7 Best Socket Sets for the Money

A good socket set will be one of the most important things to have in your tool collection. While you can get away skimping on some tools, this shouldn’t be one of them. There are a few common factors that make the top rated socket set stand apart from the rest.

One of those factors is the number of gear teeth in the ratchet, where a higher number of teeth translates into a shorter required turning radius. Another factor is the number of “points” or corners inside the sockets themselves, with 6 providing the best grip in most situations and higher numbers allow more rounding of the fastener head.

There are other factors, including the number of sockets and whether the set includes both SAE and metric sizes, but for long wear and specialized use, the ratchet and socket quality should be your guiding standards.

TIP: Once you’ve decided on the best ratchet set for your shop or garage, be sure to keep everything in its place with a socket organizer if you plan on storing them in your tool chest or cabinet or on top of your workbench.

Our 7 Favorite Socket Sets

	Product	Pieces	Ratchet	Manufactured
	DeWalt DWMT75049	192	72-Tooth	Taiwan
	GearWrench 80550	57	84-Tooth	Taiwan
	Williams 50666	47	40-Tooth	Taiwan
	SK 94549	49	40-Tooth	USA
	Milwaukee 48-22-9486	106	90-Tooth	Taiwan
	Neiko 02472A	76	90-Tooth	Taiwan
	EPAuto ST-004-1	69	72-Tooth	Taiwan

Socket Set Reviews

#1 – DeWalt DWMT75049 192-Piece Mechanics Socket/Tool Set

This impressive 192-piece ratchet set is far more than a pretty set in a box. The smooth 72-tooth gear system allows for high torque ratcheting, while the 5 degree arc swing makes it easier to reach at difficult angles.

All sockets and screwdriver bits are deep laser etched for easy identification, and all sockets are designed for non-slip operation.

This is a great high quality socket set for DIYers and weekend mechanics and even good enough for pro mechanics. You get a nearly complete set of 6-point sockets, three sizes of ratchets, three extensions for each ratchet, plus allen wrenches, making this set more convenient and cost effective than filler sets.

See Also: Best Ratcheting Wrench Sets

The overall quality is also what you’d expect from DeWalt tools, making this a great gift idea for a loved one (or yourself – you’ve earned it!). One thing to keep in mind is that the entire set has some weight to it and the case is quite a bit bigger than smaller sets.

Unlike the GearWrench case, the DeWalt case is sturdy, the sockets snap right in to their labeled spot, and there are four latches to keep everything secure during transport.

DeWalt, like many large companies, often commission smaller companies to manufacture tools under their name. This is probably the reason why some individuals have seen flaws in the craftsmanship that normally wouldn’t get past DeWalt’s quality control. A few consumers have also received incomplete sets that had duplicates.

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#2 – GearWrench 80550 57-Piece 3/8-Inch 6-Point Socket Set

GearWrench ratchets are known for having the one of the shortest turning radius’s in the industry, producing the best socket set for work in close quarters because of the ratchet’s 84 tooth count gear mechanism.

Since you can remove stubborn bolts with a minimum turning arc of 4.3 degrees, the set is indispensable for those who perform mechanical work in tight spaces.

Socket sizes are stamped rather than laser-etched, so they will stand up to heavy use without losing their clear identification. This 57 piece set includes most of the sizes needed for anything other than the occasional specialized job. Sizes included are 1/4-inch to 1-inch standard sockets, 1/4-inch to 7/8-inch deep sockets, and 6mm to 19mm standard and deep sockets.

Unlike cheaper 6-point sockets which lack grip, GearWrench has developed their patented Surface Drive technology to promote easier removal without rounding the heads of nuts or bolts.

Some users note that the ratchets seems to have a “loose” feel, but this is related more to the precision of the high tooth count than to a defect in manufacturing. GearWrench can stand up to heavy use under harsh conditions without stripping the mechanism or rounding fasteners.

