swivel or semi deep 3/8 impacts?

[m6z]

Auto mechanics, swivel impacts or semi deeps in 3/8 drive? Which do you use the most?

I've already got the Sunex stubbies and I've got some deeps too. Trying to spend money wisely. Planning on going with Capri sockets.

Got the 1/2 drive deep/shallow/swivel covered as well.

 

[andys]

I keep 3/8" semi deep impacts on the cart. They are short enough to fit most places and I rarely need the extra depth of the deep sockets.

They are also in a magnetic holder while my shallow and deep are not. The shallow and deep are chrome, not impact, and I've not yet come across the need to have them in an impact version.

I have swivels impacts in 3/8" but much like the chrome, they only come out as needed.

 

[Fedwrench]

Both. They are the most used sockets on my cart. For 3/8 drive semi deep impact socket I like the set from Sunex. It comes in a flimsy plastic tray that's easily disposed of so, you don't have to keep an blow molded case around. I like the sunex set because it includes 21 & 22 mm sizes and runs under $50 if you shop around.
As for 3/8 drive impact swivel sockets, I use mine daily. For swivels my favorites are the Matco Pinless versions but, prices have skyrocketed on those. For a much cheaper option, The Astro Pneumatic set is a winner-winner-chicken dinner. Now they don't swivel as smoothly as my Matcos but, at less than a fifth the cost, they perform nicely.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If you don't have swivels, swivel sockets. As fed says, I like my 3/8 astros.

 

[sk farmer]

i have an sk set of deep swivels in sae. never an issue and used frequently. i have standard, deep and shallow swivels in sae and metric. never saw a need for mid depth.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Impact swivels are the go to 90% of the time, shallows and deep only come out where they won't fit.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Swivel impacts. Sunex for me. I use them all the time. Paired with the small 14.4v snap on impact they fit just about anywhere.

 

[techkelly]

Working mainly on Asian vehicles I used shallow, semi and deep often.

If you are ever unlucky enough to do cats on a Titan/Armada 14mm semi deep wobble
will be your best friend.

 

[Tools4Me]

If you are a professional mechanic (or at least a heavy user of impact sockets), impact swivel sockets are likely your best option, because they are very versatile. If you can handle a little bit of extra bulk (primarily on the smaller socket sizes in each drive size), you can still do quite a bit with an impact swivel mated to the regular impact sockets you already have.

In regards to mid-depth sockets, Tekton recently came out with a line of very short socket extensions. As far as I know they are only available in chrome at this time, but they essentially turn any shallow socket you own into a mid-depth socket. $20 gets you one in each drive size, so if you are trying to keep tool costs down that's a great way to achieve the usefulness of mid-depth sockets without actually having to buy multiple sets of them right away. See how often you use them to make your own mid-depth sockets and decide from there which mid-depth socket sets are worth buying or not. If you do end up buying mid-depth sockets sets in the future, the Tekton stubby extensions are still useful for making in-between extension sizes when used along with regular extensions.

1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive Mini Extension Set (3-Piece) | SHA99020 | TEKTON

Includes: 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive mini extensions. Create mid-length sockets by combining a standard socket with these extensions. SHA99020.

www.tekton.com

 

[AJHD]

That's a hard question.

If you already have shallow and deep 3/8" sockets, I would say go with the swivels.
Both honestly, you're going to need (or at least want) both at some point in time. Depending on what you're doing, that's the reality.

The swivels are sometimes the only way to get a bolt/nut off or on. Putting a socket onto an swivel or universal adapter or a wobble extension will be just too big, even if you use a stubby socket... I absolutely hate universal sockets, but I had to buy a set after a 10mm 1/4" universal literally was the only way I could reassemble a transmission filter housing. I struggled for what seemed like hours, but thankfully I had that damn socket. I tried every way to Sunday with no luck, except that socket... You'll likely have a similar experience at some point with swivels.


I have shallow, mid-length and deep 3/8" sockets, and a set of 3/8" swivels

You don't have to buy Snap On, but this is the set I have, minus the 8mm (which I still need to buy)

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

I also have the smaller 1/4" set, but I need to pick up some more individuals to fill in the size gaps

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[m6z]

Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I can get the Astro's swivels and a set of semi's for about $100, so I might go ahead and get them both.

