Why Mid-Length Sockets? Are they needed?

[oldschoolcraft]

If I understand correctly, you need a shallow and deep socket set because some fasteners require one or the other and in those cases, you can't interchange them. It just won't work.

Mid-Length (which I think are the same as semi-deep?) seem like a nice compromise, but if I were to ask people here, can someone get away with just one set of mid-length and skip shallow and deep, I'm sure I'd hear a whole hearty "no!"

So why do Mid-length's exist? And are they needed? The best comments I've seen on some other threads I found were that if you were to only have one socket set, for some reason (space, money) then get midlengths. Might be some jobs you can't do, but on a whole, will be better than picking only shallow or only deep, IF only one set was possible.

I also imagine that mid-lenghts might be more comfortable on some fasteners than deep , so while not needed, but be a nice to have, so if you have the toolbox space and the money to burn, maybe mid-lengths can have a home in your full socket collection as well?

Or are they really just meant for minimalist kits where you can't fit more than one type?

 

[ssdave]

I think they're made for those guys that can't stop at 500 piece socket sets, and want to add a few more. Or, for those that want to just get by with one set, it would probably work. I'm sure there's some applications where they're the exact right thing, but I haven't run into that yet.

I have 550+ unique sockets in my main box. I only have a few semi-deeps. I'd like to have a set of 3/8 semi, but have never really had a NEED for them. The semi's I have in 1/4" are okay, but not something I deliberately grab in preference to others. Come to think of it, I have a few semi-deep in 3/8 and 1/2 also, they are definitely non-preferred to me. I usually use shallow in 3/8 and 1/2". I more often use deeps in 1/4".

 

[matt01073]

Mid depth sockets are very useful where space wont allow a deep and a shallow is to shallow . I use mine often however I doubt a homeowner would ever use them . My guess is if you are asking you likely dont need them. but anyone who turns wrenches for a living has needed them at some point

 

[Htscheg]

Come in quite handy with exhaust manifold bolts...

 

[crewchief888]

i have a set of semi-deep sockets i bought about 20 years ago, thinking they were the greatest thing since sliced bread....

i used them for a while, and then the "novelty" of them wore off. probably havent touched them in over 10 years...

 

[dutchgray]

Don't own any, (unless the smaller SK deeps count, they are not that deep) want a set of 3/8" metrics but have shallows and deeps already so dont need them. If you have a set you need to reach for them first as they should work most of the time, then go for a deep or shallow if needed.

 

[manwithtools]

If you have to ask, I'd guess you don't need them.

Meant to be funny, not rude. sorry.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I always found them quite useful on modern vehicles. A couple very useful ones are the 9/16" and 15mm semi deep swivels. Great when dealing with GM bell housing bolts.

 

[Jamie V]

If you have a set of Craftsman 3/8 semi deep sockets and don’t need them let me know and I’ll buy them from you.

 

[CJM8515]

I have a set I like using. Most times if its deep enough to need more then its time to whip out a wrench. Sometimes it doesnt matter they are mid length as the broaching is deeper than some deep sockets.

 

[Jordanj]

For those of you that like them, what brands or sets do you like.
Is there a complete 3/8 set by a Taiwan manufacturer or inexpensive set?

 

[LXCam]

I have both snappy and gearwrench. I'd highly suggest the GW if you're going to get some. There's not much reason to pay SO prices since I use mine all the time and have never had a failure with the GW stuff.

 

[DennisH2014]

I've got some Craftsman mid-length sockets; they've certainly come in handy in random scenarios, but they're not essential by any means. They're sort of like 3/8" drive tools, in that they aren't necessary, but also offer a broad spectrum of use-case coverage.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Like most of the tools you ask about, its like a shirt;
Each one has been invented for a reason.
The guy who only has a parka wil probably live.
The guy who only has tee shirts wil probably live.
The guy who only wears hoodies wil also survive.
But their friend who has one of each will be comfortable anywhere most of the time.

 

[Fedwrench]

For those of you that like them, what brands or sets do you like.
Is there a complete 3/8 set by a Taiwan manufacturer or inexpensive set?

It depends on what you consider inexpensive. Gearwrench often has a buy one get one special wherein you buy the 3/8 drive set and you get the 1/4 drive set free.
In impacts, sunex has a very complete set running from 8-19, 21, & 22 mm.
These are probably my favorite sets.
I probably use the semi deeps more than deep sockets depending on size.

