DeWalt 1/2 in Drive Combination Socket Set (23‑Piece)

I put this DeWalt 1/2-inch socket set to work the day it arrived, and it’s been riding in my truck ever since. It’s a straightforward kit built around a 72‑tooth ratchet, a range of 6‑point SAE and metric sockets, a 5‑inch extension, and a hex-to-square adapter for drill/drivers—all tucked into a compact, stackable case with a clear lid. It’s not flashy; it’s just quietly useful in the ways that matter: fit, feel, and reliability.

Case and first impressions

The case is the first thing you notice because it sets the tone for how the set will live with you long term. DeWalt went with a compact, lockable, stackable box that snaps shut with authority and doesn’t pop open when tossed in a trunk or truck bed. The clear lid is more useful than you might expect—at a glance I can see whether I left a socket sitting on a frame rail. Inside, the removable tray drops cleanly into my toolbox drawer when I don’t want the extra bulk of the shell. It’s a tidy system that encourages keeping everything in its place.

The kit feels solid in the hand. Sockets have a knurled ring near the base, which sounds minor but becomes critical when you’re hand‑spinning fasteners in tight spaces or with greasy gloves. The chrome is clean and consistent, and the broaching is crisp.

Socket selection and coverage

You get 20 shallow, 6‑point sockets split between SAE and metric:
- SAE: 7/16 to 1 inch in 1/16 increments
- Metric: 13 to 19 mm, plus 21, 22, and 24 mm

On paper, that’s a broad spread for a 1/2‑inch drive kit, and in practice it covers a lot of common automotive and equipment maintenance tasks: brake brackets, suspension hardware, mower blades, hitch hardware, and larger lag bolts. The 1‑inch and 24 mm tops are particularly handy for mower blades and hitch balls.

Gaps do exist. There’s no 20 or 23 mm, and the metric range starts at 13 mm. If you regularly work on European cars that bounce between 20 and 23 mm on certain fasteners, you’ll notice. There are no deep sockets in the box, either, and no universal joint. Those omissions aren’t deal-breakers for a compact set like this, but they’re worth noting if you intend to use this as your only 1/2‑inch kit.

That said, choosing 6‑point profiles across the board is the right call for a torque‑focused drive size. The 6‑point geometry paired with DeWalt’s DirectTorque design—which shifts load to the flats rather than the corners—helps minimize rounding. I’ve leaned hard on rusted suspension hardware and the sockets stayed planted and square.

Ratchet performance and ergonomics

The 72‑tooth ratchet gives you a 5‑degree swing arc. That low back‑swing makes a tangible difference in tight wheel wells or under dashboards. The mechanism has a positive, fine‑meshed feel with little lash, and the direction lever is protected enough that I don’t accidentally bump it mid‑pull. The quick‑release button works cleanly even with oily gloves; sockets lock on with a positive click and pop free without a fight.

Ergonomically, the handle shape is comfortable and doesn’t bite into the palm when you lay into a stubborn fastener. The finish wipes clean easily. I wouldn’t call it a breaker bar substitute, but paired with the 5‑inch extension it has handled everything I’d reasonably expect of a 1/2‑inch ratchet.

Extension and drill/driver adapter

The included 5‑inch extension hits a sweet spot—long enough to clear obstructions, short enough to control torque without wobble. I would have loved a second, longer extension for more reach and a universal joint for awkward angles, but for a 23‑piece set the single extension keeps the kit focused.

The 1/4‑inch hex to 1/2‑inch square adapter is a thoughtful addition. I’ve used it with a compact drill/driver to spin nuts quickly before final torquing with the ratchet. It’s ideal for speeding through panel fasteners and repetitive hardware on fences or fixtures. I treat it as a convenience tool, not a substitute for an impact‑rated adapter, and I avoid high‑torque tasks with a drill/driver to protect both the adapter and the fasteners.

In use: real‑world tasks

• Mower blade changeover: The 15/16 socket fit my blade nut perfectly, and the 6‑point profile held firm without camming off. The knurled ring made finger‑starting easier under the deck.
• Trailer maintenance: Hitch ball and coupler hardware are right in this set’s wheelhouse. The ratchet’s low back‑swing helped in the tight clearance under the tongue.
• Brake work: 13–19 mm sockets cover most caliper and bracket bolts I encounter. The fine ratchet action made life easier around dust shields.
• General carpentry/DIY: The adapter and a driver make quick work of running lag bolts into pre‑drilled holes, then I switch to the ratchet for final snugging to avoid overdriving.

Throughout, the sockets seat positively and release smoothly, and the ratchet has stayed tight with no hint of pawl skip or tooth damage.

Build quality and standards

DeWalt notes the set exceeds applicable ANSI specs, which tracks with the feel of the components under load. Tolerances at the drive ends are snug without being stubborn, and the chrome has resisted rust after a few wet jobsite days (I wipe down and dry tools, but this set hasn’t needed babying). My kit was labeled Taiwan, which aligns with the quality I see in the machining and finish.

The engraved or stamped markings are readable and haven’t faded; if you work in dim spaces, a dab of paint fill would make them pop, but they’re perfectly serviceable as‑is.

What I’d change

• Add a universal joint. It would dramatically expand what you can do without resorting to a second kit.
• Include one more extension (10 inches). The 5‑inch is versatile, but a longer reach is a frequent need in engine bays.
• Consider adding a couple of deep sockets in the most common sizes (e.g., 14, 17, 19 mm and 1/2, 9/16, 3/4 inch) or offer an easy, matching add‑on.
• Fill the metric gaps at 20 and 23 mm if space allows.

None of these are failures of the set—more a reflection of how I used it and the few times I had to reach for another tray.

Warranty and value

The warranty on this set is a 1‑year limited. That’s shorter than the lifetime policies some hand tool brands offer, and it’s the one area where this kit feels conservative. On the flip side, the components themselves inspire confidence, and the case system adds real day‑to‑day value—especially if you already keep DeWalt cases stacked in your truck or shop.

As a compact, get‑it‑done 1/2‑inch drive set, the price‑to‑capability ratio is strong: you’re paying for a well‑sorted selection, a ratchet that feels better than “kit‑grade,” and a case that actually protects and organizes the tools.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and homeowners who want a dependable 1/2‑inch set for vehicle maintenance, lawn equipment, and heavy hardware.
• Tradespeople who need a durable, portable 1/2‑inch complement to existing 3/8‑inch kits.
• Anyone who values a compact, stackable case that won’t scatter sockets across a jobsite.

If your world revolves around deep sockets, universal joints, or specialty sizes, you’ll want to pair this with a supplemental kit. If you’re after a solid foundation for higher‑torque work with smart ergonomics and a tidy case, this set is a great fit.

Bottom line

This DeWalt 1/2‑inch socket set nails the fundamentals: strong 6‑point sockets with good grip, a smooth and compact 72‑tooth ratchet, and a practical case that keeps everything where it belongs. The selection hits the most common sizes and the accessories are genuinely useful. I would love to see a universal joint and a second extension included, and the warranty could be longer, but those are quibbles against how well the kit performs and organizes.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for anyone who needs a reliable, portable 1/2‑inch socket kit for automotive, equipment, and heavy fastener work. It’s a balanced blend of performance and practicality, and it’s built to hold up without fuss.