Who makes 3/8" Chrome Semi-Deep Sockets?

[PretendMechanic]

I'm looking to re-do all my metric 3/8" chrome hand sockets and want a set of semi-deep to go along with shallow and deep sockets.

I was initially thinking of going with Williams USA for the shallow and deeps and then pony-ing up for Snap-on on the semi-deeps (since they're supposedly and probably the same sockets), but I'm not a fan of the fact that Snap-on only goes up to 20mm on the semi-deeps but beyond 24mm on the shallows and deeps. Really unfortunate as Snap-on is my favorite steel for chrome sockets.

The mis-match of size ranges between shallow, semi-deep, and deep ranges sort of drives me crazy, and I do like a nice range of 3/8" sockets as that's my most used drive size.

KTC does 6-24mm in shallow, deep, and semi deep and I'm leaning towards them unless I can find another reputable tool brand that does semi-deep chromes in a good range with no skips. I can probably tolerate 8-24mm but no less.

Are there any other brands I'm forgetting to consider which may suit my criteria?

**EDIT** Forgot to mention I'm after 6 point sockets.

 

[Pinemarten]

I think you could get by skipping the 20mm.........YMMV.......

 

[TdK71]

Don't laugh, these are some serious tools, I've got a lot of Snap-On hand tools and these match up well

ICON 3/8 in. Drive, Metric Professional Semi-Deep Socket, 12-Piece

 

[bcradio]

6-24mm in 3/8", shallow, mid, and deep (settling only for 8-24mm!)! That is a serious socket set you are after!

 

[Pinemarten]

I think finding a 6 and 7mm semi deep in 3/8" drive may be a challenge. Clearance for a 3/8 ratchet might be an issue where a 6mm or 7mm fastener is used. I would go with 1/4 drive for these.

You could also source 21mm, 22mm, 24mm (and even a 27mm) in 1/2 inch drive and fill out the Icon semi-deep set at a budget friendly price. By the time you are using a 21mm or larger socket, there is usually room for a drive adaptor.

 

[bwringer]

Don't laugh, these are some serious tools, I've got a lot of Snap-On hand tools and these match up well

ICON 3/8 in. Drive, Metric Professional Semi-Deep Socket, 12-Piece

Yup, I've got my eye on those next time an Icon-compatible coupon pops up. Although $45 honestly isn't at all outrageous. Still, it "only" goes 8-19mm.

 

[TdK71]

Yup, I've got my eye on those next time an Icon-compatible coupon pops up. Although $45 honestly isn't at all outrageous. Still, it "only" goes 8-19mm.

I know I'd like to see that set go to 21mm myself.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i have the icon mid length in sae, no complaints

 

[T45]

Take a look at proto intermediate. They go up to 22-24 IIRC. They are only in 12 point, but I'm not sure thats a deal killer if you are running x3 sets of other sockets in 3/8 drive.

Semi-deeps are versatile in 3/8. Retheaders on lug nuts go all the way down. Thats pretty good bolt clearance. Just my $0.02

I really like my Proto intermediates,in 1/4 and 3/8 drives.Zoro has them,kind of strange only singles tho.Dumped my deeps as I only reach for these.Definitively another good quality Proto product

 

[bcradio]

i have the icon mid length in sae, no complaints

I love my Icon mids as well.

 

[bonneyman]

6-24mm in 3/8", shallow, mid, and deep (settling only for 8-24mm!)! That is a serious socket set you are after!

Yep. Prepare to ream out your wallet!

 

[msbytes]

I own both impact and chrome Snap on 3/8 semi deep socket set. Bought 21mm impact separately, strange they don’t offer the 21mm in chrome.

 

[ecotec]

I have the ICON mid lengths in metric. I, honestly, haven’t used them enough for a real review. They have worked well for me.

I would look to the mechanics, who use them a lot, for a real review. I think that Blake has had them long enough to give a very qualified review… some of the other members have used them more than enough to do so as well.

I also have some Snap-on, Carlyle and some SK that are very close to mid length. I have only found the mid length SK up to 16mm so far. I had the SK before the other brands. They have held up great. No chrome loss…

 

[AEAdam]

I think Williams deep and shallow and Snap on semi deeps is a really smart cost saving approach. I use my semis the most, deeps the least. If you wanted to spend more on one set of sockets you’ll get tons of use out of semi deeps are it.

