Inch drive sockets, deep or shallow

[STOIE]

Hey all,

I am thinking of investing in my first set of inch drive sockets...
However, not sure weather I should buy deep sockets or regular sockets.

The normal sockets are $350 for a set and the deep sockets are $520.
I know deep sockets should do everything regular ones will, plus more, but, will I actually need them?
Is it worth the extra expense?

I really want to avoid buying these twice...

Will be working on alot of farm machinery including possibly a D6H or D8H in the future.

Which also leads onto another quick question, does anyone have a list of required socket sizes for a D8H? (is 1-1/2 inch drive required? - again if so, sizes?)

Aaron.

 

[siduramaxde]

I would kick myself if I didn't spend the extra money when I got to that one nut that required deep well

 

[willie59]

I would kick myself if I didn't spend the extra money when I got to that one nut that required deep well

True enough siduramaxde, always a possibility it can happen. However, in most cases, on machinery, most of the time you're simply working with a bolt head, no worries there, and the times you're working with a nut the bolt threads rarely protrude very far through the nut. Yes, there are exceptions, just saying it's not the norm. And there are times when I've stuck an impact in an enclosed area that a deep socket or an impact with an extended anvil would not fit in the area. Just my preference, but I prefer my set up to be as short as possible. If I run across the rare place that deep well is required, I'll figure out how to deal with it.

 

[Lee-online]

Our inch drive sockets go up to about 5" and most are shallow. We use Rad guns with them and the deep cause more problems because they are too long.

 

[FSERVICE]

my 1" drive sockets are shallow well. that being said i have several common size deep well on the truck as well. that seems cheap for 1" drive, dont go the cheap route on these sockets especally if you plan to work them everyday

 

[theironoracle]

stoie, i assume your talking about impact sockets? i carry both up to 3" with extensions 3,6,9,12", i actually think i would buy the deep first. right off i can think of 3 very specific jobs where you remove the nut and don't access bolt head, 1) plow bolts, 2) ripper or grapple bolts where they attach to the rear of the tractor that must be removed for high track trans removal, 3) blade trunion bolts to remove push arms to work on undercarriage. i have had great luck with my grey pnuematic socket sets not supper high end but good economy tools..................theironoracle

 

[mitch504]

I have a full set of the shallow up to around 3.5" , and have bought deep along and along over the over the years as needed. I have basically a full set of both now.

I do about 60% trucks and 40% equipment, and there are a few places on trucks where you will need deep ones. Things like lug nuts, spring u-bolts, and a few others.

If you are going to do much w/ heavy trucks, you basically need a full set of 3/4 drive in deep and shallow also.

 

[STOIE]

Thanks for the responses guys.
I plan on buying a full set of both deep and shallow in the end, but, just after an idea on what the get first.

@Mitch - I don't have any 3/4 stuff, but, I have 1/2 up to like 35mm. (again, will probably invest in 3/4 down the track but, think I can get past more things with 1" for now.

Does anyone have any advise on good set of inch drive sockets? (good brands etc.)

Thanks again,
Aaron.

 

[RobVG]

I use a 3/4 to 1" impact adapter if I need to use a 1" dr socket, but mostly use 3/4 dr sockets. A 3/4 breaker bar and/or impact wrench usually suffices. I work on trucks and excavators up to 160's. The largest bolts I have to deal with on a regular basis are 1" torque rod bolts. And occasionally I have to replace a pintle eye and bushings on one of our trailers and the flame wrench seems to work best.

 

[RobVG]

My favorite deep socket is one I made. It's a 3/4" socket 1/2"-drive and 6" deep. Any guesses what it's for?

 

[STOIE]

Yeah understand where your coming from, I just feel that it's easier to transfer more torque through a inch drive.
As for your socket... no idea, but, I am sure you will fill me in?

 

[RobVG]

I don't know STOIE, i've broken plenty of bolts with my three quarter.

(I use the socket for caging brake spring cans)

 

[STOIE]

Haha I bet.

And neat idea, made it yourself aeh!

 

[equip guy]

As for good quality (not cheap $$$) try looking at Proto or Wright.

Thanks for the responses guys.
I plan on buying a full set of both deep and shallow in the end, but, just after an idea on what the get first.

@Mitch - I don't have any 3/4 stuff, but, I have 1/2 up to like 35mm. (again, will probably invest in 3/4 down the track but, think I can get past more things with 1" for now.

Does anyone have any advise on good set of inch drive sockets? (good brands etc.)

Thanks again,
Aaron.

 

[STOIE]

As for good quality (not cheap $$$) try looking at Proto or Wright.

Awesome will check them out.

Cheers,

 

[powerjoke]

Go to harbor freight and spend $250 on both!

 

[biggrader]

Not sure if this is the correct answer, but we have a 3/4" socket 1/2" drive , cut in two with a 12" long pipe welded back in. We use it to tighten culvert band bolts.

 

[biggrader]

RobVG Did I win , Did I win, Did I win, huh, huh, huh !!!

 

[Impact]

Shallow fractional
Deep Fractional
Shallow Metric
Deep Metric

 

[Greg]

A new Wright 1.0" set will set you back about $1,500.00. It will be shallow and 12 point. These are not impact sockets. It will come with a ratchet, and a tee bar. I found mine just a teeny tiny bit used, as in one socket used on ebay for $520.00. Yes, I can sleep at night too. This thing is heavy enough to use with shallow sockets let alone putting deep wall on it.

Don't buy cheap tools, they are no bargin