Table of Contents
- View The Best Socket Sets Below
- 1. EPAuto 45 Pieces Drive Socket Set
- 2. DEWALT 204-piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set
- 3. WORKPRO Sockets Set
- 4. TEKTON Socket & Ratchet Set
- 5. DEWALT Mechanics Socket Set
- 6. EPAuto Socket Set
- 7. EPAuto Drive Socket Set
- 8. WORKPRO Compact Drive Sockets Set
- 9. CASOMAN Drive Impact Socket Set
- 10. TACKLIFE Drive Socket Set
- Socket sets Buyer’s Guide
Socket wrenches (and other socket-related tools) can come in handy when you’re dealing with connections or appliances that use nuts and bolts as fasteners, making it easy to tighten or loosen them at a moment’s notice. However, it’s basically impossible to find a socket wrench that can deal with every size of nut and bolt at once: you need a proper socket set if you want to cover all the bases and make sure that you’re able to handle every size that might get thrown your way. After all, the more tools you have, the easier it’ll be to make sure that you can fix whatever problems that come your way.
Here are ten of the best socket set options we could find online, as well as details about what makes them the best for different tasks.
View The Best Socket Sets Below
1. EPAuto 45 Pieces Drive Socket Set
Each piece of this 45 piece set of drive socket gear is made with high-quality and durable Chrome Vanadium steel that’s been hardened and properly treated for maximum reliability in almost every situation. They’re also corrosion-resistant and plated with a protective chrome layer, and can all easily fit into the plastic storage case that comes with the kit.
The 72-tooth pear head ratchet work in both common measurement systems, meaning that you don’t have to make calculations in your head if you’re in the middle of a tricky task: not only that, but the ratchet has a universal joint that allows it to work with any of the socket pieces.
Pros:
+ Made with high-durability materials.
+ Has a universal joint for easy socket changes.
+ Comes with a sturdy storage case.
+ Corrosion-resistant.
+ Mirror-polished.
Why We Like It – This is the best socket set for people who just need a straightforward case of equipment, giving you all of the tools you need without sacrificing quality or reliability.
2. DEWALT 204-piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set
This set includes a massive range of drive sockets of different sizes and styles, as well as three different ratchets for handling the socks based on their size. The 72 tooth system improves torque and makes it easier to tighten or loosen each of the sockets, while the laser-etched markings on each piece act as a great way to identify them and tell them apart with one glance. The special knurled design on each socket improves grip, as well as ensuring that you can use them with one hand – even if you can’t see them.
Pros:
+ Knurled sockets for greater grip.
+ Comes with a carry case.
+ High-torque design.
+ Laser-etched size markings.
+ 5 degrees of arc swing.
Why We Like It – This socket set may not be the most extreme option, but it offers great quality and a range of features that help you spend less time on setting up the sockets.
3. WORKPRO Sockets Set
This socket set uses corrosion-resistant sockets and ratchet tools to ensure maximum quality at any time, combining the tough chrome plating with an easy-to-use ball bearing release system on each ratchet to help with quick socket changes.
The molded storage case keeps each bit safe and makes sure that your socket set is always together, as well as making it easier to carry from one place to the next. Each socket bit is a different size, but the ratchet handle can still support them all thanks to the extension bar, letting you use a range of sockets without any problems.
Pros:
+ Comes with a ratchet handle.
+ Multiple socket bit sizes.
+ Includes a socket set case.
+ Contains an extension bar.
+ Made with tough materials.
Why We Like It – This set is great for handling a range of applications, making it one of the best socket set options for new a new craftsman or DIY hobbyist.
4. TEKTON Socket & Ratchet Set
This 3/8-inch drive socket set contains a 90-tooth ratchet with a 4-inch swing arc, making it extremely easy to tighten sockets of all sizes with only one tool. Each of the 6-point sockets has their sizes marked into them in a way that won’t wear off, and every bit is chrome-plated to add more corrosion resistance.
The ratchet tool itself has a quick-release system and a universal extension, allowing it to work with almost any sockets and reducing the need to get other tools or sets to handle specific socket sizes. Not only that, but the range of sockets doesn’t skip any important sizes.
