DeWalt ELITE SERIES Cleanable Nut Drivers (5 pc.)

I reach for a 5/16 nutsetter more days than not, so a set that solves the two biggest headaches—stripped heads and magnets packed with metal shavings—gets my attention fast. This cleanable nut driver set from DeWalt puts a genuinely useful twist on a very common accessory: the socket slips off the 1/4" hex shank so you can wipe the magnet clean in seconds. After weeks of driving hex-head screws through sheet metal, electrical enclosures, and light framing hardware, it’s become an easy default in my impact kit.

What’s in the set and how it’s built

The set covers the core SAE range: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2 inch. Each socket attaches to a universal 1/4" hex shank via an included adapter and locks with a positive, confidence-inspiring click. The overall socket length is short (about 2 inches), which keeps the driver compact for tight spaces. Everything is made from shock‑resistant tool steel and rated for impact use.

Two design details stand out:

• Rounded/recessed corners: The sockets drive on the flats, not the corners. Think of it like a six-point socket versus a multipoint—less chance of rounding, especially on thin hex washer heads and slightly worn fasteners.
• Cleanable magnet: A rare earth magnet sits in the base to grab and retain fasteners. Because the socket slips off the shank, you can pull it free and sweep metal filings off the magnet face instantly.

The set arrives in a hard case with clear size markings. It’s compact enough to live in a drill bag without getting crushed, and the sockets don’t rattle loose in transit.

Setup and compatibility

The adapter is a standard 1/4" hex shank, so it drops into any drill or impact driver. The sockets are compatible with universal 1/4" hex systems, so if you prefer a longer extension or a different quick‑change holder, you’re not locked into the included adapter. I swapped the adapter onto a 6-inch bit extension a few times for reach behind a fan shroud and didn’t notice extra wobble beyond what you’d expect from the longer lever arm.

Fit and tolerance were solid. The detent engagement is firm, and the sockets don’t walk off the adapter unless you intentionally pull them. I also like that the socket bore is machined clean and concentric—runout was minimal on my impact.

Performance in the field

• Fastener grip: The flat‑driving geometry works as advertised. On self‑drilling hex-head screws (the kind with thin flanges that love to round), the socket grabs the flats and stays planted even when you’re a little off-axis in a cramped space. On older hardware with slightly chewed corners, I could still break free and re‑tighten without slipping. That matters when you’re working on an equipment panel with limited spare fasteners.
• Magnet strength: The rare earth magnet is strong enough to hold a fastener securely, even when you’re reaching overhead. It also helps stabilize nuts when you’re starting threads one‑handed. It will, of course, hoover up metal shavings around a cutout or rack install—but that’s where the cleanable design pays for itself.
• Cleaning the magnet: This is the party trick. On a day of ductwork, the magnet inevitably packs up with shavings and tiny screw tips. Instead of fishing with a pick, I pop the socket off, tap the shank over a trash can, wipe the magnet face with a glove, and get back to work. It’s a 10‑second reset that keeps the socket seating fully and the magnet working. I ended the day with a lot less frustration and fewer half‑seated screws.
• Impact readiness: I drove a mix of 1/4 and 5/16 hex-head tek screws into 18–20 ga sheet and light-gauge strut with a mid‑range impact driver. No chipping, no loosening at the adapter, and no mushrooming at the socket mouth. The steel holds up, as it should. Heat discoloration was minimal, and the corners stayed crisp after many starts on hardened screws.

Ergonomics and control

These sockets are short, which keeps your driver balanced and close to the work. In tight mechanical spaces and electrical cabinets, that’s an advantage. The tradeoff is reach—if you’re clearing tall standoffs, thick washers, or protruding studs, you’ll want a bit extension ready. I kept a 6-inch extension in the same case and swapped when needed.

Visibility around the fastener is good. Because the sockets are not overly deep, you can still see the head and washer, which helps on finish work where alignment matters. Size markings are legible, and I didn’t have to play “guess the socket” in low light.

Durability and wear

After a few weeks of regular use, the wear pattern is encouraging. The internal flats have light polishing with no visible peening. The magnet retained strength and didn’t pull out or rotate. The adapter’s detent ball still snaps crisply into each socket. Dropping the set onto concrete didn’t chip the socket mouths—just cosmetic scuffs. For a consumable accessory, it feels on the tougher side of average.

One caution: because the socket and shank separate, keep an eye on keeping them clean at the interface. If you pack in grit or metal dust, you can feel a faint crunch as you seat the socket. A quick wipe before reconnecting keeps things smooth.

What could be better

• Only SAE: This bundle hits the most common imperial sizes, but there’s no metric. If you work on equipment that mixes hardware, you’ll need a second set.
• Short length only: The standard 2-inch length is great 80% of the time, but a dedicated longer option in the same cleanable format would be handy. The workaround is a hex extension, which is fine but adds one more joint.
• More parts to manage: The detachable design is the feature—but it’s also another piece to misplace. I kept the adapter parked in the impact driver so the sockets always had a home base.
• No stated warranty: Accessories typically don’t carry robust warranties, and that’s the case here. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re rough on consumables.

None of these are showstoppers, and the benefits outweigh the nitpicks, but they’re the tradeoffs I noticed.

Use cases where it shines

• Sheet metal and HVAC: Frequent hex-head driving with lots of metal shavings—cleanable magnet saves time and keeps engagement consistent.
• Electrical and low‑voltage installs: Panel screws, strut clamps, and clamp connectors benefit from the strong magnet and flat‑driving geometry, especially when you’re working one‑handed on a ladder.
• Service work: Dealing with fasteners of unknown condition. The flats-first engagement helps on slightly rounded heads.

If you primarily work with deep studs or long bolts, consider pairing this with a dedicated deep set or keep an extension handy.

Safety and compliance

There’s a CA Prop 65 warning, typical for tool steels and coatings. Common sense shop hygiene applies: don’t handle metal filings bare‑handed, and clean the magnet away from sensitive electronics.

Bottom line

This cleanable nut driver set fixes a small but real jobsite annoyance and does it without sacrificing fit, magnet strength, or impact durability. The flats-first geometry reduces rounding on fragile hex heads, the magnet holds fasteners with confidence, and the detachable socket makes maintenance painless. The short length and SAE‑only selection are the primary limitations, but they’re easy to plan around with an extension and a metric companion set if needed.

Recommendation: I recommend this set. If you drive SAE hex-head screws or nuts regularly—especially in environments with lots of metal shavings—the cleanable magnet and flat‑driving sockets make day‑to‑day work smoother and faster. It’s a smart upgrade over one‑piece nutsetters, and after using it, going back to digging filings out of a fixed magnet feels like a step backward.