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

[oldschoolcraft]

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

I've never needed most of my tools. 10% of my tools do 90% of the work. I'd love a full garage with 3/4" and 1" drive sockets, just in case for added torque. My biggest fear is taking my car or something else mission critical apart, and getting stuck. Now I've made things much worse than if I just paid someone else to do it.

 

[AJHD]

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

I'm the opposite. I prefer shallow or semi-deep unless I need a deep for the job.
Honestly, I've not run into many tasks where a deep socket was mission critical, working my own car or when I was a mechanic.
I used them more just because I had them, although definitely more so when I was turning wrenches (sockets in this case) for a living.

Hell, I don't currently own any 1/4" deep, the only 3/8" deep I own is a set of Icon impacts I haven't used, and the only 1/2" deeps I have left are a 19, 21 and 22 (common lug nut sizes). I also have a 32mm for my vehicle's axle nut.

I sold all of my Snap On 1/4" impacts last year and I sold all of my Snap On 3/8" deep and 1/2" deep sockets last year as well.

Semi-deeps and shallow seem to cover 99% of what I would need them for these days, or I use a wrench.

 

[Wamsutta]

My biggest fear is taking my car or something else mission critical apart, and getting stuck. Now I've made things much worse than if I just paid someone else to do it.

I use to have that same fear back in my younger days. It helps to have a friend that's a mechanical expert there beside you while you're doing the repair. And then later on as you gain more confidence in your mechanical abilities, all you'll need is service data to guide you through.

 

[jar944]

My biggest fear is taking my car or something else mission critical apart, and getting stuck. Now I've made things much worse than if I just paid someone else to do it.

I swapped engines in my wife's commuter car with a kobalt 3/8 socket set and a set of combination wrenches.

OK that's not 100% true I grabbed a wobble extension out of my box and used a impact/sockets but I could have skipped both.

 

[marak]

Did AI ask this question?

 

[AEAdam]

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.

Finally the right answer! Too bad its not the answer he was looking for.

The reality is, deep sockets weren't designed for this, but this ^^^ is how we mostly use them. They were designed for nuts on all thread like battery hold downs where the protruding threaded fastener wouldnt allow a normal socket to be used and the goofy U shaped battery hold down beam prevented the use of a wrench.

I too only use my deeps as built in extensions. I never need the true functionality of a deep socket. Snap On semi-deeps have always covered me. If you think about it, why would any manufacturer have useless threads protruding above a nut? I've only ever seen this in a few places. Ground studs, starter motor wire lugs, swing sets, stuff like that. With swing sets, a wrench is usually good enough.

I have shallows, semis, and deeps in 3/8" drive chrome. Recommend only the first 2. In 1/4" I don't have a set of deeps in my main box. I have deep 1/2" impacts and use them almost exclusively.

 

[turner66]

In addition to all the examples mentioned so far...

My example of work i did just today alone is diesel turbocharger/intercooler pipe clamps.
I guarantee you will invent new 4 letter words if you don't have a deep socket for these!

In fact, I couldn't survive a day without deep sockets working on diesel trucks in general...

 

[dchawk81]

Finally the right answer! Too bad its not the answer he was looking for.

The reality is, deep sockets weren't designed for this, but this ^^^ is how we mostly use them. They were designed for nuts on all thread like battery hold downs where the protruding threaded fastener wouldnt allow a normal socket to be used and the goofy U shaped battery hold down beam prevented the use of a wrench.

I too only use my deeps as built in extensions. I never need the true functionality of a deep socket. Snap On semi-deeps have always covered me. If you think about it, why would any manufacturer have useless threads protruding above a nut? I've only ever seen this in a few places. Ground studs, starter motor wire lugs, swing sets, stuff like that. With swing sets, a wrench is usually good enough.

I have shallows, semis, and deeps in 3/8" drive chrome. Recommend only the first 2. In 1/4" I don't have a set of deeps in my main box. I have deep 1/2" impacts and use them almost exclusively.

This makes me ask....

Who else has used half the anvil of a ratchet just to make a standard depth socket work?

 

[OccupantRJ]

This makes me ask....

Who else has used half the anvil of a ratchet just to make a standard depth socket work?

Anyone who hasn’t has not worked on much.

