DeWalt 3/8 in Drive Universal Metric Impact Socket (10 mm) - 6 Point

Why this 10 mm universal lives in my top drawer

There are few fasteners that show up more often in my day than a 10 mm, and just as often they’re tucked behind a bracket, a hose, or a splash shield. A standard socket and extension will get you close, but a compact universal that can take impact torque saves time and knuckles. That’s exactly why the DeWalt 10 mm universal impact socket has earned a permanent spot in my cart and my top drawer.

Build and materials

This is a 3/8-inch drive, 6-point, impact-rated universal designed for powered use. It’s manufactured from heat-treated CR-440 steel and finished in black oxide. In the hand, it feels solid without being clunky, and the universal joint has a reassuring heft. The overall length is about 2-5/32 inches, which gives it enough reach to clear nearby obstacles without turning into a floppy wand.

DeWalt uses its DirectTorque geometry on the 6-point end. In practice, that means the socket shoulders load onto the flats of the fastener rather than the corners, reducing the chances of rounding—helpful on hardware that’s already seen some abuse. The black oxide finish won’t blind you under a work light, and it’s less slippery than chrome when your gloves are oily.

Universal joint quality

The articulation is the heart of any universal. Out of the package, the joint on mine was slightly stiff—more “purposeful resistance” than sticky. A drop of light oil at the pivot freed it up nicely. Under a 3/8 mid-torque impact, the joint transmits energy well without excessive chatter. At moderate angles (say 15–25 degrees), it stays controlled and doesn’t feel like it’s trying to fold itself in half.

Push it toward extreme angles and you’ll feel the usual trade-offs: engagement on the fastener face decreases and the joint can bind briefly under hammering. That’s true of most universals. Backing off the trigger or realigning an extension usually clears it. After a few weeks of mixed use—brakes, intake hardware, and a couple of transmission pans—the pivot developed only minimal play. No rattly, loose-jointed feel, which is what I look for in a universal I’ll actually trust with an impact.

Fit, grip, and engagement

The 6-point profile is snug on a well-made 10 mm bolt, with crisp lead-in chamfers to find the fastener quickly without hunting. On slightly rounded heads, the DirectTorque design does what it promises: it transfers torque to the flats and buys you a second chance where a looser 12-point might slip. I used it on a corroded shield bolt in a wheel well that looked iffy; with some penetrant and a short pull on an electric ratchet before finishing with the impact, it came out cleanly.

Bolt clearance is generous for this size; there’s enough depth to accommodate moderate stud protrusion without bottoming out. For tasks like hose clamp housings or small engine mounts where studs can stick out, that extra room helps ensure full engagement of all six points.

Markings and usability

Laser-etched size markings are large and genuinely easy to read. Even after a few dusty days, a quick wipe with a glove brings the “10 mm” back into high contrast. I prefer etched over painted marks for longevity, and this one hasn’t faded. The black oxide coating shows wear in the usual contact points but hasn’t flaked. If you live in a humid shop, a light oil wipe now and then keeps surface rust at bay; black oxide will spot if neglected.

The socket is compatible with O-ring and retaining-pin systems. On a pin-detent anvil, the through hole lines up cleanly and the socket locks with a positive snap. On a hog-ring anvil, it grips firmly enough not to eject under impact hammering yet still pulls off without a wrestling match. That balance matters more than it sounds—losing a universal in the engine bay is no one’s idea of fun.

In the bay: what it does well

• Access in tight quarters: The universal head is compact enough to snake past heater hoses and bracket edges on transverse engines. It’s not the slimmest on the market, but it fits most automotive niches I encounter for 10 mm fasteners.

• Impact readiness: On a mid-torque 3/8 impact, I saw no mushrooming at the drive end and no peening around the universal pins. The socket wall stayed true, and the hex faces didn’t roll over after repeated use.

• Control: The joint has a predictable, linear feel. It doesn’t snap from straight to full bend abruptly, which helps when you’re starting a fastener at an angle and don’t want to cross-thread.

• Visibility and handling: Low glare, good markings, and a slight texture from the oxide finish make it easy to manipulate with oily gloves.

Where it falls short

• Bulk in ultra-tight cavities: Compared to premium thin-wall universals, the head is a touch bulkier. In a couple of situations—alternator bracket bolts pinned behind a hard line—I had to switch to a standard slim U-joint with a separate socket to get the clearance I wanted.

• Initial stiffness: Mine benefited from a few drop-of-oil cycles to get the joint feeling smooth. It’s a minor quibble and typical of impact universals, but worth doing before a long day.

• Not a torque-wrench tool at angle: This applies broadly to universals, but it’s worth stating. If you need accurate torque, avoid using any universal at an angle. The added compliance can skew readings. Spin the fastener snug with the universal, then finish straight with a standard socket where possible.

Durability so far

After several weeks of regular use, the universal still tracks straight with minimal added slop. The black oxide shows normal polishing on high-contact surfaces. The hex corners are crisp, with no visible deformation. The drive end hasn’t stretched or shown burrs, and the pivot pin remains tight. I’d expect long service life if you keep it clean and hit the joint with a drop of oil occasionally.

Tips for best results

• Use moderate angles. Keep the joint as straight as you reasonably can when breaking fasteners free to maximize engagement.

• Seat fully before power. Make sure the socket is fully home on the fastener and aligned before pulling the trigger. It prevents cam-out and rounding.

• Lube the joint. One small drop of oil in the pivot keeps the motion smooth and reduces heat buildup.

• Mind the finish. Wipe it down after salty winter work; black oxide appreciates a little care.

Who it’s for

• Automotive techs and serious DIYers who see a steady diet of 10 mm hardware and want an impact-ready universal for time savings.

• Small-engine and power equipment techs who often face obstructed fasteners where a straight extension won’t cut it.

• Anyone tired of juggling a separate U-joint and socket in tight spaces.

If you rarely reach for a universal or if all your 10 mm work is out in the open, a standard impact socket will do. But if you’re routinely fighting obstruction, this single piece does the job of two and does it reliably.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 10 mm universal impact socket. It combines a tough, impact-rated build with a predictable, well-controlled joint and a grippy 6-point profile that protects fasteners. The laser-etched markings are easy to read, the O-ring/pin-detent compatibility is executed well, and the overall length and depth strike a good balance between access and strength. While the head isn’t the absolute slimmest and the joint benefits from an initial oiling, those are minor trade-offs for a universal that stands up to abuse and saves time in tight spaces. If a 10 mm universal is something you’ll reach for regularly, this one earns its keep.