DeWalt 3/8" 10 Pc. Socket Set

First impressions

I threw this 3/8-inch impact socket set into my daily carry to see if it could replace the piecemeal selection I’ve been hauling around. Out of the box, the kit feels compact and purposeful. It’s a 10-piece set built around eight commonly used 3/8-inch drive sockets, plus two 1/4-inch adapters for pairing with impact drivers. The whole package lands at about 4 pounds, which is light enough to live in a tool bag without being an anchor, and it’s housed in a hard, impact-resistant case that actually invites being tossed into a truck bed.

Build and design

The sockets are 6-point, steel, with a black oxide finish. That’s exactly what I want in an impact-rated set: no chrome to shatter under hammering, and enough surface texture to grip well when fingers are oily. The walls are intentionally thinner than standard impact sockets, and it shows—you can get these into tighter nooks where chunky impact sockets usually fight you. Even with the thinner profile, they haven’t felt fragile in use. The hex geometry includes recessed corners, so the load transfers across the flats rather than the points; I saw noticeably less tendency to round fasteners when breaking loose crusty hardware.

Markings are a high point. The laser etching is big and bright against the black oxide. I could read sizes quickly even under dim lighting and a film of grime. Over a few weeks of honest use, the markings are still visible, with only light scuffing—a small thing that makes a big difference in the field.

What’s included and how it’s configured

• Eight 3/8-inch drive impact sockets with an intermediate (deeper) depth.
• Two 1/4-inch adapters that expand compatibility with impact drivers and other tools.
• One flip socket tucked in among the set, which effectively gives you two sizes on a single piece.
• A compact hard case with pivoting organization pins and extra room for a 10-inch hand wrench (not included).

The depth choice is smart. They’re deeper than standard shallow sockets, which helps with protruding studs, lug-style hardware, and fasteners buried behind brackets. At the same time, they aren’t so deep that they become wobbly or torque-robbing. If you already own a range of shallow sockets, this fills a common gap without duplicating what you have.

The inclusion of a flip socket is a nice touch. It’s not enough to replace a dedicated lug kit, but when you find yourself bouncing between two common sizes on a job, flipping the socket saves time and reduces trips to the box.

In use with drivers and wrenches

This set is designed for both corded and cordless impact tools, and it behaves well on either. On a mid-torque cordless impact wrench, I could lean on stuck fasteners without the sockets twisting out or chattering excessively. The chamfered lead-ins help them seat on fasteners quickly, and the detent recesses mate cleanly with a 3/8-inch anvil—secure without being a fight to remove.

With an impact driver using the included adapters, the setup is surprisingly confidence-inspiring. The adapters fit squarely and don’t introduce a ton of slop. I still treat adapters as consumables (they see a lot of shock), but these have held up fine so far. For quick jobs—sheet-metal screws, light automotive, equipment panels—snapping a socket onto a driver is fast and effective.

Access and fitment

The thinner wall profile is the big story. I could reach nuts tucked against brackets and pulleys that standard impact sockets wouldn’t clear. Think hose clamps buried by engine accessories or fasteners peeking out from behind stamped steel sheets. That said, physics still applies: these aren’t ultra-thin chrome sockets, and they’re not a substitute for specialty thin-wall or pass-through tools. But as impact-rated sockets go, they’re on the slim side without feeling compromised.

The flat-contact, 6-point geometry and recessed corners do what they promise. On slightly rounded hardware, the sockets bit firmly and didn’t slip off, even when the tool started hammering. The fit is snug, not overly tight, which matters when fasteners are corroded and you’re trying to work them back and forth without getting stuck on the flats.

Case and organization

The case is sturdier than most in this price tier. The hinge and latch haven’t popped open in transit, and the plastic shrugs off scuffs and drops. Inside, the pivoting organization pins let you reconfigure the layout. I swung a couple out of the way to stash a 10-inch wrench and a small extension; being able to carry a wrench alongside the sockets makes this a complete grab-and-go kit for quick service calls.

One note: because the pins pivot, you’ll want to make sure they’re clicked back into place before closing the lid. Leave one misaligned and it can prevent the case from sealing properly. Once you get in the habit, it’s a non-issue.

Durability and finish

After several weeks, the black oxide has the expected burnish on high-contact surfaces, but no flaking or chipping. Black oxide won’t resist corrosion as well as polished chrome, so if you’re working in wet or salty environments, wipe them down and give a light oil mist at the end of the day. The sockets have held their shape under repeated impacts; I haven’t seen mouth flaring or distortion, even after abusing a couple on stubborn suspension hardware.

The large laser-etched markings are holding up. They’ll outlast paint-filled stamps, and they’re easier to read than small roll marks.

Where it falls short

• Coverage is intentionally limited. With only eight sockets, you will bump into sizes that aren’t in the box. For general maintenance, it’s fine; for comprehensive automotive work, you’ll want a broader set.
• No shallow sockets included. The intermediate depth covers a lot, but there are still situations where shallow sockets are the only way to clear obstructions.
• Only one flip socket. It’s handy, but if you rely on flip sockets for lug work, you’ll need a dedicated set.
• Warranty is a 30-day money-back guarantee. That’s useful if you dislike the kit out of the gate, but it’s not the lifetime coverage some hand-tool brands offer on sockets. If long-term warranty support is a deal-breaker for you, factor that in.

Who it’s for

• Technicians and DIYers who want an impact-rated, compact 3/8-inch set that actually fits into tight spaces.
• Users who bounce between an impact wrench and an impact driver and appreciate having adapters in the same case.
• Mobile techs who value a sturdy, grab-and-go kit with room for a 10-inch wrench and a few small add-ons.

If you already own a complete shallow and deep lineup, this can be your “everyday carry” impact set for 80% of tasks. If you’re building from scratch and need full coverage, this is a solid start, but you’ll eventually want more sizes and shallow options.

Practical tips

• Use the included adapters for convenience, but keep a spare in the van—adapters are the first point of failure in harsh impact use.
• Wipe the black oxide sockets occasionally to prevent surface rust, especially after wet jobs.
• Take advantage of the pivoting pins to build your own mini service kit: a 3-inch extension, the most-used sockets, and a 10-inch wrench in the same case makes for fast, efficient onsite work.

The bottom line

This DeWalt set nails the fundamentals: strong, impact-rated sockets with a slim profile, excellent markings, and a thoughtful case that’s easy to live with. The recessed-corner, 6-point design grips fasteners well under real impact loads, and the intermediate depth solves more problems than it creates. The included 1/4-inch adapters and a flip socket add everyday flexibility without fluff.

It’s not a comprehensive solution—coverage is limited, there are no shallow sockets, and the warranty isn’t a lifetime pledge—but as a compact, durable, and genuinely useful kit, it earns a spot in my bag.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for anyone who needs a reliable, portable 3/8-inch impact socket kit to handle common tasks with minimal fuss. It excels as an everyday carry or service kit thanks to its slim sockets, clear markings, and sturdy case. If you need full size coverage or a matched shallow/deep lineup, pair it with a larger set—but for daily use and tight-quarter work, this one punches above its weight.