The biggest negative has to be the plastic case. Sockets fit loosely and the hinges have been know to break over time. Fortunately, most users will store their sockets in a dedicated socket organizer but if you need a set for on-the-go use, consider another option.

Another small nitpicky item is that there is no quick-release button for the sockets. It would have been nice but we assume GearWrench didn’t want to add to the thickness of the ratchets. While not perfect, the GearWrench 80550 is currently our pick for best 3/8″ ratchet set for the money.

Note: Since GearWrench has become a brand of the Apex Tool Group, production of many of their newer tools has moved from Taiwan to China which is not for the better. As of right now, most socket sets (except the ratcheting type) are still being manufactured in Taiwan.

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#3 – Williams 50666 47-Piece 3/8-Inch 6-Point Socket Set

A division of Snap-On Tools, JH Williams is well known in the mechanics community for making high quality tools and their socket set doesn’t disappoint. This 3/8 inch set is made of high grade Cr-V steel to ensure a long lifespan.

The SuperTorque lobular openings create superior turning power for a standard socket with less risk of deforming the fastener.

Packaged in a durable polyethylene case, this set consists of a 3/8″ ratchet, extensions, as well as 8 each of deep and shallow SAE sockets, 14 shallow metric, and 13 deep metric sockets – all in 6-point.

Users have compared this set to similar old-school Craftsman offerings (not to be confused with the newer, cheaper Craftsman), and the Williams set meets or beats many high end competitors. This is a top quality set that will stand up to heavy duty use.

See Also: Spark Plug Socket Sizes

The ergonomic handle makes for a more comfortable experience when spending long hours under the hood. Best of all, the swivel attachment allows you to get into places otherwise inaccessible.

A few customers have had problems with receiving 12-point deep sockets or other shipping errors. In addition, the case isn’t as durable as others on the market, but it should hold up well enough for most users.

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#4 – SK 94549 49-Piece 3/8-Inch 6-Point Socket Set

If you don’t consider price, this SK socket set may actually be slightly better quality than the sets above, but it may be overkill for the typical home mechanic. If you have the money and consider yourself a medium to heavy user, this SK set is definitely worth considering.

Made in the USA, the set includes a high quality non-slip ratchet, extensions, as well as a handy thumbwheel ratchet. Because the SK ratchets don’t have as many teeth as other top-ranked ratchets, it may not be the best choice if you plan on doing a lot of work in tight quarters but it’s great for high torque applications.

On the other hand, the 6-point Sure-Grip sockets will grip fasteners more tightly than the competition, resulting in easier removal without slipping or rounding of the fastener or the points of the sockets.

SK tools are professional grade, and will be suitable for any job you throw at them. It would be nice to have a shorter wing arc, but the trade-off is a heavier ratchet that can stand up to having a tremendous amount of torque applied without stripping the internal gear system.

The size markings are engraved, and chrome coating could be more durable, but the set should outlast most others if you handle them as they are intended. The limited lifetime warranty will cover replacement in most cases.

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#5 – Milwaukee 48-22-9486 106 Piece Ratchet & Socket Set

While more know for their M18 line of cordless tools, Milwaukee makes some excellent hand tools as well. This 106 socket set is made of quality polycarbonate to ensure many years of use. The set not only includes a large assortment of sockets in 1/4″ and 3/8″ drive sizes, but there are hex, flat, and fixed square sockets to handle a range of needs.

The sturdy carrying case stores all metric sockets on one side and SAE on the other in two of three removable trays. The central tray stores the two 90-tooth ratchets. All sockets feature a unique square base to prevent rolling. As this is part of the PACKOUT series, the case is designed to snap onto other cases from the series for more secure storage.

It’s one thing to make a great socket set. It’s another to be innovative enough to practically reinvent the wheel. That’s what makes this set so popular among consumers. The anti-roll shaping and precision craftsmanship is similar to sets costing hundreds more. And the soft inserts mean getting your sockets in and out of the case is a breeze without them becoming loose when in transit.