Pros:
+ Contains all important sockets.
+ Universal ratchet joint and extension.
+ 3/8-inch drive socket sizes.
+ Corrosion-resistant.
+ 90-degree ratchet for easier socket adjustments.
Why We Like It – This socket set gives you a range of useful socket bits and a compatible drive ratchet that’s designed to help you use them quickly and efficiently.
5. DEWALT Mechanics Socket Set
This wrenches, ratchets, hex keys and sockets set contains a huge variety of tools and socket bits to give you plenty of flexibility with what you can do, using a 72-tooth system to provide higher torque for faster fastening and loosening in every situation.
The low-profile design of the ratchet lever helps get rid of many catch points that may stop you from getting the smooth operation you expect, as well as meaning that you can still get great results with one hand if needed. The accessory case that holds each piece maximizes protection and minimizes space used for easier transport and storage compared to other socket sets.
Pros:
+ Comes in a tough carrying case.
+ Works well even in one hand.
+ Comes with a wide range of sockets.
+ Reduced catch points for ratchets.
+ Contains ratchets, sockets, and other useful tools.
Why We Like It – Unlike many socket sets, this kit includes multiple tools that you would normally have to buy separately, giving you plenty of gear in one carry case.
6. EPAuto Socket Set
This 3/8-inch socket set offers a high level of quality, with each bit being made of hardened Chrome Vanadium steel alloy for better corrosion resistance and protection. The plastic case keeps the entire socket set together for easy storage, and the set also includes a reversible ratchet with a 72-tooth design that offers great torque.
It also includes some other handy tools such as a 3/8 drive extension bar and multiple metric sockets, all with visible markings of their sizes. Not only that, but also you get sockets using the English measurement system too, giving you not one but two sets of sockets to use.
Pros:
+ Includes a reversible ratchet.
+ Comes with a tough storage case.
+ Contains both English and metric sockets.
+ Corrosion-resistant chrome plating.
+ Great overall quality.
Why We Like It – This socket set may be simple, but it provides useful tools and multiple handy sockets from different measurement sizes to give you everything you might need.
7. EPAuto Drive Socket Set
This 1/4 and 3/8 drive socket set contains a variety of corrosion-resistant sockets in a sturdy case, combining both English and metric sockets together instead of focusing on just one of the two sizes. There are also two pear head drive ratchets in the case, working with 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets respectfully.
You also multiple deep sockets and semi deep sockets, including deep metric sockets, as well as two extension bars for different socket sizes and some regular SAE sockets that are all compatible with the standard ratchets. All of this fits nearly inside the case, where every socket in the set is marked to let you tell its size with one glance.
Pros:
+ Works well for storage.
+ Corrosion-resistant tools and sockets.
+ Includes regular and deep metric sockets.
+ Also includes regular and deep English sockets.
+ Contains multiple drive ratchets and extension bars.
Why We Like It – This 3/8 drive socket set contains plenty of really helpful tools and socket bits that can be useful to both complete newcomers or an experienced craftsman.
8. WORKPRO Compact Drive Sockets Set
This durable, corrosion-resistant and great quality 3/8-inch socket set is great for a range of applications, using a ball bearing ratchet that can quickly release the current sockets at almost any time. The compact socket set contains a selection of handy socket sizes and an extension bar for easier use in small spaces.
You also get a straightforward drive ratchet handle and a spark plug, as well as a sturdy case to keep your sockets sets protected from harm. You can even switch the ratchet’s forward and reverse directions if it’s easier to drive them one way than the other.
Pros:
+ Comes with a special storage box.
+ Works well as a set.
+ Includes a simple ratchet handle.
+ Includes one handy extension bar.
+ Great overall quality.
Why We Like It – Unlike many socket sets, this specific socket set focuses on a small selection of useful sockets and tools, giving you maximum quality wherever possible.
9. CASOMAN Drive Impact Socket Set
This heat-treated socket set gives you a full set of 6-point sockets with special chamfered openings, as well as an attachment port that you can use on most regular ratchets. The sizes of the sockets are marked onto each bit with a laser, ensuring that they won’t wear off easily.