 

[Ilikeike]

I use a deep socket instead of a short extension and standard socket at times.
Sometimes you just need that little extra reach, and not necessarily the deep future for clearing a stud.

Like I just noticed was already posted above..

 

[roofdweller49]

I bought deep 1/2" impact as per recommendations here. Problem was, in conjunction with the impact wrench, it sometimes gets barely too long, but will clear with a shallow. So, now I got both...

 

[no704]

Provides a handle once the fasteners are broken loose.

 

[AEAdam]

This makes me ask....

Who else has used half the anvil of a ratchet just to make a standard depth socket work?

Funny.

I think deeps are easier to remove as well. Especially in 1/4”. I feel like I use 1/4” drive a lot but mine are all still pretty tight fitting. When my hands get greasy, the 8mm can be tough.

 

[M635_Guy]

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

This is the main answer - any time you've got thread that is or will be above the top of the nut/fastener, a deep is needed.

Sometimes it's just a built-in extension, but for me I use my shallows 95% of the time, and since I work on stuff with a lot of tight spaces (Mini, Mazda hatch, etc.) I have a couple sets of 3/8" and 1/4" sets that are super shallow. I have long 1/2" impacts and a 3/8" set of long chrome, which has been enough for me to do the relatively-diverse set of things I do. I use the impacts far more often than the chrome.

 

[speed bump]

Basically anytime you need to **** something together a deep socket is needed.

I grab them first pretty much all the time because if it fits there is no downside to using it and it's easier to swap deep sockets than shallows.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Here is a special deep socket that I remember I made about 20 years ago to get the oil pressure sending unit out of a 92 S-10 that my son had. Most of my tools were in storage at the time from us being flooded out at another location. I had a few sockets and oddities in an old tote toolbox, so I cut an 1-1/16 cheap socket, along with a spark plug socket to end up with the size, depth, and 3/8 drive I needed to fit a cheap socket set I had on hand. The spark plug socket was the perfect size to press into the pipe, and I used a neighbor’s welder, grinder, and vise to git ‘er done.

 

[darkzero]

Wow really (?)... interesting. I've worked in automotive most of my life, I use deep sockets most of the time even when not needed. Keeps me from busting my knuckles, provides extra clearance, & eliminates the need for an extension many times.

I can't say I rarely use shallow sockets but I don't use them nearly as often. Really only when I need a lower profile/fit in tighter areas.

Now pass through sockets, not the same in my book & completely different in functionality than deep sockets IMO. I bought a pass through ratchet & sockets from Matco 25 yrs ago. I pretty much never used the pass through sockets/feature.

 

[NoahG]

This forum always makes me question my reality. My go-to has always been 3/8DR deep sockets. I don’t work on cars. I do light to medium industrial work fabricating displays, theatrical scenery, and doing finish carpentry type work.

When one is assembling things made out of 1/2” and 3/4” ply, you often use the bolt as a drift pin to help line up holes. Pieces often don’t sit tight and flush with each other, sometimes the gap can be a 1/2” between units before they’re tightened. In these scenarios it’s often advantageous to have a deep socket.

 

[toolenthusiast]

How in the world is this even a question?

It’s not, it’s bait

 

[Citation]

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.

This is basically why I use them almost all the time. Yeah, sometimes I have a fastener where I need the extra depth but most of the time it's because I want that extra 1" of clearance between the ratchet handle and what ever needs fixing. I actually started using the deep sockets because the 3" extension that came with my Craftsman set was too long and a standard socket wasn't long enough to get access to various parts on my car. Much later I realized a 1" extension is actually useful for exactly that reason.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Home gamer also don't use deep sockets often but I do have them. Save up and buy 6 sets, 1/4, 3/8/, and 1/2 drive. Chrome for 1/4 and 3/8, impacts for 1/2 drive. CM V Series or Snap on.

 

[whateg01]

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.

Not just every length, but often different combinations of extension and socket.

 

[whateg01]

I've never needed most of my tools. 10% of my tools do 90% of the work. I'd love a full garage with 3/4" and 1" drive sockets, just in case for added torque. My biggest fear is taking my car or something else mission critical apart, and getting stuck. Now I've made things much worse than if I just paid someone else to do it.

