10 Best Socket Sets – Our Top Picks and Reviews

Home improvement projects can be overwhelming and time-consuming, but having the right tools can make all the difference in the ease and efficiency of your work. One essential tool for any DIY enthusiast is the best socket sets. A socket set includes a variety of sockets of different sizes, as well as a socket wrench, which allows you to fasten bolts of all shapes and sizes easily.

These tools are essential for many repair and maintenance tasks, including assembling furniture, fixing appliances, etc. But with so many socket sets on the market, it can be challenging to know which is the best choice for your needs.

We’ve carefully reviewed and tested some of the top socket sets available today, and we’re here to help you find the perfect socket set for your home improvement projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered with our top recommendations for socket sets that are reliable, durable, and easy to use.

10 Best Socket Sets

• Best Overall – DEWALT DWMT81531 Socket Set
  “Great value for the cost, Extremely Durable, Comfortable to Use”
• Best for Mechanics – CRAFTSMAN CMMT99206 Socket Set
  “Wonderful Finish, Easy to Use, Excellent Price Point”
• Best Impact – NEIKO 02448A Socket Set
  “Built to Last, Easily Organized, Strong Tools”
• Best Ratchet – TEKTON SKT05301 Socket Set
  “Low Cost, High Torque Strength, Easy to Maintain”
• Best Budget – EPAuto 40 Piece Socket Set
  “Incredibly Affordable, Strong Materials, Multiple Sizes Included”
• Best Swivel – Sunex 2569 Socket Set
  “Heavy Duty Strength, Great Safety Features, Convenient Storage”
• Best Quality – DEWALT DWMT75049 Socket Set
  “Excellent Versatility, Tough Materials, Great in Tight Spaces”
• Best Mini – Egofine 12 Piece Socket Set
  “Easily Organizable, Long-Lasting, Perfect for Beginners”
• Best Professional – GEARWRENCH 84948N Socket Set
  “Top-Tier Strength, Easy to Identify Sizes, Great Corrosion Resistance”
• Best Portable – Milwaukee 56 Piece Socket Set
  “Excellent Portability, Diverse Functionality, High Durability”

Best Socket Set Reviews

The following socket sets are the top picks based on various factors, including Durability, versatility, and ease of use. These socket sets have been carefully evaluated to ensure they are of the highest quality and can handle many tasks.

Each review provides a detailed look at each socket set’s unique features and capabilities, allowing you to make an informed decision on which is the best fit for your needs.

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1) DEWALT DWMT81531 Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: 14.9 x 10.9 x 4.5 inches
• Drive Size: 3.75 inches
• Material: Chrome
• Number of Pieces: 84 Pieces

Features and Benefits

Of the many excellent features in the DEWALT DWMT81531 Socket Set, the most beneficial is the socket set’s security. You’re sure to keep these around for ages as the tools are highly resistant to damage from the elements, and the case itself was built from the ground up to defend the tools inside it.

This 84 piece tool set comes with all have a sleek chrome finish built to last, allowing you to tackle many different projects. You’re sure to love the 72-tooth count ratchet, as it has a versatile 5-degree arc swing so that you can adjust fasteners in even the tightest spots.

An anti-slip screwdriver makes this a complete set perfect for anyone, whether you’re a DIYer fixing up your home or a professional mechanic. Not only do the tools last a long time, but their protective storage case also does. DEWALT has issued this set with a blow mold case to offer maximum protection. The case’s metal latches enhance this security further, keeping your tools safe at all times.

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2) CRAFTSMAN CMMT99206 Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: ‎17.48 x 11.61 x 7.99 inches
• Size: 3.75 inches
• Material: Chrome
• Number of Pieces: 216 Pieces

Features and Benefits

This CRAFTSMAN CMMT99206 Socket Set comes with a 6-point socket and fastener attachment, making it perfect for any job that needs getting done. You’ll love the enhanced torque and ease of use this socket brings.

