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A standard socket works until the nut sits halfway down a stud. Then the stud hits the bottom of the socket before the socket reaches the nut, and you're stuck. A deep socket set fixes that with longer sockets that slide over the threads, and it's one of the most useful add-ons to any basic kit.
Plenty of sets include "some" deep sockets, but often only in a handful of sizes, or stopping at 17 or 19 mm. When you buy a dedicated deep set, the questions are simple: does it cover the sizes your standard set does, without gaps; is it chrome for hand tools or impact-rated; and how will you store it?
We compared five current deep socket sets in 3/8- and 1/2-inch drive from GearWrench, Tekton and Sunex using manufacturer size lists and specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: GearWrench 80554 (14 pieces). Best for: every metric deep size from 6 to 19 mm on a rail.
- Best SAE Set: GearWrench 80555 (11 pieces). Best for: SAE deep sockets from 1/4" to 7/8".
- Best Size Range: Tekton SHD91114 (19 pieces). Best for: deep metric coverage from 6 to 24 mm in 3/8-inch drive.
- Best 3/8" Impact: Sunex 3360DD (28 pieces). Best for: SAE and metric deep impact sockets on a compact impact.
- Best 1/2" Impact: Sunex 5153DD (29 pieces). Best for: lug nuts and suspension with a 1/2-inch impact wrench.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Drive | Pieces | Metric | SAE | Type | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GearWrench 80554 | Best overall | 3/8" | 14 | 6 to 19 mm | None | Chrome | Rail |
| GearWrench 80555 | SAE | 3/8" | 11 | None | 1/4" to 7/8" | Chrome | Rail |
| Tekton SHD91114 | Size range | 3/8" | 19 | 6 to 24 mm | None | Chrome | Rail |
| Sunex 3360DD | 3/8" impact | 3/8" | 28 | 8 to 19, 21, 22 mm | 5/16" to 1" | Impact | Not described |
| Sunex 5153DD | 1/2" impact | 1/2" | 29 | 10 to 19, 21, 22, 26, 27 mm | 7/16" to 1-1/8", 1-1/4" | Impact | Adjustable rails |
All sockets in this table are 6-point.
The Best Deep Socket Sets, Reviewed
1. GearWrench 80554 14-Piece Metric Deep Set: Best Overall
Who it's for: anyone with a 3/8-inch standard set who needs to fill in the metric deep sizes.
Most cars on the road are metric, and this set covers the whole common range with no gaps: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 mm. That includes the small 6 to 9 mm deep sizes that many kits leave out, which matter on sensor studs, heat shields and trim hardware.
The sockets are 6-point, full polish chrome and stored on a socket rail that clips into a drawer or toolbox. GearWrench lists the set at 2.87 lb and as meeting or exceeding ASME B107.5M, with a full lifetime warranty. They're hand-tool sockets, not impact sockets.
Pros
- Every metric size from 6 to 19 mm
- Rail storage
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Nothing above 19 mm
- Chrome, not for impact tools
GEARWRENCH 14 Piece 3/8″ Drive 6 Point Deep Metric Socket Set 80554
by GEARWRENCH
2. GearWrench 80555 11-Piece SAE Deep Set: Best SAE Set
Who it's for: owners of older domestic cars, trucks, small engines and equipment with SAE fasteners.
The SAE companion to the 80554 covers 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16" and 7/8" in 3/8-inch drive, with no skipped sizes. That's the range most SAE studs and nuts fall into.
Like its metric sibling, it's full polish chrome on a socket rail, with a full lifetime warranty and a catalog weight of 3.04 lb. GearWrench lists these for hand tools only. Buy both the 80554 and 80555 and you've got a complete 3/8 deep socket set in both systems for less clutter than a combined kit.
Pros
- Every SAE size from 1/4" to 7/8"
- Rail storage
- Pairs with the 80554
Cons
- No 15/16" or 1"
- Not impact rated
GEARWRENCH 11 Piece 3/8″ Drive 6 Point Deep SAE Socket Set 80555
by GEARWRENCH
3. Tekton SHD91114 19-Piece Deep Set: Best Size Range
Who it's for: anyone who wants deep metric sockets beyond 19 mm without stepping up to 1/2-inch drive.