The Chrome Vanadium steel alloy provides better corrosion resistance and damage protection compared to other socket sets, and the heavy-duty storage box organizes each bit in the set to make sure they’re together and ready to use at any time. The set also includes an extension bar, universal joint and reducer.
Pros:
+ Laser-etched size markings.
+ Contains a full set of sockets.
+ Includes other useful tools.
+ Uses 3/8-inch drive sockets.
+ Easy to transport and store.
Why We Like It – This socket set offers quite a few sizes of sockets while also giving you the tools you need to use them properly in a professional context.
10. TACKLIFE Drive Socket Set
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This 46-piece socket set uses an upgraded black phosphate finish to add a huge amount of corrosion resistance, as well as laser-etched size markings on each bit of the set. The 3/8-inch drive sockets work well alongside the 72-teeth ratchet, ensuring that you’ll be able to adjust them smoothly and with great precision.
Everything in the set can handle small spaces and very niche situations well, and you can store the entire set in the carrying toolbox to ensure proper protection and convenience when moving from one task to another. The ratchet can also be reversed to help you get great results in either direction.
Pros:
+ Reversible ratchet design.
+ Uses 3/8-inch drive sockets.
+ Uses the best corrosion-resistant finish available.
+ Very easy to store.
+ Laser-etched size markings.
Why We Like It – This professional-looking socket set is ideal for any craftsman who wants high quality and great practical results when using 3/8-inch sockets.
Socket sets Buyer’s Guide
Finding the best socket set for a particular task can be difficult, especially if you’re not very experienced with sockets or the tools that go with them. Like any product, socket sets have to be properly chosen if you want to make sure that you’ll get good results, especially if you’re using them in a professional context where even a small mistake can be a huge strain on your reputation or business’ image. But how do you choose from all the different socket sets on the market, and what actually matters most when you’re looking around for a new set of sockets and tools to use?
Socket Types
One of the biggest and longest choices you’ll have to make about the kinds of sockets you’ll be getting. Not all sockets are designed in the same way, and not all socket sets will actually contain all of these sockets either. If we ignore size entirely, there’s still quite a lot of choices to make regarding each product and the sockets it’ll give you: if you’re not already familiar with these various sockets and what they’re for, or just need a refresher, then it’s extremely important than you understand that even a professional craftsman has to think carefully about the sockets they’ll actually need to get next.
A regular socket is generally compatible with ratchet somewhere around 1/4-1/2 inches in size, with many being 3/8-inch compatible due to this size being very common. They’re used for all kinds of different tasks: tightening hinges on doors, fixing appliances or even replacing parts in cars.
They’re very common and come in a range of sizes, but don’t have any particular strengths and weaknesses: they’re bland sockets that are never best at anything, but don’t suffer in terms of quality and can still be useful as an “all in one” choice. In fact, they’ll still get used by almost every craftsman out there since they’re easy to get hold of and don’t have any inherent problems, limits or risks associated with using them.
An impact socket is slightly different, taking the same basic socket design and building on it without changing it too much and forcing you to use special tools. They’re usually made out of hot-forged or heat-treated materials and have a slightly darker color, as well as generally being a little bit thicker and more durable.
An impact socket is almost always used for auto repair or other automotive tasks, such as changing the lug nuts on wheels or altering the suspension of a car, although they can also be used for similarly heavy-duty tasks like repairing aircraft or heavy equipment in factories and production lines. They aren’t the only sockets that can do this, but an impact socket set will be able to produce better results and survive more frequent use compared to a regular socket set.
Deep sockets aren’t technically a new type on their own, but more of a design choice. They’re much less common across almost every brand, and are usually roughly an inch long: the idea behind them is that they can reach further, getting into areas where a bolt is recessed and can’t easily be reached with the length of normal sockets. If they’re combined with an extension bar, they can go even further (sometimes even up to seven inches or more). The name explains it all: deep sockets are simply sockets that can go deeper into an area compared to regular sockets. Note that you can also sometimes get deep impact sockets, which are essentially impact sockets that have the same size benefit.