 

[PretendMechanic]

I think you could get by skipping the 20mm.........YMMV.......

I deal with old and rusty vehicles a lot, hammering on sockets is a part of life, can't do skips for this reason, it makes a difference to me. Yes, have good turbo extractor sockets also.

Don't laugh, these are some serious tools, I've got a lot of Snap-On hand tools and these match up well

ICON 3/8 in. Drive, Metric Professional Semi-Deep Socket, 12-Piece

No hate for icon here, didn't know they did semi-deeps. Since they do a nice 8-19mm with no skips if I decide to compromise on my semi-deep range I'm thinking Williams USA shallows, Williams USA deeps, and ICON semi deeps.

6-24mm in 3/8", shallow, mid, and deep (settling only for 8-24mm!)! That is a serious socket set you are after!

I are serious guy.

I think finding a 6 and 7mm semi deep in 3/8" drive may be a challenge. Clearance for a 3/8 ratchet might be an issue where a 6mm or 7mm fasten is used. I would go with 1/4 drive for these.

You could also source 21mm, 22mm, 24mm (and even a 27mm) in 1/2 inch drive and fill out the Icon semi-deep set at a budget friendly price. By the time you are using a 21mm or larger socket, there is usually room for a drive adaptor.

I rarely ever use 6mm, have used 7mm surprisingly often, definately use 8mm. Not gonna argue that 1/4" is better suited and I'll still have 1/4" sockets and 1/2" sockets. It's more for convenience of not having to grab an extra socket rail, extensions, ratchets, etc. in a different drive size. I often work out of a portable box and don't want to rummage through for more tools in the middle of a job.

I actually often also use 21, 23, and 24mm and it can get tight with 1/2" ratchets/breaker bars in some spots, I've gotten used to using 3/8" unless I need super high torque.

In a shop/garage environment with my big box and a workbench I always pick the best tool for the job, but when under a car on jackstands in a parking lot/pits/etc. I usually try to make the smallest mess of tools that I can as they just end up scattered everywhere on the floor. This way I can try and keep track of where everything is. Also really helps with clean up and not loosing tools

Yup, I've got my eye on those next time an Icon-compatible coupon pops up. Although $45 honestly isn't at all outrageous. Still, it "only" goes 8-19mm.

8-19mm is a nice range for most, but it's nice to know you can grab a semi deep in the same sizes you have shallows and deeps in (in my case would be 6-24 currently), makes work flow a lot easier, for me at least.

Take a look at proto intermediate. They go up to 22-24 IIRC. They are only in 12 point, but I'm not sure thats a deal killer if you are running x3 sets of other sockets in 3/8 drive.

Semi-deeps are versatile in 3/8. Retheaders on lug nuts go all the way down. Thats pretty good bolt clearance. Just my $0.02

I like me some Proto, was excited till I read the 12 point part. Always wrenching on old and rusty stuff often so 12 points and skips make my life rather difficulty, 12 point especially unfortunately.

Including the semi deeps, I would have 3x socket sets for my "3/8 chrome hand sockets". I agree, that with a nice range of closely sized extensions semi deeps are immensely versatile.

Yep. Prepare to ream out your wallet!

Gotta pay to play.

When you wrench long enough and decide this torturous job/hobbby is one you want to continue to suffer doing you realize you'll pay up for the right tool that works best for the way YOU work. In turn it will end up saving you time and and more importantly prevent the frustration of being in the predicament you've been in before and know all too well.

I own both impact and chrome Snap on 3/8 semi deep socket set. Bought 21mm impact separately, strange they don’t offer the 21mm in chrome.

Yeah, very annoying. I would actually pony up for Snap-on if they had a better range. But if you can get ICON before coupons for $45, it becomes hard to make an arguement for Snap-on.

So the list so far for 6 POINT Metric semi deeps are:
-KTC 6-24mm
-Snap-on 6-21mm
-ICON 8-19mm

What else we got?

 

[PretendMechanic]

I think Williams deep and shallow and Snap on semi deeps is a really smart cost saving approach. I use my semis the most, deeps the least. If you wanted to spend more on one set of sockets you’ll get tons of use out of semi deeps are it.

