DeWalt 3/8 in. Drive Combination Deep Impact Socket Set with Ratchet (23-Piece)

3/8 in. Drive Combination Deep Impact Socket Set with Ratchet (23-Piece)

Features

  • Heat-treated CR-440 steel construction
  • DirectTorque technology to reduce fastener rounding
  • High-visibility laser-etched size markings
  • Black oxide coating
  • O-ring and retaining pin compatible
  • 72-tooth quick-release pear head ratchet
  • 3 in. impact extension
  • 3/8 in. drive drill adapter
  • Plastic storage case
  • Full lifetime warranty

Specifications

Drive Size (In) 3/8
Drive Size (Mm) 9.53
Is It A Set? Yes
Number Of Pieces 23
Packaging Plastic Casing
Socket Type 3/8 in. drive, 6-point impact sockets (SAE and metric)
Metric Sizes 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 mm
Sae Sizes 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 1 in
Included Accessories 3 in. extension; 72-tooth quick-release ratchet; drill adapter
Material CR-440 steel
Finish Black oxide coating
Warranty Full Lifetime Warranty

23-piece impact socket set with a 3/8 in. drive. The set includes 6-point impact sockets in both metric and SAE sizes, a 72-tooth quick-release ratchet, a 3 in. extension, and a drill adapter. Components are heat-treated CR-440 steel with a black oxide finish and laser-etched size markings. The set is supplied in a plastic case.

Model Number: DWMT74738

DeWalt 3/8 in. Drive Combination Deep Impact Socket Set with Ratchet (23-Piece) Review

4.7 out of 5

Why this set found a spot in my daily kit

I reach for impact sockets more than chrome these days, and this DeWalt 3/8-inch impact set has been living in the top drawer of my roll cab for a few months. It’s a compact, no-drama kit built around deep 6-point impact sockets with a matching 72‑tooth ratchet, a 3-inch extension, and a hex-to-square drill/driver adapter. For general mechanical work, small-to-medium fasteners, and anything around an impact driver or 3/8-inch impact wrench, it’s a practical mix that covers a lot of ground without taking up much space.

Build and design

The sockets are made from DeWalt’s heat-treated CR‑440 steel and finished in black oxide. That’s the right call for impact use—no chrome to chip, and the finish won’t glare under shop lights. Black oxide does wear and polish with use, but that’s cosmetic. More important is how the sockets are broached and how they handle torque.

These are 6‑point with DeWalt’s DirectTorque profile, which engages more of the fastener flats and less of the corners. In practice, that design shows up when you’re working on slightly rounded or corroded hardware: the socket “seats” confidently and you don’t feel it camming off the corners. I’ve leaned on the larger SAE sizes using a compact 3/8-inch impact wrench and a breaker bar, and I’ve yet to twist a wall, crack a lip, or see any deformation. The lead-in chamfer is consistent, the bores are clean, and the pin holes/grooves are properly formed for use with O-rings and retaining pins on pin-detent anvils.

Markings are genuinely easy to see. The laser etching is large and high-contrast out of the box; it does pick up grime, but a quick wipe brings it back. Size callouts on the case help too.

What’s in the box and what’s not

You get 20 deep 3/8-inch drive sockets—10 metric and 10 SAE—plus the ratchet, a 3-inch extension, and a drill/driver adapter:

  • Metric: 12–21 mm (10 sizes)
  • SAE: 3/8–1 inch (10 sizes)

Coverage is good for most automotive and equipment fasteners in the 3/8-inch-drive sweet spot, but there are a few gaps worth noting:

  • Metric 10 mm and 11 mm are not included. If you work on imports or small engines, you’ll miss those fairly often.
  • SAE 15/16 is absent. You’ve got 7/8 and 1 inch, but the skip is real.
  • Everything here is deep. I prefer that for studs and longer bolts, but if you need shallow sockets for tight clearances, you’ll want a supplemental set.