The combination of comfort and torque will save you lots of time and frustration, no matter what project you tackle. You’ll get 216 individual pieces in this set, all coming with a polished finish and designed to be easily identifiable thanks to their significant markings. The heads come in either a fixed square or hex style, depending on the particular bit you’re looking for.

The 14 combination wrenches and eight ratchet accessories in this set round it out to allow a wide range of uses. The huge variety of bits and the strength of their materials make this socket set particularly valuable for mechanics.

On top of that, any mechanic will love how safe the storage container is and how simple it is to take with them on the job. The tools are housed in a carefully crafted 3-Drawer Box with a fold-down handle, giving them heavy-duty protection and making them easy to carry. Each tool slides into a double compartment with adjustable dividers, and the entire case rolls on a set of wheels.

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3) NEIKO 02448A Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: ‎ ‎25 x 18.1 x 4.6 inches
• Drive Size: ½ inch
• Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel
• Number of Pieces: 65 Pieces

Features and Benefits

There are many benefits to purchasing the NEIKO 02448A Socket Set, but the standout feature is the wide range of impact sockets that come with it. Whether you need a shallow 3/8″ or a deep 15/16″ socket, this set has you covered.

All of the sockets in this set were made with impact-grade chrome vanadium steel, so you’ll get to enjoy a variety of highly durable tools. The black phosphate finish on each of the 65 pieces makes this an even better buy, especially with the hex drive system they come with.

You won’t have to worry about protecting or transporting your tools either, due to the heavy-duty blow mold case NEIKO constructed to contain the pieces. Within the case, the tools are easy to identify in mere moments, and organizing them is a breeze.

The reliability and strength of the materials used to craft this set make it perfect for anyone who wants impact-grade tools. If you’re a mechanic who specifically needs these kinds of tools for your work, you can’t go wrong here.

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4) TEKTON SKT05301 Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: ‎ ‎ 12.3 x 7.8 x 2.7 inches
• Drive Size: 1/4 Inch
• Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel
• Number of Pieces: 55 Pieces

Features and Benefits

While there are many reasons to pick up a TEKTON SKT05301 Socket Set, Perhaps the greatest one is the amount of torque strength you get with the 90-tooth ratchet’s 4-degree arc swing. Tested by our experts, this set has been proven to pass torque requirements again. You won’t be struggling to crank a particularly difficult fastener while you have these polished, chrome-plated 55 pieces on your side.

The 6-point socket opening is particularly helpful in preventing round-off for any fastener you need to adjust. It’s worth pointing out that the tools use an imperial measurement system. Anyone who wants a great ratchet should absolutely purchase this set, as long as the imperial system meshes with their work style.

You’ll have an easy time adjusting fasteners with the universal joint, with no worries about round-off. All of these high-quality tools are encased in a polyethylene storage container with strong latches and metal pin hinges. Easy to organize and completely protected, this hard case can withstand all sorts of wear and tear.

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5) EPAuto 40 Piece Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: 10 x 5.8 x 1.8 inches
• Drive Size: 1/4-Inch & 3/8-Inch
• Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel

Features and Benefits

The best part about the EPAuto 40 Piece Socket Set is how many options it gives you at such an incredible price point. You might expect this to leave out a lot of important tools, but it actually has almost everything you’d want in its 40 pieces made of chrome vanadium steel.

You’ll enjoy the 72-tooth ratchet and its impressive range of sockets, including SAE and Metric sizes. Not only did EPAuto generously include many different tools in the 40 Piece Socket Set, but they also made sure to optimize them all for safety and Durability. There’s simply no better option on the market for a mechanic looking to get a decently sized toolkit on a budget.

Although it shouldn’t be thrown around without a care, you can still expect this case to be sturdy and protect your tools from the elements, especially corrosion. For a budget set, this case is something to be excited about.

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6) Sunex 2569 Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: 22.3 x 16.9 x 2.8 inches
• Drive Size: 1/2 inch
• Material: Chrome Molybdenum Steel
• Number of Pieces: 43 Pieces

Features and Benefits

You won’t find another swivel socket set out there with the Durability that the Sunex 2569 offers. The 43 chrome molybdenum alloy steel pieces in this set all came with an etched finish and were built to manage high torque impact.