 

[Flinter987]

I bought the Carlyle ones. Just got a new tool cart and these are going on it as a primary socket set. I have deep and shallow for backup - I'll see how it goes!!!

 

[ItsNemo]

Come in quite handy with exhaust manifold bolts...

This...shallows won't fit over the studs but deeps often don't have enough clearance.

I have the Gearwrench 3/8" and 1/4" metric sets...don't use them often but when they're needed, they're needed.

 

[plinker]

I've got a 3/8 set, not an everyday socket for me, but very handy when needed.

The extra shallow and deeps get used the most.

 

[jdlong]

but anyone who turns wrenches for a living has needed them at some point

bingo

 

[M6erfan]

I picked up a set of Ko-ken semi deeps in 1/4" a year or so ago. They've been my go to in 1/4" drive ever since.

 

[bdelmar2]

I don't know that you actually 'need' them, perhaps in some special cases, but they are extremely handy.

They will almost always work, I use them daily as do the others in our shop as our main sets.

Sometimes you do need a short socket, or a deep, just as sometimes you need a 12pt socket, but its not unusual for a week or more to go by without needing anything other than 6pt mids.

But if one tries to use either just deep, or shallow, you will need to get the other fairly often.

So while you don't really 'need' them, if you do this for a living you want them as they save time and time is money.

 

[Yarpo]

For those of you that like them, what brands or sets do you like.
Is there a complete 3/8 set by a Taiwan manufacturer or inexpensive set?

https://www.coastaltoolsupply.com/product/KDT-80554SPRO.html

It depends on what you consider inexpensive. Gearwrench often has a buy one get one special wherein you buy the 3/8 drive set and you get the 1/4 drive set free.
In impacts, sunex has a very complete set running from 8-19, 21, & 22 mm.
These are probably my favorite sets.
I probably use the semi deeps more than deep sockets depending on size.

The Gearwrench deal seems to be always going on, and its a fantastic set. I think the price is actually discounted as listed above, I might buy a second set as a gift for my uncle. Their semi deep sets see tons of use from me and they're my favorite sockets. Good broaching, great finish, dirt cheap and the rails are nice to boot.

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

I have a 3/8 set of grey pneumatic 12 point impact mid length sockets that are the only tool I keep in the top compartment of my tool cart (I use it as a power compartment only) since they are the most used sockets. I don’t know if u actually need them but I love them

 

[nelstomlinson]

Semideep is my goto. I only reach foe a shallow or a deep when the semi won't work. I don't need either shallow or deep often. Having the semideeps means I only have to drag out one socket set for most jobs.

 

[3oheight]

I got a set of gearwrench 3/8 in metric and sae a year or two ago. They are my main go to sockets as they usualy just work in many situations.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Mid lengths get my vote but I do agree they are not strictly necessary. Quite handy to have though.

I would say I could use the midlengths 70% of them time if I wanted to. I generally do grab the midlength nearly every time instead of a shallow when there is enough clearance for either.

 

[GTA Matt]

Haven't been impressed with the gearwrench mids. Replacing them with SK's as they break or swell on the end. If the SK's hold up, I'll buy the set.

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[ratdoggy]

Because they are "just right"??

 

[Tallpilot]

Haven't been impressed with the gearwrench mids. Replacing them with SK's as they break or swell on the end. If the SK's hold up, I'll buy the set.

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Not judging just curious; are you using them with impacts? That is really crappy if they are mushrooming from ratchet use.

 

[GTA Matt]

Not judging just curious; are you using them with impacts? That is really crappy if they are mushrooming from ratchet use.

I'd say probably zero use for that one (8mm) on an air impact. Limited use on a Milwaukee impact driver, plenty of use on a cordless ratchet and of course hand ratchets. The 13 and 15 that did the same saw more impact driver use. I have impact mid lengths as well so air impact use on chromes is a rarity.

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[ItsNemo]

I'd say probably zero use for that one (8mm) on an air impact. Limited use on a Milwaukee impact driver, plenty of use on a cordless ratchet and of course hand ratchets. The 13 and 15 that did the same saw more impact driver use. I have impact mid lengths as well so air impact use on chromes is a rarity.

