Semi-Deep SnapOn Sockets?

[wvrailroader]

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.

Where are you finding the BOGO Gearwrench semi deeps for $40? I would like to get a set and that price is hard to beat.

 

[Lance-AR]

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!

That's kind of what I'm thinking but I've never had a semi-deep set. If you already have a shallow and deep, are there really circumstances where the shallow isn't deep enough and the deep is too deep to fit?

 

[MLB0611]

That's kind of what I'm thinking but I've never had a semi-deep set. If you already have a shallow and deep, are there really circumstances where the shallow isn't deep enough and the deep is too deep to fit?

I can give an example, another tech was replacing the air compressor on a NQR truck, it had a stud with a nut, wrench was not getting in there, a deep hit the something, and a shallow would not hit the nut, I got the right size semi deep and a wobble extension from my box and in a couple minutes he had the nut off, he had been messing with that one nut for a couple hours. He bought semi-deeps the next time the Snappy truck came by.

If I thought about it I could come up with more uses, but nothing else is popping in my head right know.

FYI I own 3/8 and 1/4 semi-deeps and they are my most used sockets by far.

 

[franzdom]

...
FYI I own 3/8 and 1/4 semi-deeps and they are my most used sockets by far.

 

[Lance-AR]

Very cool. Thanks for the example!

 

[ovilla]

I've got the 1/4 Snappy semi deeps and must say that they probably address about 99% of what you need. I even use them in place of a shallow and they consistently stay in place quite well. I also like how the snappy sockets seem to be the only ones that work really well with the snappy wobble plus extensions.

 

[Fedwrench]

Where are you finding the BOGO Gearwrench semi deeps for $40? I would like to get a set and that price is hard to beat.

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80554S.html

$35.88 plus shipping

 

[ryanl925]

Get the semi-deeps . they are my favorite sockets. i was actually disappointed today ai had to use shallow, but I was in a tight area. The only time I really use deep is when i wqnt room to turn a rachet. I rarely need deep because of a semi deep being too short. Snap-sockets arent full broached so they dont just fall in the socket.

 

[Thegratenate]

I consider my semi deep sockets my goto sockets for most uses. I guess its not entirely a mathematical preference, I just like them, but sometimes that should be enough. It may be just me but I really like to have a set of passthrough sockets like the gear ratchet set to cover both shallow and deep.

 

[pkon]

All of the talk about the advantages of semi-deep got me curious on how much extra clearance you really get. For a SO 3/8" drive 6-point 19mm socket, here are the numbers.

I note that semi-deep only gives you an extra 6.4mm of clearance over shallow. Whereas deep it's a 32.7mm difference. So maybe it's a "peace of mind" thing for semi-deep, more than a heck of a lot more clearance. Or maybe that extra 1/4" makes all the difference?


https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Shallow-19-mm-6-Point-P631472.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm 16.3


https://store.snapon.com/Semi-Deep-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Semi-Deep-19-mm-6-Point-P631649.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm 22.7


https://store.snapon.com/Deep-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Deep-19-mm-6-Point-P631477.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm 49.0

 

[cludwin]

Semi-deep are great I reach for them first and they work most of the time.
It is really nice to grab a single rail of 3/8" sockets and fix something start to finish.

I can't stress how nice the portability is of a rail of semi deeps + a rat + an extension.

This should work out great if you already have the deeps + shorts.

Also for what it's worth my snap on sockets fit the fasteners really snugly and feel super solid.

 

[abvw]

All of the talk about the advantages of semi-deep got me curious on how much extra clearance you really get. For a SO 3/8" drive 6-point 19mm socket, here are the numbers.

I note that semi-deep only gives you an extra 6.4mm of clearance over shallow. Whereas deep it's a 32.7mm difference. So maybe it's a "peace of mind" thing for semi-deep, more than a heck of a lot more clearance. Or maybe that extra 1/4" makes all the difference?


https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Shallow-19-mm-6-Point-P631472.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm16.3


https://store.snapon.com/Semi-Deep-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Semi-Deep-19-mm-6-Point-P631649.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm22.7


https://store.snapon.com/Deep-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Deep-19-mm-6-Point-P631477.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm49.0

Say you want to pull the timing belt cover off to check a leaky seal or condition of your timing belt..

Here's some numbers:

10mm shallow: 22.2mm
10mm semi: 31.8mm
10mm deep: 50.8mm
T72 ratchet: 11mm
Room you have between cover and frame: 35mm but the fastener is also recessed by another 25mm, so total of 60mm

Do you see the problem now? I've ran in plenty of times when my short socket won't reach a recessed fastener with limited overhead clearance, where using a deep socket is not an option (luckily cheap sockets have the hex end broached very deep so you can grind down to size).