All the pieces are in the metric system, from 9mm to 30mm. A huge reason why this is the best set for anyone needing a swivel socket is its universal joint, which allows for the use of sockets in any situation where you’d need a swivel.

The swivel sockets here aren’t just durable and high quality but easy to use too. They feature chambered openings that ensure you align any fastener to the socket in a short amount of time. The dual-size markings are an added bonus, making each socket easy to identify in an instant.

Sunex has housed these tools in a heavy-duty storage case featuring a radius corner design, so you can rest easy knowing your tools are completely protected. The case is easily transported as well, so you can take your swivel sockets on the go with no trouble.

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7) DEWALT DWMT75049 Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: 23.6 x 18.9 x 5.1 inches
• Drive Size: 1/2 inch, 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch
• Material: chrome vanadium Steel
• Number of Pieces: 192 Pieces

Features and Benefits

Loads of features make the DEWALT DWMT75049 Socket Set shine. The stunning Direct Torque technology these 192 pieces have been designed with particularly stands out, allowing you to apply the exact amount of torque you need without damaging anything.

You’ll never have to worry about rounding your fasteners again with these tools, particularly the 72-tooth ratchet. Furthermore, the pieces all have a chrome vanadium finish and come in both SAE and Metric sizes, so you have some options there.

In addition to the unique torque applications this DEWALT set provides, you’ll get a high amount of versatility due to the universal joint drive extension. This feature ensures you can work on loads of distinct projects with the same consistent quality every time.

The sheer Durability of all 192 pieces in this set makes it the best quality socket set out there. This is perfect for professional mechanics who get a lot of use out of their tools. DEWALT’s durable storage case is highly protective and easy to carry. The handle has a good grip on it, and the tools are easily identifiable inside the case. Any mechanic would love this socket set.

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8) Egofine 12 Piece Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: 10.03 x 2.75 x 0.98 inches
• Size: 1/4 inch
• Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel
• Number of Pieces: 12 Pieces

Features and Benefits

Egofine 12 Piece Socket Set truly shines in its simplicity. You get 12 chrome vanadium steel pieces, including 10 Cr-V Metric sockets and a 24-tooth oval head reversible ratchet. All of these pieces have a mirror-plated chrome finish, guaranteeing strong work capacity and high resistance to wear and tear. The 4-inch drive extension bar is a nice addition as well, helping you work in hard-to-reach places.

Mechanics or homeowners who want a simple mini socket set to take with them on the go should buy this Egofine set. You won’t break the bank because of how cheap it is, and you’ll get some essential, high-quality tools. Simple repair jobs like car maintenance or a small home project are the perfect opportunities to make good use of this set.

All 12 pieces hang on a plastic storage rack that’s incredibly easy to organize. You simply insert the tools into their slots, and then you can carry this mini set around with you wherever you’d like or even hang it on the wall of your garage.

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9) GEARWRENCH 84948N Socket Set

Specification

• Dimensions: 18.9 x 3.7 x 13.8 inches
• Size: 1/2 inch
• Material: Chrome Molybdenum Steel
• Number of Pieces: 39 Pieces

Features and Benefits

The GEARWRENCH 84948N Socket Set is a well-rounded toolkit overall, offering 39 chrome molybdenum steel pieces with a manganese phosphate finish, all in Metric measurements. These tools are not only incredibly strong but highly durable as well.

Possibly the most impressive feature of this set, however, is the unique sliding clip system that makes it stand out especially well from its competitors. Furthermore, correctly identifying sizes has never been simpler than it is with this set, thanks to its laser-etched markings. Professionals, in particular, will love these GEARWRENCH tools because they remove the headache that comes with certain jobs.

Frustrating tasks you run into time and time again will suddenly seem like nothing to worry about, and concerns about corrosion and general wear and tear will be a thing of the past. This set also comes with a sturdy storage case that features an off-corner loading design. Your tools will be a breeze to carry around, and they’ll prevent fastener rounding every time you use them.

