DeWalt Reversible Nut Driver Set (2 pc.)

A compact nut driver set that punches above its weight

A reversible nut driver isn’t the kind of accessory that usually earns praise on the job, but this two‑piece set won me over after a couple of weeks on metal framing, HVAC installs, and a few punch‑list odds and ends. It’s simple: two double‑ended sockets that cover 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 7/16 hex heads, built around a 1/4" hex shank that drops into any drill or impact driver. The twist is that each socket is detachable and reversible, and there’s a strong magnet tucked inside to hold fasteners. The combination adds up to fewer bit changes, fewer dropped screws, and an easier time keeping the sockets clean.

Design and sizes that actually cover real work

The sizes included are smart. I used 5/16 for the bulk of my sheet‑metal screws, 1/4 for smaller hardware on electrical boxes, 3/8 for heavier hex washer heads on framing connectors, and 7/16 for 1/4" lag screws and nut‑setting tasks. Two pieces in the pouch, four sizes ready to go, no extra adapters required. The sockets are double‑ended and detach from the shank, so flipping sizes takes a couple of seconds. The overall length is a bit longer than a standard single‑size nut driver, which is a fair trade given the versatility.

The shank is an impact‑rated 1/4" hex, and it locked solidly into my impact driver and drill/driver with no wobble or chatter. The machining on the hex flats is clean; I didn’t notice any play that would prematurely wear a chuck.

Magnet performance: strong where it matters

The magnet is genuinely useful here. It’s strong enough to pick up and retain typical steel hex washer head screws and small nuts without a death grip that makes removal a fight. Installing roof‑type screws overhead, I could preload the screw in the socket, climb the ladder, and set it without it falling out, which is the whole point of a magnetic nut driver. On vertical work with small sheet‑metal screws, the magnet kept me from chasing dropped fasteners in the dirt—time saved and fewer muttered words.

A couple of caveats that apply to all magnetic drivers: stainless and non‑ferrous fasteners aren’t affected, so you won’t get retention on those. And the magnet will collect chips and shavings over time. The detachable design helps here—more on that below—but it’s worth keeping a rag or tape handy to wipe the bore. I used a strip of painter’s tape to grab fines off the magnet quickly between tasks.

In use on drivers and impacts

I ran this set primarily on an 18V impact driver and occasionally on a compact drill. The sockets handled high‑torque work without rounding edges or slipping on the fastener head. On heavier connections where I expected cam‑out, the grip stayed consistent. The hardened construction seems to be doing its job; the flats are still crisp and the bore hasn’t mushroomed or polished excessively after dozens of screws and a few lags.

The extra length from the double‑ended design provides decent reach around protrusions and into light recesses. It also gives a clearer sight line for aligning a screw, which I appreciated when working overhead. Balance on the tool is fine; the set adds a little nose weight compared to a standard bit, but nothing that affected control.

Detachable and cleanable—more than a gimmick

Being able to pop the socket off the shank and push debris out from the backside is the quiet hero feature. Sheet‑metal work creates a surprising amount of iron filings that love to cling to magnets. With a conventional magnetic nut driver, you eventually end up with a bore that won’t seat fully because it’s packed with shavings. Here, I just reversed the socket, pushed the junk through, and got back to work. That kept the magnet doing what it should—holding fasteners, not debris.

The interface between socket and shank has enough bite that I never had a socket pull off unintentionally when backing out a stubborn screw. If your fastener is really stuck to the magnet and you tug the socket off a bit cockeyed, you can separate it, but that’s expected with a detachable design. A straight pull avoids that.

Durability and wear

After some impact use, the black oxide finish on the sockets shows normal scuffing, but the business ends remain sharp. I haven’t seen the magnet weaken or dislodge, and there are no hairline fractures or flaring at the hex flats. The shank still seats true in the driver with no burrs forming at the base. For an accessory that lives a hard life, it’s holding up well.

As with most magnetic drivers, the magnet will gradually magnetize certain screws and sockets in your kit; if that bothers you, a quick hit with a demagnetizer brings things back to neutral. I didn’t find it necessary.

Limitations and small annoyances

A few practical notes:

• Length and clearance: The double‑ended body is longer than a typical single‑size nut driver. It’s not a problem most of the time, but it can keep you out of very tight corners where a stubby would fit.
• Depth and through‑bolts: There’s a limit to how long a stud or bolt can protrude into the bore before it bottoms out against the magnet. For truly long protrusions, you’ll still want a non‑magnetic deep socket.
• Size coverage: Four common sizes are covered, but there’s no 1/2". If you regularly work with larger hardware, this isn’t a complete solution.
• Magnet maintenance: The magnet collects shavings by design; the cleanable feature helps, but you’ll still spend a little time tidying the bore on metal‑heavy jobs.

None of these were deal breakers for me, but they’re worth knowing before you expect one set to do every task.

Who it’s for

• Metal building and HVAC installers who drive a lot of 5/16 and 1/4 hex washer head screws.
• General carpenters and maintenance techs who want four common sizes in two pieces for quick changes.
• DIYers who want better fastener retention on ladders and overhead without juggling screws.

If you’re primarily working in tight cabinetry or with long protruding studs, a mix of stubby and deep, non‑magnetic sockets may serve you better.

Value and warranty

As an accessory, this set sits in the “buy it once and keep it in the drill case” category for me. It has replaced three separate nut drivers in my pouch, and the magnet plus cleanable design directly saves time. There’s no limited warranty on this accessory, which is typical for consumables, so you’re relying on build quality rather than long‑term coverage. Based on the wear I’ve seen so far, I’m comfortable with that trade‑off.

Practical tips from the field

• Seat the bit fully in your driver; the shank’s chamfer can trick you into thinking it’s locked before the detent clicks.
• Keep a small piece of tape in your pocket; pressing it into the bore lifts metal fines off the magnet in two seconds.
• If a socket feels sticky after clearing chips, a tiny drop of light oil on the interface helps it slide without loosening its hold on the shank.

Recommendation

I recommend this nut driver set. It covers the four sizes I use most, the magnet actually reduces dropped fasteners, and the detachable, cleanable design keeps performance consistent over time. While it isn’t a substitute for deep or stubby specialty drivers, it’s a dependable, impact‑rated everyday solution that streamlines common hex‑head tasks. If your work involves sheet metal, hex washer head screws, or small lags, this set earns a permanent spot in the kit.