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

[KenC]

I use deep sockets a few times for extra fastener travel (the broached concept). My 1/4" set gets a lot more deep socket usage, partly because I like the extra area to spin on and off with my fingers, especially when I am not using an extension.

It's like the concept of skips: you may never use a 18mm wrench, until you need it!

I remember back in the 80s, not an 18mm in my or Dad's sets. Then came the need to pull a Ford Pickup bed. All 18mm. Stop work and go buy a couple. Then a few years ago, needed to pull the front seats for a Mopar minivan. Go buy a 20mm deep socket cause that was skipped in my deep set. Moral: don't buy sets with skips!

 

[Jgaz]

@KenC

The first 18mm I saw was in 1977 when GM designed the B and C bodies. Chevy impala, olds 88 and 98 etc.

I working the front end rack in a Chevy/olds dealer and almost overnight I needed 18mm shallow and deep sockets as well as box and open end wrenches.

This was in addition to needing an 18mm pass thru socket for the nuts on the UCA pivot bar that had to be loosened in order to replace the adjustment shims.
I had more metric stuff then some guys due to my time in a motorcycle shop.

At that time the tool trucks were the only game in my little town for new tools like those.