Another thing owners of this set love is that you can remove just the SAE or metric set in their own color coded tray instead of having to move the whole case to a project. Throw in the extenders and articulated joint connectors for an almost flawless set.

In fact, the one true complaint is that this set isn’t bigger, as there are a few socket sizes not included. But overall, this is one of the better sets out there and well worth the price.

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#6 – Neiko 02472A 76-Piece Socket Set

Neiko is one of the most underrated brands of hand tools in my opinion. This 3/8″ drive set has both deep and standard sockets in color-coded SAE and metric sizes, making it perfect for beginners and experienced mechanics alike. Sizes range from 6mm to 24mm in metric and 1/4” to 1” in SAE.

The six-point sockets are made with chrome vanadium steel with a chrome plated polish. The durable blow mold carrying case also includes a ⅜ inch ratchet, as well as multiple extenders, a universal joint, a 15 inch breaker bar, and 5/8 and 3/16 inch spark plug sockets.

Most people who purchase this set do so for the convenience of having both deep and shallow sockets in one place. The quality is surprisingly good and is often compared to big name brands. It has every size the average mechanic needs, although some specialist sizes aren’t included. Overall, the only complaint is with the ratchet, which some have found less than perfect and chose to swap out. However, the sockets and accessories get nothing but praise.

Socket sizes include:

• Metric: 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, and 24mm.
• SAE: 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, and 1″

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#7 – EPAuto ST-004-1 69-Piece 6-Point Socket Set

This popular, affordable set contains both 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch sockets in metric and SAE sizes. All pieces are made of hardened treated Cr-V steel alloy with mirror polished chrome plating for beauty and durability.

A pear head ratchet and extension is included for each drive size, making this an excellent choice for those starting a new tool collection.

You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised with the quality as soon as you open the case. Many owners keep this set as part of their emergency vehicle kit due to the compact size of the case. The range of standard and deep sockets included will cover almost any repair task.

As with many other socket sets, the 92-824 has been known to arrive with a duplicate instead of a different piece. On rare occasion, owners have reported an excess amount of plating, making it difficult to fit the affected socket to a ratchet.

For the money, this is an excellent starter set to have in the garage or as a backup for the car.

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FAQs

While they might look straightforward on the surface, socket wrenches can be a surprisingly complicated topic. The number of points, the type of socket (standard or impact), and drive sizes all come into play when performing a task.

Here’s what you’ll need to know to get the most out of your set.

6 pt vs 12 pt Sockets – What’s the Difference?

Beyond the obvious answer, there’s actually a lot of distinction between the two. 12-point sockets are good for light work, but this is about the extent of their usefulness.

Meanwhile, 6-point sockets have thicker walls, making them much sturdier. They’re also far less likely to slip off or round edges when dealing with torque. Finally, because they’re designed to apply force to the flat sides of a fastener, a 6-point has far better grip than its 12-point counterpart.

See Also: 6-Point vs 12-Point Sockets (Which is Better?)

Can I Use Regular Sockets With an Impact Wrench?

Yes and no. Regular and impact sockets use the same drive sizes, making them cross-compatible on a technical level.

Practically speaking, impact sockets are designed to handle much higher torque. Using a regular socket on an impact wrench increases the chance of cracking or shattering the socket and is thus not recommended.

1/4″ vs 3/8″ vs 1/2″ Drive Sizes – Which Should I Get?

Each of the three drive sizes have a purpose, making it difficult to stick completely to one size. For most jobs, however, the 3/8 inch drive works perfectly fine.

For higher torque applications such as lug nut removal or using a breaker bar, you’ll want the thicker 1/2 inch drive.

Meanwhile, the 1/4 inch drive’s smaller size gives it an edge when up against tight spaces or recessed nuts. Speaking of tight spaces, a flex head ratchet can be a lifesaver and worth having in your tool collection.