Couldn't agree more, since they are basically the same socket (tin foil hat activated). When I had access to semi deeps I found the same thing, they actually get used more than regular deeps.

I have found no better chrome sockets than Snap-on (ahem "Williams"). Yes there is much better bang for buck out there that will still get the job done, but when it comes to chrome hand drive tools (breaker bars, ratchets, extensions, sockets) I find nothing (that I've personally used) is as good as Snap-on.

I think it's the hardness of their steel, I appreciate the lack of flex and having more force actually transmitted to the fastener rather than lost in flexing the tool.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Gearwrench makes a set, I swear they were a lot cheaper when I was looking a couple months ago but here is the product as an example at least https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00829RMAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bwringer]

...So the list so far for 6 POINT Metric semi deeps are:
-KTC 6-24mm
-Snap-on 6-21mm
-ICON 8-19mm

What else we got?

Is that KTC set actually obtainable? All I can find, at least in the English-speaking bits of the web, are 8-19 sets.

Gearwrench has this 6 point semi-deep (they call it "mid-length") 6-19mm set with no skips. Somewhat reasonably priced, too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00829RMAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

However, they do not seem to make 20-24mm 3/8" drive sockets in mid-length, so there's not a way to supplement the base set... no results.

Shop Sockets from Gearwrench

Shop GEARWRENCH Sockets for your next job. Get things done and find the right product for your needs here.

www.gearwrench.com

 

[PretendMechanic]

Gearwrench makes a set, I swear they were a lot cheaper when I was looking a couple months ago but here is the product as an example at least https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00829RMAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon prices fluctuate a lot, not always representative of MSRP, keep that in mind when purchasing anything on Amazon. Use camelcamelcamel.com to get an idea.

Are Gearwrench sockets still Taiwanese? I know a lot of their stuff has switched to China. Was about to buy one of their breaker bars the other day till I noticed last minute it was made in China.

I wouldn't go near the Gearwrench set if it's made in China. I'm sure they'll be hitting up India soon.

Amazon is listing the COO for Gearwrench as Taiwan, but I know Amazon's product COO often fails to get updated when manufacturers cheap out.

The price is more than fair for a 6-19mm Taiwanese set. I need to start checking socket lengths to see what semi-deep even means between these companies now.

Is that KTC set actually obtainable? All I can find, at least in the English-speaking bits of the web, are 8-19 sets.

You usually have to jump through quite a few hoops to get your hands on Japanese tools, often even European tools. I'm willing to go the extra mile, I know most aren't.

To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe anyone in the US distributes KTC, not that I would pay the US markup even if someone did. I do the hoops, it's worth it to me.

Updated List of 3/8" Chrome 6-Point Metric Semi-Deep Sockets:
-KTC 6-24mm
-Snap-on 6-21mm
-Gearwrench 6-19mm
-ICON 8-19mm

I will research and add overall socket lengths when I get a chance as I don't believe semi deep sockets have a manufacturing standard? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Are Gearwrench sockets still Taiwanese? I know a lot of their stuff has switched to China.

I bought some of their semi deep sockets as singles and it was mixed Taiwan/China. Basically when I was considering the set I listed before I decided to just buy singles in my most common sizes. My guess is they make them in China now but there’s a lot of Taiwan stock still out there. I agree that I wouldn’t necessarily trust Amazon to be accurate about it though.

 

[Madjik Man]

I deal with old and rusty vehicles a lot, hammering on sockets is a part of life, can't do skips for this reason, it makes a difference to me. Yes, have good turbo extractor sockets also.


No hate for icon here, didn't know they did semi-deeps. Since they do a nice 8-19mm with no skips if I decide to compromise on my semi-deep range I'm thinking Williams USA shallows, Williams USA deeps, and ICON semi deeps.


I are serious guy.


I rarely ever use 6mm, have used 7mm surprisingly often, definately use 8mm. Not gonna argue that 1/4" is better suited and I'll still have 1/4" sockets and 1/2" sockets. It's more for convenience of not having to grab an extra socket rail, extensions, ratchets, etc. in a different drive size. I often work out of a portable box and don't want to rummage through for more tools in the middle of a job.

I actually often also use 21, 23, and 24mm and it can get tight with 1/2" ratchets/breaker bars in some spots, I've gotten used to using 3/8" unless I need super high torque.