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10) Milwaukee 56 Piece socket set

Specification

• Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 2 inches
• Drive Size: 3/8
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Number of Pieces: 56 Pieces

Features and Benefits

Milwaukee 56 Piece socket set has designed a great range of tools in this set, offering both SAE and Metric sizes. The 3/8″ Drive comes in handy as well, taking care of any job you could need gracefully. All pieces are made with alloy steel and have a polished finish, giving them a high volume of strength for you to work with. You’re sure to enjoy the 4-degree arc swing from the 90-tooth ratchet, too.

The tools are sturdy and strong, but the greatest part of the Milwaukee socket set is just how portable it is. You can take these tools with you practically anywhere you go and rely on the fact that they’ll take care of your needs.

Sometimes, you need to be able to just grab your tools and go without worrying about whether or not they’ll travel to the jobsite well. The portability and quality of these tools make this perfect for the mechanic on the go or any person who finds themselves needing to travel with their tools often.

It’s great not having to worry about the Durability of your tools, and here, you’ll receive an extremely durable steel storage chest to house the tools as well. The chest’s removable inner tray makes the process of organizing your tools easy, and the carrying case just adds to the set’s portability.

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

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Tips for Selecting the Best Socket Set for Your Toolbox

A variety of socket sets are out there, and the best one for you will depend on your needs. Keep in mind the following information when you go to buy your next socket set.

Types of Sockets

For one, there are many kinds of sockets to choose from. It’s important to know the difference between them so that you buy the right one. Sockets are typically divided into two categories: standard sockets that are sized in inches and metric sockets that use the metric system.

Within these categories, there are many variations of socket set types. Impact sockets are designed for heavy-duty work and are typically used for power impact wrenches. Pass-through sockets, on the other hand, can be used with just about any bolt without you having to worry about length.

If you want to work with a bolt that’s difficult to reach, a universal joint socket is your best bet. They’re great for all kinds of bolts. Anyone looking to do a lot of car maintenance should consider a spark plug socket as they’re particularly designed to work with the spark plugs in cars’ engines.

Based on its Size

When choosing a socket set, it’s important to consider the size of the fasteners you’ll be working with. The most common sizes range from ¼ inch to ¾ inch sockets, but it’s important to have a range of sizes to accommodate different projects.

It’s always best to have a set with a variety of sizes to ensure that you’re prepared for any task that may arise. With the right socket set, you’ll have the tools you need to tackle any job.

Number of Sockets

Different socket sets come with different ranges and amounts of sockets. For a simple job, you can likely just get a set with a few dozen pieces. Professionals or those heavily into DIY, however, should spring for sets with lots of pieces so that they’re covered in any situation.

Material of the Sockets

Certain materials should be used in certain situations. You should use durable metals for any repairs that will cause your sockets to vibrate. Do research ahead of time to make sure you don’t tackle a job with the wrong kind of material.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How Do I Care for and Maintain My Socket Set?

Maintaining a socket set is simple as long as you make sure to take care of it every time you use it. At the end of the day, you want your sockets to be clean and dry. You can use a toothbrush to keep bigger sockets clean and a smaller brush (such as one used for flossing) for small sockets.

It’s vital that your sockets aren’t wet when you put them away. If you notice any moisture, simply dry the socket with a cloth and then apply an oil that displaces water.

2) Can Socket Sets be Used for Both Metric and Imperial Sizes?

Yes, you can use any socket regardless of metric or imperial size. All it means is you’d have to interpret the sizes based on which system your set uses, but this can be easily done with some calculations.

3) What’s Included in the Standard Socket Set?

Your standard socket set will come with one or two ratcheting wrenches for you to apply the sockets, as well as extensions to use on the wrenches. Of course, any set will also have a variety of sockets in many sizes. You’ll also usually get hex bits or any other kind of bit that corresponds with the wrenches that came in your set.