Top 5 Best Socket Sets
We believe every car owner should have access to a set of sockets, even if you don’t often work on your own car. Our vehicles are full of nuts and bolts and even if you’re trying to do something trivial, chances are you’ll need a ratchet and socket. Like all tools, there are plenty of options for socket sets and you should pick one based on your needs. The main factor to consider is whether you need standard or metric sockets, although most of our recommendations cover both bases. We also include tool sets that come with ratchets and other wrenches to make your life easier when it comes to loosening those nuts and bolts.
For more information on the best socket sets, refer to our table of contents.
Table of contents
1. Editor's Pick: DEWALT 34-Piece Socket Set
Featuring a 72-teeth ratchet with a 5-degree arc swing, this 34-piece socket set comes with a locking and stackable case with a removable inner tray. Each socket is clearly identified with hard stamped markings and everything included exceeds ANSI specifications. The tools in this socket set have a polished chrome vanadium finish for durability, while knurled rings make handling the sockets easier. The company provides a full lifetime warranty with this kit.
Along with the 3/8" drive quick release ratchet, this kit includes a 3/8" drive 3" extension, 3/8" to 1/4" drive adapter, 3/8" drive drill adapter, (7) 1/4" drive standard SAE sockets, (7) 1/4" drive standard metric sockets, (8) 3/8" drive standard SAE sockets, and (8) 3/8" drive standard metric sockets.
Product features:
- 34-piece socket set
- 3/8" drive 72-teeth ratchet with 5º arc swing
- Locking and stackable case with removable inner tray
- Hard stamped markings
- Exceeds ANSI specifications
- Polished chrome vanadium finish
- Knurled rings
- Lifetime warranty
2. EPAuto 40-Piece Socket Set
This 40-piece socket set includes a 3/8" drive 72-teeth reversible ratchet constructed from hardened and treated chrome vanadium steel. Ensuring the tools are resistant to corrosion is a chrome plated and mirror polished finish, and all of its contents come in a sturdy plastic case that makes it convenient for transporting or simply storing it in your garage or trunk.
Here's what this set includes: a 3/8" drive reversible ratchet, spin disk, 3/8" to 1/4" adapter, 3/8" drive by 3" extension bar, 1/4" drive spinner handle, (15) 1/4" drive standard SAE sockets, (13) 1/4" drive metric sockets, (3) 3/8" drive standard SAE sockets, (3) 3/8" drive metric sockets, and the molded case.
Product features:
- 40-piece socket set
- 3/8" drive 72-teeth reversible ratchet
- Hardened and treated chrome vanadium steel construction
- Chrome plated and mirror polished finish
- Sturdy plastic case
3. CRAFTSMAN 193-Piece Mechanic's Tool Kit
If you are looking for a more comprehensive socket set, this recommendation is a 193-piece kit that includes 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets. Backed by the company's lifetime warranty, these tools feature a full polish chrome finish for corrosion resistance and comes in a durable blow molded case. They meet or exceed ASME specifications and comes from one of the most well known brands within the tool industry.
Included with this 193-piece tool set are (58) 1/4" drive tools, (56) 3/8" drive tools, (11) 1/2" drive tools, along with 68 wrenches and specialty tools. That's a total of 121 sockets, 6 wrenches, 12 nut driver bits, 9 screwdriver bits, 40 hex keys, an extension bar, and a magnetic handle.
Product features:
- 193-piece socket set
- Includes 3 ratchets (1/4", 3/8", and 1/2")
- Full polish chrome finish
- Durable blow molded case
- Meets or exceeds ASME specifications
- Lifetime warranty
4. AmazonBasics Socket Sets
For this recommendation, you can choose between 123 pieces or 145 pieces. The tools feature a chrome vanadium steel forged construction for torque, strength, and durability, while a polished chrome finish makes them resistant to corrosion. The included ratchets feature a quick release switch and reversible mechanism for easy operation. Both socket sets come with metric and SAE standard sizes as well as a carrying case. The company also backs the kits with a limited 1-year warranty.
The 145-piece set includes a 1/4" drive handle, 1/4" bit adapter, 1/4" and 3/8" extension bars, 3/8" drive 5/8" spark plug socket, (13) 1/4" drive metric sockets, (11) 1/4" drive SAE standard sockets, (11) 1/4" drive metric deep sockets, (11) 1/4" drive SAE standard deep sockets, (12) 3/8" drive metric sockets, (8) 3/8" drive SAE standard sockets, (4) 3/8" drive metric deep sockets, (4) 3/8" drive SAE standard sockets, 4 metric nut bits, 6 SAE standard nut bits, 4 metric combination wrenches, 4 SAE standard combination wrenches, various hex keys, and 25mm bits.
Product features:
- Choose from 123-piece or 145-piece kits
- Chrome vanadium steel forged construction
- Polished chrome finish
- Quick release switch and reversible mechanism on ratchets
- Includes a carrying case
- 1-year limited warranty
5. TEKTON Deep Impact Socket Set
For those who are using impact tools, this is our recommendation for deep impact sockets. Choose from SAE standard or metric sizes for these high torque, 6-point sockets with an extra deep broach to accommodate longer fasteners. Constructed from high strength chrome vanadium steel, these deep impact sockets are more resistant to drive end round out compared to standard impact sockets. They meet or exceed ANSI standards and feature a black phosphate finish for durability. The laser-etched size markings are easy to read, even in low light.
The SAE standard kit comes with 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", and 1" sockets, while the metric kit includes 7mm to 19mm sockets. These sockets come in a red case with molded size markings for easy organization.
Product features:
- Choose from SAE standard or metric sizes
- 6-point socket design
- Forged and heat treated chrome vanadium steel construction
- Corrosion-resistant black phosphate finish
- Deep depth
- Laser-etched size markings
- Includes red storage case
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Photo credit: DmyTo / Shutterstock.com
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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