What are Deep Sockets For? I've Never Needed One

[oldschoolcraft]

I'm sure this is going to be super basic of a question, but I've never needed deep sockets before, ever. My home gamer car repair work has been limited to inside the engine bay and the trans/oil drain plugs. I'm going to start adventuring more onto the drive train of the vehicle this year.

I'm sure they must be important because I've never seen a list of tools that didn't include both shallow and deep sockets, and anytime the topic of mid-length comes up, people still say "doesnt matter, still need deep"

As far as I can gather, the use for deep sockets is if you have a nut that is on a bolt (or other threaded thing) and the nut is too far down on the threads to reach it with your shallow socket. I've never seen one on my car anywhere I've poked around. Is there any general places where these are used more often?

Is there any other types of needs for deep sockets than that one?

What percentage use case when you're using sockets do you find yourself needing deep sockets? Is it like 50-50 to shallow or is it only like 10% or less?

I do understand that sometimes people use deep sockets when a shallow socket + a short extension might work. I also understand that some people might only have 1/2" drive impacts in deeps to save money and toolbox space since if you can fit a 1/2" impact you can probably fit a deep socket. I'm asking about when you actually need a deep socket and nothing else will do.

Is it usually certain parts of the car, or certain manufacturers or where does this come up the most often? In my exuberance to create a toolkit several years ago I bought both shallow and deep and haven't touched the deeps yet. I wonder if I could have gotten away with a pass thru socket set or ratcheting wrenches instead for times when shallows dont work.

 

[rooster59]

If you don’t have any it’s 100% you’ll need one

 

[4xdog]

I've used deep sockets thousands of times around the house and in the garage. If you haven't needed them yet, it's a sure thing you will.

Probably sooner than later, too, now that you've tempted the fates by mentioning it.

 

[swsman]

I have and use shallow, mid and deep sockets.

You will find plenty of use for deep sockets in automotive, also in and around the house/yard machines maintenance/repair etc. if you have any.

Like everything else tool related, when you need it nothing else will get it done. You will know.

 

[Fedwrench]

I probably use semi deep or mid length sockets more than deep sockets these days.

Deep sockets aren't just for when you have a long threaded section above a nut. You can use them on lug nuts when you want more reach. Their use is only limited by your imagination. Don't forget about extra deep sockets for fuel tank straps and bumper bolts.

You also have to remember that this is Garage Journal where it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it

 

[Wamsutta]

 

[richfinn]

Spark plugs require "deep sockets" to clear the ceramic.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Spark plugs require "deep sockets" to clear the ceramic.

But don't they also require speciality sockets with magnets or rubber boots. So you're not really using the regular Deep Sockets on those anyway, right?

 

[Firebrick43]

But don't they also require speciality sockets with magnets or rubber boots. So you're not really using the regular Deep Sockets on those anyway, right?

Rubber boot? Maybe rubber insert but its still a deep socket.


I take it you have never worked on a GM truck in the last 20 years especially the front suspension? The studs are super long. Good luck with a short socket.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Rubber boot? Maybe rubber insert but its still a deep socket.

Sorry if I'm using the wrong term, I think there's some rubber insert that is designed to latch into the spark plug for removal. It's a deep socket but it's not part of a deep socket set. It's a totally separate set of 2 to 4 specialty "spark plug sockets". Sorry maybe I should clarify - when do you use "regular" deep sockets from a deep socket set.

I take it you have never worked on a GM truck in the last 20 years especially the front suspension? The studs are super long. Good luck with a short socket.

No, I have only worked on three different cars in the last 20 years, I'm a home gamer, not a professional mechanic, and I've never even done any of my own suspension work. That's why I'm curious, I'm sure deep sockets must be used somewhere common, I've never seen anyone not include deep sockets on the mandatory tool lists. But I've never used one in many years of casual socket use so I'm wondering where they show up. I bought them, I own them, just never used them.

 

[f121]

But don't they also require speciality sockets with magnets or rubber boots. So you're not really using the regular Deep Sockets on those anyway, right?

They require a deep socket, some form of plug retention is nice to have.

I use deeps a lot on suspension and also to tweak the stack height when working around obstacles, a deep is usually a touch shorter than a shallow on an extension. If I was starting today, I’d buy deep sockets a long time before I bought a pass through ratchet (been wrenching for 20+ years before I bought one of them).

