Best Socket Sets Review (2024 Ratings) - Motor1.com

Best Socket Sets

Our review team delves into the best socket sets on the market.

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Written and Tested By:

Ben Kasierski

Written and Tested By:

Ben Kasierski

Contributor – Motor1 Review Team

Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.

Reviewed By:

Charles Noyes

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• The best socket sets in 2024 are from top brands including Craftsman, DeWalt, Stalwart, and Sunex based on durability, portability, torque, and included accessories.
• On average, expect to spend around $130 for a high-quality socket set that includes all the tools you might need for automotive work.
• The best features to look for when considering a socket set include socket size and the build quality of the tools included in the socket set.

Missing a piece in your toolkit can be incredibly frustrating during a DIY project. A well-organized socket set saves time and hassle, providing essential ratchet wrenches and accessories for easy access.

Our review covers the top five socket sets for various automotive repairs. We tested each set based on case quality, torque, and accessory functionality. Read on to find the best socket set for your next repair job.

It's important to match your socket set to your car's measurement system. U.S. automakers generally use standard units, while international manufacturers use the metric system.

Socket Set Reviews

We evaluated each socket set based on storage case, torque, and accessories. Each set's overall rating ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars, compiled from individual category scores.

What Is The Best Socket Set?

We identified the following as the top socket sets for 2024: Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set, DeWalt 34-Piece Set, DeWalt 247-Piece Set, Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set, and Sunex Impact Socket Set.

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

Socket Set Ratings: Our Testing Process

Our team tested socket sets based on factors like included pieces, case size, customer ratings, and prices by using a 2014 Honda Civic for our tests. We noted the socket set size, wrench torque, and extra accessories. Each socket set got a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.

Learn more about how we tested socket sets here.

1. Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set: Best For Daily Use

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• Cost: Around $175
• Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 1,700 ratings)
• 135 pieces
• Three ratcheting wrenches
• Six-point sockets
• Blow-molded case

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set Review

The Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set, a 135-piece set with three 72-tooth ratchets in SAE and metric sizes, is highly versatile.

This set features six-point sockets for better torque, combination wrenches, Allen wrenches, and a precision drive screwdriver. Each socket has a full chrome polish finish and a durable blow-molded case.

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set: Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set:

Pros

Polished chrome finish on tools

Can work well in tight spaces

Durable case

Cons

Tools can be difficult to remove from the case

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set: Our Experience

Case: The Craftsman case has deep ridges that prevent tools from falling out during transit, although each tool is slightly harder to remove.

Torque: The small ratchet wrench worked well in tight spaces. The six-point design of the 3/8-inch socket made loosening bolts easier.

Accessories: The high-quality chrome finish on each socket and ratchet wrench was notable. Each socket fit snugly into the wrenches, and the drill bits fit well in the screwdriver.

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set: What Customers Are Saying

Customers appreciate the sturdiness and durability of the tools. They frequently praise the easy-to-read laser-etched print on each socket and tool. A common complaint is about the 3/8-inch ratchet breaking easily, although we had no issues during testing.

2. DeWalt 34-Piece Set: Best Basic Kit

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• Cost: Around $40
• Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 18,000 ratings)
• 34 pieces
• One chrome-plated ratchet
• Five-degree swing arc
• Removable inner tray
• See-through plastic lid

DeWalt 34-Piece Set Review

The DeWalt 34-Piece Socket Set includes one ratchet, three adapters, and 29 sockets, meeting ANSI specifications.

The 72-tooth ratchet wrench has a five-degree arc swing for better torque. Each socket is hard-stamped for easy reading. The removable inner tray of the DeWalt set allows for stacking in a larger toolbox.

DeWalt 34-Piece Set: Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt 34-Piece Set:

Pros

Removable tray

Five-degree arc swing

Hard-stamped labels

Cons

Flimsy case lid

DeWalt 34-Piece Set: Our Experience

Case: The DeWalt 34-Piece set's case withstood light use, but the plastic lid was less sturdy than expected. The removable inner tray was useful for conserving space.

Torque: The set handled torque well and matched the performance of other top socket sets. At a lower price, this could be a great beginner socket set.

Accessories: The kit's small size limits its accessories, but it includes the essentials for on-the-go use.

DeWalt 34-Piece Set: What Customers Are Saying

Customers appreciate the DeWalt chrome sockets' build quality and the carrying case, especially the removable tray. A frequent issue is the ratchet wrench breaking easily even when used for low-torque jobs. Additionally, some customers feel the kit lacks enough sockets compared to competitors.

3. DeWalt 247-Piece Set: Most Accessories

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• Cost: Around $165
• Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 14,000 ratings)
• 247 pieces
• Three 72-tooth ratchets
• Various accessories included
• Durable plastic case

DeWalt 247-Piece Set Review

The DeWalt 247-Piece Socket Set is packed with tools, including combination gear wrenches and three 72-tooth ratchet wrenches. It also includes various sets of sockets and other accessories.

The accessories are useful, too, including extension bars for tight spaces, spark plug sockets, and hex keys. These items, typically sold separately, are included in the DeWalt kit.

DeWalt 247-Piece Set: Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt 247-Piece tool set:

Pros

Professional-grade tools

Remarkable build quality

Deep storage pockets

Cons

Very heavy

DeWalt 247-Piece Set: Our Experience

Case: The case was the most durable we tested, but its large size makes it difficult to transport, best suited for staying in one garage.

Torque: The tools felt professional-grade, especially the screwdriver with its vinyl handle. The torque on the ratchet wrenches was smooth.

Accessories: With 247 pieces, this set includes every accessory and tool you may need. There were many reach fasteners for the smaller drivers.

DeWalt 247-Piece Set: What Customers Are Saying

Reviews frequently praise the build quality of DeWalt's chrome-plated tools. Consumers mention their longevity and drop resilience. However, the most frequent complaint is that this socket set is heavy, making it difficult to transport for older individuals or those with back issues.

4. Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set: Most Portable

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• Cost: Around $20
• Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (approx. 350 ratings)
• 41 pieces
• Handheld-size hard plastic case
• Ratcheting screwdriver
• Precision screwdriver

Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set Review

The Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set is less overwhelming, focusing on a ratcheting screwdriver and drivers for small jobs, plus a precision screwdriver for detailed work.

The carry case is scratch-resistant hard plastic. Each driver and screwdriver bit is plated with chrome vanadium steel for corrosion resistance.

Stalwart Ratcheting Screwdriver Set: Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of the Stalwart Ratchet Set:

Pros

Portable case

Precision screwdriver set included