Tekton's SHD91114 runs from 6 to 24 mm in 3/8-inch drive, 19 sockets with no skipped sizes. The 20 to 24 mm deep sizes are useful on strut tops, some brake and suspension hardware, and larger studs, where a 1/2-inch tool would be overkill or too bulky.
The sockets are chrome-plated inside and out, with fully stepped shoulders for reaching into recessed areas and radiused corners that grip the flats of the fastener instead of the corners. They come on a rail; Tekton says the rail is made in the USA and the sockets in Taiwan.
Pros
- 6 to 24 mm deep in 3/8-inch drive
- Stepped shoulders for recessed fasteners
- Rail storage
Cons
- Metric only
- Not impact rated
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Deep 6-Point Socket Set with Rail, 19-Piece (6-24 mm) SHD91114
by TEKTON
4. Sunex 3360DD 28-Piece 3/8" Deep Impact Set: Best 3/8" Impact
Who it's for: owners of a 3/8-inch impact wrench or impact ratchet who need deep reach.
Sunex covers both systems in one set. SAE deep sockets run every size from 5/16" to 1": 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16" and 1". Metric deep sockets cover every size from 8 to 19 mm, plus 21 and 22 mm. You also get a 3" extension and a 1/2-to-3/8-inch drive adapter.
The sockets are forged chrome-molybdenum alloy steel, and Sunex backs them with a lifetime warranty. The storage isn't described on Sunex's product page, so check the listing photos if a rail or case matters to you.
Pros
- SAE and metric deep impact sockets
- SAE runs to 1", metric adds 21 and 22 mm
- Extension and adapter included
Cons
- Skips 20 mm
- Storage not specified by Sunex
SUNEX 3/8″ Drive SAE & Metric 6 Point Deep 28-Piece Master Impact Socket Set 3360DD
by SUNEX
5. Sunex 5153DD 29-Piece 1/2" Deep Impact Set: Best 1/2" Impact
Who it's for: DIYers and techs running a 1/2-inch impact wrench on wheels, suspension and trucks.
This is the deep socket wrench set for heavier work. Sunex lists metric deep sockets from 10 to 19 mm, plus 21, 22, 26 and 27 mm, and SAE deep sockets from 7/16" to 1-1/8" plus 1-1/4". Two flip sockets add 3/4" x 13/16" and 19 mm x 21 mm, which are common lug-nut sizes, double-ended so you can flip instead of swapping.
The sockets are chrome-molybdenum with a black phosphate finish, laser-etched and stamped size markings, and a radius corner design. They store on metal rails with independently adjustable studs, which makes them easy to drop into a drawer. Sunex lists a lifetime warranty with no exclusions on impact sockets.
Pros
- Two flip sockets for common lug-nut sizes
- SAE to 1-1/4", metric to 27 mm
- Adjustable metal rails
Cons
- Skips 20 and 23 to 25 mm
- Heavier and bulkier than 3/8-inch sets
SUNEX 1/2″ Drive SAE & Metric 6 Point Deep 29-Piece Master Impact Socket Set 5153DD
by SUNEX
Deep Socket Set Buying Guide
Match Your Standard Set
The best deep socket set mirrors the sizes in the standard set you already own. If your standard 3/8-inch set goes from 6 to 19 mm, a 6 to 19 mm deep set like the GearWrench 80554 completes it. Check our 3/8" drive socket set and 1/2" drive socket set guides if you're still choosing a standard set.
Sizes That Need Deep Sockets Most
| Job | Common deep sizes |
|---|---|
| Exhaust studs and heat shields | 10, 12, 13, 15 mm |
| Strut and shock tops | 13 to 21 mm |
| Lug nuts | 17, 19, 21, 22 mm; 3/4", 13/16" |
| U-bolts and leaf springs | 9/16" to 3/4", 15 to 21 mm |
These are typical examples. Check your service manual for exact sizes.
Chrome or Impact
Chrome deep sockets are thinner-walled and fit tighter spots, but they're for hand tools only. Impact deep sockets have thicker walls and are built to take the hammering of an impact wrench. They also work by hand. If you own an impact, put your money into impact deep sockets first. Our impact socket set guide covers more options, including GearWrench's deep 1/2-inch impact set.