The other type you might need to know about it semi deep sockets. These aren’t just smaller deep sockets: they’re also thinner and meant to get into even tighter spaces, making them rare and only really used by specialized craftsman types. Like before, these can also be impact sockets, since the difference is mostly in the shape.
Sizes
As you’d expect, the size of every socket in a socket set matters. It’s quite obvious, but it often gets overlooked: even the best socket sets might not contain the size you need, which can be a pain if you’re buying an impact socket set or something else that’s a bit more niche. After all, impact sockets can also be more expensive, so buying the wrong one can easily feel like a waste.
Although a 3/8-inch socket set is one of the more common options, it doesn’t mean that they’re the best socket sets for any job. Sometimes you need larger than 3/8-inch options, and you can’t always adapt a smaller or larger socket set to work with a task that isn’t sized properly. Aside from that, there isn’t really much else to say about a socket set in terms of size: you just have to use common sense, measure out the task and take the time to search for a socket set that fits those measurements.
Measurement systems play a big role here. Metric and English measurements can alter the size of each socket in the set, and not every set will offer English and metric at the same time. A set that’s exclusively in metric will make it hard to drive bolts with English measurements, but not impossible: you just have to be ready to convert the metric into English, since a metric set and English set are often interchangeable if you can see how they actually compare. There’s no best option if you have to decide between a metric set and an English set: metric is no better than English, so it’s mostly personal preference.
Materials
While almost all sockets are metal, each socket set will usually use one consistent set of materials for both the sockets and the tools, and these materials can change quite a lot about certain socket sets. There are the obvious factors like weight and durability, but a certain material might even change how the socket set was made and what kinds of situations it’s supposed to be used for, especially if the included tools are made in the same way. Chrome Vanadium steel alloy is a very common option due to the amount of durability it offers, usually letting manufacturers create sockets with thicket walls to protect them from a sudden impact or bash.
Not only that, but it reduces the chance of them cracking over time: even if you can’t see cracks on the outside of a socket, they’ll still eventually split. However, their main benefit is the high corrosion and rust resistance that lets them survive for much longer than a regular metal socked, even if they’re left outside or in a wet area. Other material types can exist, and some brand product lines may even use their own custom alloys or coatings to get certain benefits. However, you’ll usually either end up seeing regular metal or a chrome-finished alloy, so these are the two you’ll see most often.
As a side note, many socket set designs will actually have the socket size laser-etched or stamped onto each of the sockets in the set, meaning that you can identify each size that the socket set includes at a glance. This is great for people who aren’t used to using socket sets or can’t see well enough to judge sizes visually, and means that the size number won’t wear off: a 3/8-inch socket can look similar to a 1/2-inch bit in the same set, and identifying them properly matters. Sometimes a set will have a single measurement system, like metric, but others can have multiple, such as metric and English being used on the same set.
Ratchets and Other Tools
There’s no point having socket sets if you don’t actually have a ratchet tool that you can use to drive the socket sets. Halfords, Craftsman, Stanley and other major brand names almost always include a range of tools you can use to handle your socket sets, ranging from screwdriver bits or a wrench to a full set of ratchets. However, knowing how to use these tools and the features that they may offer you is also important for newcomers or a craftsman who’s trying to update their old toolbox, since they’re rarely as simple as the classic wrenches that you might be picturing in your head.
The best socket sets will come with at least one ratchet that’s compatible with the bits in the set: depending on the set in question, this could be a drive ratchet with a universal joint (able to work with impact socket, regular socket and deep socket designs of varying sizes) or a ratchet that’s only supposed to work with one kind. The brand of the ratchet will almost always match the brand of the rest of the set unless it’s from a partner company, and will usually use the same design elements (like certain grip designs or brand markings) as well/
Ratchets aren’t the only tools you might get, though. A socket set can include anything from full-sized wrenches to a bit extension for deep sockets, screwdriver bits specially designed for small sockets or even adaptors to make a larger wrench fit 3/8-inch sockets. Many of these tools are designed as part of the set, so it’s quite rare that you’ll get a tool that doesn’t work correctly and consistently with the other parts of the set: even the smallest Halfords socket sets will contain everything you need and won’t force you to buy other wrenches or drive ratchets desperately.