In a shop/garage environment with my big box and a workbench I always pick the best tool for the job, but when under a car on jackstands in a parking lot/pits/etc. I usually try to make the smallest mess of tools that I can as they just end up scattered everywhere on the floor. This way I can try and keep track of where everything is. Also really helps with clean up and not loosing tools


8-19mm is a nice range for most, but it's nice to know you can grab a semi deep in the same sizes you have shallows and deeps in (in my case would be 6-24 currently), makes work flow a lot easier, for me at least.


I like me some Proto, was excited till I read the 12 point part. Always wrenching on old and rusty stuff often so 12 points and skips make my life rather difficulty, 12 point especially unfortunately.

Including the semi deeps, I would have 3x socket sets for my "3/8 chrome hand sockets". I agree, that with a nice range of closely sized extensions semi deeps are immensely versatile.


Gotta pay to play.

When you wrench long enough and decide this torturous job/hobbby is one you want to continue to suffer doing you realize you'll pay up for the right tool that works best for the way YOU work. In turn it will end up saving you time and and more importantly prevent the frustration of being in the predicament you've been in before and know all too well.


Yeah, very annoying. I would actually pony up for Snap-on if they had a better range. But if you can get ICON before coupons for $45, it becomes hard to make an arguement for Snap-on.

So the list so far for 6 POINT Metric semi deeps are:
-KTC 6-24mm
-Snap-on 6-21mm
-ICON 8-19mm

What else we got?

Koken makes 6pt semi deeps in their Z Series. . I believe the largest set is 7-19mm. And it skips some sizes never used on Japanese vehicles.

Koken RS3300XZ/12

 

[PretendMechanic]

I bought some of their semi deep sockets as singles and it was mixed Taiwan/China. Basically when I was considering the set I listed before I decided to just buy singles in my most common sizes. My guess is they make them in China now but there’s a lot of Taiwan stock still out there. I agree that I wouldn’t necessarily trust Amazon to be accurate about it though.

***** to hear, this is why I no longer consider any Gearwrench products.

Okay I'm lying, I want to get my hands on their metric XL ratcheting box end wrenches while they're still made in Taiwan, but after that I'm out. I really don't like the company.

 

[PretendMechanic]

Koken makes 6pt semi deeps in their Z Series. . I believe the largest set is 7-19mm. And it skips some sizes never used on Japanese vehicles.

Koken RS3300XZ/12

I did look into Koken but because of the skips I never considered them. Koken's skips are annoying, if it weren't for their skips all my sockets would probably be Koken.

 

[KnurledNut]

Mac 8-20mm chrome 6pt
SXIM136TR $269.99
https://www.mactools.com/products/sxim136tr


Mac 8-24mm IMPACT 6pt
SXIPM176TR $279.99
https://www.mactools.com/products/sxipm176tr

 

[Madjik Man]

I did look into Koken but because of the skips I never considered them. Koken's skips are annoying, if it weren't for their skips all my sockets would probably be Koken.

That 12pc set I linked above is: 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

Only skips 9mm. Which, from my understanding is pretty rare to need.

But depending on what set of sockets you're looking at of theirs, you can typically buy the individual socket size that is missing from the set... to complete it.

 

[JeepYJ]

You usually have to jump through quite a few hoops to get your hands on Japanese tools, often even European tools. I'm willing to go the extra mile, I know most aren't.

Amazon makes it easy to order from anywhere in the world fairly easily. You want Amazon Germany? Amazon.de

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

***** to hear, this is why I no longer consider any Gearwrench products.

Okay I'm lying, I want to get my hands on their metric XL ratcheting box end wrenches while they're still made in Taiwan, but after that I'm out. I really don't like the company.

Yeah they have been fine for my use but I’m just listing them for comparison’s sake more than I am recommending them. I’ve also heard Carlyle makes a set but Napa’s website is terrible to navigate and I can’t find them.

 

[bcradio]

Don't forget SAE shallow/mid/deep as well, just in case those rusty fasteners needs one of those

 

[T45]

I’ve also heard Carlyle makes a set but Napa’s website is terrible to navigate and I can’t find them.

Carlyle definteily makes semi-deeps, but you are right the website *****.

