DeWalt 1/2 in Drive Deep Metric Impact Sockets - 6 Point

I’ve been using the DeWalt deep metric impact sockets for everything from brake jobs to suspension work and stubborn agricultural hardware. After a few months living on my 1/2-inch impact, these have settled into a dependable, no-drama spot in my kit. They’re not flashy, but they do the fundamentals right: strong material, thoughtful geometry, and clear markings that make day-to-day work smoother.

Build and materials

These are 6-point, deep impact sockets made from heat-treated CR-440 steel with a black oxide coating. The steel choice has held up well under repeated use on a mid-torque cordless impact; I’ve seen no twisting, splitting, or mushrooming at the drive end. The black oxide finish does what it should—cuts glare, adds a layer of corrosion resistance, and doesn’t chip like chrome. It will show scuffs and can take on light surface rust if you leave them damp, so a quick wipe with an oily rag is smart shop practice.

The internal profile uses DeWalt’s DirectTorque-style geometry. In use, that means the socket shoulders load on the flats of the fastener instead of the corners. On older hardware, especially automotive suspension bolts, that extra contact noticeably reduces the chance of rounding and gives a more positive bite when you lean on the trigger.

Deep design and dimensions

Depth is the main reason I reach for these. Most of the lineup sits at an overall length of about 3-7/32 inches, with the bigger sizes (roughly 33–36 mm) stretching to around 3-17/32 inches. Bolt clearance depth on the common sizes is about 1-25/32 inches, and up to roughly 2-5/32 inches on the largest. In practice, that’s enough stick-out to clear studs and longer bolts you see on struts, control arms, and tractor implements.

Wall thickness is a balancing act on deep impacts, and these land in a generally useful middle. The nut-end outside diameters range from compact on the smaller sizes (for example, 13 mm sits around 25/32 inch) up to a stout 1-13/16 to 1-31/32 inches on the 33–36 mm range. I’ve had no issue fitting a 21 mm into most alloy wheel lug recesses, but if you work on rims with very narrow lug wells, double-check clearance. They’re not unusually bulky for impact sockets, but physics is physics.

Fit and performance on the gun

Everything I’ve used from 9 mm up to 32 mm fits true and engages fasteners cleanly. The chamfer at the mouth helps start the socket on slightly rusty or painted nuts without hunting. On a 21 mm lug nut test (both clean and mildly corroded), removal was quick, and the flats showed even loading—no shiny burnished corners, which is usually the first sign a socket is skating.

On higher-torque jobs—rear axle nuts, crank pulley bolts, and suspension hardware torqued north of 150 ft-lb—the sockets stayed composed. I ran several breakaways with a mid-torque 1/2-inch impact rated around 600–700 ft-lb nut-busting, and the sockets shrugged it off. The drive ends remain square, and the pin holes haven’t elongated.

Retention and compatibility

These are cut for both an O-ring and retaining pin, which is handy if you run a pin-detent anvil or need belt-and-suspenders retention on extensions. On hog-ring anvils, they still seat and stay put as expected, but the pin-and-ring option is great when you’re working overhead or fishing a socket out of a deep engine bay and don’t want surprises.

Identification and day-to-day usability

DeWalt went with high-visibility laser-etched size markings in a large font. On black oxide, that contrast is a big deal; you can actually pick a size at a glance instead of squinting. After a few weeks of dusty brake work, the etching stayed legible. Like all laser marks, grime can pack in—one wipe with a rag brings them back. I’d still like to see stamped or dual-marked sizes for the very long term, but in everyday use these have been easy to read.

The 6-point configuration is the right call for impact work. If you’re dealing with 12-point fasteners, you’ll want a different tool, but for lug nuts and hex hardware, 6-point is stronger and less likely to round.

Coverage and sizing notes

Across the lineup, sizes run from small (9 mm) into heavy-equipment territory (up to 36 mm). The common automotive sweet spot—13 mm through 24 mm—is well represented, and the larger options like 27 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, and beyond are available for axle nuts and bigger chassis jobs. If you’re assembling a set, it’s worth grabbing the sizes you actually see in your work rather than chasing every increment.

One practical detail I appreciate: consistency. Most midrange sizes share the same overall length and drive-end outside diameter, so swaps don’t constantly change your reach or interfere with nearby components.

Durability of the finish and interior profile

The black oxide will wear smooth and slightly shiny where it rubs, which is normal and not a concern. What matters is the interior. After repeated hammering on wheel studs and rusted bolts, the internal corners remain crisp, with only minor polishing on the flats. That’s what I want to see—contact away from the corners and no peening or cracking at the broach.

If you work in salted climates or wash the truck near your tools, store these dry. The finish resists rust better than bare steel, but it’s not a magic shield. A light coat of oil every now and then is enough to keep them looking good.

What I like

• Reliable grip with the DirectTorque-style profile; less rounding on old hardware
• Deep reach and meaningful bolt clearance that solves real-world fit problems
• Large, easy-to-read size markings that hold up to grime
• O-ring and pin retention for secure attachment on pin-detent anvils and extensions
• Tough heat-treated steel that handles mid- and high-torque impacts without complaint

Where they could improve

• Black oxide shows wear and can spot-rust if neglected; a storage sleeve or occasional oil helps
• Some larger sizes have generous outside diameters; tight wheel recesses may require a thin-wall specialty socket
• Laser etching is great for visibility, but stamped backup markings would be nice for the long haul

Who they’re for

If you spend most days on automotive, light truck, or equipment maintenance, these deep impacts cover the bread-and-butter jobs: wheels, brakes, suspension, driveline, and general service. DIYers moving up from chrome sockets will notice a big difference in both fit and safety on an impact wrench. Pros will appreciate the consistent dimensions and retention options, especially when working under lifts or in the field.

The bottom line

The DeWalt deep metric impact sockets are straightforward, durable, and thoughtfully executed. They grip fasteners well, stand up to real impact torque, and make size selection painless. While the black oxide needs basic care and the larger sizes aren’t thin-wall specialists, those are reasonable trade-offs for a set that’s built to be used, not babied.

Recommendation: I recommend these sockets to mechanics, techs, and serious DIYers who need a dependable deep metric option for a 1/2-inch impact. They bring solid materials, a smart internal profile, and practical retention features together in a package that performs day in and day out. If you regularly work in tight lug recesses, add a thin-wall 21 mm or 19 mm to your drawer; otherwise, this lineup has you covered for most tasks without fuss.