10 Best Socket Sets – Our Top Picks and Reviews

If you’re a weekend-mechanic, or just like to tinker with your favorite car or by-cycle, best socket sets is always essential that you have to have in your tool collection. Did you just ask, ‘what is a socket set?’ Yes, the term can be new if you worked with your old spanner until the date to loosen or tighten the stubborn nuts and bolts on your vehicle or machine.

But trust me, once you get a socket set, the cylindrical ‘sockets’ will make the wrenching operation easy, fast, and convenient.

10 Best Socket Sets

• Best Value for Money: EPAuto ST-003-1 Socket Set
  “Convenient, easy to carry, Cr-V steel alloy ensures durability”
• Best Compact: DEWALT DWMT73804 Socket Set
  “Small and compact, easy to store, ease of use”
• Best for Mechanic: Craftsman 50230 Socket Set
  “Most versatile, easy to carry, highly durable”
• Best Rated: DEWALT DWMT73801 Socket Set
  “Top rated, easy and convenient to transport, anti-slip vinyl grip”
• Best Portable: EPAuto ST-004-1 Socket Set
  “Useful, sturdy storage case, pocket-friendly, Cost-effective”
• Best Splurge: TACKLIFE SWS2A Socket Set
  “High-visibility, super innovative, compact design, value for money”
• Best Rated: Capri Tools CP30002ADV Socket Set
  “Premium quality, easy and convenient, amazing strength and durability”
• Best Quality: GearWrench 80700P Socket Set
  “Most versatile, exceptional power, durable”
• Best Design: GEARWRENCH 84919N Socket Set
  “Best-selling, powerful, value for money, comfortable”
• Best Lightweight: Egofine 8542037882 Socket Set
  “Lightweight, rust resistance, ergonomic design, reversible technology”

Best Socket Sets

You just need to attach a right sized socket in the 90-degree ratchet, place it onto the fastener and turn. Doesn’t it sound like a cakewalk? Yes, the application is as easy as it sounds. You only need to have the best socket set to get started.

But how to find the best socket set? How do you even know which one will be a perfect fit for your work requirements? Fret not! Luckily you’ve got a mechanic at your side. Yes, here I have shared the list of 10 best socket sets reviews. Go through my user experience, and pick one of your choices. Here you start!

There are generally 4 different types of sockets available in the market. Some sockets sets are limited to only one time, whereas a number of manufacturers are there who provide combination boxes. However, I’ve included the best socket sets of each type, i.e., standard SAE, standard matric, deep SAE, and deep matric. Again I’ll say, choose the set by considering your needs.

Let’s take a look.

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1) EPAuto ST-003-1

EPAuto is one of the most popular brands when it comes to quality socket sets. In fact, EPAuto ST-003-1 is the best socket set for the money you pay. The kit comes with 16 metric size sockets and 18 SAE sized sockets. Along with that, it also has a ⅜ inch reversible ratchet. The best part is that only a few socket sets are available in the market at this price, which features a reversible ratchet.

Features and Benefits

While there are people who have complained about the quality, I personally found the EPAuto ST-003-1 quite durable. The socket and other tools are chrome plated and mirror polished, makes the tool set corrosion resistant. The manufacturer could have done better with the socket case as it faces difficulties when it comes to holding the tools in place.

Alongside that, the size markings inside the case are also very difficult to read. However, available at a price of around $20, this socket set is perfect for your everyday household repairing job. You can have the socket set for professional use as well.

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2) DEWALT DWMT73804

DEWALT is quite a popular name in the industry for their professional quality power tools. The DEWALT DWMT73804 socket set can be a great inclusion to your tool kit. The set comes with a 3/8-inch and a 1/4-inch drive socket. Alongside that, the kit also includes a ratchet with 72 tooth count. Therefore, you can easily reach any spot even if it’s tough to reach with other ratchets.