$80 for SAE 12 points

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTSSD38114

$140 for the metric 6pt set to 24mm

Carlyle Socket Set 3/8 in Metric (2) 19 Pc Set CHT SSD38019M | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts

Buy Carlyle Socket Set 3/8 in Metric (2) 19 Pc Set - CHT SSD38019M online from NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Get deals on automotive parts, truck parts and more.

www.napaonline.com

**ETA: I think these are correct, but there are no measurements, no description (deep/shallow/semi-deep), and no obvious links to parent sets or complete part lists. FML.

 

[PretendMechanic]

$140 for the metric 6pt set to 24mm

Carlyle Socket Set 3/8 in Metric (2) 19 Pc Set CHT SSD38019M | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts

Buy Carlyle Socket Set 3/8 in Metric (2) 19 Pc Set - CHT SSD38019M online from NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Get deals on automotive parts, truck parts and more.

www.napaonline.com

**ETA: I think these are correct, but there are no measurements, no description (deep/shallow/semi-deep), and no obvious links to parent sets or complete part lists. FML.

Preliminary searching makes me think those may be deeps.

I found this set, listed as a ****** 1/4", obviously not with some google-fu. :S

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTSSMD38014M

Why so difficult Napa, why so difficult...

We have to go deeper... (when I get home)

 

[boom_bap]

Those Carlyle look awfully similar to the gearwrench:

 

[jsmeece]

Carlyle Mid sockets part numbers
1/4 drive SAE 3/16 to 9/16 CHTSSMD14010
1/4 drive Metric 4 to 15mm CHTSSMD14013M
3/8 drive SAE 1/4 to 7/8 CHTSSMD38011
3/8 drive Metric 6 to 19mm CHTSSMD38014M

 

[T45]

OK. As noted above. For singles, part number syntax is
6mm = CHTSMD38006M to
19mm = CHTSMD38019M

Nothing over 19mm appears to exist as singles.

Carlyle Socket 10 mm Metric CHT SMD38010M | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts

Buy Carlyle Socket 10 mm Metric - CHT SMD38010M online from NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Get deals on automotive parts, truck parts and more.

www.napaonline.com

Carlyle Socket 19 mm Metric CHT SMD38019M | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts

Buy Carlyle Socket 19 mm Metric - CHT SMD38019M online from NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Get deals on automotive parts, truck parts and more.

www.napaonline.com

 

[1foxracing]

If you really want the KTC models all the way up to 24mm you're going to have to piece it out yourself, they only offer 1 5pc (8, 10, 12, 14, & 17mm) set. You can order them through Webike and they have fast shipping available to the USA.

KTC : 9.5sq. Semi Deep Socket Hexagon [B3M-24]

 

[bonneyman]

Gotta pay to play.

When you wrench long enough and decide this torturous job/hobbby is one you want to continue to suffer doing you realize you'll pay up for the right tool that works best for the way YOU work. In turn it will end up saving you time and and more importantly prevent the frustration of being in the predicament you've been in before and know all too well.

I thought that only applied to hookers....not that I would know personally!

 

[cherrybomb]

I'm asking for a friend.Is that a deal breaker if you can't find 6 points?

 

[bubinga]

Gearwrench makes a set, I swear they were a lot cheaper when I was looking a couple months ago but here is the product as an example at least https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00829RMAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have that set, very nicely made. I got then 10 + years ago, probably Tiawan made at the time.
Can't recall what l paid though. Checked my order history @ Amazon, l must have got it elsewhere though.

 

[jsmeece]

I have all four GW sets, bought them years ago when they were BOGO, got less than $100 in them. Mine are made in Taiwan as well. Very nice sockets, not sure about the quality now.

 

[bubinga]

That 12pc set I linked above is: 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

Only skips 9mm. Which, from my understanding is pretty rare to need.

But depending on what set of sockets you're looking at of theirs, you can typically buy the individual socket size that is missing from the set... to complete it.

No, That's a good range/sizes. Yes, 9mm IS rare.
OT but please, ls Koken-USA just like an importer/webpage type of thing, but mean while all Koken are made in Japan?

 

[Madjik Man]

No, That's a good range/sizes. Yes, 9mm IS rare.
OT but please, ls Koken-USA just like an importer/webpage type of thing, but mean while all Koken are made in Japan?

Yes, all Koken is made in Japan.

Koken USA is just their US-based distributor/representation. Same with Palmac.