Gaps to Watch
Deep sets are where brands most often skip sizes. Look for 20 mm in 3/8- and 1/2-inch sets, and for the small 6 to 9 mm sizes in 3/8-inch drive. Among our picks, the GearWrench 80554 and Tekton SHD91114 have no gaps in their ranges, while both Sunex sets skip 20 mm.
Rails or Case
Rails keep deep sockets upright and visible, which matters because deep sockets roll easily and are harder to read in a pile. All three chrome sets here come on rails, and the Sunex 5153DD has adjustable metal rails.
Deep Sockets vs Pass-Through
If the stud is longer than any deep socket, or there's no room for a deep socket and a ratchet above the nut, a pass-through socket set can be the better tool. The stud passes through both the socket and the ratchet head.
Extensions, Wobble and Universal Joints
Deep sockets already add length, so stacking them on long extensions makes the setup flexible and prone to wobble. For high-torque work, use the shortest combination that reaches. If you need an angle, a universal joint or a wobble extension behind a deep socket can help, but the longer the stack, the more likely the socket is to cock on the nut and round it. Impact-rated deep sockets used with impact extensions handle this better than chrome sockets.
Common Mistakes
- Buying a deep set that doesn't match your standard set. A 10 to 19 mm deep set behind a 6 to 19 mm standard set leaves the small studs uncovered.
- Using chrome deep sockets on an impact gun. Their thinner walls can crack. Buy impact deep sockets for impact tools.
- Forgetting SAE. Even metric cars have SAE sizes on aftermarket parts and accessories. The GearWrench 80555 or Sunex 3360DD fill that gap.
- Ignoring storage. Loose deep sockets roll and get lost. Rails like those on the GearWrench and Tekton sets keep them in order.
- Reaching for a deep socket when a standard one fits. A standard socket is shorter, stiffer and fits where clearance is tight. Use deep sockets only when the stud demands it.
Spark Plugs
Spark plug sockets are a special kind of deep socket, with a rubber insert or magnet to hold the plug. A regular deep socket can work, but a dedicated spark plug socket is safer for the ceramic. Check our socket size chart for common spark plug sizes.
How We Chose
We compared current deep socket sets from GearWrench, Tekton and Sunex using each manufacturer's published contents and specs: every deep size included, skipped sizes, drive size, chrome or impact construction, storage and listed warranty. We favored gap-free size runs that match common standard sets, and we noted where storage isn't specified. We also considered recurring owner feedback on deep sockets, such as wobble on extensions and hard-to-read sizes. We did not test these sets ourselves.
FAQ
What is a deep socket used for?
Reaching nuts that sit on a long stud or bolt, where a standard socket would bottom out on the threads before it engaged the nut. Common examples are exhaust studs, strut and shock tops, U-bolts, wheel studs and spark plugs.
Do I need a deep socket wrench set if my set has some deep sockets?
Check the sizes. Many kits include deep sockets only in a few common sizes, or stop at 19 mm. A dedicated deep set fills the gaps, such as 6 to 9 mm or 20 to 24 mm, and is easier to find in a drawer.
Are deep sockets weaker than standard sockets?
Not inherently, but a longer socket adds leverage on the drive end and can flex or wobble more at an angle. For high-torque work, use impact-rated deep sockets or a breaker bar on a standard socket when clearance allows.
Can I use deep sockets on an impact wrench?
Only impact-rated ones. The GearWrench 80554 and 80555 and Tekton SHD91114 are chrome hand sockets. For impact tools, use a deep impact set such as the Sunex 3360DD or 5153DD.
What is the difference between deep and semi-deep sockets?
Semi-deep (or mid-length) sockets sit between standard and deep. They reach over a short stud while staying short enough for tighter spaces. Deep sockets reach further but need more clearance above the fastener.
Verdict
For most garages, the GearWrench 80554 is the best deep socket set: every metric size from 6 to 19 mm on a rail, with a full lifetime warranty. Add the 80555 for SAE, choose the Tekton SHD91114 if you want deep sizes to 24 mm in 3/8-inch drive, and pick the Sunex 5153DD if your deep sockets will go on a 1/2-inch impact wrench.