Carrying Cases
You’ll often find that a socket set includes a special carrying case or box that’s meant to hold all of your sockets, wrenches and ratchets together for storage, transport or just simple convenience. This might seem like a small addition to some people, especially if you already have your own toolbox, but it can be invaluable in a lot of situations. While Craftsman toolboxes are some of the most popular, that doesn’t mean that the next brand can’t offer something worth using, especially if it’s included in the set anyway.
The benefit of these set cases over existing storage methods is that they’re specially designed for that socket set. This means that every one of the ratchets, every wrench and every one of the individual sockets has its own spot that’s properly sized for that item.
This basically means that the socket set can always be kept together, won’t get bashed around during transport and doesn’t have to be exposed to the elements or left to mix in with another socket set you might have lying around. You may even find the socket set carrying cases more useful than a normal storage method, and they can save a lot of time if you’re trying to get from one place to the next with all of your equipment.
What is the best mechanics tool set?
Mechanical work, in general, isn’t a single task, and it covers thousands of different jobs. However, even if you’re asking for the best socket set specifically, there isn’t always a straight answer: you need to focus on the specifics. Do you want a 3/8-inch impact socket set? Do you want an impact socket set at all, or are impact sockets too specific for your needs? How many ratchets do you want?
Should the measurements be in metric? It’s not always easy to figure out what your needs actually are until you take the time to break things down further and further, which narrows the width you have to search and gives you fewer “best” socket set options to look through.
Brand names can play a part here. It’s easy to say that Stanley or Craftsman makes the best socket set choices, but Stanley and Craftsman still have differences and have made a reputation for themselves by doing different things. For example, Craftsman might make better storage cases and grips for a socket set, but Stanley could have more durable tools.
Stanley could be better when you need small metric sockets, but Stanley might struggle with a larger socket set that doesn’t focus on the metric measurement system. There isn’t a single best socket set that handles everything perfectly, and some will be much more, and no brand can be the best at everything.
Remember that not all of your tool sets need to come from the same brand, either. If you’re not liking a ratchet from a kit, you could replace it with an alternative made by Stanley or another similar brand: in this example, maybe Stanley just produces the better option between the two, but the Stanley socket set doesn’t offer the specifics you need. Don’t be afraid to add your own choices to a socket set if you need something very niche.
Is a 6 point or 12 point socket better?
Socket points don’t usually interfere with where they can be used, but they change the kind of tasks that the socket set is meant to be used for. In simple terms, a six-point socket has a hexagon shape through the middle, with six “corners” that act as catching points to help turn the bolt. By contrast, a 12-point socket has twice as many (a do-decagon), giving it twice as many catching points but less overall grip on the bolt inside it. While it might seem like they’ll always be the best option, it really depends on the situations and the purpose you’re actually using the socket set for.
Aside from the fact that you can see the differences in the designs, they’re actually used for different reasons. A 12-point socket set has less space between each of the catching points to the next, giving it more versatility but making it best for light work. The 6-point set has more space between each point and a stronger grip to stop the bolt from just slipping to the next point, so they’re best for work where a lot of force and effort is needed (usually heavy-duty tasks where trying to drive the socket takes a lot of pressure and grip).
As usual, you still need to worry about things like metric vs English measurements of the set, so you can’t decide that a set is best based on its points alone. In fact, for many jobs, it’s more important to find out whether a set is metric or English rather than its point amount, especially if you’re not planning to drive any tough bolts. Still, there are some situations where a specific number of points is best, so do your research and figure out what you think you’ll need if you’re handling a situation that calls for a very niche set of tools and sockets.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these reviews and this buyer’s guide have made it easier to find the next best socket set for your toolbox! In the end, the best option is whichever set you find most useful when you have to drive bolts further into a surface. Whether you’re buying from Amazon.com or just clicking from each website to the next, you never know when the best option will suddenly present itself!
If you’ve never had to drive nuts and bolts like this before, then don’t be afraid to keep searching and see what you can find, since each person has their own requirements and unique needs that won’t always be the same. The socket drive sets on this list are – at least, for most people – some of the best out there, so make sure you take a careful look to figure out which ones might be perfect for you.
