Best Socket Sets

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 on top of your workbench.

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.

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.

#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.

#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.

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.

#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.

#5 – Stanley 92-839 99-Piece Black Chrome Socket/Wrench Set

Possibly the best ratchet set for the money, the Stanley 92-839’s slim, pear-head ratchets have a minimum turning arc of 7 degrees. The 2 ratchets also includes proprietary technology to increase torque by as much as 15%, and the 6-point sockets are designed to reduce rounding.

Including the most common sockets for both SAE and Metric uses makes this set more widely applicable than other smaller sets. While this set is perfectly fine for most jobs, for higher torque applications such as with impact wrenches, you’ll want to use impact sockets instead.

The black chrome is sharp (and preferred by many), doesn’t show dirt or grime, and offers better corrosion resistance than regular chrome, but the socket sizes are laser etched rather than stamped. This means that heavy use could wear the labeling off and make it hard to identify individual sizes.

The case itself is just okay. Most report no issues but others say the case doesn’t hold some sockets or wrenches during transport while others mention it holds them a bit TOO well making them hard to take out. Seems like consistency with the case design may be an issue but the tools themselves get rave reviews.

#6 – Tekton 13101 45-Piece 3/8-Inch 6-Point Socket Set

One of the best values around, this Tekton set carries a complete range of sockets, ranging from 5/16 inches to 3/4 inches in shallow and deep, plus 8mm to 19mm shallow and deep.

Additionally, this set includes a universal joint, 6-inch extension, and 72-tooth ratchet with 5 degree swing arc. All pieces are made from premium quality Cr-V steel with a mirror chrome plated finish for a lasting, attractive addition to any tool collection.

Tekton doesn’t joke when it says this is “no sizes skipped”, as evidenced by the presence of a somewhat rare 5.5mm socket. Consumers claim the case and sockets are all expertly crafted, and the case itself is very clearly marked. They also note that the quality meets or exceeds Craftsman while remaining affordable.

A few consumers have complained about the etching size, stating that it can be difficult to read. The case has also proven problematic for individuals, sometimes not holding the metric sockets securely. This latter complaint seems to be due to a bad batch, as most owners have not suffered the same problem.

#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.