DeWalt 8 Piece Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set

First impressions and setup

A few weekends into using the DeWalt ratcheting wrench set, I found myself reaching for it more than my usual mix of fixed and flex-head wrenches. It’s an eight-piece SAE lineup from 5/16 to 3/4 inch, with a polished chrome finish and a 72‑tooth ratcheting box end. Out of the box, the wrenches are well finished, with clean forging lines and legible stamped size markings that don’t rely on laser etching. My set came in a low-profile tray that fits into a toolbox drawer; the insert is removable, which makes it easy to pluck out just the sizes I need.

At a glance, it’s a straightforward kit. The box end uses a 12‑point ratcheting mechanism with a 5‑degree arc swing, the open end is offset 15 degrees horizontally, and the box end is offset 15 degrees vertically to keep your knuckles off the work. Nothing flashy—just the fundamentals done in a practical way.

Build quality and design choices

Chrome vanadium steel is standard fare, but the execution matters. These feel like properly forged wrenches rather than cast or cheaply stamped pieces. The beams are neither skeletal nor bulky, with a slightly rounded profile that’s comfortable in the hand. The chrome is bright and smooth; edges are deburred, and there’s no gritty feeling in the ratchet action. Engagement is positive with a consistent click from size to size.

The 72‑tooth count delivers a 5‑degree swing. In practice, that’s tight enough for most underhood brackets, appliance installs, and cabinet hardware where space is at a premium. You can find finer mechanisms—84 or 90 teeth—in pricier sets, but 72 is a durable middle ground that still gives you useful movement in cramped quarters without being finicky.

There’s no reversing lever on the box end; direction changes by flipping the wrench. That’s not a deal-breaker for me, and it keeps the head slim, but it’s worth noting if you prefer thumb-switch convenience.

Performance in the field

I put the set through a mix of automotive, yard, and general shop tasks. On a small-block engine bay, the 1/2 and 9/16 saw the most action around alternator brackets and accessory mounts. The 5‑degree swing made a real difference threading nuts in tight spots where a stubby ratchet couldn’t quite fit. In a lawn tractor teardown, the 7/16 and 1/2 worked through shield fasteners and linkage clamps quickly, and I appreciated being able to keep the wrench on the fastener while repositioning without losing engagement.

The ratcheting action is smooth with low back drag. That last part matters more than people realize: high back drag can make a tight ratcheting wrench feel sticky on small fasteners. Here, the mechanism returns cleanly without dragging the fastener backward.

The open end is solid for quick spins and for the classic flip-turn technique enabled by the 15‑degree offset. Under legitimate torque, the jaws held their shape; I didn’t see any alarming spread on properly sized fasteners. That said, like any ratcheting combination wrench, this isn’t the tool for breaking free seriously seized hardware. I still reach for a standard box end or a breaker bar to crack stubborn fasteners loose, then switch to the ratcheting end to finish the job. Treat it that way and the mechanism should last.

Access and fit

Head thickness is moderate: thin enough to sneak into alternator brackets and mower deck brackets, but not as wafer-thin as some high-end pro sets. The 12‑point box end gives you more engagement angles, which helps in awkward positions. The trade‑off with 12‑point is that it’s a bit more sensitive to rounding on damaged or soft fasteners than a 6‑point profile. On clean, hex hardware, I had no slippage. On a slightly corroded 1/2‑inch bolt, I switched to a 6‑point socket for the initial breakaway and then went back to the wrench for speed.

Sizing is practical for most American homeowner and light mechanical work. The run from 5/16 through 3/4 hits common brackets, hose clamps, furniture bolts, and myriad shop fixtures. If you work on newer vehicles or machinery with mixed metric fasteners, you’ll want a complementary metric set. Also note that 13/16 isn’t included; that size does pop up on some older equipment.

Ergonomics and markings

The beams are comfortable and don’t bite into the palm when you lean on them. Polished chrome is easy to wipe clean, but it’s a little slippery with oily hands; knurling would help, though it’s rare on combination wrenches. The stamped size markings are deep enough to read quickly, and they’ve held up to solvent wipes so far. I like that the sizes are stamped on both sides; it saves flipping wrenches to confirm you’ve grabbed the right one.

The 15‑degree vertical offset on the box end does what it should: it gives your knuckles breathing room and lets you clear larger flanges. This offset, combined with the 5‑degree swing, is what makes the set useful in spaces where a socket and ratchet won’t work.

Durability and maintenance

Over several weeks, the mechanisms have stayed consistent with no skipping under reasonable load. The chrome has resisted staining and light knocks against castings and brackets. As with any ratcheting wrench, a shot of light oil now and then keeps the pawl feeling smooth. If you use these to strike or to bust rusted fasteners loose, expect premature wear—that’s a misuse issue, not a design flaw.

The full lifetime warranty is reassuring. I haven’t had to use it, but DeWalt’s hand tool coverage generally means they’ll replace a failed wrench without drama. That backs up the intention here: these are meant to be used regularly, not babied.

Where it shines and where it doesn’t

Highlights:
- Useful 5‑degree arc with low back drag
- Comfortable beams, clean chrome, and clear stamped sizes
- Practical 15‑degree offsets on both ends
- Slim head without a reversing lever to get into tight spots
- Solid value for an eight‑piece SAE set

Limitations:
- SAE only; you’ll need a metric companion
- No reversing lever, which some users prefer
- 72 teeth are fine for most work, but 90‑tooth mechanisms offer an even finer swing
- 12‑point engagement is less forgiving on damaged fasteners
- No 13/16 inch, which occasionally shows up on older gear

Value and alternatives

You can spend more and get finer tooth counts, thinner heads, or flex-head options from premium brands. You can also spend less and end up with gritty mechanisms, sloppy jaw fits, and questionable chrome. This set lands squarely in the practical middle: reliable, comfortable, and accurate enough for daily use without creeping into luxury pricing. For many users—DIYers, maintenance techs, and even pros who want a backup or service cart set—the balance of performance and cost makes sense.

Bottom line

I reached for this ratcheting wrench set because it saves time in tight spaces and handles day‑to‑day fasteners without fuss. The 72‑tooth mechanism is smooth, the offsets are thoughtfully executed, and the sizing covers a lot of common tasks. It’s not trying to be a specialty tool, and that’s the point—it’s a dependable, general‑purpose SAE set that doesn’t get in its own way.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for anyone who works primarily with SAE hardware and wants the speed of a ratcheting box end without paying a premium. It’s a solid mix of build quality, ergonomics, and access. If you need metric sizes, a reversing lever, or a 90‑tooth mechanism for ultra‑tight spaces, look elsewhere or plan to complement it. For most shop and garage work, though, this DeWalt set earns a spot in the drawer.