 

[Mikeske]

I am a retired vehicle/ aircraft mechanic and I used all the various length of sockets. As a matter of fact my set I used professional followed me home and those sockets still reside in my home shop. Last month when I pulled an engine from a car I used so many different sockets I have to stop every couple hours and inventory and put back in box what I was not using. You eventually will have a need for deep and probably a mid length socket sometime in the future.

 

[Wamsutta]

I used so many different sockets I have to stop every couple hours and inventory and put back in box what I was not using.

That's from being an aircraft mechanic.

 

[johnre]

Usually a deep socket is the first one I go for, unless it's a location that's space constrained, or if I'm using a torque driver and want accuracy - only then do I get the shallow socket.

Because I then know I won't run into the end of the threaded stock, whatever length it is.

And it's also easier to clear obstructions on the ratchet driver swing, saving you fingers.

 

[richfinn]

Sorry if I'm using the wrong term, I think there's some rubber insert that is designed to latch into the spark plug for removal. It's a deep socket but it's not part of a deep socket set. It's a totally separate set of 2 to 4 specialty "spark plug sockets". Sorry maybe I should clarify - when do you use "regular" deep sockets from a deep socket set.


No, I have only worked on three different cars in the last 20 years, I'm a home gamer, not a professional mechanic, and I've never even done any of my own suspension work. That's why I'm curious, I'm sure deep sockets must be used somewhere common, I've never seen anyone not include deep sockets on the mandatory tool lists. But I've never used one in many years of casual socket use so I'm wondering where they show up. I bought them, I own them, just never used them.

That's when you use deep sockets, when you need clearance (for a stud or ceramic on a spark plug), or extended reach like mini extensions

 

[demarpaint]

Wow, I use deep sockets a lot. In fact if I didn't have them things like a tune up would be difficult or impossible, along with a ton of other jobs.

 

[Kurt4440]

Of course I have a full set of deep sockets, you will eventually if you keep working on cars and equipment.
I would say over the last 5 decades of working on things, smaller and shorter tools are more necessary than ever. These sockets are useful, and not just in a stubby impact gun.

 

[gungatim]

Deep sockets allow hand clearance between the ratchet and end of the socket that a short one does not allow. Of course, you could use an extension, but why use two tools when one will do? It's about efficiency for me.

 

[purplezr2]

Use deep sockets on impacts a lot to give more area for my hand to guide the socket on to the fastener.

As others have mentioned suspension bolts, stud fasteners, boost clamps, spark plugs in some case if I didn't have dedicated socket in the correct size.

 

[Joemctag]

Well, maybe I’m different. Say I’m going to loosen or tighten a fastener in an engine bay. There’s usually alot of stuff in the way, so to swing the ratchet, I need a certain total length of sockets and extensions. And often a long socket is one of those. Always seemed obvious. Short and long and every possible length of extension, particularly short ones.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Retired journeyman heavy equipment mechanic I used deep impact sockets probably more often than not just for clearance. On larger sizes using any kind of extension seems to loose power because of rotational flex. Also used many chrome deeps on hydraulic valves to remove cartridges.

 

[seber]

All of my ratchets are stored with a 3" extension attached. Those extensions rarely come off. With that setup, my deep well sockets NEVER get used. In fact they have been in the original box for over 20 years. Spark plug sockets are a separate tool. The one thing that makes that possible is that at my age, I don't so anything that requires me to get under the car other than oil changes. Suspension work is in my long lost youth.

 

[OccupantRJ]

A deep socket 6 point is usually my go-to when I reach the tool box.

 

[jar944]

I use them all the time, typically for clearance around something.

 

[F-22]

I have deep and shallow and enjoy using the deep ones. They often clear stuff better.

That said, I'm from central Europe. It is actually quite uncommon to find deep sockets here. If you go to a physical store it's unlikely you'll see them. Old tool sets only had the shallow sockets. I think they slowly started to gain on popularity in recent years. To most people they'd seem like quite exotic tools for niche needs. Except for actual purpose made sockets e.g. for spark plugs...

