Thanks, aside from price is there any difference? IIRC Sunex is easier to warranty.
Semi-Deep vs. Deep Sockets
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
One is metric, one is SAE.
Both are offered in 12 point metric which is what I'm interested in.
Mainly required for removal of some MB rear bumper covers due to the long studs, but it is nice to have something that you can grab without also needing an extension. Plus it comes in handy for some battery tie-downs that are ridiculously long.
Ah, so you'd be looking for Sunex 3338 or GP 1203MSD. I have a set of GP semi-deeps and a set of Sunex semi-deeps - no difference in finish or wall thickness that I can see.
Thanks!!
More than once, I have ground down a socket to gain clearance, in either dimension.
Reviving as I recently got the Carlyle semi-deeps in metric. I already had SnapOn fractionals I got from the pawn shop.
In 3/8" drive the Carlyles are 3/16" longer in every size.
I don't think you could say it's good or bad, but I prefer SnapOn's length for some reason. That said, the Carlyles are WAY more affordable, esp if you compare piece-count (SnapOn is available in a couple sets of varying sizes)
In 3/8" drive the Carlyles are 3/16" longer in every size.
I don't think you could say it's good or bad, but I prefer SnapOn's length for some reason. That said, the Carlyles are WAY more affordable, esp if you compare piece-count (SnapOn is available in a couple sets of varying sizes)
Its hard to describe but its one of those tools that just works nice for a lot of things. I have a full set in 1/4 inch that I got from Cornwell but the Snapon 10mm lives on my M12 impact driver, use it every day
I like mine for battery hold downs.
All the Snappys are 1-5/8"
I think Carlyle was shooting for 46mm IIRC -- if you're willing to let a few thousandths slide, that's 1-13/16" for all practical purposes
I'm certainly not above shortening a Carlyle given the low cost (and two lathes sitting in my shop). My specific use case will be at least 2 of the 3 nuts on the top of '04+ F150 struts, 15mm
I think I caught the Carlyles on sale and they were ~$65 total to my door. At the time ebay was slim pickings for the more comprehensive (which would match Carlyle piece-for-piece) set in SnapOn. New retail is out of the question for SnapOn, at least given how much I intend to use these.
I looked at Icon and do not remember why I didn't go that direction (shrug)
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
I have to admit I never saw a semi deep socket as useful till a couple months ago and I purchased a set of 3/8 and 1/4 semi deep chromes from Snap-on. I use them a fair bit but still prefer regular shallow and deep most of the time unless the semi deep is needed. I’m the only one at my shop with semi deep sockets so everyone borrows them. Today I loaned out the 10&12mm ones.
Same.
EDITED: @AutoMechanic after the first time lending to someone; [don't charge your buddies rent] but you should give them a little bit of a hard time. What did those cost you (At least $250)? After taxes and rent/utilities; how many hours do you have to work to cover the cost of them?
Not hating, I'd love a set myself and in your application probably get your moneys worth. But the other dudes, couldn't they get the job done with shorts or longs or a wrench or a crowfoot?
FWIW: I spend many years in the Army, spent a lot of $ for kit/gear that was useful, needed (AND humped it around). Lent it out a-lot and half the dudes never appreciated it.
Not hating, I'd love a set myself and in your application probably get your moneys worth. But the other dudes, couldn't they get the job done with shorts or longs or a wrench or a crowfoot?
FWIW: I spend many years in the Army, spent a lot of $ for kit/gear that was useful, needed (AND humped it around). Lent it out a-lot and half the dudes never appreciated it.
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I rarely use shallow sockets, My semi-deep & deep get 95% of the jobs done.
My Snap-on Semi-Deep impact swivels get used A LOT. I got 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm in 3/8".......15mm & 18mm in 1/2" drive.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
I think they were like $300 something each if not more. $360 or $365 I know was what at least one of them cost I think. I was originally going to get the Icon but I’ve never seen an Icon socket with good chrome so I got the Snap-on. Typically I’d never buy tool truck chrome sockets but I did for these since not many brands have actual semi deep sockets.
And yes I do sometimes give them crap. The 81 year old mechanic is the only one who has never borrowed anything from me and says semi deep sockets are a waste because they are new technology lol. If they didn’t always lend a hand or the rare times I needed a tool then I’d definitely be more strict about loaning them out. Like today I was in need of assistance multiple times on a big job so I don’t mind loaning them out sometimes but generally I do have like a borrow it 3 times and you need to buy your own rule.
I recently purchased a set of Snap-On’s 1/2” dr, low profile impact swivels sockets. I personally prefer a lower profile impact swivels whenever possible, but I can understand the preference towards semi-deep if you encounter a lot of nuts…I personally do not.
You better watch that 10mm. It will run off and won't be found again until you replace it
I only have one snap on semi deep swivel. The rest are snap on shallows in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2. I want a set of semi deeps but **** they don't give those away. Lucky for me the sets I have were bought in the late 90s
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