DeWalt 3/8 in Drive Combination Impact Socket Set - 6 Point (42 pc)

Why I added this 3/8-inch impact set to my cart

I’ve been slowly phasing in dedicated impact sockets to stop abusing my chrome sets, and this DeWalt 3/8-inch impact socket set has become the one I reach for most. It hits the sweet spot for day-to-day automotive and equipment work: enough metric and SAE coverage for most fasteners I see, both shallow and deep sockets, and a case that actually keeps everything where it belongs.

Out of the box, the sockets arrived lightly oiled and ready for use. The finish is a uniform black oxide, the size markings are high-contrast and easy to read, and the broaching is consistent across the set. Nothing flashy—just purposeful hardware that looks ready to work.

Coverage and what’s in the box

The set’s 42 pieces are well chosen for 3/8-inch drive work:

• Metric: 8 to 19 mm, in both shallow and deep
• SAE: 5/16 to 3/4 in., in both shallow and deep
• Accessories: a 3-inch impact-rated extension and a 3/8-inch impact universal joint

That range covers almost everything I tackle on brakes, underhood accessories, interior fasteners, small engine repairs, and general assembly work. The 8–19 mm spread is comprehensive without gaps, and the SAE range hits the common sizes. If you’re chasing lug nuts or axle nuts, you’ll be in 1/2-inch drive territory anyway; for 3/8-inch, this coverage makes sense.

I do wish there were a 21 mm deep socket included, since some fasteners in the light-duty world land there, but that’s nitpicking a set that’s clearly targeted at typical 3/8-inch tasks. Likewise, starting metric at 8 mm means you’ll want a 1/4-inch drive solution for 7 mm hose clamps and similar small hardware.

Build quality and design choices that matter

The sockets are made from heat-treated CR-440 steel. In practice, that translates to a reassuring lack of drama when you lean on them with a mid-torque impact. The walls are appropriately thick for an impact set without being clumsy, and the six-point design grips flats well. DeWalt’s “DirectTorque” profile biases contact away from the corners, which helps keep soft or weathered fasteners from rounding. I’ve used the 13 mm and 18 mm on crusty suspension bolts; removal felt positive without that dreaded cam-out sensation.

Size markings are high-visibility laser etchings. They’re truly easy to spot at a glance, even after picking up some grime. The black oxide finish will show honest wear—expect a gray sheen on the business end after a few removals—but that’s the nature of impact finishes. A quick wipe-down and a light oil film after wet jobs keeps rust at bay.

Each socket has the through-hole for O-ring and retaining pin use. If you’re on a pin-detent anvil (common on many pneumatic tools), this is a must. With hog-ring cordless impact wrenches, you won’t need the pin, but it’s good to have the option.

In use: real jobs, real impressions

I paired the set with a compact 3/8-inch cordless impact for most tasks and pulled out air when I needed more punch. Across a few weeks of brake work, alternator swaps, mower deck service, and a sway bar end link fight, here’s what stood out:

• Grip and fit: Tolerances are solid. Sockets seat fully and squarely on fasteners, and the chamfered lead-in helps when you’re working blind in tight spaces. The six-point profile genuinely reduces slippage on rounded or painted hardware.
• Depth choices: The deeps have enough internal clearance for protruding studs and longer bolts, while the shallows keep your stack height under control around tight engine bays. I used the deep 15 mm repeatedly on brake caliper brackets with zero drama.
• Accessories: The included 3-inch extension is a good all-rounder, and it’s genuinely impact-rated. I would have liked a second length—either a stubby or a 6-inch—to round out reach options. The impact U-joint survived modest hammering, but like most, it’s happier with controlled throttle than full-send bursts. It’s smooth with minimal lash and didn’t fling grease everywhere, which I appreciate.
• Anvil retention: On pin-detent tools, the pin-and-ring compatibility locks sockets down securely. On hog-ring anvils, retention felt appropriately snug without requiring a wrestling match to pull them off.

I also ran a quick “feel test” against some cheaper imports on the bench. The DeWalt sockets consistently had cleaner broaches, more consistent chamfers, and tighter fit on the same fasteners—small differences that add up to less frustration when you’re pushing through a job.

Case and organization

Blow-molded cases are a necessary evil, but this one is better than most. The sockets snap in firmly and stay put, even if the case gets flipped or opened the wrong way. The tray layout is logical, and the size labels inside the case match the markings on the sockets, so you don’t have to play the “which blank cavity did this come from” game.

Two minor gripes: the case is a bit bulky for a 42-piece set, and there isn’t a dedicated spot for adding a second extension. If you’re building a service cart or van kit, the case earns its keep. If you’re trying to cram it into a smaller drawer, you may end up moving the sockets to rails.

Durability after repeat use

After a steady rotation on steel fasteners, the finish on the noses shows expected polishing, but no chipping or flaking. The laser etching is still crisp. I’ve yet to mushroom a drive end or see hairline cracks—signs of proper heat treatment and not just a thick coating doing the heavy lifting. The universal joint hasn’t loosened appreciably and still articulates smoothly.

As with any black oxide impact socket, these appreciate a wipe and a light oil if you’re working in the rain or on salted vehicles. Do that and they’ll stay presentable. Ignore them, and they’ll develop that familiar gray haze—cosmetic, but worth noting.

What could be better

• More extensions: A second extension length would make this feel complete. A 6-inch would be my pick.
• One or two “edge” sizes: A 21 mm deep socket would help with certain automotive fasteners, even if it’s pushing the typical 3/8-inch envelope.
• Case footprint: Efficient, but still on the bulky side. Socket rails would pack tighter if drawer space is at a premium.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re refinements I’d like to see.

Value and alternatives

Against other mainstream 3/8-inch impact sets from brands like Tekton, Gearwrench, and Sunex, this DeWalt sits in a competitive spot. It doesn’t try to oversell with inflated piece counts or oddball fillers. Instead, it focuses on the sizes you’ll actually use, pairs them with a couple of practical accessories, and packages them in a case that keeps order. If you need more extensions or specialty sizes, they’re easy add-ons later.

The lifetime warranty is reassuring, but the more important story is day-to-day performance. So far, mine has done the unglamorous work cleanly, which is all I ask of an impact set.

Bottom line

This DeWalt 3/8-inch impact socket set does the fundamentals right: good steel, accurate broaching, true six-point grip, clear markings, and a genuinely useful mix of shallow and deep sockets in both metric and SAE. The case keeps the kit organized and travel-ready, the accessories cover common angles and reaches, and the sockets handle real impact loads without complaint.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for anyone building out a 3/8-inch impact kit for automotive and general mechanical work. It’s a reliable, well-sorted core set that doesn’t waste pieces, stays organized, and holds up under real use. Add a longer extension and, if you need it, a 21 mm deep, and you’ll be well covered for the majority of jobs a 3/8-inch drive is meant to tackle.