8...ioibXEtAQiQ3aEe7_DkbnoPG4reDGihkDsaArRT8P8HAQ

 

[Toolman12]

I love my semi deeps and need my shallows both every once and awhile i need a deep but not that often

 

[n8n]

My semi deep set is what I reach for when I'm getting a socket, but there is still occasions when I need a shallow (deep not so much) I'd say 95% of the time the semi deep will work. But when you need a shallow or deep you need it. I'd suggest getting the semis and then trying to find craftsman USA deep and shallow.

Craftsman OK for shallow, for deep I prefer "not Craftsman" due to the near full length hex broaching on the Craftsman sockets. Both Snap-On and SK only broach maybe 1.5 to 1.75x the thickness of a nut in any given size with the rest of the opening a round hole smaller in diameter, so you can set a nut or bolt head in the socket and start it without wadding up a bunch of paper or something in the socket. I would assume that Proto, Wright, Williams etc. are similar but I don't have a lot of those tools.

 

[internetdude]

If you can run to it, Snap On Breaker bars are nice! They offer a 12 inch in 3/8 drive that just give you a little extra leverage and will save your ratchet from abuse!

Thanks for the tip on the shorter breaker bar, the one I have is a cheapo and I think it's 24" long, a quality 12" sounds like a good idea.

...you would be ******* money away on a set of semi-deep sockets unless your need for them is clearly demonstrated.. Yes, some of us have a need for them, but not everyone...

Well my idea is the semi-deep will mostly replace my cheap short/deep sets. Like I said, I'm trying to buy high quality tools for the frequently used stuff. I still buy cheap stuff for things I'll only need once (or I'll borrow/rent). I certainly don't need them, but I feel it's worth buying a quality set of sockets in my situation. Call it a want if you'd like.

 

[RatchetMan]

I am also a hobby guy and I bought some new Snapon semi deeps and use them all the time. Yeah, they are expensive but you will have them forever. And, if you break one you can easily get a new one. Buy quality, forget all the folks that try to rationalize the cheap stuff. How many things do you buy that you can literally say, "I will likely never have to buy this again.". When you look at it that way, the price is less of a factor.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

DIY'er here. I bought a set second hand for 40.00 two years ago-haven't used my c-man deeps at all. That's not to say you'll never use deeps ever. But I reach for those all the time-1/4DR buy the way. Keep looking you will find a good deal!


Eric

 

[Fedwrench]

My semi deep sockets are the first ones I reach for usually. Now there will be times when they might not work but, I'd say 90% of the time they work great.
Now, I have to tell you that I wouldn't buy snap on semi deeps though. There's nothing wrong with them except the price. Now, I grew up buying only from tool trucks but, as an old fart, I just don't do it. Now, I work daily on late model cars and for me, the Gearwrench mid length chrome metric sockets are the best bang out there. I believe they still have a BOGO free special wherein the 3/8 set comes with the 1/4 mid length set for under $40. Can't beat that.
If you're wanting 3/8 mid length impact, buy sunex. they have a set that runs 8-22mm for under $50. another great buy.

 

[rdn2blazer]

I love my Snappy semi sets. As far as what I "go to", I always grab what works... eventually weather I end up with a shallow, semi or deep lol. Ya get it right 99% of the time. Sometimes I grab the semi's first cause they're just... "more trick" then the regular old shallow or deep ones lol.

 

[dgxlh]

Craftsman OK for shallow, for deep I prefer "not Craftsman" due to the near full length hex broaching on the Craftsman sockets. Both Snap-On and SK only broach maybe 1.5 to 1.75x the thickness of a nut in any given size with the rest of the opening a round hole smaller in diameter, so you can set a nut or bolt head in the socket and start it without wadding up a bunch of paper or something in the socket. I would assume that Proto, Wright, Williams etc. are similar but I don't have a lot of those tools.

I don't usually recommend cman but since he's on a budget
I don't really know much about SK but the more I read here it doesn't seem too bad maybe even better than cman. I have an older set of shallow 3/8 impacts that are SK but don't really use them. With what you stated it seems its not to far off from snap on

 

[n8n]

I don't usually recommend cman but since he's on a budget
I don't really know much about SK but the more I read here it doesn't seem too bad maybe even better than cman. I have an older set of shallow 3/8 impacts that are SK but don't really use them. With what you stated it seems its not to far off from snap on

I don't know that I would directly compare SK to Snap-On, but I definitely consider them a cut above Craftsman, especially new Craftsman.

Now the rub is, I know that old SK stuff is good and will last. New SK is owned by Ideal, but still USA made. Will it stand up as well as the old stuff did? Only time will tell. I did buy a Torx set a few years ago and it's held up well (save for the fact that both the T15 and T30 have managed to disappear...) I also broke down and bought a set of 3/8" drive metric deep sockets, but haven't used them in any kind of challenging application yet.

In protest against the offshoring of Craftsman I've been buying SK where I would have previously considered Craftsman my go-to...

 

[DodgeMech]

i don't believe in em personally, even though i do own the semi deep 1/2 inch set, but i reach for my beat up matco adv's a lot more(sentimental attachment i reckon...first big name socket set i've ever owned, even though it's rebranded gear wrench)

 

[davesnothere]

Semi-deep is where its at.

 

[txbonds]

Why not williams usa from tools delivered? Snap on designs for less money.

 

[Hiball]

Why not williams usa from tools delivered? Snap on designs for less money.

