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Missing a piece in your toolkit can be one of the most frustrating feelings when you’re working on a DIY project. To save you time from searching through a cluttered toolbox, a socket set provides a quintessential ratchet wrench while keeping its accessories organized for easy access.
In this review, we recommend our top picks for the five best socket sets useful for all sorts of automotive repairs. Our review team has tested each socket set for the quality of its case, the torque of its ratchet and sockets, and the functionality of any additional accessories. Discover how to find the best socket set for your next repair.
Keep in mind that you should match your socket set to your car. Typically, United States automakers use standard units of measurement, while international automakers use the metric system.
For this review, our team tested and evaluated each socket set based on each item’s storage case, torque, and accessories. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
Each socket set’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:
We named the Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set, DeWalt 34-Piece Set, DeWalt 247-Piece Set, Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set, and the Sunex Impact Socket Set as the best-rated socket sets on the market in .
After looking at factors such as pieces included, carrying case size, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the socket sets that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a Honda Civic, taking note of the size of each socket set, the torque of each wrench, and the extra accessories included with each set. Each socket set was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
If you’re looking for a complete socket set that covers all the bases, the Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set might be right for you. It’s a 135-piece 6-point socket set that includes three different 72-tooth ratchets in SAE metric and standard sizes.
You can see how Craftsman performed in each of our testing categories below:
This set comes with six-point sockets and a fastener for improved torque. It also includes combination wrenches, Allen wrenches, and a screwdriver with precision drive tips, all covered by a lifetime warranty. Each socket has a full chrome polish finish, and the case is blow-molded for enhanced durability.
Below are the pros and cons of the Craftsman Mechanics tool set:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Torque: We were very impressed by how well the Craftsman sockets could fit into tight spaces, especially when using the smallest ratchet wrench. When using the 3/8-inch drive socket to loosen a bolt, we had no trouble getting started thanks to the extra drip provided by its six-point design.
Accessories: The high-quality chrome finish on each socket and ratchet wrench stood out to us the most during testing. Not only did each socket fit snugly to the wrenches, but each drill bit fit well in the screwdriver as well.
Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (over 1,800 ratings)
A frequent complaint is the 3/8-inch ratchet handle breaking easily. However, we had no issues with it in our testing.
The DeWalt 34-Piece Socket Set eliminates extra bells and whistles to provide the basic components of a ratchet wrench. With one ratchet, three adapters, and 29 sockets, this set exceeds ANSI specifications.
You can see how the DeWalt 34-Piece performed in each of our testing categories below:
The ratchet wrench has a 72-tooth count and a five-degree arc swing for better torque. Each socket’s hard-stamped marking is easy to read. And thanks to its removable inner tray, the DeWalt set can be stacked in a larger toolbox.
Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt 34-Piece:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Case: Our review team found the carrying case of the DeWalt 34-Piece socket set held up well against light use, but the plastic lid was flimsier than expected. We thought the removable inner tray was great, especially for conserving space.
Torque: Each socket we tested was able to handle torque well and stood up against the other best socket sets we tested. At a lower price from a well-known manufacturer, this could be a great beginner socket set.
Accessories: Due to its size, this kit doesn’t have many accessories other than the bare essentials of a ratchet wrench. With this in mind, it’s a good beginner kit, but also a nice socket set to have on the go since it’s portable and has the essential tools.
Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (over 18,000 ratings)
Customers who like this socket set say it’s because of the DeWalt chrome sockets’ build quality. They also like the carrying case – especially the removable tray.
A negative review that customers made often was that the ratchet wrench broke easily, even when used for low-torque jobs. They also claim this kit doesn’t have enough sockets compared to competitors.
You can see how the DeWalt 247-Piece performed in each of our testing categories below:
The included accessories are useful, too. There are many extension bars for reaching into tight spaces, as well as spark plug sockets and hex keys. These items normally must be bought separately, but the DeWalt kit includes them.
Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt 247-Piece tool set:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Case: We really liked the sturdiness of this set’s carrying case and found it to be the most durable case we tested. Due to its large size, it’s difficult to transport and is best suited for staying in one garage.
Accessories: With 247 pieces included in this socket set, you have every accessory and tool you may need inside one kit. It’s worth noting that there were many reach fasteners for the smaller drivers.
Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (over 14,000 ratings)
The most frequent complaint among customers is that this socket set is very heavy, making it difficult for older people or people with back issues to transport.
If a case full of sockets and torque wrenches strikes you as overwhelming, the Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set is the change of pace you might be looking for. It comes with a ratcheting screwdriver and drivers suited for small jobs, plus a precision screwdriver for detailed work.
You can see how the Stalwart performed in each of our testing categories below:
The carry case of this set is made from scratch-resistant hard plastic, making it one of the best socket sets available. Each of the drivers and screwdriver bits are plated with chrome vanadium steel for a corrosion-resistant finish.
Below are the pros and cons of the Stalwart ratchet set:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Case: Our review team appreciated the quick-release opening system of the Stalwart set’s storage case, so it could be opened with one hand. Because of its size, the Stalwart set has a limited variety of sockets, so don’t expect to find a tool for every job with it.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of best professional socket set. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Accessories: Because of this set’s small size, it doesn’t come with many accessories. We found it useful for people who may need to do more repairs around the house, such as replacing wall socket covers.
Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (over 350 ratings)
More durable and made from harder materials than most standard sockets, the Sunex Impact Socket Set is designed for jobs that require high torque. These sockets have a rounded six-point design, unlike other drive SAE socket sets, which gives them better performance capabilities.
You can see how the Sunex performed in each of our testing categories below:
Below are the pros and cons of the Sunex Impact Socket Set:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Torque: The size marking was clearly indicated on each socket thanks to the combination of its large font imprint and gray-on-black text design. Our review team was fond of the universal socket joint because of how easily it turned.
Accessories: Unfortunately, this socket set doesn’t come with a ratchet wrench. Consumers will need to have one already in order to use this set to its full potential. Using this with an impact wrench is recommended for the best results.
Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (over 800 ratings)
Many reviews discuss Sunex’s high-quality customer service for repairing scratched or missing sockets. It’s especially popular among reviewers who are mechanics and need metric impact socket sets for everyday use. The most common complaint is against the case, which some find too fragile.
From socket shape to the number of sockets in a kit, here are a few factors to consider before purchasing your next socket set.
Socket Wrench Case
Designed to keep your socket wrench set organized and protect it from wear and tear, the case’s functionality is very important. Not only should a socket set’s case be able to handle light drops and scratches, it should also prevent socket wrench pieces and other tools from cluttering.
Accessories
The typical socket set has anywhere between 30 and 200 pieces. These pieces can include tooth ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, combination wrenches, and Allen wrenches.
Socket Type
There are two main types of sockets: six-point and 12-point.
Drive Size and Driver Sockets
A socket’s drive size, or socket size, describes the open portion of the tool that attaches to the ratchet. The typical socket set comes with a wide array of sockets to work on any job. Most will fit on a 1/4-in., 1/2-in., or 3/4-in. ratchet depending on their size. Shallow socket sets fit where there is little clearance above the head of the fastener, while deep impact socket sets can reach a nut on a longer, threaded bolt.
Included in many socket sets are driver sockets, which can be used to tighten or loosen fasteners such as flathead screws. Most sets are also equipped with drive adapters and hex-shank adapters that allow drives of all sizes to be used with a tooth wrench or screwdriver.
Other Types of Socket Sets
Compare Socket Sets
How We Score Products
Every dog seat belt we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
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Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Socket sets are a collection of tools, designed to help you to tighten and loosen fasteners such as nuts and bolts. They typically contain a range of sockets in differing sizes, as well as components such as rachets, drivers, and extensions, to help you to apply torque to turn the socket when it’s placed over the fastener.