Even 0.1mm can make a big difference whether you can fit the tool on the fastener or not.

Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk

 

[pkon]

You have a good point. Although we're looking at different dimensions, even when I pull the bolt clearance depth nums for these sockets, I see to my surprise that the delta in clearance between shallow and semi-deep is actually *greater* for 10mm than it is for 19mm. So now this makes a lot more sense to me as to why the semi-deeps exist--thanks for the follow-up. As you go smaller, in particular, there really is a difference.

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm 11.0
https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Shallow-10-mm-6-Point-P631479.aspx

Dimension C, Bolt Clearance Depth, mm 29.3
https://store.snapon.com/Semi-Deep-mm-chrome-Socket-Metric-Semi-Deep-10-mm-6-Point-P631632.aspx

 

[cat06]

for anyone interested January off the truck buy the 212IMFMSYA set and get the 210IMFSYA set free

 

[thefoobag]

x2

+3 here, keep in mind the middle tier of tool companies too, bought a few sk semi deeps to replace my matcos that had gone missing and they are top notch quality, snap on is great but unless you have access to snap on truck you will be having the same warranty mailing issue you would if you bought sk or any other brand. Not trying to steer ya from your snap on goal just my .02 for a DIY guy

 

[1950mercury]

for anyone interested January off the truck buy the 212IMFMSYA set and get the 210IMFSYA set free

If they were chrome id be all over that

 

[kiatech]

They are a must when working on the front of transverse engines.

 

[Drake9]

Or maybe that extra 1/4" makes all the difference

That's what she said!

 

[NorCalWrenchin]

Love my SO semi deeps

 

[cotjocky]

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.



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.

I'm a "Snap-on Guy", but Matco has a 15" soft grip 3/8 breaker bar. I already have a Snap-on 12" soft grip, but still looking at getting a Matco due to liking their grips and the extra length. Give Matco's breaker bar a look before you shell out the dough. Snappy's is USA and Matco's is most likely Taiwan (and more expensive!).

Personally, I prefer deep sockets, but I know exactly why I prefer deep sockets. When you are using a "non-quick release" Snap-on ratchet with a short socket and your hands are greasy, you'll find getting a 8-12mm socket a pain to get off the ratchet.

I can grab the deep sockets and get them off the ratchet easier and thus the reason I always grab for a deep socket. YMMV

 

[JKady]

I use my semi-deep/mid length sockets more than any other socket in my cart at work, and I have a LOT of options there.

 

[T45]

I'm just gonna re-iterate that the sem-deep length is in large parts all about the socket height/length, rather than simply bolt clearance.

3/8 dr mid = 41mm vs 1/2 dr shallow = 38mm .... basically the same

They will fit in spaces designed for each other.

I think they are very handy to have around.

 

[Garagereactor]

Find your local snap on dealer and ask for their monthly fliers. Snap on usual runs a promotion where you buy the deep sockets and you get the shallows free if you'd like a full set for a decent price. Sometimes they also run a promotion where you get a free ratchet or free trash can with the midlengths. Patience and the fliers can easily expand your set for less cost.

 

[stage20]

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

i have older williams deep sockets that are much shorter than most brand deep wells, but my sk "mid lengths" are about 1/2 inch shorter.

the williams are 12pt as well.

 

[1950mercury]

Williams and sk dont sell 3\8 semi deeps. Sk sells 1/4 and their smaller size deeps are almost like semi deeps.

 

[stage20]

Williams and sk dont sell 3\8 semi deeps. Sk sells 1/4 and their smaller size deeps are almost like semi deeps.

P&C 3/8 deep wells are the same way. Still longer thansk but not by much.

 

[aspireguy95]

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80554S.html

$35.88 plus shipping

Thanks just ordered a set 44 shipped

 

[ihateminimumwage]

i have older williams deep sockets that are much shorter than most brand deep wells, but my sk "mid lengths" are about 1/2 inch shorter.

I have the same set of Pre-Snappy Williams deeps.
I dug them out of storage after I realized the Gearwrench Mid-Length/Semi-Deeps were about the same size.

Here is a 1/2" Matco Semi-Deep next to a Older Williams Deep.

I just put an order in with HJE for a full set of the shorter SK "Deep" sockets. Ordered 9-15mm and 1/4"-7/16", since I already have the 1/2" Matco (which is 0.01 shorter than the SAE SK "Deeps" according the spec), and I have a the 9/16" Williams (or I can just use the 14mm SK).