If you never use deep sockets, odds of you needing 3/4" or especially 1" drive sockets is probably lower than winning the lottery. Why would you even want them?

 

[niget2002]

Mostly for tightening something held on with U bolts. Otherwise, I replace the too long bolt with an appropriately sized one.

 

[john.k]

Just got a rack of deep metrics yesterday ...for the glow plugs on my pickup.........could have bought just one,but the whole rail is only twice the price .............when I worked on Detroit 2 strokes ,Deep sockets allowed me to trim the bihex down when the incredibly hard 12 point bolt heads chopped out the working part ...........never seen bolts like those GM motors ,hard ,and very sharp................Some deeps are a ripoff ,having only normal bihex depth and then plain .......check before buying.

 

[the intimidator]

I use my 3/8 drive semi deep sockets 90% of the time one they seem to fit everywhere two taking shallow sockets off Snapon ratchets is nearly impossible without the little orange pocket screwdriver!! 1/2” I generally grab my deep impact sockets for most things never really think to grab the short ones deep sockets are definitely very necessary!! If you could only get one good set I’d recommend semi deep to get you covered most of the time though!

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Thanks for the replies so far, it does sound like they are used for convenience most of the time. As for why I haven't used them for convenience, even though I have them, they have never been with me when I am doing car repair. I live in an apartment, have to take my tools to a friends house to do any work, and I've been just taking shallow sockets with me, after watching videos and not seeing the need for a deep on any fasteners I have worked on in my cars.

I do see if I had a stocked toolbox next to me, I would grab the deeps instead of shallow as long as the deep can fit, even if it's not needed. That does make sense.

What I have decided to do is put together two mobile kits of sockets. I'm going to keep an 8mm to 19mm shallow socket set in 3/8" drive on a rail in my car trunk toolkit at all times. I'll add in a Quinn 3/8 ratchet next coupon. That's my emergency kit. I've already put the socket rail together, and I added in a few SAE sizes that dont overlap with metric. Just in case I come across something SAE, not necessarily car related, this is in my car trunk tool kit. Added in 3/8", 1/2", 9/16", and 11/16" in SAE sizes. Also going to consider a combination wrench set in the same sizes, once I decide on a storage system (leaning towards a wrench roll for this)

Then, separately, I'll have a car repair specific kit, that I dont keep in my car at all times. But is pre-packed and ready to go. It's 3/8" drive shallow and deep in 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, and 19mm. Those are the sizes my car uses. There's also 22 and 24 and 27 under the car but if I start doing drive train stuff, I will bring the 1/2" impacts plus breaker bar, impact wrench, and ratchet.

I'm also working on some ratcheting wrenches and possibly XL 0 degree fixed end wrenches, just in the sizes for my car, an 8-10, and a 12-14, might not even bother with 17-19 since I haven't even hit one of those sizes yet in any of my work, I know they are there though.

I'm not interesting in hauling a full set of shallow and deep everything to a friends house to do car work, but if I have shallow and deep for my JIS sizes, and then I have a full shallow set for just in case I install an aftermarket part with a non-standard size, then I think I'm covered.

Sorry to those who think I'm trolling, I'm not.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

I've never needed most of my tools. 10% of my tools do 90% of the work. I'd love a full garage with 3/4" and 1" drive sockets, just in case for added torque. My biggest fear is taking my car or something else mission critical apart, and getting stuck. Now I've made things much worse than if I just paid someone else to do it.

I don’t think you will find too many 3” fasteners on your car let alone 2” that would require those tools. You must have a money tree in your back yard because if you do go out and buy all that you will spend many thousands of $$$$. Mine were expensive 30 years ago and would likely scare the **** out of you today

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I don’t think you will find too many 3” fasteners on your car let alone 2” that would require those tools. You must have a money tree in your back yard because if you do go out and buy all that you will spend many thousands of $$$$. Mine were expensive 30 years ago and would likely scare the **** out of you today

I already have 1/2" drive up to 1 1/2" / 38mm but I'm hearing the optimal drive size caps out at 2x, so 1" or 25mm would be max that 1/2"-drive is optimal for.

