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A pass through socket set solves two problems that regular sockets can't. The ratchet head and sockets are hollow, so a long stud or threaded rod passes straight through instead of bottoming out. And because there's no square drive tang, the head is much thinner, which gets it into gaps where a standard ratchet and socket stack is too tall.
That makes pass-through kits popular for exhaust work, strut tops, shock mounts, threaded rod in HVAC and plumbing, and engine-bay spots with almost no vertical clearance. GearWrench's Pass-Thru line dominates the category, and Crescent (a sister brand) sells a version with a universal-profile socket.
The trade-off: pass-through sockets are their own system. They don't swap with standard sockets, so the set you buy determines what you can add later. We compared current sets on size coverage, ratchet design, adapters and fastener fit, using manufacturer specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: GearWrench 8946 (46 pieces). Best for: 1/4" and 3/8" drive Pass-Thru coverage from 3.5 to 19 mm with two ratchets.
- Best 3/8" Set: GearWrench 893823 (23 pieces). Best for: a 12-inch locking flex-head ratchet and SAE to 7/8".
- Best Value: GearWrench 8921 (21 pieces). Best for: core 10 to 19 mm and 3/8" to 3/4" sizes.
- Best 1/4" Set: GearWrench 891427 (27 pieces). Best for: small fasteners from 3.5 to 13 mm.
- Best Multi-Fastener Fit: Crescent CX6PT25 (25 pieces). Best for: hex, 12-point, E-Torx, spline and partly rounded fasteners.
- Best Bit Add-On: GearWrench 890040 (39 pieces). Best for: hex, Torx, Phillips and slotted bits for a Pass-Thru ratchet.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Pieces | Drives | SAE range | Metric range | Ratchet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GearWrench 8946 | Best overall | 46 | 1/4", 3/8" | 5/32" to 3/4" | 3.5 to 19 mm | Two, 72-tooth (5°) |
| GearWrench 893823 | 3/8" set | 23 | 3/8" | 3/8" to 7/8" | 10 to 19 mm | 72-tooth (5°), 12" locking flex |
| GearWrench 8921 | Value | 21 | 3/8" | 3/8" to 3/4" | 10 to 19 mm | 72-tooth (5°) |
| GearWrench 891427 | 1/4" set | 27 | 1/4" | 5/32" to 9/16" | 3.5 to 13 mm | 72-tooth (5°) |
| Crescent CX6PT25 | Multi-fastener | 25 | 3/8" | 3/8" to 7/8" | 10 to 19 mm | 72-tooth (5°) |
| GearWrench 890040 | Bit add-on | 39 | 1/4", 3/8" | Hex 1/16" to 3/8" | Hex 2 to 10 mm | None |
The Best Pass-Through Socket Sets, Reviewed
1. GearWrench 8946 46-Piece Set: Best Overall
Who it's for: anyone who wants to switch to a pass-through system for most small and mid-size fasteners.
The 8946 covers both small drives in one case. In 1/4-inch drive, GearWrench lists nine SAE sizes from 5/32" to 1/2" and 13 metric sizes: 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 mm. In 3/8-inch drive, you get seven SAE sizes from 3/8" to 3/4" and every metric size from 10 to 19 mm.
Two Pass-Thru ratchets are included, each with 72 teeth and a 5° swing arc. GearWrench says the heads are up to 50% thinner than conventional ratchets, because there's no drive tang. The set also includes adapters and extension bars, so you can run standard sockets when you need them. It's in a blow-molded case at about 5.3 lb, with a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 1/4" and 3/8" drive Pass-Thru in one set
- Metric from 3.5 to 19 mm with no gaps from 10 to 19
- Adapters let you use standard sockets
Cons
- SAE stops at 3/4"
- 72-tooth ratchets need 5° of swing
GEARWRENCH 46 Piece 1/4″ & 3/8″ Drive Pass-Thru 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set 8946
by GEARWRENCH
2. GearWrench 893823 23-Piece 3/8" Set: Best 3/8" Set
Who it's for: mechanics who want reach and angle as well as pass-through clearance.
The 893823's ratchet is its standout. It's 12 inches long with a locking flex head that holds in 11 positions, a dual-material grip, 72 teeth and a 5° swing. GearWrench lists the head at 0.453" thick, which shows how slim the Pass-Thru design gets. The long handle gives more leverage than a typical 3/8-inch ratchet, and the flex head lets you work around obstructions.
