Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty™ Socket Set

The Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty™ Socket Set, model 49-66-6800, has quickly become an essential part of my toolkit. Featuring a robust 17-piece set of six-point deep well impact sockets, this kit is optimized for use with 3/8" drive impact wrenches, drivers, ratchets, and adapters. The first thing that caught my attention was the organization and storage solution provided by Milwaukee. The sockets come neatly housed in a red organizer tray that snaps the sockets securely in place, preventing them from rolling around and getting lost. This tray fits perfectly into the Packout case, which is a hallmark of Milwaukee's storage solutions.

The Packout case itself is a marvel of engineering. It's impact-resistant with two sturdy latches and an IP65-rated weather-resistant gasket in the lid, ensuring that your tools stay dry and protected from the elements. The clear lid is a thoughtful touch, allowing me to quickly see all the tools inside without having to open the case. Additionally, the case has a built-in security loop, making it easy to lock up when necessary. The case's compatibility with other Packout system components is a game-changer for those of us who like to keep our tools organized and easily transportable.

The sockets in this set are made from chrome molybdenum steel, known for its durability and strength. These sockets are designed to handle high torque applications, and they do so with ease. The six-point design ensures a secure grip on fasteners, reducing the likelihood of rounding off the corners. The non-slip hex geometry is another feature that adds to the reliability of these sockets. They fit snugly onto fasteners and stay in place, even under heavy use.

One of the standout features of this set is the large, easy-to-read size markings on each socket. The markings are both stamped and ink-filled, making them resistant to wear and tear. For someone like me, who often finds themselves working in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, this is a significant advantage. The red undercut on the sockets is another thoughtful touch, making it easy to identify them quickly.

The set includes 14 SAE sockets ranging from 1/4" to 15/16", along with three impact socket accessories: a 3" extension, a universal joint, and a 1/4" hex to 3/8" drive adapter. The extension and universal joint are particularly useful for reaching fasteners in tight spaces. The universal joint, often referred to as a "wobble" extension, provides approximately 15 degrees of misalignment, which is just enough to get into those hard-to-reach areas. The 1/4" hex to 3/8" drive adapter is another handy addition, allowing me to use these sockets with my power screwdrivers.

In terms of performance, these sockets excel in every aspect. They attach readily to breaker bars, ratchets, powered ratchets, nut drivers, and impact guns. The chamfered drive ends engage smoothly and lock in place securely. This ensures that the sockets stay on the tool, even during heavy use. The hex geometry at the other end drives nuts on the flats, which prevents fastener rounding and improves torque.

The overall build quality of this set is exceptional. The sockets are forged from impact steel, making them incredibly durable. Milwaukee backs this up with a lifetime guarantee on the impact sockets and extensions, which speaks volumes about their confidence in the product's durability. The removable tray is another feature that adds to the convenience of this set. It can be easily lifted out of the Packout case and placed in a drawer or tool chest, keeping everything organized and accessible.

While I have very few criticisms of this set, there are a couple of minor points worth mentioning. The inclusion of a few odd sizes in the set might mean that some sockets go unused, depending on your specific needs. However, this is a small trade-off for the overall quality and versatility of the set. Additionally, if you don't already use the Packout system, the case might not be as useful to you. That said, the quality of the tools themselves more than makes up for these minor drawbacks.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty™ Socket Set is a top-notch addition to any toolkit. The combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and exceptional performance makes this set a standout choice for both professional and DIY use. The Packout case adds an extra layer of convenience and protection, making it easy to transport and store the sockets.

I highly recommend this socket set to anyone in need of reliable, durable impact sockets. Whether you're working on heavy equipment, construction projects, or everyday repairs, this set will not disappoint. The lifetime guarantee and Milwaukee's reputation for quality only add to the appeal. If you're looking for a socket set that will stand the test of time and make your work easier, the Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty™ Socket Set is an excellent choice.