DeWalt 20 Piece 1/4 in Drive Deep Combination Socket Set

A small-drive deep socket set that’s built like a big one

I first reached for this set to tackle a valve cover job where the studs and protruding hardware made shallow sockets a non‑starter. Since then it’s lived within arm’s reach for interior work, under‑hood fasteners, and small machinery repairs. The DeWalt 1/4‑inch deep socket set isn’t flashy, but it’s thoughtfully executed where it matters: fit, grip, and storage.

What you get

• 20 deep 6‑point (hex) sockets, 1/4‑inch drive
• Metric: 4–14 mm (11 pieces)
• SAE: 5/32–1/2 in. (9 pieces)
• Chrome finish with stamped size markings
• Knurled rings at the base of each socket for finger grip
• DeWalt’s DirectTorque design to reduce fastener rounding
• Lockable stacking case with a transparent lid and removable inner tray
• Meets or exceeds ANSI specifications
• Full lifetime warranty

It’s sockets only—no ratchet or extensions included—so plan to pair it with your own 1/4‑inch drive handle and a couple of 3–6 inch extensions.

Fit and finish

The sockets are well machined, with consistent chrome and cleanly stamped sizes. The 6‑point geometry and DeWalt’s off‑corner loading (their DirectTorque profile) make a noticeable difference on older or slightly chewed fasteners. I used the 10 mm and 12 mm deep sockets to break loose hardware that had seen winters’ worth of salt; the sockets bit squarely without skidding off corners. If you’re used to 12‑point sockets slipping on stubborn heads, the 6‑point design here is a welcome change.

The walls are appropriately thin for a 1/4‑inch deep socket, offering good access without feeling fragile. They’re not impact sockets—nor should they be in this class—so keep them away from your impact driver. Under hand tools, they’ve held up well with no flaring or chrome flake after repeated use.

One small gripe: metric and SAE are only differentiated by their stamped sizes. It’s not hard to live with, but color bands or bolder markings would speed things up. I ended up hitting the SAE row with a paint pen, which solved it.

Ergonomics that actually matter

The knurled rings at the drive end are more than a stylistic flourish. They make it easy to spin nuts on and off by hand once they’re loose, and to start fasteners without cross‑threading. In tight spaces—dash panels, brackets deep in the bay—that extra bit of tactile control is surprisingly useful. Coupled with the deep well design, you can clear exposed studs and still turn the socket by fingertips until it’s time for the ratchet.

Coverage and limitations

Coverage is exactly what I want in a 1/4‑inch deep set: down to 4 mm and 5/32 for small hardware, up to 14 mm and 1/2 inch for the upper end of what a 1/4‑inch drive should reasonably handle. For most automotive and equipment tasks that fall within the “small fastener” category—hose clamps, interior trim, engine covers, throttle bodies, small engine work—you’re covered.

A few notes to set expectations:
- There’s no 15 mm or 9/16 inch, but those sizes are typically the territory of a 3/8‑inch drive set anyway.
- Deep sockets aren’t always the right play in cramped cavities; sometimes a standard‑depth socket buys you just enough clearance for a ratchet swing. This set doesn’t include standard‑depth counterparts, so consider a complementary shallow set if you don’t already own one.
- Torque is limited by the nature of 1/4‑inch drive. If you’re moving beyond “snug plus a quarter turn,” you probably need a larger drive size.

The case: overbuilt, versatile, and big

DeWalt put this set in a lockable stacking case with a clear lid and a removable tray. The case feels almost comically overbuilt for 20 small sockets: stout latches, a proper hinge, and a carry handle. The upside is durability and modularity—if you own other DeWalt mechanic cases, this one interlocks neatly for transport. The transparent lid makes it easy to see if a socket is missing before you pack up.

Inside, the tray is nicely molded and lifts out. There’s meaningful space beneath it to stash a compact 1/4‑inch ratchet, a couple of extensions, and a universal joint, turning the whole thing into a small, self‑contained kit. That’s how I’ve been using it on mobile jobs.

The trade‑off is footprint. For a 20‑piece set, the case takes more room than you might expect. If you’re tight on bag space, you’ll likely ditch the outer shell and drop the tray straight into a drawer—fortunately, the tray works well on its own.

In use

On the valve cover job that kicked things off, the 10 mm deep socket gave me the stud clearance I needed without having to stack extensions awkwardly. The knurling made it easy to thread hardware by hand in those last few turns where I’d rather feel than force. Moving to interior work, the 7 mm and 8 mm sockets handled dash and HVAC fasteners cleanly. On a small engine carb, the 5/16 and 8 mm covered the bases without rounding the older hardware.

I pushed the set within reason for a 1/4‑inch drive—no cheater bars, just a compact ratchet—and it rewarded me with consistent, positive engagement. The sockets seat fully and don’t wobble on the drive square, and the chamfer at the mouth helps the socket slide onto slightly misaligned fasteners without slipping off the head.

Durability and standards

DeWalt rates these as meeting or exceeding ANSI specs, and the experience tracks: consistent tolerances, strong corners, and durable chrome. I’ve tossed the tray around the shop, knocked sockets off benches, and they’ve resisted dings and plating chips. The lifetime warranty adds confidence, though I haven’t needed it.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and techs who want a reliable 1/4‑inch deep set that covers both metric and SAE
• Mobile users who appreciate a tough, lockable case and a transparent lid for quick inventory
• Anyone frustrated with 12‑point sockets slipping on stubborn small fasteners

Who might want something else:
- Users who prize ultra‑compact storage—the case is big for the contents
- Those who need standard‑depth sockets more often than deep
- Impact users; this is a hand‑tool set

Wish list

• Clearer metric/SAE differentiation out of the box
• A slim 3‑ or 6‑inch extension included in the kit would unlock the space under the tray and make it truly grab‑and‑go
• A slightly smaller case option for those who don’t need the stacking system

The bottom line

The DeWalt 1/4‑inch deep socket set is a dependable, thoughtfully designed kit that prioritizes grip and real‑world usability. The knurled rings, 6‑point geometry, and snug tolerances translate into fewer rounded fasteners and more confident turns. The case is robust to a fault—excellent if you need modular, durable storage; oversized if you don’t.

Recommendation: I recommend this set. It’s a strong value for anyone building out a small‑drive lineup, especially if you want both metric and SAE deep coverage in one box. Pair it with a compact ratchet, a couple of extensions, and perhaps a shallow set, and you’ve got a capable small‑fastener kit you can trust for years.