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Well there's your problem...it just takes one time to weaken a socket, even on a cordless impact driver. Especially true when using such a small socket size. Let's face it, even unobtainium made snap-on sockets will fail when abused.

 

[lugnut71]

I bought snap on semi deeps close to twenty years ago, I use them everyday, I can go weeks without using a shallow or a deep socket. I have seen the gearwrench ones but don't like the deep broaching.

 

[unslow1]

I can only remember one time I specifically bought a semi-deep. It's a 7/16 because I was working on the headers of of several race cars. I really like the few I have but since I have a lot of sockets already I'm not in any hurry to run out and buy another complete set.

 

[Dave455]

I bought a set of Snap On in 1/4 drive that were on a deal.

I keep 'em in my road box (the only 1/4 drive sockets I carry, apart from hex bit and torx) and use them quite a lot.

I've got to admit, that I'll probably add some universal sockets at some time, but I doubt I'll bother with regular or deep unless I'm finding things I can't handle!

 

[MattN03]

Come in quite handy with exhaust manifold bolts...

This is exactly where I've used them.

 

[Tech89]

I have a set of 3/8 Grey Pneumatic impact semi deeps and a set of Gearwrench 3/8 and 1/4 semi deeps. Never had a problem with any of them. I use them everyday. Use them more than my deeps and shallows. I work on cars everyday and various other things.

-Pat

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[Tallpilot]

I'd say probably zero use for that one (8mm) on an air impact. Limited use on a Milwaukee impact driver, plenty of use on a cordless ratchet and of course hand ratchets. The 13 and 15 that did the same saw more impact driver use. I have impact mid lengths as well so air impact use on chromes is a rarity.

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Let us know how the SK hold up. My rule is I buy a Snap On single when I break something. I haven't broken a chrome socket yet but I only use them with hand tools or my M12 ratchet.

 

[visionguru]

.....

So why do Mid-length's exist? And are they needed? The best comments I've seen on some other threads I found were that if you were to only have one socket set, for some reason (space, money) then get midlengths. Might be some jobs you can't do, but on a whole, will be better than picking only shallow or only deep, IF only one set was possible.

.....

I have the GearWrench set. Only on 1 occasion I found mid-length is needed.

I was replacing the serpentine belt on my Honda Accord. The space is very limited. The shallow socket fit fine, but the serpentine belt tool will be rubbing against something on the engine bay and makes it harder to take the belt off. There is not enough room for deep socket.

Mid-length? Perfect! I think it will be useful when working in tight quarters around the engine bay. Not so much if access is not an issue. Pretty much like 3/8" drive vs 1/4, and 1/2, if one can only have 1 socket set, make it mid-length.

 

[Schurkey]

Don't own any, (unless the smaller SK deeps count, they are not that deep) want a set of 3/8" metrics but have shallows and deeps already so dont need them. If you have a set you need to reach for them first as they should work most of the time, then go for a deep or shallow if needed.

When I was young and dumb(er), I had some cheap "Christmas Gift" tools that included semi-deep sockets much like the S-K line, where the smaller sockets weren't as tall as the bigger sockets. For some reason I resented them--probably because they were bottom-feeder tools, the ratchet in the kit sucked, etc.

Took a long time before I saw the value in mid-length (semi-deep) sockets.

I bought Snappy semi-deep in 3/8 SAE about fifteen years ago. Maybe more. I love 'em...when I need them. Sometimes they get used when I have a short or a deep on another socket, or tied-up on another project.

Only on 1 occasion I found mid-length is needed...

...Mid-length? Perfect! I think it will be useful when working in tight quarters around the engine bay. Not so much if access is not an issue. Pretty much like 3/8" drive vs 1/4, and 1/2, if one can only have 1 socket set, make it mid-length.

I find I need semi-deep fairly often, now that cars have gotten more compact and therefore less tool-clearance in the assembly. The fact that they're just plain nice sockets is bonus.

 

[M6erfan]

I'd say probably zero use for that one (8mm) on an air impact. Limited use on a Milwaukee impact driver, plenty of use on a cordless ratchet and of course hand ratchets. The 13 and 15 that did the same saw more impact driver use. I have impact mid lengths as well so air impact use on chromes is a rarity.

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If you have mid length impact sockets then why use your chromes with impact wrenches?