I'm just gearing up for future repairs with the current daily driver over a decade old, it'll surly need some love soon. Trying to avoid getting into a jam since it's my only vehicle at the moment.

 

[Mr_B]

Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I can get the Astro's swivels and a set of semi's for about $100, so I might go ahead and get them both.

I'm just gearing up for future repairs with the current daily driver over a decade old, it'll surly need some love soon. Trying to avoid getting into a jam since it's my only vehicle at the moment.

I reckon that your best bet, worth getting a swivel adaptor too then can turn all existing sockets/extensions into swivel setups to suit required scenario/access .
Only way you get best out of the impact tool is good capability get it usable fit onto fasteners in awkward scenarios and more bulky the tool more flexible you need be with the socketry .

 

[VolvoRyan]

Semi deeps are the way to go. It's a very rare automotive fastener that requires a true deep socket. Plus, you don't have to "push" as much on the head of the ratchet, to keep the socket on the fastener, while you crank on the ratchet handle.

If you're tooling up for a particular vehicle, it's worth seeing what other owners need to have around.

-Ryan

 

[zmotorsports]

Personally, I reach for my semi-deep 3/8" sockets more than my swivel impacts. However, the swivel impacts are a must have also.

 

[bonneyman]

Never used swivel impacts before, but doesn't the swivel function (looseness and give) kind of negate some of the power of the impact? Just asking.

 

[zmotorsports]

Never used swivel impacts before, but doesn't the swivel function (looseness and give) kind of negate some of the power of the impact? Just asking.

Yes. Which is exactly why I prefer to reach for the semi-deeps prior to the swivel impact. I suspect most others feel the same way, not sure.

 

[CR888]

Fedwrench nailed it, get both. The Matco's do perform better but the Astros are good enough and awesome value for money. Just be careful when they fail you want to be wearing your safety glasses. They can come apart and bits can fly everywhere.

 

[AJHD]

I'm just gearing up for future repairs with the current daily driver over a decade old, it'll surly need some love soon. Trying to avoid getting into a jam since it's my only vehicle at the moment.

You're not wrong there. I can speak from both professional and personal experience.

My Altima is a 2011 and over 110k now. I had a Ford Ranger that was also over 10 years old and 140k+ by the time the transmission gave out and I sold it. My first car was much the same...

The repairs and maintenance only get worse and more expensive/involved as vehicles age, requiring more tools.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yes. Which is exactly why I prefer to reach for the semi-deeps prior to the swivel impact. I suspect most others feel the same way, not sure.

You lose some power, but it's often much more ergonomic to use the swivels and just bat my impacting air ratchet down into the abyss. Impacting air ratchet and the astro swivels are a real treat.

The simple answer is always, turn up the regulator (or throw it away) and buy the most powerful tools you can get.

With tekton selling their super stubby extensions, I feel like the DIY market doesnt really need semideeps.

 

[Mr_B]

The point of swivels is when can't get to the bolt/nut straight on and need that bit of angle to gain clearance for impact be usable in the available access space, don't use them just because want the reach depth unless only thing you got that going work for one off scenario .
Swivel sockets are super useful as is a good swivel adaptor, I use both daily multiple times, trick is don't use them unless truly needed and have decent power tools/ air supply setup so you can get real work done with them ... The older pin style seems loose less torque ...
PPE and some sense best applied with swivel socketry and impacts as it is one area that pretty common for failures and flying metal .
Other thing that be pretty handy increase impact usability is some half decent impact wobble extensions in good length ranges .

 

[WWheeler]

PPE and some sense best applied with swivel socketry and impacts as it is one area that pretty common for failures and flying metal .

This!

There are usually but a few things in a typical shop that are more dangerous than a swivel socket or swivel adapter on an impact in the wrong or inexperienced hands. Even if one is being as careful as possible it's still too easy to send one flying so best to learn how to position yourself accordingly where you can still see what's going on while avoiding the likely path of destruction. I find swivel sockets to be indispensable and use them all the time out of necessity (swivel adapters less so as they're even more flight-prone) but I know when using them that they want nothing more than to hit someone in the face.

