DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set (84-Piece)

I tossed this DeWalt 84‑piece set into the trunk for a month and used it for everything from tightening a loose sway bar link to swapping mower plugs in the shed. It’s a compact kit with a sensible spread of sockets, a pair of ratchets, a handful of bits, and just enough accessories to handle most light automotive and around‑the‑house jobs without making you dig through a bigger box.

What’s in the box

The set covers the basics well:
- 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. pear‑head ratchets (72‑tooth with quick‑release)
- 6‑point sockets in SAE and metric, plus deep sockets in both drives
- 3/8 in. to 1/4 in. adapter
- 3 in. extensions for both drives
- 5/8 in. and 13/16 in. spark plug sockets
- Bit driver with 16 specialty bits
- Blow‑molded case with metal latches

There’s no 1/2 in. drive, no universal joint, and no long extensions. That’s not a knock—just know what you’re getting: a compact, general‑purpose set that leans toward light mechanics and home maintenance.

Build quality and finish

DeWalt’s full‑polish chrome holds up well. After a month of dust, trunk moisture, and a couple of oil‑smudged jobs, everything wiped clean without spotting. The sockets seat confidently, and the chamfering at the mouth makes it easy to catch fasteners, even when you’re reaching blind. Size markings are easy to read at a glance—handy when you’re bouncing between SAE and metric on an older vehicle.

The case deserves a mention. The metal latches are a big upgrade over the brittle plastic you see on budget kits. The hinges survived riding in the trunk and getting sat on. Inside, the retention is strong enough that pieces don’t migrate, though I had to press a few sockets firmly into their nests the first time so they’d “remember” their home. The lid layout is intuitive: SAE and metric are separated, and the bits/driver don’t rattle loose. If you store tools vertically, the contents stay put.

Ratchets: feel and function

The 72‑tooth gearing gives a 5‑degree swing arc, which proved useful in tight quarters behind an alternator bracket and inside a cabinet hinge recess. The pear‑head profile is low enough to sneak past obstacles, and the direction lever has a positive, clicky feel that’s easy to actuate with a thumb, even with gloves on.

Quick‑release buttons can be mushy on cheaper sets; here, they’re decisive. Sockets pop off with a press but stay locked during use—no phantom releases when you pull back from a stubborn fastener. I put the 3/8 in. ratchet through a few rusted exhaust clamps (with some penetrating oil and patience) and never felt slop or backlash. The 1/4 in. ratchet is smooth and confidence‑inspiring for dash panels, hose clamps, and small fasteners without feeling fragile.

Sockets and accessories

All sockets are 6‑point, which I prefer in a kit like this. They grip flats rather than corners and are less likely to round fasteners, especially on older hardware. Deep sockets cover the common sizes you’re most likely to need for studs and plug wires. The inclusion of both 5/8 in. and 13/16 in. spark plug sockets is a practical touch—I used the 5/8 in. on a Honda mower and the 13/16 in. on an older small‑block.

The 3 in. extensions are the right “just enough” length for most scenarios, like reaching intake bolts or getting past a body panel lip. I do wish there was a longer 6 in. extension and a universal joint; both come in handy behind alternators, under dashboards, and around steering columns. The included 3/8 in. to 1/4 in. adapter expands your options, allowing the 3/8 in. ratchet to drive smaller sockets, but there’s no step‑up adapter to reach 1/2 in. territory.

The bit driver is better than a throw‑in. The handle has enough texture that I could use it with mildly oily hands, and the bits fit crisply in common Phillips, slotted, Torx, and hex screws. I wouldn’t use the bits for high‑torque impact work, but for electrical panels, appliance screws, and cabinet hardware, they did fine without cam‑out.

In use

A few real‑world jobs where the set earned its keep:
- Lawn equipment tune‑up: The spark plug sockets and 1/4 in. ratchet made short work of plugs and shrouds. The deep sockets helped with longer studs on an older trimmer guard.
- Car interior work: Pulling a glovebox and tightening a seat bracket—tight spaces rewarded the 72‑tooth ratchet. The 3 in. extension was all I needed.
- Battery and electrical: The 10 mm and 12 mm metric sockets are easy to grab, and the chrome cleans up quickly after battery acid residue gets near it.
- Around the house: Swapping a light fixture and tightening a door hinge—bit driver and Torx/Phillips bits worked as expected.

At no point did I wish for more teeth in the ratchets, and I never felt like the sockets were too soft or too brittle. The quick‑release buttons save time in repetitive tasks like changing plugs or moving between nuts of the same size on the same assembly.

Ergonomics and usability

Both ratchets have comfortable handles with a slight palm swell that improves grip without feeling bulky. The heads are thin enough for tight spaces but not so thin they flex under moderate torque. Direction levers are firm and unlikely to flip accidentally.

The case organizes by drive and depth, and it’s easy to guess where a piece belongs even if you don’t look closely. That matters when you’re cleaning up at the end of a job and don’t want to hunt for the last 10 mm. My only quibble: like most blow‑molded cases, you do need to press sockets in firmly to keep them seated if the case gets jostled upright; once set, they stay put.

What could be better

• No universal joint: You’ll miss it once you hit a fastener that’s 15 degrees off line.
• Limited extension options: A 6 in. extension (especially in 3/8 in.) would add a lot of reach.
• No 1/2 in. drive: If you’re tackling suspension work or high‑torque fasteners, you’ll want a separate 1/2 in. setup.
• Bit assortment is basic: It covers common sizes but isn’t exhaustive; add specialty bits as needed.

None of these are deal‑breakers for a compact kit. They’re simply the trade‑offs of keeping the piece count at 84 while covering the essentials.

Durability and warranty

After reasonable use, the chrome finish shows no flaking or peeling, and the ratchet mechanisms remain tight with no audible play. The sockets haven’t deformed or rounded under normal hand‑tool torque. DeWalt backs the set with a lifetime warranty, which is reassuring for a kit you might keep in a vehicle or loan to a friend. I didn’t need to test the warranty, but knowing it’s there makes it easier to put the tools to work without babying them.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and DIYers who want a reliable “do‑most‑things” set without hauling a full toolbox
• Light automotive tasks: battery work, interior panels, engine bay odds and ends, small repairs
• Yard equipment maintenance and general household fixes
• Pros looking for a travel kit or a trunk set for service calls where space matters

If your day‑to‑day includes frequent suspension work, axle nuts, or heavy equipment, you’ll outgrow this quickly and should pair it with a dedicated 1/2 in. drive set, longer extensions, and a universal joint or two.

The bottom line

What I like
- Smooth, fine‑tooth ratchets with reliable quick‑release
- Useful spread of 6‑point sockets in SAE and metric, including deeps
- Thoughtful accessory mix for small engines and light auto work
- Durable, easy‑to‑clean chrome finish
- Sturdy case with metal latches that actually lasts

What I’d add
- Universal joint
- Longer extensions
- Optional 1/2 in. drive coverage (via a companion set)

Recommendation: I recommend this DeWalt mechanics set as a dependable, compact kit for everyday repairs and light automotive work. The ratchets feel great in use, the 6‑point sockets inspire confidence on older fasteners, and the case is durable enough to live in a trunk or on a garage shelf. Add a universal joint and a longer extension, and you’ll cover 90% of the fasteners a homeowner or weekend wrench will encounter. If you need heavy‑duty torque or complete coverage, complement it with a 1/2 in. set—but as a grab‑and‑go solution, this one earns its spot.