Features and Benefits

The tool set is designed, maintaining the standard metric and imperial socket sizes. DEWALT has introduced a polished chrome vanadium steel finish for all the sockets and wrenches to ensure the maximum durability of the tools. I found the tools very sturdy, and the thing that I liked the most is the ratchet handle.

The handle of DEWALT DWMT73804 offers an amazingly comfortable grip making it easy and convenient to hold precision for a longer period of time. The storage case has a small and compact design. Therefore, you can easily place the tool kit under the back seat of your vehicle.

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3) Craftsman 50230

If you are a mechanic and looking for the best socket for a mechanic, then you have come to the right place. We have Craftsman 50230 for you in our list of socket sets reviews. This impressive 230 piece socket wrench set includes 116 sockets, 3 quick-release ratchets, 2 extension bars, 6 combination wrenches, 50 screwdriver bits, 1 magnetic handle, 12 nut driver bits, and 40 hex keys.

Craftsman has built all the tools with highly durable alloy steel and offers premium looking silver finish.

Features and Benefits

From every day maintenance works to professional mechanical jobs, you can have Craftsman 50230 for all your repair needs. The thing that I liked the most is the inclusion of two extension bars. The extension bars come along with a universal joint; hence, you can easily use the tool even if you are working in a tough-to-reach-spot.

The tool set comes at an affordable price while including all the necessary mechanical works’ tools makes it perfect even for the beginners.

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4) DEWALT DWMT73801

The DEWALT DWMT73801 includes 108 pieces of heavy-duty hand tools, making it perfect for your professional mechanical works. The tool set comes in a sturdy yet lightweight, protective carrying case making it easy and convenient to transport from one job site to another. The bit driver has an anti-slip vinyl grip to offer you the maximum comfort and durability.

Features and Benefits

The ratchets have a real ergonomic design and 72 teeth with a 5-degree arc swing. Therefore, if you need to work inside tight spaces regularly, you will not face any difficulties maneuvering it. Alongside that, DEWALT DWMT73801 features knurled beauty rings.

I found this pretty handy as it helps reduce the slippage issue while working on hand tightening applications. It uses DirectTorque technology. It prevents rounding of fasteners and offers a better grip.

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5) EPAuto ST-004-1

If you are looking for an emergency tool kit in your vehicle or a socket set kit to complete your day to day maintenance task, EPAuto ST-004-1 can be your best choice. This affordable 69-pieces socket set comes with one 1/4″ and one 3/8″ metric as well as SAE size socket. It is made up of high-quality Chromium Vanadium steel alloy; the tool set is quite durable.

Features and Benefits

As far as my personal experience is concerned, from oil spills, gas spillage to drops, my EPAuto ST-004-1 sockets withstood some abuses and are still holding strong. I found the sockets a bit difficult to pair with the ratchet, and as per my observation, the coating of chrome creates the problem.

However, looking at its price and the applications, it can be a utility option. Therefore, if you are looking for deep sockets set at a much pocket-friendly price and do not require heavy usage, you must get this one from EPAuto.

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6) TACKLIFE SWS2A

The TACKLIFE SWS2A is the best ratchet and socket set among the tool sets we have reviewed so far. The kit comes with 46 pieces metric and SAE sockets. Alongside that, the tool set also includes 2 pieces spark plug, 2 extra extension bars, and a universal joint.

All the tools come with a black phosphate finish, which is what ensures protection against corrosion as well as a sharp appearance for long time use.

Features and Benefits

The super innovative 12 pt.TACKLIFE SWS2A allows us to work on different types of fasteners, from hex, spline, 12pt. To partially rounded hex and external Torx, you can do all the fastening works with ease.

I found the 72 teeth ratchet very handy. It requires only a 5-degree swing arc; hence, even if you are working inside tight space, you will never face any difficulties. The storage box has a compact design and can easily fit inside cars.