The included 72‑tooth quick‑release ratchet has a slim pear head and a crisp selector. A 5‑degree swing arc is handy in tight spaces, and the head profile sneaks into most brackets and engine-bay pockets I work in. The 3-inch impact-rated extension is the right length for clearing studs without adding too much wobble. The drill/driver adapter is a nice touch for quick jobs with an impact driver, though for higher torque I still prefer a proper 3/8-inch impact wrench.

In use: hand tools and power

I’ve put this set through a mix of tasks: under-hood brackets, seat rails, accessory mounts, mower deck hardware, and a handful of light suspension odds and ends where 3/8-inch drive is appropriate. Two things stand out.

First, fastener engagement is confidence-inspiring. On weathered hardware, the sockets seat fully and don’t skate. That’s a combination of the 6‑point profile and consistent broaching. On a stubborn 19 mm shock mount nut (not a lug nut—save those for 1/2-inch drive), the 3/8-inch impact and one of these sockets broke it free cleanly without scarring the flats.

Second, the system plays well with both hand and power. The sockets lock securely on my pin-detent impact wrench and also stay put on hog-ring anvils; the retainer groove is cut correctly. The drill/driver adapter is handy for running down long studs or spinning off brackets with an impact driver. For final torque, I swap back to the ratchet—72 teeth give me the control I need around delicate assemblies, and the quick-release button is reliable even with greasy hands.

Durability and finish

Impact sockets live a hard life. After weeks of use, the black oxide has the expected polished wear tracks at the drive end and around the hex, which is normal and purely cosmetic. The steel itself has held up: no chips, no cracks, and no bell-mouthing. The extension shows uniform wear and hasn’t loosened up. I did wipe a light preservative oil off the sockets when new, which I’m glad to see—black oxide benefits from a film to fight corrosion. If you work in damp environments, a quick oil wipe after heavy use is a good habit.

The ratchet: better than a throw-in

Bundled ratchets in socket kits can be an afterthought; this one is worth keeping. The mechanism has positive engagement with minimal backdrag for a sealed head. The selector lever is distinct enough to operate with gloves, and the head is slim enough to clear surrounding components in tight quarters. I’ve used smoother boutique ratchets, but this one holds its own and the quick‑release detent is firm without being stubborn.

Case and organization

The plastic case is compact and sturdier than most blow-mold cases. Sockets nest in labeled pockets and stay put when the lid is closed; I can toss it into a truck box without arriving to a mixed salad of sizes. The latches are positive, and the hinge hasn’t shown stress cracking. I still prefer rail organizers in a drawer for daily use, but as a grab‑and‑go kit, this case works. One nit: like most molded cases, you have to return each socket to its exact pocket—fine for storage, slower during active work. If you move between work areas, the secure retention is a fair trade-off.

What could be better

  • Size gaps: Missing 10 mm, 11 mm, and 15/16 in the coverage will send you hunting on occasion. If those sizes are common in your world, plan to supplement.
  • Only deep sockets: Great most of the time, but shallow versions are sometimes the only way into cramped spaces.
  • Finish expectations: The black oxide will show wear; if you like pristine-looking tools, chrome (on non-impact sockets) keeps that shine better—just not for impact use.
  • Accessories: A 6-inch extension would broaden the set’s usefulness. The included 3-inch is most-used, but sometimes you need the extra reach.

Value and warranty

As a 23‑piece, impact‑ready kit with both metric and SAE deep sockets, a good ratchet, and a couple of genuinely useful accessories, the value is solid. You’re getting work-ready components rather than filler, and the full lifetime warranty on the hand tools adds peace of mind. For a primary 3/8-inch impact set or a portable kit to keep in a vehicle or job box, the cost-to-capability ratio is hard to argue with.

Who it’s for

  • DIYers and pros who primarily work in the 3/8-inch range on vehicles, equipment, and general maintenance.
  • Anyone who uses a 3/8-inch impact wrench or an impact driver and needs deep, impact-rated sockets with secure retention features.
  • Technicians who want a compact, portable set to complement a larger toolbox.