To my knowledge williams doesn't offer mid length sockets..

 

[sonvolt]

Craftsman OK for shallow, for deep I prefer "not Craftsman" due to the near full length hex broaching on the Craftsman sockets. Both Snap-On and SK only broach maybe 1.5 to 1.75x the thickness of a nut in any given size with the rest of the opening a round hole smaller in diameter, so you can set a nut or bolt head in the socket and start it without wadding up a bunch of paper or something in the socket. I would assume that Proto, Wright, Williams etc. are similar but I don't have a lot of those tools.

Exactly ^^^^

 

[txbonds]

To my knowledge williams doesn't offer mid length sockets..

Duh. Sorry. The mid length didn't register when I was reading thread.

 

[DodgeMech]

Duh. Sorry. The mid length didn't register when I was reading thread.

and most of their sockets are 12 points, most bolts on autos are 6 point

 

[franzdom]

Since you are using an F80 ratchet that doesn't have quick-release, I don't know if it's been said but the nicer sockets like Snap-On are really addicting since their step-up and step-down outer diameter designs make them a lot easier to remove. I used to feel a need for QR ratchets, now I just don't like them. Snap-On sockets have been a good enabler for Snap-On ratchets and visa-versa.

 

[sberry]

I considered a set and I got 1 bolt in my fleet where it would make a minutes difference. A thing about some of the Sears sets is that some of the selection is done for you. The 309 is a pretty good example for wrench, extension and sockets. There is most stuff of its type needed to r&r a car minus a special axle socket or 2. Some of the sets now days are not complete on larger sizes. Sears had up to 1 1/4 shallow and don't recall if they only went to 1 1/8 in deep 1/2? I got some bigger Easco which is due to equipment

 

[radrush]

To my knowledge williams doesn't offer mid length sockets..

SK only has mid-deep sockets in 1/4" drive.

 

[not-required]

I use my 1/4" drive sk mid length sockets all the time at work. Its what stays in my cart and gets the job done 90% of the time. Thinking about getting 3/8" drive mid length impact set but my sunex impact shallow and deep have been perfect.

 

[radrush]

I considered a set and I got 1 bolt in my fleet where it would make a minutes difference. A thing about some of the Sears sets is that some of the selection is done for you. The 309 is a pretty good example for wrench, extension and sockets. There is most stuff of its type needed to r&r a car minus a special axle socket or 2. Some of the sets now days are not complete on larger sizes. Sears had up to 1 1/4 shallow and don't recall if they only went to 1 1/8 in deep 1/2? I got some bigger Easco which is due to equipment

I think Craftsman's biggest shallow socket is the 1/2" drive 12-point 1 1/2".

Biggest deep I think is 1/2" drive 12-point 1 3/16".

 

[RedneckWelder]

Hell screw buying the truck brands, buy from SK or the industrial brands instead. Save your hard earned dollars while still getting lots of quality...

 

[Loscaldazar]

SK only has mid-deep sockets in 1/4" drive.

Not exactly true.....

Sk's 3/8 drive "deep" socket set (SK1854) from 6MM to 19MM contains mostly what other companies would call mid length sockets. The 6MM-15MM are all midlength (in reality, despite being advertised as deep), and the 16MM-19MM are regular deep length compared to other companies.

If you order SK's "extra deep" socket set (SK1863), the 6MM-15MM are what other companies would call regular deep sockets, and the 16MM-19MM are unchanged in length from the previous set, making the SK1863 set almost all the same length and true deep sockets in all sizes included.

Pics attached of SK 3/8 drive "deep" sockets next to gearwrench midlength sockets. I'll have a thread posted about this soon (when my "extra deep" socket set arrives).

 

[internetdude]

Since you are using an F80 ratchet that doesn't have quick-release, I don't know if it's been said but the nicer sockets like Snap-On are really addicting since their step-up and step-down outer diameter designs make them a lot easier to remove...

franzdom, good tip there. Yeah I thought I'd try a non-QR ratchet this time.

All, I'm not a big fan of Craftsman. My tool box is from them, as is many of my screwdrivers. The drivers are fine but the box isn't the best.

I do have some Williams screwdrivers (just got 'em), they are basically older hard handle Snap-Ons, I like 'em. They seem to be high quality and should last me years.

Great discussion here folks, I'm going to get the semi-deep SO's.

 

[sberry]

I was wondering how big they got. I know guys who do pretty much straight auto work use 3/8 impact, its one thing I don't have. I just didn't end up with another layer of tools, don't know if I am missing anything or not.

 

[BK13]

I don't think I understand correctly. Are you planning on ditching your existing sockets? Seems to me if you get in a situation where you need shallows or deeps you can fall back on the old stuff.

There's always Gearwrench.... You could probably get shallows, middies, and deeps for what Snap On costs.

 

[SASORacing]

Get more Snap-on ratchets first, they are more important than sockets, if you already have sockets.

 

[SASORacing]

I think semi deep is a waste imho!

When you have a nut you drop into a shallow socket it doesnt get swallowed like a deep. A deep is good when there is a lot of bolt thread exposed and you need a longer reach. Semi's are an "inbetween" that are not great at either of those. They are mediocre!

 

[MattPersman]

There was a snap on semi deep promo available on the trucks recently and some drivers may still have them, it was buy the set of 3/8 semi deep metric sockets and they gave you a fl80 (IIRC) and standard extensions free

You might be able to see that set on ebay or snap on online or a local driver. Some times the online will sell those deals too.