I'm guessing there might be some scenarios where I'm having trouble with a 30mm or 32mm axle nut, or even a 22mm or 24mm drive train fastener that going from 1/2" drive up to 3/4" drive might make sense. I haven't explored that part of the car yet though. Plan on doing my brakes soon as my first thing down there, but even that doesnt use anything bigger than 19mm I dont think.

What I'm probably going to wind up doing, because Tekton offers single sockets at a reasonable price is snag a few 3/4" drive in the JIS sizes, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32 and a breaker bar. Won't even get a ratchet. Just break it with 3/4" drive and then switch to 1/2" drive. But I know if I wind up doing that, then the rest of the sizes will wind up coming home with me too eventually because I know how I am. And that's not a good thing. But I think under $500 will get a full set of 3/4" drive from Tekton plus a breaker bar.

The main reason I'm even considering 3/4" drive is because I live in an apartment and can't own a torch. I'll probably add an inductive heater in the near future. I dont want to get stuck with 1/2" drive and a breaker bar and then throw my hands up in the air and have to tow the car to a professional who will now charge me extra for bringing him the car in pieces.

 

[M635_Guy]

I already have 1/2" drive up to 1 1/2" / 38mm but I'm hearing the optimal drive size caps out at 2x, so 1" or 25mm would be max that 1/2"-drive is optimal for.

I'm guessing there might be some scenarios where I'm having trouble with a 30mm or 32mm axle nut, or even a 22mm or 24mm drive train fastener that going from 1/2" drive up to 3/4" drive might make sense. I haven't explored that part of the car yet though. Plan on doing my brakes soon as my first thing down there, but even that doesnt use anything bigger than 19mm I dont think.

What I'm probably going to wind up doing, because Tekton offers single sockets at a reasonable price is snag a few 3/4" drive in the JIS sizes, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32 and a breaker bar. Won't even get a ratchet. Just break it with 3/4" drive and then switch to 1/2" drive. But I know if I wind up doing that, then the rest of the sizes will wind up coming home with me too eventually because I know how I am. And that's not a good thing. But I think under $500 will get a full set of 3/4" drive from Tekton plus a breaker bar.

The main reason I'm even considering 3/4" drive is because I live in an apartment and can't own a torch. I'll probably add an inductive heater in the near future. I dont want to get stuck with 1/2" drive and a breaker bar and then throw my hands up in the air and have to tow the car to a professional who will now charge me extra for bringing him the car in pieces.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but you're over-thinking it.

I've never had more than 1/2"-drive tools, and done just about everything outside of a motor on the various family cars (make no mistake, I'm slow and terrible, but I get the jobs done). I can't think of the last time I needed SAE, either. The biggest fasteners I've dealt with are well above 25mm (mainly hub nuts, which are 36/38mm or bigger) and my 1/2" mid-torque has zero issues with them. It has worked so well I sold my High Torque, and several full suspensions later I haven't missed it a bit. The only thing I can think of that might not be up to my current setup would be something like crank hub nuts, which are notoriously hard on the Honda I have in my driveway, and no small feat for the old BMW either. The likelihood I'm doing either of those things is pretty low. I'm reasonably confident in my skills to (slowly and gracelessly) complete stuff like brakes, suspension, motor mounts and various other "nuts and bolts" tasks, but once the conversation turns to the workings of the motor itself I'm generally going to turn to a pro.

As a pretty-active automotive DIY'er, I literally can't remember the last time I used any of my breaker bars. It's been at least ten years, and probably closer to 15. Impact sockets are pretty much a solved product - even the cheapest HF Pittsburgh sockets are fully up to DIY life and more, so having a set of standard and deep in the sizes you need is very affordable.

Any money you're considering putting in 3/4" tools should be aimed at a good 1/2" impact wrench (I'd recommend a mid-torque for its size versatility). Your friend will be happy you're able to complete your work more easily... and more quickly...

 

[Notgrownup]

Son, you ain’t lived long enough then…lol

 

[NUTTSGT]

This makes me ask....

Who else has used half the anvil of a ratchet just to make a standard depth socket work?

When it's the only tool available, you improvise.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I don’t remember when I specifically NEEDED them, but I have always been afraid to let go of my deep 3/4” drive socket set. Maybe axle nuts on old cars. Realistically I should, though.