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7) Capri Tools CP30002ADV

The Capri Tools CP30002ADV is designed to make your wrenching operation easy and convenient. All sockets comprise hex bits made of premium quality custom forged steel. Along with that, all sockets undergo top-notch proprietary heat treatment to stand still against rust or any wear and tear.

Moreover, each socket is machined precisely to carry off your job even under the most challenging situations. If you want a socket set for both professional and DIY home use, definitely go for this best hex socket set. The best part about this socket set is that all bits are made of supreme quality S2 steel, which renders amazing strength and durability at the same time.

Features and Benefits

While using, I found that the S2 steel bits are so sturdy that they can easily withstand the high torque and don’t even twist for once. That’s why I think Capri Tools CP30002ADV is the best when it comes to protecting the bit and fastener both. However, the largest hex bit is 14mm and made of the sturdiest chrome-vanadium steel.

You must use a 1/2-inch driver to smooth fit this 14mm bit socket. This socket set material makes them potential enough to strike an optimal balance between strength and performance. Above all, the hex bits are crafted true-to-size for the complete length.

You can use the entire length of the bit. The bits are chamfered on edge to ensure proper fitting into the fasteners. Therefore, you can buy this one at a low price and use it for a long.

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8) GearWrench 80700P

Do you want a pass through socket set? If yes, here is the best pass through the socket set- GearWrench 80700P. This model comprises 1 ratchet, universal joints, 2 extensions, 12 standard SAE sockets, 8 deep SAE sockets, 15 standard metric sockets, and 10 deep metric sockets.

Undoubtedly, this one is one of the most versatile socket sets that I have ever used. Plus, GearWrench has made all the tools with premium quality steel, which renders amazing durability and strength to those.

The 120XP ratchet comes along with two double-stacked pawls with 60 teeth. Moreover, these extension bars provide a 3-degree swing area and make sure that you can turn the fastener in tighter confinement.

Features and Benefits

Moreover, while using, I found that the double-stacked pawls engage the 60-tooth gear alternatively, and that adds an exceptional amount of strength to the operation. Along with that, GearWrench 80700P has designed the 6 point sockets with off corner loading to eliminate the rounding of the fastener.

Ultimately, nobody wants to strip the fastener, right? That’s why this minute design is crucial. However, the large sockets easily fit into a 1/2 inch driver. Moreover, all sockets come with a final chrome polishing, which works like magic against rust or corrosion. The product may cost a bit higher than its peers, but if your budget is flexible, this is by far the best socket set you can have.

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9) GEARWRENCH 84919N

This socket set is made of high-quality steel, which renders a great amount of strength. Therefore, if you are searching for the best impact socket set, the GEARWRENCH 84919N is a must buy. It comprises 25 pieces of sockets made of Chromium-Molybdenum alloy steel. Plus, all of these sockets are polished with rust, wear-resistant premium chrome.

Moreover, each of those has parallel necks that make the work process convenient for you even at a tighter space. The best part is that both standard and deep sizes are available in the box along with standard extension bars to fit a 1/2-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/4-inch drive.

Features and Benefits

However, the GEARWRENCH 84919N set not only provides a handful of accessories but also allows you to pull off powerful operations. Yes, there are entry angles, curated on the inner wall of the socket to guide the fastener throughout the operation. Additionally, there are off-corner loadings to eliminate the fastener rounding, which I think is the best feature of this socket set.

The Manganese Phosphate coating gives full coverage against rust and corrosion. Plus, another thing that I think is worth mentioning is it’s vividly visible markings. This makes the identification process so easy that you can even work in a low light area. Therefore, if you want to make the most of your investment, go for this best socket set.

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10) Egofine 8542037882

The Egofine 8542037882 comprises 12 pieces of premium quality sockets along with a ratchet socket wrench and an extension bar. If you need metric measure system based sockets for professional purposes, nothing can beat the utility of this socket wrench set.

