DeWalt 61 Piece 1/4 in & 3/8 in Drive Combination Socket Set - 6 Point

A good socket kit should make you forget about it until you need it—and then make the job go smoothly without drama. After several weekends with DeWalt’s 61-piece socket set, it has settled into that dependable, grab-and-go role on my bench and in the truck.

What’s in the box and how it’s built

This set covers the 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive sweet spots with 6-point sockets. You get standard-length sockets across both SAE and metric, a selection of 1/4-inch deep SAE sockets, a 3/8-inch pear-head ratchet with a knurled control ring, 3- and 6-inch extensions, a 1/4-inch flex handle, two spark plug sockets (5/8 and 13/16), and a molded case to keep it all together.

Construction is chrome-vanadium steel with a polished chrome finish. The sockets have clear size markings that are both stamped and laser-etched, which helps under poor lighting and after a few greasy jobs. The finish wipes clean easily, and the sockets don’t show the hairline scratches that cheaper chrome tends to wear after a couple of rides in a toolbox drawer.

The approach here is practical durability rather than flashy showpieces. Edges are clean, broaching looks even, and there were no burrs in any of the sockets I used. The ratchet’s knurled ring is a simple touch that ends up being one of the set’s standout features—more on that below.

Coverage that fits most jobs

On the 3/8-inch side, the metric run spans 8 to 19 mm, and SAE coverage hits the common 3/8 through 3/4. The 1/4-inch shallow sockets cover 4 to 10 mm on the metric side, with deep SAE sizes from 3/16 to 3/8. For small engine work and interior fasteners, that 1/4-inch selection is genuinely useful, and the 3/8-inch sockets handle the majority of automotive and homeowner tasks.

Is it comprehensive? No, and that’s not the aim. There’s no 1/2-inch drive here and the deep socket selection is limited. If you regularly need deep metric in 3/8-inch or longer reach on larger fasteners, you’ll want a supplementary set. But for day-to-day maintenance and light repair, the coverage is well chosen.

In use: automotive, small engines, and around the house

I started with some easy wins: replacing a lawn mower spark plug, tightening a battery terminal (10 mm), and swapping a set of sway bar end link nuts on an older sedan (15 and 18 mm). The spark plug sockets did their job without fuss, and the 6-inch extension paired with the 3/8-inch ratchet gave me enough reach past the shroud on the mower engine.

The 6-point profile is the right call for a set like this. On rusty exhaust clamp bolts, I could lean into the ratchet without the sockets camming over the flats. Where a 12-point sometimes slips, these held firm and inspired confidence. That said, 6-point sockets don’t index as easily in tight spots. On a cramped alternator bracket, I had to nudge the socket more deliberately to find the flats, which is a tradeoff I’ll take for the added security under load.

The 1/4-inch flex handle is one of those small pieces you don’t think about until you need it. I used it to sneak under a dash to remove a blend door actuator—being able to apply gentle torque at an awkward angle without a ratchet’s head getting in the way saved time and knuckles.

Ratchet feel and ergonomics

The 3/8-inch pear-head ratchet feels solid in the hand. The directional lever has a crisp, positive click that’s easy to operate with gloves. The knurled control ring is genuinely handy when you’re in that phase between finger-tight and actually applying torque; I found myself spinning it to run fasteners down quickly, especially on engine covers and brackets. It also provided extra grip when my hands were oily.

I won’t speculate on the tooth count, but the swing arc feels reasonable—not ultra-fine, yet small enough to make progress in tighter spaces. The handle length strikes a good balance for control and leverage without feeling bulky in a small kit.

Fit, finish, and markings

Fit on fasteners has been consistently snug. The sockets seat evenly, and the chamfer at the mouth (subtle as it is) guided onto bolt heads without hunting. I didn’t run into any shallow broach issues where the fastener bottoms before engagement, which can happen on lower-quality sets.

The size markings are a strong point. Between the stamped sizes and the laser-etched labeling, I could identify sockets at a glance—even after a few jobs where grime usually obscures laser text. It’s one of those details that speeds up work in low light under a dashboard or underneath a car.

Case and organization

The blow-molded case is compact enough to slide behind a truck seat or onto a shelf without hogging space. Everything has a dedicated spot, and retention is firm enough that sockets stay put when the case is carried upright or gets jostled. The case opens flat, making it easier to scan for the size you need and drop sockets back where they belong mid-project.

One nit: as with most blow-molded cases, there’s always the chance that a few slots loosen over time. So far, retention is good, but I wouldn’t mind slightly tighter pockets for the smallest sockets. The labeling inside is clear, which helps if you’re handing the kit to a less-experienced helper.

Durability so far

After several uses—including a couple of spirited sessions on stubborn hardware with a cheater bar on the extensions—the sockets and ratchet show no deformities or chrome flaking. The polished finish resists corrosion well with a quick wipe-down. Long-term, chrome-vanadium steel is a known quantity, and everything here suggests the fundamentals are right.

The full lifetime warranty is a reassuring backstop. I haven’t needed it, but it adds confidence when choosing a general-purpose set that’ll see regular use.

What could be better

• Deeper bench on deep sockets: I’d like to see more deep options, especially in 3/8-inch metric.
• No 1/2-inch drive: Understandable for the kit’s size, but it means you’ll reach for another set for heavier suspension or axle nuts.
• 6-point only: A strength for torque and rounding resistance, but you lose the quick indexing and angle advantage of 12-point sockets in some situations.

None of these are deal-breakers, and they’re consistent with the set’s intended role.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and homeowners who want a compact, reliable kit for vehicles, small engines, and household repairs.
• Hobbyists working on motorcycles, lawn equipment, and general maintenance who value 6-point strength.
• Pros who need a solid travel set or a bench-side kit for light-to-moderate tasks.

If your daily work involves high-torque fasteners or frequent deep socket use in larger sizes, this set is best as a companion rather than a primary.

Value and overall take

As an everyday socket kit, this DeWalt set hits the balance I look for: useful coverage in 1/4 and 3/8 drives, a ratchet that feels good in the hand, sockets that grip well, and a case that actually keeps things organized. The practical touches—legible markings, the knurled control ring, sensible extensions—show that someone thought through common tasks rather than padding the piece count with fluff.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for anyone who needs a dependable, portable socket kit with strong 6-point coverage for routine automotive, small engine, and household work. It’s not a replacement for a full shop’s worth of sockets, and it won’t cover every deep or heavy-duty need, but it excels at what it’s designed to do: make common jobs quicker, cleaner, and less frustrating. The combination of solid build quality, thoughtful ergonomics, and a lifetime warranty makes it easy to keep this kit close at hand—and harder to justify digging through a larger toolbox for most tasks.