Sockets cover nine SAE sizes from 3/8" to 7/8" and 10 metric sizes from 10 to 19 mm. Two extensions and an adapter for standard sockets are included, in a blow-molded case at 4.19 lb with a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 12" locking flex-head ratchet
- Head only 0.453" thick, per GearWrench
- SAE to 7/8"
Cons
- 3/8" drive only
- Nothing below 10 mm
GEARWRENCH 23 Piece 3/8″ Drive Pass-Thru 6 Point Standard SAE/Metric Mechanics Tool Set 893823
by GEARWRENCH
3. GearWrench 8921 21-Piece 3/8" Set: Best Value
Who it's for: DIYers who want to try a pass thru socket set without buying the bigger kits.
The 8921 is the simplest way into the system. GearWrench lists SAE sockets from 3/8" to 3/4" (seven sizes) and metric sockets for every size from 10 to 19 mm, plus a reversible 72-tooth Pass-Thru ratchet with a 5° arc and an adapter for standard sockets and drive tools.
That covers the fastener sizes you'll meet most on exhaust hangers, strut tops and threaded rod. It comes in a blow-molded case at 3.3 lb and carries a full lifetime warranty. If you later want the 1/4-inch drive, the 891427 or the 8946 fills that in.
Pros
- Gap-free 10 to 19 mm
- Adapter for standard sockets included
- Light and compact
Cons
- No extensions listed
- SAE stops at 3/4"
GEARWRENCH 21 Piece 3/8″ Drive Pass-Thru 6 Point SAE/Metric Tool Set 8921
by GEARWRENCH
4. GearWrench 891427 27-Piece 1/4" Set: Best 1/4" Set
Who it's for: anyone working on small fasteners on threaded rod, such as HVAC, electrical and appliance hardware, or small engine studs.
The 891427 is the 1/4-inch drive counterpart to the 893823. GearWrench lists 10 SAE sockets (5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2" and 9/16") and 13 metric sockets from 3.5 to 13 mm, including 4.5 and 5.5 mm. The 72-tooth GearRatchet has a 5° swing and 11 locking head positions.
Two extensions and an adapter for standard 1/4-inch sockets are included, in a blow-molded case with a full lifetime warranty. Pairing it with the 8921 gives you both drives for less clutter than one large kit.
Pros
- 3.5 to 13 mm and 5/32" to 9/16"
- Locking head positions
- Extensions and adapter included
Cons
- 1/4-inch drive only
- Small sizes only
GEARWRENCH 27 Piece 1/4″ Drive Pass-Thru 6 Point Standard SAE/Metric Mechanics Tool Set 891427
by GEARWRENCH
5. Crescent CX6PT25 25-Piece X6 Set: Best Multi-Fastener Fit
Who it's for: anyone who regularly meets odd or damaged fasteners and wants one socket profile for all of them.
Crescent's X6 sockets use a profile designed to fit six fastener types: hex, square, 12-point, E-Torx, partially rounded hex and spline. Crescent describes the pass-thru design as a replacement for separate standard and deep sockets. The set covers fasteners from 3/8" (10 mm) to 7/8" (19 mm), with nine metric and nine SAE sockets per retailer listings, plus a drive bit adapter.
The 72-tooth ratchet has a 5° swing arc. The tools have a black oxide finish, and the set weighs 2.77 lb. Crescent lists a full lifetime warranty. GearWrench sells a near-identical version as the GWX6PT25, but its page says there's no warranty on the full set, only on individual items, so compare terms before you buy.
Pros
- Fits hex, 12-point, E-Torx, spline and partly rounded fasteners
- Replaces standard and deep sockets
- Light at 2.77 lb
Cons
- Fewer sizes than the 8946
- Universal profiles grip less precisely than a dedicated 6-point
Crescent 25 Piece 3/8″ Drive Pass-Thru X6 Standard Spline Mechanics Tool Set CX6PT25
by Crescent
6. GearWrench 890040 39-Piece Bit Set: Best Bit Add-On
Who it's for: Pass-Thru owners who want screwdriver and Allen bits that work with their ratchet.
The 890040 adds bit sockets to the system: 12 SAE hex bits from 1/16" to 3/8", nine metric hex bits from 2 to 10 mm, Phillips #1 to #3, three slotted bits and 12 Torx bits from T8 to T55. GearWrench says the sockets are broached for both Pass-Thru and conventional 1/4- and 3/8-inch square drives, so they work with your regular ratchets too.