 

[whateg01]

I don’t remember when I specifically NEEDED them, but I have always been afraid to let go of my deep 3/4” drive socket set. Maybe axle nuts on old cars. Realistically I should, though.

Get rid of them. You'll know in short order what it was you needed them for.

 

[jar944]

I already have 1/2" drive up to 1 1/2" / 38mm but I'm hearing the optimal drive size caps out at 2x, so 1" or 25mm would be max that 1/2"-drive is optimal for.

Are you planning on buying some heavy equipment?

Or do you just want to collect tools for the sake if it?

 

[AJHD]

I don’t remember when I specifically NEEDED them, but I have always been afraid to let go of my deep 3/4” drive socket set. Maybe axle nuts on old cars. Realistically I should, though.

Having worked on heavy equipment (very large machines), most of our daily work was still done with 3/8" or 1/2" tools. The only exception being larger wrenches mainly for hydraulic fittings or just holding nuts/bolts while tightening/torquing.

I wasn't about to invest in 3/4" drive tools, that's what the tool room was for. Even then, needing 3/4" wasn't a daily occurrence.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Are you planning on buying some heavy equipment?

Or do you just want to collect tools for the sake if it?

I would like to eventually live on some ranch in a rural place with heavy equipment. I wouldn't buy any 1" drive tools until then because that dream may never materialize and I already have most of my tools in storage. But it's possible I come across some smoking good deal on 1" drive tools that I can't pass up to keep in storage.

There's a member here who a while back scored a deal on a full set of 20ish striking slugging wrenches for $80. For that price, I wouldn't be able to turn those down either.

If I ever get into doing drive train stuff on cars, I can see myself getting some 3/4" drive sockets in a handful of commonly used sizes. Just to have in case I take my car apart and get stuck on something but lack a torch to get the fastener out.

 

[richfinn]

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but you're over-thinking it.

I've never had more than 1/2"-drive tools, and done just about everything outside of a motors on the various family cars (make no mistake, I'm slow and terrible, but I get the jobs done). I can't think of the last time I needed SAE, either. The biggest fasteners I've dealt with are well above 25mm (mainly hub nuts, which are 36/38mm or bigger) and my 1/2" mid-torque has zero issues with them. It has worked so well I sold my High Torque, and several full suspensions later I haven't missed it a bit. The only thing I can think of that might not be up to my current setup would be something like crank hub nuts, which are notoriously hard on the Honda I have in my driveway, and no small feat for the old BMW either. The likelihood I'm doing either of those things is pretty low. I'm reasonably confident in my skills to (slowly and gracelessly) complete stuff like brakes, suspension, motor mounts and various other "nuts and bolts" tasks, but once the conversation turns to the workings of the motor itself I'm generally going to turn to a pro.

As a pretty-active automotive DIY'er, I literally can't remember the last time I used any of my breaker bars. It's been at least ten years, and probably closer to 15. Impact sockets are pretty much a solved product - even the cheapest HF Pittsburgh sockets are fully up to DIY life and more, so having a set of standard and deep in the sizes you need is very affordable.

Any money you're considering putting in 3/4" tools should be aimed at a good 1/2" impact wrench (I'd recommend a mid-torque for its size versatility). Your friend will be happy you're able to complete your work more easily... and more quickly...

I've got an extendable 3/4" breaker bar and a handful of 3/4" metric impact sockets (supplied by work).

I don't use them often, mostly for wheel changes on old van and trucks.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have a 3/4 drive 6 point socket set from 7/8 up to 2”that I bought at a cheap tool sale 50 years ago for $30. I work on anything from a telehandler and smaller these days, and have only had to get it out a very few times, mostly for the sizes of the sockets, not because of needing the high torque. Throw a piece of pipe as a cheater on a 1/2 drive breaker bar and have at it. One of my best purchases has been the long HF 1/2” breaker bar, and I have been doing mechanical work for close to 60 years. Tools are expendable, I make it easy on my body at 71.

 

[jar944]

If I ever get into doing drive train stuff on cars, I can see myself getting some 3/4" drive sockets in a handful of commonly used sizes. Just to have in case I take my car apart and get stuck on something but lack a torch to get the fastener out.

What are planning on driving the 3/4" socket with that is going to make a difference in your hypothetical scenario?