I've only ever used deep sockets on glow plugs (grrr), where I needed six-point, impact driver quality.

i wish i had only ever bought full sets of sockets .then they are easier to store and find

I string loose sockets on a loop of electrical wire, tied with a sheet bend. Makes a sort of macho MrT stylee mechanics necklace.

Its a hassle and fiddly to take out the socket you need and put it back, and if you are like me, during a job you won't bother. Then you will waste A LOT more time than you saved looking for the sockets you didn't re-string.

And swearing

An IKEA magnetic knife rack is a partial solution for on-the-job-ready-use socket storage, and you can also use it to set out small ferrous parts in the sequence of removal.

In the UK (unlike Taiwan) you can probably easily buy plenty of purpose-built storage solutions. I got a nice socket storage strip in Japan that takes the most-used 1/2 drive sockets, but I was too stingy to buy them for ALL my sockets.

I'd second getting 1/2" drive for the bigger sockets - it's pretty easy to snap a 3/8" drive.

In over fifty years of car maintenance I don't think I have ever needed a deep socket. But one of the most useful tool sets I have is my box spanner set - less clumsy than my socket set and ideal for lawn mowers.

Edited by John F on 16/05/2021 at 09:21