DeWalt 3-Pc. Cleanable Nut Drivers (1/4", 5/16", 3/8")

Why this nut driver set caught my attention

If you drive a lot of hex-head screws in metal, you’ve probably fought the same battle I have: magnetized nut drivers that pack with shavings until they won’t seat on a fastener, then start chewing heads. That’s the problem this nut driver set tries to solve, and it does so with two thoughtful touches I don’t usually see together: recessed corners that engage the flats and a magnet you can actually clean out. After several weeks of installing service panels, hanging straps, and assembling brackets, I’ve got a good sense of where this set shines and where it doesn’t.

What’s in the set and how it’s built

You get the three core sizes most of us reach for daily—1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 inch—built for impact drivers and wrenches. The bodies are stout and clearly impact-rated, with a hex drive designed for the abuse of high-torque tools. The standout features are the recessed-corner geometry inside the cups and an industrial-strength magnet that’s paired with a clean-out mechanism. The idea is simple: drive on the flats to reduce rounding and shavings, capture the fastener with a strong magnet, then purge the metal debris before it becomes a problem.

Fit and finish are solid. The cups aren’t sloppy, and the sizing is accurate; all three seated securely on the various brands of hex-head screws I had on hand. The magnet sits at the right depth so the screw head is captured without getting stuck short of full contact. It’s a small detail, but it matters when you’re working overhead and relying on the tool to hold the screw in place while you line things up.

Performance on the job

I put the set to work on sheet metal screws into light-gauge steel, assembly of strut and brackets, and general service work where 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 inch sizes dominate. With an impact driver on a medium speed setting, the recessed-corner design grabbed the flats and resisted slipping, even on painted fasteners where the heads can be slick. I noticed fewer “ice-skate” slips at the start of the drive, and importantly, less evidence of rounded edges on the screw heads after removal.

The magnet is strong enough to hold a screw while you position a part, including overhead orientations. On a ladder, that hands-free start is the difference between a crisp install and a juggling act. Once seated, the driver transmits torque cleanly. I didn’t find the need to baby it—these are built to be used with impact tools and take hits without deforming.

The clean-out mechanism actually matters

Magnetized nut drivers are notorious for trapping swarf from self-tapping screws and filings from drilling. That debris shortens the usable depth of the cup and causes the driver to ride high on the screw head, which leads to chronic stripping. The clean-out feature on this set is the fix. Between tasks, I used the built-in mechanism to push accumulated shavings out of the cup. It took seconds, and it returned the driver to full seating depth immediately.

In practice, I found myself cleaning the 5/16 inch driver about every 20–30 screws when working in fresh-cut sheet metal, and less frequently in maintenance scenarios where there’s less loose steel around. The difference in consistency is real: fewer forced restarts, far fewer chewed heads, and none of the “jammed with iron fuzz” syndrome that sidetracks your day.

A note of reality: the magnet will collect shavings quickly if you’re drilling in the same area, so some basic housekeeping helps. I keep a small nylon brush in the pouch, and a quick pass before using the clean-out makes the process even faster.

Ergonomics, reach, and durability

Length is a sweet spot for general use—long enough to reach past minor obstructions and into channels, short enough to maintain control in tight spaces. The outer diameter is robust, which is expected in an impact-rated driver. It does a good job balancing strength with access, though there are a few tight recesses (think deep, narrow U-channel) where the 3/8 inch cup feels chunky. That’s not unique to this set; it’s the trade-off of an impact-ready build.

After several weeks of use, the cups show normal finish wear but no deformation or wallowing. The magnet hasn’t weakened and remains centered. The corners that contact the flats haven’t rounded out, which tells me the heat treatment is appropriate for the intended use. I also ran them on a hand wrench to finesse a few installs, and the control was good—no loose play or rattly feel.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Not a pass-through solution: If you’re working with very long bolts or studded hardware, these drivers will bottom out. For that, you’ll still want a true pass-through socket or a deep well nut setter designed for long fasteners.
• Tight clearances: In very narrow recesses, the outer diameter may prevent access. I had to switch to a slimmer non-impact nut setter once to reach a recess behind a lip.
• Magnet dependency: The magnet is a big advantage with steel fasteners but offers no help with stainless or non-ferrous hardware. That’s obvious, but it’s worth noting if your work leans heavily on stainless screws.
• Cleanup is part of the workflow: The clean-out makes maintenance fast, but it’s still a step. If you seldom encounter shavings, you may not appreciate the feature as much as those of us who do.

None of these are dealbreakers; they’re simply boundaries of the design.

Who benefits most

If you’re in HVAC, electrical, low-voltage, light mechanical assembly, or general carpentry that uses sheet metal screws and hex-head fasteners, this set fits right into daily work. The three included sizes cover the common fasteners for ducting, hangers, clamps, panel screws, and light framing accessories. Impact compatibility means you can stick with your driver instead of swapping to a wrench for most tasks. If your workload is more woodworking and lag bolts, you may use the 5/16 and 3/8 inch sizes primarily, but the 1/4 inch still earns its keep on small brackets and hardware.

Practical tips from use

• Run at moderate speed at the start to seat the driver fully on the flats, then ramp up. The recessed corners bite better when you give them a beat to align.
• Make clean-out part of the routine when you’re working in steel. A quick purge prevents the slow creep toward stripping.
• Keep a slim nut setter in the pouch for the rare tight clearance—this set covers 90% of situations, but it’s good to have a backup for the other 10%.
• Label the sizes with a paint pen on the shank if you want quicker identification at a glance in a crowded pouch.

Value and alternatives

There are plenty of budget magnetized nut setters around, but few that combine impact readiness, flat-driving geometry, and a real clean-out solution. If you only drive a handful of hex screws a month, you’ll get by with a basic set. If you drive dozens or hundreds, the reduced stripping, consistent seating, and quick cleanup add up to saved fasteners, fewer rework moments, and less frustration overhead on a ladder. That’s the value proposition here.

Recommendation

I recommend this nut driver set. The combination of recessed corners that truly drive on the flats and a cleanable, strong magnet addresses the two biggest pain points I encounter with magnetized nut drivers: rounding fastener heads and getting packed with shavings. In regular, metal-focused work, those features translate directly into smoother installs and fewer stripped screws. The impact-ready build holds up, the three sizes are the right mix for everyday tasks, and the minor limitations are easy to work around with a slim backup tool. If your day includes a steady diet of hex-head fasteners in steel, this set is worth having in your driver case.