Shallow vs. Semi-Deep vs. Deep Socket

[The Critic]

1/4” drive 12’mm

Quinn shallow/Snap On semi-deep/Tekton Deep

3/8” drive 12mm

Astro Nano/Gearwrench shallow/Snap On semi-deep/Gearwrench Deep

Thoughts:

Minimal difference between shallow and semi-deep in 1/4”. Probably not worth it.

In 3/8”, the Astro Nano sockets are almost the same depth as standard chrome sockets; may not need to own both. Dimensionally, semi-deep appears to fit nicely in-between shallow and deep.

 

[demarpaint]

I've used my 3/8" drive GW semi-deep sockets a few times now and found them to be useful in certain situations. Having said that having them in 12 point, which I haven't seen yet might make them a bit more useful in really tight spots.

 

[mogandave]

I think my SK sets are small sizes are deep and the larger sizes are really deep.

 

[joel_400]

At work I have short, semi deep, and deep 3/8 drive impact sockets. Most of them are Grey Pneumatic, which I believe, for the money are next to impossible to beat. The short and deep are all 6 point. The semis are 12 point. It is very handy having the 12 point from time to time. I will say I've never regretted it! And once you have the semi deep you will use them more than you think!
Joel

 

[f121]

Snap on 1/4" regular are shallower than typical imported 1/4" regular sockets. For 12mm as per the OP:
- regular 22.4mm
- semi 31.9mm
- deep 51mm

Comparing to the only other 1/4" I have to hand:
- bluepoint regular 24.8mm
- bluepoint deep 50mm
- draper expert 25mm

 

[Fly YX]

I have a set of Astro nano mm and sae and Capri in the mid sae and mm. I use the Astros all the time removing hard stops and bump stops.

 

[Fedwrench]

When comparing 1/4 drive sockets, one has to remember that most Asian tool factories use one inch as overall length for their sockets, while most US manufacturers, use 7/8 as their overall length for 1/4 drive shallow chrome sockets. Ko-Ken Zeal and Gearwrench stubbies being exceptions.

 

[bonneyman]

Since I'm not a modern car mechanic I've never had need of the semi-deeps. Shallow and deeps haven't gotten me pretty much everywhere I needed to go.

Though having an "extra" shallow from time to time could be a bacon saver. But then I discovered Gear Wrenches and I was set.

 

[bbrins]

The Nano sockets may be similar in length to your shallow sockets, but where they really prove to be handy is on the end of a wrench, you can save a 1/2 inch, or whatever the depth of your ratchet is.

I only recently bought 3/8 semi-deeps, I bought Carlyle, just because that was what I was able to get my hands on in short order. It was the only thing that I could think of get access to a tensioner bolt on a vehicle that had some front end damage, the last thing I wanted to do was start removing plastic fan shrouds, etc. and then having to put it back together with all of those broken tabs, clips, etc. Another thing that would have worked is a stubby extension on a shallow socket.

The Carlyle semi-deep sockets are slightly longer than the Snap-On ones, I might have bought those, but wasn't willing to spend more on the tools than the lady's car was worth.

 

[kbeefy]

I didn't know 1/4 semi deep existed.

I use 3/8 semi deep as my primary 'go-to' sockets.

 

[plinker]

When comparing 1/4 drive sockets, one has to remember that most Asian tool factories use one inch as overall length for their sockets, while most US manufacturers, use 7/8 as their overall length for 1/4 drive shallow chrome sockets. Ko-Ken Zeal and Gearwrench stubbies being exceptions.

Pretty much this, US made 1/4 shallows are roughly the same length no matter the brand (S-K, Snap-on, Craftsman/Danaher). Not much difference, aprox. 1/8", but enough to cause clearance issues at times for me. I have some1/4 drive low profile Snap-on's and they can be handy to have, under dash in particular.

I tend to use impact sockets most of the time and with 3/8 drive, the extra shallow & deep get the most use. All depends though.

 

[dmparksa]

I have metric semi deep sockets in both 1/4"(Gearwrench) and 3/8"(Koken & Sunex).

I usually only carry the 1/4" semi deep sockets, but carry the 3/8" shallows. I only use 2 sizes of the 1/4" semi deep set(10mm and 12mm).

I add on the Tekton short extension to make the 3/8" shallows into semi deep (My post about it here) and carry another short extension to turn it into a deep socket.

