Black & Decker Socket Set, 40-Piece, Chrome, Carrying Case

First impressions and setup

I tossed this 40-piece socket set into the trunk for a weekend of small fixes—tightening a wobbly battery terminal, swapping out a door latch, and assembling a bike rack. The case is compact enough to live on a shelf or in a car (roughly 12.9 x 8.5 x 3.7 inches), and at about 4.5 pounds it’s easy to carry to wherever the work is. The layout inside is straightforward: a 3/8-inch drive ratchet, an extension, a 3/8-to-1/4 adapter, a 1/4-inch drive socket driver, a spread of 3/8 and 1/4-inch drive sockets, and six bit tips. It covers the common fastener sizes I run into for general home and light automotive use, with enough redundancy between 1/4 and 3/8 drive to choose the right balance of speed and torque.

Build quality and ergonomics

The chrome finish is what stood out first. Every piece has a full-polish sheen that wipes clean easily and resists corrosion. I left the set in a damp garage for a couple of weeks and didn’t see any early signs of spotting or rust. The sockets seat positively on fasteners with a snug, predictable fit; under moderate torque I didn’t experience slipping or rounding. After a few jobs, I checked for burrs or flaking—none appeared.

The ratchet is the star here. It uses a 72-tooth gear, which translates into a 5-degree swing arc. In practice, that means I could keep turning in cramped spaces where a coarse ratchet would just click back and forth. It’s not a premium, boutique ratchet—there’s some backdrag, as expected at this price—but the pawl engagement is consistent and the direction selector feels decisive. The polished handle is comfortable and cleans up well, though it predictably gets a little slick with oily hands. A quick wipe with a rag solved that.

In use: home and light automotive tasks

Over a handful of projects, the set handled the basics exactly as I hoped:

• Battery terminal and under-hood odds and ends: The 3/8-inch ratchet, extension, and common socket sizes were enough to snug clamps and remove small brackets. The fine-tooth mechanism made a difference under the cowl where I had just a few degrees of swing.
• Bicycle and garage hardware: The 1/4-inch drive sockets paired with the included socket driver gave me speed and control on lighter fasteners without the leverage of the longer 3/8-inch ratchet.
• Furniture and fixtures: I used the bit tips for a couple of screws during a quick shelf install. They’re fine for general purpose tasks when you don’t want to carry a separate screwdriver set.

Torque-wise, the ratchet and sockets held up to the kind of force I’d call “confident homeowner”—plenty for brackets, clamps, smaller suspension covers, and interior fasteners. I wouldn’t reach for this set to break stubborn suspension bolts or rusted exhaust hardware, but that’s not what it’s meant for. Within its lane, it feels solid.

Coverage and versatility

The mix of 3/8 and 1/4-inch drive sockets is the right approach for a compact, do-most-things kit. I like that the set provides:

• 14 x 3/8-inch drive sockets for mid-range fasteners
• 15 x 1/4-inch drive sockets for smaller tasks
• 3/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter to switch gears without changing ratchets
• 1/4-inch drive socket driver for fast, low-torque work
• A handful of bit tips for basic screw-driving needs

That adapter earns its keep. In a single repair, I swapped between 1/4-inch sockets for light, quick spins and 3/8-inch sockets when I needed more leverage, all without digging around for another handle.

One caveat: the bit selection is limited to the basics. If you frequently work with specialty fasteners—especially Torx—you’ll want to supplement this kit. The set includes six bit tips, and while they’re handy for common screws, it’s not a comprehensive driver kit.

The case and organization

The case is tougher than it looks and latches securely, which matters when a kit bounces around a trunk. The molded trays keep sockets in their lanes; sizes are easy to identify at a glance, and I can tell if something’s missing before I pack up.

The only frustration is the bit tip slots. They hold the bits very tightly. That’s great for transport—nothing rattles loose—but I had to pry a couple of bits out with my fingernail the first few times. After some use, it loosened slightly, but the retention is still on the firm side. The sockets themselves are easy to remove and replace, and the extension and adapter live where I expect them.

Performance trade-offs

Every compact set has to draw the line somewhere. A few realities to know before you buy:

• No specialty bits: As mentioned, the bit selection is minimal. Add a separate Torx set if you need it.
• Shallow sockets only: If you regularly deal with fasteners on long studs, plan on a dedicated deep socket set. This kit’s strength is breadth across small and medium sizes, not depth variations.
• DIY-grade ratchet: The 72-tooth mechanism is a big plus for access, but the backdrag and overall feel are mid-tier. For daily professional use, I’d grab a higher-end ratchet and keep these sockets as backups.

None of those are faults so much as clear boundaries for what this kit is intended to be: a capable, all-around socket set for home and light automotive work at a very approachable price.

Durability over time

I’ve applied reasonable torque and a couple of intentional “let’s see what happens” tests with a cheater grip on the ratchet—within the limits of common sense. The chrome held up, the ratchet didn’t skip, and the sockets didn’t deform. The finish wipes clean, and the case hasn’t warped or cracked. For a compact kit, it’s a respectable showing. I’ll keep an eye on the ratchet pawl as the teeth wear, but there’s nothing so far that makes me question its lifespan.

Value

At a listed price of $31.99, the cost-per-piece math is already favorable. More importantly, the set delivers where it counts: the 72-tooth ratchet gives real-world access benefits, the socket spread covers everyday jobs, and the case is tough enough to carry between the garage and the car without drama. The chrome finish and overall fit inspire confidence above the “throwaway” tier, which is where many budget sets falter.

If you’re building out a full mechanic’s toolbox, this won’t replace purpose-built kits. But for a first socket set, a glovebox backup, or a reliable household kit that doesn’t demand babying, the value is hard to argue with.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and renters who want one compact set to cover most tasks
• Car owners who need a trunk kit for light repairs and adjustments
• DIYers who prefer a fine-tooth ratchet for tight spaces
• Anyone who values a clean, corrosion-resistant finish and a sturdy case

Who it’s not for: professional techs turning hardware eight hours a day, or anyone who needs deep, impact-rated, or specialty sockets as part of their routine.

Recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker 40-piece socket set for general home and light automotive use. The 72-tooth ratchet’s 5-degree swing arc makes a genuine difference in cramped spaces, the chrome finish resists corrosion and cleans up easily, and the included adapters and accessories add real versatility without fluff. The case is durable and well laid out, though the bit slots are tighter than I’d like, and the bit selection is basic. For the price, it’s a well-rounded, dependable kit that earns a spot in the trunk or on the shelf. If your work routinely demands specialty bits or deep sockets, plan to supplement it—but as a core, everyday set, it hits the mark.