All the sockets are of different sizes, i.e., 4 mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, and 13mm. To make the identification process easy, Egofine has labeled the sizes on each socket, that is something I found very convenient. Plus, all sockets are available on different holders. The 100mm extension bar is quite handy, especially for hard to reach places.

Features and Benefits

The best thing about this socket set is its quality. Yes, all are made of the premium quality chromium-vanadium steel along with a chrome-plated finishing, which offers a long life of the sockets. Not only the sockets, but Egofine has made the extension bar also with Cr-V steel.

That’s why I think Egofine 8542037882 has successfully met the requirements of a mechanic like me. These sockets are so sturdy that I leave them outdoors just to check their wear and rust resistance capacity.

Well, I must say, I am not even a bit disappointed even after 3 years of use. Moreover, the ratcheting handle has the most ergonomic design to provide you with a good grip and a reversible technology. In fact, wrenching operations have got a new level of convenience with the Egofine 8542037882.

If you would like to get reviews of other hand tools, kindly visit our Guide page.

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Socket Set Buying Guide

Now you know all about the 10 best socket sets. Before you buy any, you must know all the nitty-gritty of different socket sets to understand which one will suit your requirements. That’s why I have prepared a buying guide here. Have a look.

What Size Socket Set Should I Buy?

There are basically 3 types of socket sets available in the market- SAE, Metric, and Whitworth. The SAE sockets are standard-size sockets with measurements in fractions of an inch. The metric socket set is measured in millimeters.

Whitworth socket sets have sizes in inches like SAE, but these sockets show the size of a bolt’s inner diameter or shaft just like a metric socket set. So if you take a 5/8-inch Whitworth socket, eventually, it’s size will be bigger than a normal 5/8-inch SAE socket.

• SAE socket sets will be suitable if you need one for domestic vehicles.
• Metric socket sets will be perfect if you need one for imported or foreign cars like Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc.
• Whitworth socket sets are must-have for British vehicles like Rover, MG, or Jaguar.

What Sizes are in a Standard Socket Set?

Well, to be honest, a socket set can include thousands of size combinations. But most of them provide sockets for 3 basic drive sizes- 1/2-inch, 1/4-inch, and 3/8-inch. If you need a socket set that is compatible with only one drive size, then choose a 3/8-inch drive to cover all the sockets from your box.

How to Use a Socket Set?

Using a socket is quite easy when you know the process. But before that, you must know ‘what is a socket set used for?’ only then you’ll be able to understand its application properly.

Well, a socket set can help you in loosening, tightening, or removing a nut or bolt from or on a machine or vehicle. To operate a socket, having a socket wrench or driver is important. Then you need to follow the steps below to complete the job in hand.

Step 1: Firstly, pick the right socket depending on the nut or bolt that you want to turn. Your socket set will have a lot more but keep those aside.

Step 2: Now attach the socket with the ratchet. Keep turning the socket until you hear the sound of a click.

Step 3: Then, select the direction. There is a switch on the driver, just at the opposite of the socket; turn it right to tighten the socket and left for loosening it.

Step 4: At this point, place the socket on the nut and use it as a regular wrench to turn the bolt. While using the ratchet-like a regular wrench, don’t remove it when you’re out of space. Instead, twist it back just in the opposite direction and repeat the operation.
What is the Difference Between a 6 Point and 12 Point Socket?

There are a number of minor differences between a 6 point socket and a 12 point socket

• A 6 point socket is ideal for heavy wrenching jobs that require large amounts of force. On the other hand, a 12 point socket is appropriate for lightweight jobs.
• 6 point sockets offer more contact surface to the fastener. The nut or bolt gets a good grip along the flat edges of the socket. So, these are less likely to slip off. Whereas, 12 point sockets are really amazing to use in a tight space because this type allows you to connect with the fastener with more angles.
• The thicker walls of a 6 point socket increase its overall strength. So, turning a stubborn fastener without stripping is easy. While, 12 point sockets are ideal for working on a fastener, which is very hard to see or can’t be seen at all.