DeWalt 8 Piece Combination Metric Wrench Set

Why I reached for this set

I keep a few wrench sets in rotation depending on the job, but lately I’ve been reaching for the DeWalt metric wrench set when I need extra leverage and clean, predictable engagement on fasteners. It’s an 8‑piece, long‑panel combination setup—10 through 17 mm—that lives in a lockable, stackable case. On paper that sounds basic. In hand, the details add up.

Build and ergonomics

Each wrench has a full‑polish chrome finish that’s easy to wipe clean and doesn’t show rust spots, even after living in a humid garage. The handles carry a stamped hashmark pattern; it’s subtle, but it noticeably improves grip when my gloves are slick or I’m bare‑handed with oily fasteners. Sizes are stamped on both sides in two places, which sounds trivial until you’re reaching into a crowded drawer or trying to grab the right size at a glance under a fender.

The long‑panel design is the headline feature. These wrenches are longer than the generic sets you find in a big bin, and the extra length translates directly to leverage. I’ve cracked loose stubborn caliper bracket bolts and suspension hardware without immediately hunting for a cheater pipe. The trade‑off is length in tight engine bays, but more on that below.

Both ends feel thoughtfully executed. The open end has a 15° offset, giving you a better swing arc in confined spaces; flip the wrench and you essentially double your indexing options. The box end has a 13° offset, which keeps your knuckles off nearby brackets and sheet metal. It’s a small ergonomic choice that saves skin.

Engagement and fastener protection

DeWalt calls the box‑end geometry DirectTorque. In practice, the contact feels solid on mid‑to‑high torque fasteners. The wrench loads the flats rather than the corners, so there’s less tendency to round partially damaged nuts. I pulled off several rusty exhaust clamps with the 13 mm and 14 mm without chatter or that heart‑sinking slip you sometimes get with softer or poorly machined wrenches. The box ends track straight and don’t feel springy under load.

On the open end, you won’t mistake these for a specialized anti-slip design, but the bite is confident and predictable when you’re applying moderate torque. If I expect to lean on the open end, I plan around it; the box end gets the nod for higher torque or compromised fasteners.

In use: reach, leverage, and control

The longer shanks are the difference maker. On an alternator bracket buried behind a fan shroud, the extra reach let me engage fasteners without playing the extension‑and‑swivel game. On a mower deck spindle, the length translated to easy leverage while keeping my forearms away from sharp edges. When I do need to finesse angles, the 15°/13° offsets and slim heads earn their keep.

Balance is good across the range. The 10 mm is still nimble; the 17 mm has enough mass to feel planted without being clumsy. Edge chamfers are friendly—no hot spots on the palm—and the polish helps you reposition the wrench without dragging on clothing or wiring.

The case and how it actually helps

I’ve come to appreciate the case more than I expected. It’s lockable and stackable, with a removable tray inside. The tray drops right into a toolbox drawer if you don’t want to carry the outer shell. For those of us who move tools between the shop and a truck or jobsite, the case keeps the set intact and prevents the usual “one wrench escaped under the seat” routine. It’s not tiny—the reported length is about 15.3 inches and height around 3.2 inches—but it’s slim enough to stack cleanly, and the latches haven’t popped open on me in transit.

The sizing labels inside the tray are readable, and the wrenches snap in and out without fighting springy clips. If you’re building a modular kit, the stackable footprint plays nicely with similar DeWalt cases.

What’s in the box—and what’s not

The set covers the core mid‑range metric sizes: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 mm. For general assembly, small engines, bikes, and a lot of automotive and equipment work, that’s a solid spread. Where you’ll feel the gaps is in chassis and drivetrain tasks that frequently call for 18 mm or 19 mm. If you do a lot of modern automotive work, you’ll probably want to add those sizes. The set also skips the smalls (8 and 9 mm), which show up on trim, hose clamps, and some accessories. I keep a compact stubby set to cover those.

Also worth noting: there’s no flex head or ratcheting mechanism. These are classic combination wrenches. If you rely on ratcheting box ends for speed, this set isn’t a replacement—it’s a complement when you need leverage, slim heads, and the strength of a solid box.

Durability and standards

Fit and finish have held up. The chrome resists pitting, and the broaching stays crisp after repeated use on oxidized hardware. DeWalt states that the wrenches meet or exceed applicable ANSI specs, and the real‑world impression matches that claim. Under reasonable abuse—pipe on the 17 mm to break a rusty hitch bolt—I didn’t see distortion or spreading in the box end. The 1‑year limited warranty is there, though with hand tools like this, I’m more interested in day‑to‑day behavior than paperwork, and they’ve behaved like I’d expect from a pro‑leaning set.

Where this set shines

• Automotive and equipment repairs where 10–17 mm dominates
• Jobs that benefit from extra reach and leverage without switching to a breaker bar
• Mobile tool kits that need a secure, stackable storage solution
• Users who prefer clear, redundant size markings and easy clean‑up

Trade‑offs to consider

• Only eight sizes; you’ll likely supplement with 8, 9, 18, and 19 mm for fuller coverage
• Long‑panel length can be a disadvantage in very tight spaces
• No ratcheting or flex heads; these prioritize strength and simplicity over speed and articulation
• Case is efficient but not compact; plan drawer space accordingly

Comparisons and fit in a broader kit

Against compact or standard‑length sets, the DeWalt metric wrench set stands out on leverage and reach. It won’t replace a stubby set for tight quarters, and it won’t outrun a ratcheting set for speed on long fasteners. It sits in a sweet spot: strong, straightforward wrenches that handle stuck hardware reliably and give you better access without bulky heads.

If you already own a full assortment, this makes sense as a second set you grab specifically for tougher fasteners. If you’re building a kit from scratch, pair it with a small stubby metric set and a couple of single 18/19 mm wrenches and you’ll cover almost everything common on vehicles and equipment.

Practical tips from the shop

• Start with the box end whenever you suspect damaged flats; the geometry minimizes rounding.
• Use the 15° open‑end offset to your advantage: flip the wrench to “ratchet” in tight arcs.
• Keep a dedicated spot in your drawer or bag for the removable tray. It prevents mix‑ups and keeps the set complete.
• Don’t be afraid of moderate cheater leverage on the largest sizes—the long panels take it well—but know when to switch to a breaker bar to protect fasteners.

Final recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt metric wrench set for anyone who values leverage, clean engagement, and organized portability over sheer piece count or specialty features. The long‑panel design, offset ends, and DirectTorque box geometry make real differences on stubborn fasteners, and the case keeps the set intact between shop and truck. You’ll need to supplement with a few additional sizes and, if you prefer, a ratcheting set for speed. But as a reliable, reach‑friendly backbone for metric work from 10 to 17 mm, this set has earned a permanent spot in my kit.