 

[VolvoRyan]

PPE and some sense best applied with swivel socketry and impacts as it is one area that pretty common for failures and flying metal .

Good gravy. PPE is vastly underrated.

-Ryan

 

[m6z]

Ordered the Capri semi deep's, 8mm-22mm.

Is this Blackhawk and this Gearwrench universal set pretty much the same except for socket count?

12 Proto Blackhawk 3/8" Impact Universal Swivel Flex Socket Set Metric U-1512MS 662679177478 | eBay

12pc Impact Universal Swivel Joint Socket Set. 3/8" Drive. Laser Etched For Easy Identification. 8mm 9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm 13mm 14mm 15mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm.

www.ebay.com

GEARWRENCH 3/8 in. Drive 6-Point Metric Standard Universal Impact Socket Set (15-Piece) 84918N

GearWrench offers a wide range of impact sockets in open stock and sets that are designed to deliver the performance and strength that the professional users require. They are made from chrome molybdenum

www.homedepot.com

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

swivel come in handy often, but noticed they kill the impact power a lot.

 

[m6z]

Ordered the Astro and Sunex swivels.

 

[m6z]

Everything has arrived. I returned the Sunex swivels.



Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Mr_B]

capri sets are good in term of size range and sockets being stamped as well as etched . only thing some might grumble about is no chamfered edge on the square drive but that no big deal.
I find most crmo and tempering trend of going softer on impacts can be a problem and Capri seems pretty soft and will wallow drive broach out pretty quick.
Would of hoped the custom heat treatment woupd of been to slightly harder side .
Modern impacts got some serious hitting power and I had return some tool truck crmo as tempered too soft to be usable daily on high power impacts .
Prices been silly cheap for what is a pretty nice effort product and with a useful blow moulded snapon style socket tray .

 

[Bockscar]

Everything has arrived. I returned the Sunex swivels.



Thanks for the suggestions.

Out of curiosity.....why did you return the Sunex

 

[m6z]

The Astro's just seemed like a better product. I'm splitting hairs though, the Sunex were a bit floppier

 

[Mr_B]

Astro one of those companies where most of product range good design/manufacture effort and priced favourably .

 

[kbeefy]

I was going to suggest swivels since you have deep and shallow already, but I guess you got both so it doesn't matter.

I have deep, mid, and shallow sockets, no standard for some reason.
I have standard and semi deep pinless swivels, Matco and Gearwrench I believe.
My go to are the mid depth non swivel sockets, I don't like how much torque you loose on an impact with the swivels.

BUT, I really appreciate how much more I can do with the swivels, and wouldn't be without them.

 

[boom_bap]

Capri seems pretty soft and will wallow drive broach out pretty quick.

@m6z How are those semi-deeps holding up. I am considering picking up a semi deep set for junk yard use, so I only need to carry around one set of sockets.

Debating between Capri and Sunex. They're about the same price. My sunex 1/2 have been great so far. My chrome capri stuff and their ratchets are awesome. Tough choice.

 

[vanapplebomb]

If I could pick only one, hands down it would be swivel impact sockets. No question. I use my 3/8 and 1/2 swivel impacts way more than my deep sockets.

 

[m6z]

They've been used very little so far, so I can't really comment. I'd probably go with whatever is cheaper.

 

[dnschmidt]

Not a one or the other type of thing. I don't have semi-deep anything but sort of think that I should. But, life without swivels would **** bigtime. So or course my answer would have to be both. Get the Sunex semi-deeps and the Astro swivels. This will only set you back about one C note.

 

[KnurledNut]

If I wasnt already happily tied down with SO swivels, id be all over that Astro set.

 

[crewchief888]

I work on construction eq, my most used sockets are 3/8" Dr Impact swivels, with a cordless impact

 

[boom_bap]

Here is a good follow up for folks looking at the Capris.

Looks like I'll go for the Sunex set.