Socket sets are available in both metric and imperial sizes, as well as different shapes and materials. They offer a good alternative to a traditional spanner or a wrench, helping you to easily remove or tighten nuts and bolts safely – and with minimal effort.
A socket set is ideal for jobs in confined or restricted spaces, which is why they’re one of the most versatile and popular types of hand tool for plumbers, electricians, and mechanics. In this guide, we’ll explain more about the different types of socket sets available, how to choose the right socket set for the intended application, and some simple ways to maintain and care for your socket sets that will help to extend their lifespan.
From standard to shallow, spark plug to insulated, (and everything in between!) socket sets come in many different varieties. Which type of socket set you need depends on the size and shape of fasteners you’re using and the environment you’re working in.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the different types of socket sets available:
When purchasing a socket set it’s important to take note of the size. Sockets come in two standard sizing systems: imperial and metric.
Imperial sockets are designed for use with imperial fasteners (nuts and bolts that have a bolt head measured in inches and fractions of inches). Imperial sockets are also referred to as SAE (short for the Society of Automotive Engineers) and were once the standard size by which all sockets were measured (and still are in the US).
Many countries, including the UK, now prefer to measure sockets using the more common metric system, which sizes nuts and bolts in millimetres. Metric and imperial sockets aren’t interchangeable, so if you are using a metric socket set this will only correspond to nuts and bolts in metric sizes and vice versa.
To add to the confusion, socket sets are sized using two measurements: the size of the socket head and the size of the drive socket (the part that attaches to the socket). Metric sizing only ever applies to the socket head. The socket drive, on the other hand, is always given as an imperial measurement.
In addition to their metric and imperial values, socket sets are also categorized by three standard sizes: small, medium, and large.
Small sockets generally have 1/4” or 3/8” drive sockets and head sizes of between 3mm to 22mm. Large socket sets normally feature drive sockets of 3/4” or 1” and a head size range of 19mm to 50mm. Medium sockets, meanwhile, sit somewhere between the two, often comprising of a 1/2” drive socket and socket heads of 8mm to 32mm in dimension.
Sockets make up just one part of a socket set. The other key components are a rachet and extension bar, both of which can improve the versatility of your sockets and help to widen their uses.
To protect from wear, sockets are typically finished in chrome plating or black oxide (as it the case with impact sockets). Both materials offer non-corrosive properties. The only reason black oxide is favoured for impact sockets is because it chips less easily than chrome and matt chrome coatings.
Heat treatment, CRV, and matt and satin finishes are also applied to sockets to make them more robust, water-resistant, and durable.
Properly storing and cleaning your tools is essential to maintain their longevity. Socket sets are no exception, and although their coatings provide protection against corrosion, long-term use can degrade your tools if not properly maintained.
The best way to keep your socket sets in prime shape is by keeping them safely stored in a purpose-built socket storage box with shadow foam recesses for each component to sit in. Not only will this protect your socket sets in transit, but it will also help you to easily keep your tools neatly organised.
Other things you can do to prolong the life of your socket sets is to gently clean each component with a soft cloth and brush to remove residual dirt and grime. You should also place your sockets down carefully between uses instead of letting them drop to the floor. This will help to minimise the risk of chips or flakes as well as prevent your tools from going rusty.
Socket sets are a great way of removing nuts and bolts and specialist fastenings such as wheel nuts and spark plugs efficiently and safely.
When choosing which types of sockets and socket sizes to buy, remember to consider the profile and dimensions of the fasteners you’re working with, as socket sets are designed specifically to engage with different sized nuts and bolts (both imperial and metric).
Also important is the application itself and the environment you’re working in. Insulated socket sets are a must when working around electrical components, while impact sockets offer a faster alternative to hand tools but may not be suitable for hard-to-reach spaces.
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