ultra short sockets

[scottmlew]

I'm looking at acquiring a set of ultra short sockets, plus a low profile ratchet (all 3/8" drive).

It appears the only options for the sockets are Mac and SO, and it appears the only option for the ratchet is SO. Does anyone know of other options? Cornwell, please?

Assuming those are the only options, I have these 2 possibilities to get a complete set of 8-19mm:

(prices rounded)

option 1:
Mac socket set 9-19mm, $105
SO ratchet $70
add 8mm socket from SO $12
total $187

option 2:
SO set incl ratchet and 8, 10, 12-18 $190
add 9, 11, 19mm sockets from SO for $12, $12, and $14.25 respectively
total $228.25

Comments? Suggestions?

 

[Jbullfrog]

Matco has the "Special Forces" ratchets and sockets available. The sockets have the drive gear on them and fit into the ratchet's head.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Matco has the "Special Forces" ratchets and sockets available. The sockets have the drive gear on them and fit into the ratchet's head.

The Special Forces sets have been out of production for awhile so he would have to go used but they are very cool, I picked up a set from Ebay awhile back and I have been very happy with them but you are SOL on the warranty if something breaks.

 

[franzdom]

SO complete set 9n ebay went for $81 today, hope you got it.

 

[John the theologian]

Daneher makes a low profile ratchet in several versions: Craftsman Pro, NAPA Next Generation, Armstrong Maxx, Gearwrench full polish, and Matco, all in various lengths. As the thread on the new 88 tooth Matco ratchets has made clear, many of the guts of these ratchets are completely interchangeable. The ones with the quick release feature-- the Cman Pro and the NAPA are identical apart from the handle shape, as are the ones without the quick release button-- the Armstrong, Matco and Gearwrench. The latter 3 will all take the new 88 tooth rebuilt kit from Matco, according to the discussion on the thread about the new Matco ratchets. While I don't know much about low profile sockets, hopefully this helpful about the ratchets.

 

[scottmlew]

The Special Forces sets have been out of production for awhile so he would have to go used but they are very cool, I picked up a set from Ebay awhile back and I have been very happy with them but you are SOL on the warranty if something breaks.

Yes, the Special Forces are an option too, but I'd like something that I can use on any ratchet, and that has ongoing warranty support.

 

[scottmlew]

SO complete set 9n ebay went for $81 today, hope you got it.

Doh! Got a link? I need to know what I should be searching for...

 

[scottmlew]

While I don't know much about low profile sockets, hopefully this helpful about the ratchets.

Yes, thanks! Another option to consider!

 

[autoace]

I'm looking at acquiring a set of ultra short sockets, plus a low profile ratchet (all 3/8" drive).

It appears the only options for the sockets are Mac and SO, and it appears the only option for the ratchet is SO. Does anyone know of other options? Cornwell, please?

Assuming those are the only options, I have these 2 possibilities to get a complete set of 8-19mm:

(prices rounded)

option 1:
Mac socket set 9-19mm, $105
SO ratchet $70
add 8mm socket from SO $12
total $187

option 2:
SO set incl ratchet and 8, 10, 12-18 $190
add 9, 11, 19mm sockets from SO for $12, $12, and $14.25 respectively
total $228.25

Comments? Suggestions?

The MAC ones are sold under the Proto name, for 66 bucks a set at Grainger.com

 

[Fedwrench]

You have more options than you think. First, you may want to search the archives as this has been discussed brfore.

Here's a set of Proto supershort sockets at MSC direct.
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=5867997&PMT4NO=71117051
They are probably as good as Mac but, cheaper.

Another option for short sockets could be the this set up from Craftsman. They are 12 point wrench sockets that you use with a matching ratcheting wrench instead of a conventional ratchet.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942816000P?keyword=wrench+sockets

Lastly for you consideration is the Gearwrench pass through system. These have the ability to be used over threaded studs.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-2723-k-d-tools-893823.aspx

 

[bmxr4life87]

what about buying a set of short sockets then turning them down on a lathe or mill? then turn down the male part of your ratchet and walah your good to go. my only question is why wouldnt you just use a ratcheting wrench?

 

[scottmlew]

Fedwrench, thx for the suggestions. I did search archives and found the Craftsman and Gearwrench options, but not the Protos...thx for pointing that out.

I should have mentioned that I want a "traditional" socket option so that they can be used on a regular ratchet.

 

[scottmlew]

what about buying a set of short sockets then turning them down on a lathe or mill? then turn down the male part of your ratchet and walah your good to go. my only question is why wouldnt you just use a ratcheting wrench?

No lathe or mill

You're right that a ratcheting wrench would work in many (most?) situations, but 1) I'd like a 6 point solution and those are few and far between in ratcheting wrenches, and 2) I'd like more tools

 

[Major Ramifications]

I have a set of the Craftsman low profile sockets like these:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942800000P?keyword=craftsman+low+socket+set
They are made to go into the racheting wrenches.

 

[BackTracker]

I have a set of the Craftsman low profile sockets like these:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942800000P?keyword=craftsman+low+socket+set
They are made to go into the racheting wrenches.

And they are EXTREMELY low profile.

 

[Elroy]

If you want a really short socket. Do what Elroy did and simply cut one down to fit:

 

[jamesemery728]

I have a set of the Craftsman low profile sockets like these:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942800000P?keyword=craftsman+low+socket+set
They are made to go into the racheting wrenches.

+1 on these, they work well and are very low profile.

 

[Kurt4440]

Armstrong Eliminator sets would be in the same catagory as the Matco Special Forces.
The SK XXL flex G-Pro wrench sets are very low profile and carry a lifetime warranty, however, they are not made in the U.S.A.
The Craftsman wrench socket sets are a good addition to an existing ratcheting wrench set.
Harbor Freight makes a pass thru socket set that can be used with their ratchet or any 3/4" wrench/socket

 

[Mickey O]

If you want a really short socket. Do what Elroy did and simply cut one down to fit:

I've got a whole pile of those, from small to large, just wish I used Craftsman sockets though.

 

[Mickey O]

These adapters put in a ratcheting wrench give you a very low profile "ratchet".

 

[superautobacs]

Go-thru sockets:

Here's a rat. wrench with a socket adaptor and a standard SO socket VS a go-thru socket:

 

[dede2897234]

Superautobacs,

Who is the manufacturer of the go-thru sockets? Do you have a link to the manufacturer's website for the go-thru sockets? If not, what is the model number associated with the sockets?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[superautobacs]

Dave,

The 6pt is offered by Deen: http://www.f-gear.co.jp/deen/openend.htm

The 12pt is offered by KTC: http://ktc.jp/catalog/html/bz14-08w~14w.php

Danaher (Craftsman and Armstrong) also makes them, and IIRC, they work on standard 12pt wrenches.

[EDIT] Sorry, misinformation on the Danaher stuff. It only works on a dedicated ratchet. It's called Pass-thru and it's found in most (all?) Danaher subsidiaries: Matco, Armstrong, Kobalt, GearWrench (KD).