Hands on Review: Craftsman Deep Well Sockets for Ball Lock Keg Posts
What Size Are Ball Lock Keg Posts?
There are two primary post sizes for standard ball lock kegs. 11/16″ and 7/8″. These can come in both 6 point and 12 point, compatible variations. I’ve seen two other post sizes. 5/8″ and 9/16″. I consider those more non-standard. This post focuses on 11/16″ and 7/8″.
I usually use a wrench when dealing with ball lock keg posts. I have one wrench that works with both sizes – See: Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set – but having a socket is sometimes super handy and sometimes potentially required.
What about 12 Point vs 6 Point Posts?
For the larger 7/8″ posts I’ve seen both 6 point and 12 point styles. A 12 point socket will work on a 6 point post, but not vice versa. For the smaller 11/16″ posts I have only seen 6 point. Not to say that 12 point don’t exist, I just don’t recall seeing any.
This post looks at both sizes to prove what I’m saying here, however, when looking for a 7/8″ socket, I recommend a 12 point design. That gives you the flexibility to work with both 6 and 12 point style posts. For the smaller 11/16″ socket, a 6 point design should work.
These Only Work With Ball Lock Kegs, Why?
These sockets will only work with standard Ball Lock Keg Posts. Pin Lock Kegs require a special socket that has a notch in it to allow the post pin to slip through.
Lots more info… What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
If you need a Pin Lock Socket, See: Keg Sockets – Choose Your Sockets – via Keg Connection, choose the Pin Lock Option
Hands on Review Craftsman Sockets for Ball Lock Keg Posts
This post looks at four Craftsman Deep Sockets. I purchased these at Amazon. Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear when you click on the product link
- 11/16″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)
- 11/16″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524)
- Not Recommended, See Conclusions at the end of this review – 7/8″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43339)
- 7/8″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)
Canada:
- CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)
- CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)
Since the driver that I keep in my brewery area is 3/8″ drive, I also used this adapter
Craftsman Socket Adapter 1/2″ Drive to 3/4″ (04271)
All four Craftsman Deep Well SocketsProduct Tag for 7/’8 6 PointProduct Tag for 7/’8 12 PointProduct Tag for 11/16″ 6 PointProduct Tag for 11/16″ 12 PointA look in the well side of the the 6 point socketsA look into the driver side of the 6 point socketsThe sockets with my 3/8″ drive Craftsman Ratchet. Mine is model 44808, but most 3/8″ drive ratchets should work.
Testing the Smaller 11/16″ Sockets
The 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostAnother photo: The 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostWorky! The 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostThe 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock Post on a 10 Gallon Torpedo Keg – Hands on Review. In my experience a compatible socket is a near requirement if you own this keg. It’s possible to get to with a wrench, but tough.
Testing the Larger 7/8″ Sockets
This is a 7/8″ 6 point ball lock keg post
The 7/8″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 7/8″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostAnother photo: The 7/8″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 7/8″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostThis is a 7/8″ 12 point ball lock keg postNo worky – 7/8″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket does not work with a 12 pt Ball Lock PostThe 7/8″ 12 pt Deep Well Socket DOES work a 7/8″ 12 pt Ball Lock Post
3/8″ Driver to 1/2″ Socket
Since the driver that I keep in my brewery area is 3/8″ drive, I also used this adapter – Craftsman Socket Adapter 1/2″ Drive to 3/4″ (04271) – with the 1/2″ drive 12 pt socketsMy driver + adapter + 11/16″ 12 pt deep well My driver + adapter + 7/8″ 12 pt deep well
Conclusions
I have a lot of experience with Craftsman tools. I think they produce quality tools at generally reasonable prices. These sockets are well made, generally well priced and work well to remove ball lock posts.
For the smaller 11/16″ ball lock posts it probably makes sense to buy a 6 point socket. For larger 7/8″ posts it makes sense to me to buy a 12 point socket. The 6 pt version works with 6 pt ball lock posts, but it’s likely you’ll run into both 6 pt and 12 pt designs. Getting the 12 pt 7/8″ means you can work with both.
Check Prices and Availability
Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear when you click on the product link
- 11/16″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)
- 11/16″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524)
- Not Recommended, See Conclusions Section – 7/8″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43339)
- 7/8″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)
Canada:
- CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)
- CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)
Since the driver that I keep in my brewery area is 3/8″ drive, I also used this adapter
Craftsman Socket Adapter 1/2″ Drive to 3/4″ (04271)
Other Options:
If you want to look around for other potential options…
Search Amazon for “7/8″ deep socket 12 point” and 11/16″ deep socket
I suggest looking for compatible sizes, both for your driver and a proper size for the ball lock posts. you have. As mentioned previously I recommend 12 pt for 7/8″ sockets. Also look for quality materials and good reviews.
Also: Keg Sockets – Choose Your Sockets – via Keg Connection
Another potential solution for 12 point 7/8″ Ball Lock Post – See: Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set
Related:
- What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
- Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set
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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd review:craftsmansockets tag:tpr