Deep sockets add a bit too much weight and take up too much space on my tool bag to carry around for small stuff and I find that I can get most things done with those small extensions without any issues.

I do carry the 3/8" sunex semi-deep for my M12 stubby impact and found it to be adequate for everything I've had to use it for. I have the Astro Nano 3/8" set, but I usually don't carry those with my M12 Impact unless I think I'll need it.

 

[Zewnten]

Critic I've had the same issue, in 1/4 I have shallow, deep, and extra deep. 3/8 is shallow, semi deep, deep, 1/2 is stubby, shallow, deep, and extra deep, 3/4 standard, deep, and extra deep.

I'd like to find a stubby 3/8's like the astros that will lock into a zero offset wrench but the astro wrench isn't long enough. I should just copy that other posters adapter when I remember haha.

 

[FiendFX]

At work I have short, semi deep, and deep 3/8 drive impact sockets. Most of them are Grey Pneumatic, which I believe, for the money are next to impossible to beat. The short and deep are all 6 point. The semis are 12 point. It is very handy having the 12 point from time to time. I will say I've never regretted it! And once you have the semi deep you will use them more than you think!
Joel

The GP 12 point semi-deep costs less vs the 6 point.

I wanted the 6 point semi-deep and Sunex was what I ended up getting since it cost less.

I find that Sunex and GP have almost identical thickness. Both are made in Taiwan.

Nice thing about GP is their carrying case.

 

[Fedwrench]

The GP 12 point semi-deep costs less vs the 6 point.

I wanted the 6 point semi-deep and Sunex was what I ended up getting since it cost less.

I find that Sunex and GP have almost identical thickness. Both are made in Taiwan.

Nice thing about GP is their carrying case.

The great thing about Sunex 3/8 semi deep metric impact socket is their range of sizes. Unlike other sets, they run 8-19, 21 & 22mm which makes them extra useful to me.

Sunex 14 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set (3328)

Get the Sunex 14 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set for reliable performance and durability. Perfect for your workshop needs.

www.jbtools.com

 

[FiendFX]

The great thing about Sunex 3/8 semi deep metric impact socket is their range of sizes. Unlike other sets, they run 8-19, 21 & 22mm which makes them extra useful to me.

Sunex 14 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set (3328)

Get the Sunex 14 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set for reliable performance and durability. Perfect for your workshop needs.

www.jbtools.com

That was the exact set I got.

No regrets. Although I don't even use the 22mm lol.

 

[The Critic]

The great thing about Sunex 3/8 semi deep metric impact socket is their range of sizes. Unlike other sets, they run 8-19, 21 & 22mm which makes them extra useful to me.

Sunex 14 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set (3328)

Get the Sunex 14 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Semi-Deep Impact Socket Set for reliable performance and durability. Perfect for your workshop needs.

www.jbtools.com

Really wished they made them in 1/2” - best price I could find on the 1/2” dr Snap-On set is in the low $200’s.

Arguably, they are less necessary in the 1/2” dr…but the thought of a mid-length impact socket paired with my 1828v2 is enticing.

 

[bonneyman]

Honestly guys - once I discovered these ratcheting wrench adapters - I thought I'd gone to heaven. Because they make ratcheting wrenches in long and extra long, flex head and straight, reversing or not - just really busts the available working options wide open.

GearWrench 9231D 3 Piece SAE Ratcheting Wrench to Square Drive Adapter Set

The GearWrench 3-Piece SAE Drive Adapter Set is used to convert a ratcheting combination wrenched into a ratcheting tang drive tool. Set requires 3/8 in., 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. ratcheting box wrenches. Items feature a knurled rim as a speed wheel grip.

www.circlecsupply.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

Of the three, "deep" sockets are the least useful for automotive. It's not about "clearance", it's that it's very rare to have super long studs that require the extra depth. Why fight with the extra length of a deep socket if there's no need?

I find it pretty rare to need a properly deep socket in any drive size.

-Ryan

 

[kbeefy]

Of the three, "deep" sockets are the least useful for automotive. It's not about "clearance", it's that it's very rare to have super long studs that require the extra depth. Why fight with the extra length of a deep socket if there's no need?

I find it pretty rare to need a properly deep socket in any drive size.

-Ryan

I often grab 1/4 deep if I'm using a ratchet just for hand clearance. I prefer the tighter interface with just one connection. Then standard depth on an extension if the deep won't clear.