The bits are S2 steel in polished chrome holders, for manual use only. It comes in a blow-molded case at about 3.7 lb with a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Hex, Torx, Phillips and slotted in one case
- Works with Pass-Thru and standard square drives
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- No E-Torx or tamper-proof bits
- Not for impact tools
GEARWRENCH 39 Piece 1/4″ & 3/8″ Drive Pass-Thru Standard Hex/Slotted/Phillips/Torx Bit SAE/Metric Socket Set 890040
by GEARWRENCH
Pass-Through Socket Set Buying Guide
How Pass-Through Works
On a standard ratchet, a square drive tang pushes into the back of the socket. On a pass-through ratchet, the socket's outside is driven directly by the ratchet head, and both have a hole through the middle. That does two things: it lets a stud pass through, and it makes the head thinner because there's no tang. GearWrench says its Pass-Thru heads are up to 50% thinner than conventional ratchets.
When a Pass-Through Set Beats Deep Sockets
Choose pass-through when clearance above the nut is limited, or when the stud is longer than any deep socket. Exhaust studs, strut and shock tops, threaded rod in ceilings and long U-bolts are classic cases. If you have room and want to use extensions or an impact tool, a regular deep socket set is still the better tool.
Compatibility Lock-In
GearWrench says its Pass-Thru sockets are specialized and not interchangeable with traditional sockets. Every ratchet set here includes an adapter so the pass-through ratchet can turn standard sockets or bits, but your standard ratchets can't turn Pass-Thru sockets. Plan on staying in one system.
Drive Size
Pass-through kits come in 1/4- and 3/8-inch drive. The 3/8-inch covers most automotive and threaded-rod work from 10 to 19 mm. The 1/4-inch covers small fasteners. Keep your standard 3/8" drive socket set and 1/4" drive socket set for jobs that need extensions, U-joints or more sizes.
Ratchet Swing
All the ratchets here have 72 teeth, which means 5° of swing before the next click. That's coarser than the 90- and 120-tooth ratchets in many standard sets. Pass-through's advantage is head height, not tooth count. If swing arc matters more, a ratcheting wrench set may be the better tool for some jobs.
Hex or Universal Profile
GearWrench's standard Pass-Thru sockets are 6-point. Crescent's X6 profile fits six fastener types, including spline and partly rounded hex. A universal profile is handy, but a dedicated 6-point socket grips a good hex fastener most securely.
Expanding the System
GearWrench also sells Pass-Thru extensions, bit sockets like the 890040, and an 11-piece Pass-Thru adjustable wrench set (GWPTAW8), which pairs an 8-inch adjustable wrench with a Pass-Thru ratchet. We cover it in our adjustable wrench set guide.
How We Chose
We compared current pass-through socket sets from GearWrench and Crescent using each manufacturer's published contents and specs: every socket size, drive size, ratchet tooth count and swing arc, ratchet head design, included adapters and extensions, fastener compatibility, storage and listed warranty. We also considered common owner feedback on pass thru socket sets, including the lack of cross-brand compatibility. We did not test these sets ourselves; where a manufacturer doesn't itemize every piece, we only list what it publishes.
FAQ
What is a pass through socket set?
A ratchet and socket system where the ratchet head and sockets are hollow, so a long bolt or threaded rod can pass through both. The sockets are driven from the outside by the ratchet head instead of by a square drive tang, which also makes the head thinner.
Do pass thru sockets replace deep sockets?
For many jobs, yes. Because the stud can pass through the socket and the ratchet, a pass-through socket reaches nuts on long studs and threaded rod that would normally need a deep socket. Deep sockets are still useful with extensions or impact tools.
Can I use regular sockets with a pass through ratchet?
Yes, with the adapter included in most GearWrench Pass-Thru sets. The adapter converts the ratchet to a square drive so it can turn standard sockets and drive tools, though you lose the pass-through benefit.
Are pass through sockets compatible with other brands?
Generally no. GearWrench states its Pass-Thru sockets are specialized and not interchangeable with traditional sockets. Plan on buying sockets and ratchets from the same pass-through system.
Can pass through sockets be used on an impact wrench?
No. Pass-through sockets are driven by a hand ratchet head, and the bit sockets in sets like the GearWrench 890040 are labeled for manual use only. Use impact-rated sockets on impact tools.
Verdict
The GearWrench 8946 is the best pass through socket set for most people, with 1/4- and 3/8-inch drive sockets from 3.5 to 19 mm and two thin-head ratchets. Pick the 893823 if you want a 12-inch locking flex-head ratchet, or the Crescent CX6PT25 if you regularly meet spline, E-Torx or partly rounded fasteners.