DeWalt 1/2 in Drive Internal Torx Impact Socket Set (7 pc)

Why I picked up this set

I work on enough European cars and late‑model trucks that external Torx fasteners are a regular part of my week. I wanted an impact‑rated E‑Torx option that could live on my 1/2‑inch impact wrench without babying it. This DeWalt Torx impact set hit that brief on paper: seven sizes (E10 through E24), black oxide finish, high‑visibility markings, and DeWalt’s DirectTorque geometry. After several weeks swapping struts, tackling axle and subframe hardware, and the occasional stubborn seat rail bolt, here’s how it actually performed.

Build and design

The sockets are cut from heat‑treated CR‑440 steel, and they feel stout in hand—thick walls, consistent machining, and a uniform black oxide coating. The black finish is the right choice for impact use: it doesn’t chip like chrome and it grips well when your gloves are slick. Each socket is laser‑etched with the size and the drive, and the markings are big enough to read at a glance.

DeWalt calls out DirectTorque technology, and while that term is usually associated with off‑corner loading on hex sockets, the intent here is similar: more positive engagement on the fastener’s lobes with less chance of rounding or burring the star tips. The entry chamfer is subtle and helps the socket find its seat cleanly without wobble.

Size coverage and what it fits

The set runs E10, E12, E14, E16, E18, E20, and E24. That covers most of what I see: E12/E14 for seat rails and steering column brackets, E18/E20 on suspension links and struts, and E24 for heavier subframe and axle hardware. I didn’t miss much day‑to‑day. That said, some platforms use E22; it’s not in this set, so keep that in mind if your work regularly hits that size. For general automotive service, these seven sizes check the main boxes.

One note: they’re all 1/2‑inch drive. That makes sense for impact duty and the larger sizes, but it does mean the E10 and E12 are physically bigger behind the broach than a comparable 3/8‑inch drive socket. In tight spots—say, up against a firewall or near a steering shaft—I occasionally reached for a slimmer 3/8‑inch solution. If your primary ratchet is 3/8‑inch, plan on using a reducer or having a parallel 3/8‑inch E‑Torx set for confined spaces.

In use: fit, bite, and control

I started with a set of stubborn E18 strut bolts on a rust‑belt SUV. The socket seated firmly, no rocking, and took several full‑power bursts from a mid‑torque impact without a complaint. The corners of the fastener came out clean—no witness marks or shiny spots that suggest slippage. That became the pattern across the board: the geometry bites well, and the sockets don’t chatter or cam‑out when the impact starts hammering. On lighter fasteners (E10, E12) I usually hand‑broke the bolts with a ratchet first and then zipped them out with the impact; the sockets were equally at home in both scenarios.

The broaching is consistent. I didn’t find any sockets that felt tight on one fastener and loose on another of the same size. Chamfers are conservative enough that the working face of the lobes does the real engagement, not just the lead‑in. That’s what I want in an E‑Torx socket, especially when fasteners are corroded or lightly rounded from previous tools.

Durability and the finish

The black oxide finish held up well. After a few salty jobs, I wiped them down and saw no flaking, only the normal burnishing on high‑contact edges. As with any black oxide impact socket, a light coat of oil after wet work helps prevent surface rust; that’s not a fault, it’s just the nature of the finish. The CR‑440 steel is an interesting choice—most impact sockets I own are chrome‑moly—but in practice I didn’t detect any brittleness or mushrooming. No chips, no cracks, and no deformation on the square drives after repeated use with pinned anvils. The detent holes are clean and haven’t ovalized.

Visibility and handling

The laser‑etched size markings are genuinely high‑visibility. They’re not just a tiny stencil; they’re large enough to read quickly in a drawer or on a cart. After grime and a solvent wipe, they remain legible. I can’t speak to years of wear yet, but after several dirty sessions and a couple of ultrasonic cleanings, the markings look the same. The flats on the socket bodies give decent grip with gloves. It’s a small thing, but when your hands are oily, being able to index a socket without dropping it matters.

Compatibility and workflow

Where this set shines is on an impact wrench or a 1/2‑inch breaker bar. If that’s your default setup, you’ll be pleased. If you live on 3/8‑inch tools, consider how often you’ll be adapting down. Adapters introduce a little stack height and play, which can be annoying around tight subframes or within engine bays. For open‑access suspension and drivetrain fasteners, the 1/2‑inch form factor is perfect. For interior work, steering columns, and seat brackets, I used a short 1/2‑inch ratchet to keep things compact.

I didn’t encounter any compatibility issues with locking pins or detent balls on different brands of impact wrenches. The sockets held securely and released predictably. The square tolerances are right—snug but not overly tight.

What I liked

• Positive engagement on fasteners with no cam‑out under impact
• Durable black oxide finish that cleans up easily
• Large, easy‑to‑read laser‑etched sizes
• A practical spread of E‑Torx sizes for common automotive tasks
• Heat‑treated construction that shows no premature wear

What I’d change

• Include E22 to bridge the gap between E20 and E24
• Offer a parallel 3/8‑inch drive option for the smaller sizes (E10–E14) to improve access in tight spots
• While the markings are excellent, stamped size marks in addition to laser etching would future‑proof readability for heavy shop use

Value and warranty

A full lifetime warranty adds confidence. I didn’t need it, but it’s reassuring when you’re applying real torque on stubborn hardware. Given the build quality and the impact rating across all sizes, the set lands in a sweet spot for cost‑to‑capability, especially if you’ve been nursing along chrome E‑Torx sockets and worrying about chipping them with an impact.

Final thoughts and recommendation

This DeWalt E‑Torx impact set did exactly what I needed it to do: fit fasteners correctly, take repeated impact blows without drama, and remain easy to identify and grab in the rush of a job. The DirectTorque geometry translates into solid, predictable bite on the lobes, and the CR‑440 construction feels every bit as robust as other impact sockets I trust. The black oxide finish is shop‑friendly, and the markings make day‑to‑day life easier.

It’s not the most extensive collection—there’s a gap at E22—and the all‑1/2‑inch format means you’ll sometimes reach for an adapter or a different drive size for tight spaces. But those are practical trade‑offs rather than deal‑breakers. If your work involves suspension, drivetrain, or any regular encounter with external Torx hardware, this set earns a place in the drawer.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for mechanics and serious DIYers who need reliable, impact‑rated E‑Torx coverage from E10 to E24. It’s durable, engages fasteners cleanly, and the lifetime warranty backs up the daily abuse. If you frequently need E22 or prefer 3/8‑inch drive for the smaller ends, supplement it accordingly; otherwise, this is a dependable, high‑utility addition to the kit.