Similarly, 3/8" drive size is very "exotic" in these parts. A mechanic will have a 1/4" and a 1/2" because you can do everything and more with those when compared to the 3/8". But I do have 3/8" and sometimes they are just the right size to clear stuff...

So I'd say they're very nice to have. But I know you can 100% live without them in my part of the world. Maybe cars are also more designed in that way? We don't really have any proper American cars here. On the other hand, in certain parts mechanics really enjoy their "cle a pipe" and the forged tubular box wrenches which are probably very uncommon in the US.

 

[Theronswanson]

I prefer deep sockets over shallow ones. I only use shallow sockets when I have to. Plenty of uses for deep sockets however, battery hold downs, some lug nuts, u-bolts etc. As a diesel tech for a few years, I had to have a couple extra deep sockets for brake chambers, fuel tank straps and u-bolts.

 

[bwringer]

How in the world is this even a question?

As to specific examples, engine mounts, alternators, water pumps all usually require deeps. You can't do much suspension work at all without deeps; every ball joint, tie rod, pitman arm, etc. needs a deep. Ever work on a FWD/AWD vehicle? You'll need a deep for the axle nut. Work on trucks? You'll need deeps for the axle u-bolts. Most bolts through bushings. Muffler clamps. Regular sockets don't sit down all the way on many styles of lug nuts.

If you've made it this far without them, then you must not have done much.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have a couple of deep sockets that I made/modified working in an industrial environment on hot things, hard to reach things, and conveyor take ups. When I need a special I cut a deep socket in two pieces, then tig weld it to an appropriate length piece of pipe or tubing. You can then reach out and touch someone with less flex than a length of extensions that might come loose and cause other issues. I had the ability to order another socket of the brand and type I wanted to replace one that I had used for that.

 

[dchawk81]

Deep sockets are for when shallow sockets aren't deep enough.

This thread doesn't need to be this long.

 

[308guru]

How is it even possible to never have used a deep socket while working on cars? Every time I touch something on a vehicle I'm using a deep socket (out of necessity) at least once.

 

[jar944]

Deep sockets are for when shallow sockets aren't deep enough.

This thread doesn't need to be this long.

They are also for when you cant find the std socket you were looking for.

 

[dchawk81]

They are also for when you cant find the std socket you were looking for.

Is it a HIPAA violation to talk about your own STDs?

 

[Ricky Joe]

I usually use deep sockets unless I need to use a shallow one. Just personal preference.

 

[dchawk81]

I usually use deep sockets unless I need to use a shallow one. Just personal preference.

My guy bringing the logic.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

How in the world is this even a question?

As to specific examples, engine mounts, alternators, water pumps all usually require deeps. You can't do much suspension work at all without deeps; every ball joint, tie rod, pitman arm, etc. needs a deep. Ever work on a FWD/AWD vehicle? You'll need a deep for the axle nut. Work on trucks? You'll need deeps for the axle u-bolts. Most bolts through bushings. Muffler clamps. Regular sockets don't sit down all the way on many styles of lug nuts.

If you've made it this far without them, then you must not have done much.

I've done engine mounts, alternator, and water pump without a deep socket. I've never touched anything in the drive train or exhaust, just the engine compartment. I'm guessing it's car-specific.

 

[drmarkr]

I've done engine mounts, alternator, and water pump without a deep socket. I've never touched anything in the drive train or exhaust, just the engine compartment. I'm guessing it's car-specific.

Nah....just the limited projects you've undertaken so far. Without a doubt, there are several locations on your car that require one.

But like others noted above, this IS the Garage Journal, and it's time for a good set of deep wells. Just do it!!

 

[dchawk81]

I've done engine mounts, alternator, and water pump without a deep socket. I've never touched anything in the drive train or exhaust, just the engine compartment. I'm guessing it's car-specific.

I think it's car specific in that your particular car(s) haven't needed deep sockets.

 

[bigredcornhead]

Studs, all thread, fuel tank straps, exhaust clamp bolts. carriage bolts, all sorts of stuff.

 

[dchawk81]

Studs, all thread, fuel tank straps, exhaust clamp bolts. carriage bolts, all sorts of stuff.

I used an 11mm deep 6 point this morning for an exhaust clamp.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you have never needed one, why would you want one? In 1" drive no less