If your work leans heavily on 1/2-inch-drive fasteners, heavy suspension, or frequent shallow-socket needs, this isn’t a one-and-done solution—you’ll want to pair it with 1/2-inch impact sockets and a shallow set.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 3/8-inch impact set. It’s a durable, well-thought-out collection that covers the most common 3/8-inch deep-socket needs with quality steel, accurate broaching, and a ratchet that’s better than a typical bundle. The case makes it an easy grab for mobile work, and the DirectTorque profile plus impact-friendly features inspire confidence under torque. The gaps in size coverage and the lack of shallow sockets are the only meaningful caveats; if those aren’t deal-breakers for your work, this set will serve you well for years.



Project Ideas

Business

Mobile Lug Nut Torque & Tire Rotation

Offer on-site seasonal tire swaps and rotation for cars and light trucks. The deep impact sockets fit lug nuts (SAE and metric), and the 6‑point profile reduces rounding on stubborn hardware. Pair the set with a torque wrench for spec-accurate tightening and a low-profile jack; the drill adapter speeds lug removal when used with a driver.


Home Gym & Furniture Assembly/Refit

Specialize in assembling and tightening home gyms, squat racks, garage storage, beds, and flat-pack furniture. The quick-release ratchet and drill adapter let you fly through repetitive bolts, while deep sockets reach nuts recessed in frames. Upsell a ‘shake-down’ service to retorque hardware after 30 days.


Small Engine and Equipment Repair

Provide tune-ups and bolt-on repairs for mowers, snow blowers, pressure washers, and generators. Mixed SAE/metric coverage fits most engine shrouds, decks, and handle hardware. The deep sockets help with spark plug boots and long studs; the extension reaches tucked fasteners under tanks and panels.


Deck/Playset Hardware Tighten & Upgrade

Offer a maintenance service to re-torque and replace corroded lag bolts, carriage bolts, and bracket hardware on decks, pergolas, and playsets. Deep sockets handle protruding threads, and laser-etched markings help speed work in sun or shade. Upsell stainless or hot-dip galvanized hardware upgrades.


Roof Rack, Hitch, and Accessory Install

Install roof racks, cargo baskets, bike racks, and bolt-on hitches at customers’ homes. The set’s SAE and metric deep sockets cover common M8–M12 and 1/2–7/8 in. hardware. Use the drill adapter for rapid bracket assembly and the ratchet for final snugging; pair with a torque wrench to finish to spec and include a post-install check.

Creative

Threaded-Rod Lamination Press

Build a skateboard/longboard or cutting-board lamination press using 3/8–1 in. threaded rod, washers, and nuts. The deep 6‑point impact sockets let you quickly tighten tall nut stacks over rods without slipping, while the drill adapter spins nuts fast and the ratchet finishes with control. The 3 in. extension reaches between clamp rails.


Unistrut Garage Organizer

Assemble a modular Unistrut shelving and tool-hanging system. Through-bolt uprights to studs with lag screws and use channel nuts/bolts for shelves and hooks. The metric/SAE coverage means you can handle mixed hardware, the deep sockets clear protruding studs, and the high-visibility markings speed size changes while working on a ladder.


Heavy-Duty Garden Utility Wagon

Fabricate a steel-tube wagon with pillow block bearings, a wooden deck, and repurposed wheelbarrow wheels. The deep impact sockets are ideal for axle nuts and wheel hardware, the 72‑tooth ratchet helps in tight spaces near brackets, and the drill adapter speeds assembly when installing dozens of carriage bolts and lag screws.


Reclaimed Wood + Steel Coffee Table

Make a coffee table with a reclaimed plank top and an angle-iron base. Use the sockets to drive structural lag screws into the top and to assemble the bolted steel frame with grade‑8 hardware. The 6‑point DirectTorque design prevents rounding on painted or rusted fasteners during the final snug-down.


Motorcycle/Bicycle Paddock Stand

Build a rolling rear paddock stand (or bicycle repair stand) from square tubing and through-bolts. The deep sockets clear sleeves and spacers on the axle carrier, and the extension helps access bolts inside the frame. Mix of SAE and metric sizes handles common bike hardware without hunting for the right socket.