Short 1/4" vs Short 3/8" Sockets

[ssdave]

Using it everyday and needing it to work I would buy the Snapon myself. The pass-thru setups seem very clunky and would never get used.

My thoughts exactly, after owning and using them. And comparing them in heavy use against Proto, SK, old Bonney, Indestro, USA Husky, Craftsman and various asian ones over the years.

The Snap-on 1/4" sockets are the best I have used, bar none, and better by a good margin over others. They are my most used socket sets. They are expensive, but in my estimation, worth it. I have both SAE and metric, shallow and deep, and recently got semi-deeps courtesy of my friend ParXOn.

The pass-through I very rarely use, it's a specialty niche tool that is very rarely need or useful. Just there because it exists, not necessarily because there's a need for it. Most of the time where you could use it, you could also use a ratcheting wrench.

 

[PelicanPines]

On my wanted list … Astro Pneumatics Nano... 1/2 drive metric... I can't find a reason to use 1/4" drive short shorts... but 1/2" … want. They also have 3/8 drive.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I've needed full length broaching on a deep socket a few times. I don't remember what the specific case was but, that's how I became aware of broaching depth. I've never needed to start a nut with a full length broached deep wall socket though. If I did for some reason, I would just stick an O ring in the socket to stop the nut.

Not sure what "clunky" means in terms of the pass through design. When using mine, I can't tell any difference compared to using a standard square drive ratchet/socket.

 

[Strouty]

I wouldn't call it a complaint, just more of an observation. I honestly can't think of a reason where a deeper broach would be beneficial; as long as a short stud can pass through, and a socket can fully seat, it doesn't really matter. I think I got the impression from the forum that a shallow broach was associated with lower quality, so I must've been somewhere along that thought process.

I think it would be a complaint if the broach was that short on a deep socket, but then again it all depends on the situation.

 

[powertrip]

I don't have pictures to share but would recommend the Powerbuilt brand low profile 3/8 sets. I have both the metric and SAE and they are by far the shortest socket I have used. Fairly cheap too for a socket that probably wont see much use. The metric tend to be harder to find I see. It looks like OEM makes some as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y122KI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ELYPN3O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[buba]

I don't have pictures to share but would recommend the Powerbuilt brand low profile 3/8 sets. I have both the metric and SAE and they are by far the shortest socket I have used. Fairly cheap too for a socket that probably wont see much use. The metric tend to be harder to find I see. It looks like OEM makes some as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y122KI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ELYPN3O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use them mostly on serpentine belts etc. The ratchet is an instant donation to Goodwill or a poor nephew.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XAMIRDC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Tallpilot]

I've needed full length broaching on a deep socket a few times. I don't remember what the specific case was but, that's how I became aware of broaching depth. I've never needed to start a nut with a full length broached deep wall socket though. If I did for some reason, I would just stick an O ring in the socket to stop the nut.

Not sure what "clunky" means in terms of the pass through design. When using mine, I can't tell any difference compared to using a standard square drive ratchet/socket.

I too would rather have a deep broach and just use a paper towel if I needed to start a nut somewhere I couldn’t reach. It’s been suggested the shallow broaching makes it stronger. I guess that makes sense.

 

[sweet victory]

Update to the thread. Recently picked up SO 1/4" swivel sockets. Here is the 10mm SO compared to the GearWrench. Gearwrench has a really weird fetish for trying to keep all of their sockets the same height, which makes their smaller sized sockets much longer in comparison. While the GW looks like a semi deep socket, this is in fact a shallow swivel socket. I have to say, while the SO's are much more expensive, they are uber high quality. Not a purchase that I regret at all.


DSC01188 by P A, on Flickr

 

[JBradley500]

I don’t think there’s anything that comes close to the snap-on 1/4 universal sockets for function and quality but they are the most overpriced snap-on item imo. Even on eBay, $200 for an 11 piece MM set is a “good deal” normally. I’ll have to deal with the GW sets.

 

[Tallpilot]

Update to the thread. Recently picked up SO 1/4" swivel sockets. Here is the 10mm SO compared to the GearWrench. Gearwrench has a really weird fetish for trying to keep all of their sockets the same height, which makes their smaller sized sockets much longer in comparison. While the GW looks like a semi deep socket, this is in fact a shallow swivel socket. I have to say, while the SO's are much more expensive, they are uber high quality. Not a purchase that I regret at all.

Thanks again for this thread. I had to replace all my Taiwan sockets with USA Williams so I could get shorter ones. Pretty sure every thread on here costs me money.

I don’t think there’s anything that comes close to the snap-on 1/4 universal sockets for function and quality but they are the most overpriced snap-on item imo. Even on eBay, $200 for an 11 piece MM set is a “good deal” normally. I’ll have to deal with the GW sets.

I went with the 6 piece set used for $77. I try to keep my used Snap-on purchases to 50% of full retail. These and the BJP1 are both absolutely without peer but stupid expensive.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Been reading all of these comments and only have to add, "If you need what you need, price is immaterial, function is essential, quality / longevity are subjective to the end user."

Ergo, the utility of Harbor Freight, et al, for one-time use (get out of jail - free) tools.

Not a Harbor Freight fan (BY ANY MEANS!) just suggesting that when backed into a corner, use what is available to accomplish the mission.

(IMPROVISE, ADAPT, OVERCOME! - True words from my Marine Corps friends)

 

[Finky198]

Agreed those SO sockets are great I have the 3/8 versions I still need the 1/4”....
I had an incomplete CM set same as the GW. I gave them away to someone.... when I picked up the SO’s what a difference in the angles... I’d say your right on with the 50% target price occasionally I’ll do better, But that’s about the avg...

But at the same time nothing wrong with HF I’ll be making a pitstop their tomorrow for some gloves and 20 bin storage cases.

 

[Yarpo]

Update to the thread. Recently picked up SO 1/4" swivel sockets. Here is the 10mm SO compared to the GearWrench. Gearwrench has a really weird fetish for trying to keep all of their sockets the same height, which makes their smaller sized sockets much longer in comparison. While the GW looks like a semi deep socket, this is in fact a shallow swivel socket. I have to say, while the SO's are much more expensive, they are uber high quality. Not a purchase that I regret at all.


DSC01188 by P A, on Flickr

Could you measure that for us? I saw your post in the new tool thread and while I can see the difference, it's hard to justify the 20x price increase for 1/8th of an inch to me.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Did you put that o-ring on the gearwrench or is that how they come?

 

[sweet victory]

Could you measure that for us? I saw your post in the new tool thread and while I can see the difference, it's hard to justify the 20x price increase for 1/8th of an inch to me.

Sure thing. I'll do that when I get home tonight

 

[sweet victory]

Did you put that o-ring on the gearwrench or is that how they come?

I put that there myself. Helps keep it straight if I bump into anything.

 

[Tallpilot]

Could you measure that for us? I saw your post in the new tool thread and while I can see the difference, it's hard to justify the 20x price increase for 1/8th of an inch to me.

The height difference is actually the least of the differences. The Snap-on are able to operate properly at a much greater angle than competing products without binding up. That combined with the welded in place pin that makes them far less likely to break, especially in 1/4” drive is why they are so awesome.

Like has been mentioned Snap-on is pretty proud of everything they sell but these and the BJP1 really take the cake for being insanely expensive. Sadly for your wallet, they really are worth it.

 

[JBradley500]

I put that there myself. Helps keep it straight if I bump into anything.

Does it cut the oring? I tried it a few years ago on Craftsman ones and the oring would last about 3 bolts.