DeWalt 3/8 in. Drive SAE Hex Bit Socket Set (6-Piece)

Why I reached for this set

A lot of my weekend wrenching ends up with a hex bit on a ratchet: brake hardware on older domestic cars, set screws on pulleys, and the occasional pipe plug on lawn and garden equipment. For that kind of work, I’ve been using the DeWalt 3/8-inch SAE hex bit set. It’s a compact six-piece kit with sizes from 5/32 up to 3/8 inch, and it’s designed around a non-slip hex profile that’s supposed to reduce cam-out and even grab slightly rounded fasteners.

After several weeks of use in the garage, here’s how it actually performs.

Build and design

Each piece is a hex bit mated to a 3/8-inch drive socket. The sockets have a full-polish chrome finish that wipes clean easily and resists corrosion. The finish quality on my set is tidy—no flash or rough edges on the broaches, and the size markings are clear and easy to read. Mine is marked made in Taiwan, which in my experience usually correlates with good machining and heat treatment on mechanics tools.

The hex profile is the standout design feature. Instead of a perfectly flat-sided hex, the edges have a subtle geometry that engages the flats of a fastener more than the corners. In practice, that’s meant more bite with less tendency to slip when the recess isn’t perfect.

The depth is “intermediate,” which lands between stubby and long-reach bits. That’s a useful compromise for most cap screws and plugs: short enough to stay rigid under torque, long enough to clear shallow recesses and trim. The included magnetic socket rail is a handy add-on. The magnets hold the rail securely to a steel cabinet, and the clips keep each socket from wandering off.

Sizes and coverage

With six SAE sizes—5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 inch—this set covers the common range I encounter on domestic equipment and fixtures. The 1/4- and 5/16-inch bits get the most use in my shop; the 3/8-inch bit is nice to have for larger plugs and bolts. If you regularly work on smaller hardware (furniture fasteners or electronics), note that 1/8 inch isn’t included. And, of course, if you mainly work on modern vehicles, you’ll want a metric companion set.

In use: engagement and torque

I pay attention to how a hex bit feels as it seats. These DeWalt bits enter the recess decisively, with a snug fit and a slight “click” as the edges capture. That confidence matters when breaking a stubborn fastener loose. On an older aluminum thermostat housing with a slightly chewed 1/4-inch socket-head screw, the bit found solid purchase and turned it without drama. I could feel the geometry engaging the flats, not riding up the corners.

On untouched fasteners, the set behaves like any quality hex bit should—positive engagement, no wiggle, and no rounding. Under moderate torque with a standard 3/8-inch ratchet, the bits stayed stable without that unnerving twist that some softer bits exhibit. I also ran the 5/16-inch bit with a torque wrench to 35 ft‑lb on a pipe plug; no deformation and no flaking at the socket interface.

The “non-slip” claim holds up within reason. It won’t revive a completely stripped recess, but it buys you some margin on slightly worn hardware. The profile also seems to reduce the tendency to cam out on fasteners that are shallow or have a bit of corrosion at the mouth of the recess.

Bi-directional use is a non-event—it works equally well for loosening and tightening, as any good bit should.

Durability and finish

After a handful of automotive and outdoor equipment jobs, the bit tips still have crisp edges, and the chrome on the sockets hasn’t flaked. The interface between the bit and socket is tight with no rocking. I don’t use hex bit sockets on an impact, and I wouldn’t recommend doing so with this set either; the design and length are better suited to hand tools where feel and control matter.

The polish is more than cosmetic—it makes cleanup straightforward when cutting fluids or anti-seize get involved. A quick wipe brings the sockets back to presentable, which is helpful when you’re tossing them back on a rail in a drawer.

Storage and organization

The magnetic rail is practical for shop use. The base sticks securely to steel surfaces, and the clips hold each socket with a positive detent. It’s not a heavy-duty, throw-it-across-the-shop rail; the clips feel like rigid plastic. Treat it like a convenience accessory rather than indestructible shop hardware and it does its job. The magnets are strong enough to keep the rail in place when you open and close a toolbox drawer.

Ergonomics and day-to-day details

• Size markings are easy to read at a glance.
• The intermediate length keeps your knuckles clear without forcing you into awkward angle extensions.
• Because all pieces use a 3/8-inch drive, swapping among sizes is quick when you’re chasing a mixed fastener job.
• The bits seat nicely into recessed hardware where an L-key would lack leverage.

A small note: if you’re used to hex keys with ball ends for off-angle work, remember that these are straight-cut bits designed for full engagement; they reward alignment and penalize misalignment less than ball ends but more than longer bit shafts. That’s the trade-off for better torque transfer.

Limitations to know up front

• SAE only. If metric fasteners are your world, this set won’t help.
• Limited count. Six sizes cover a lot, but there’s no 1/8 inch or 9/64 inch for finer work.
• Not long-reach. Deeply recessed fasteners may require dedicated long hex bit sockets.
• Storage rail is convenient but not heavy-duty shop hardware.
• Not impact-rated. Keep them on hand tools.

None of these are deal-breakers for what the set aims to be, but they’re worth considering depending on your projects.

Warranty and quality expectations

DeWalt advertises a lifetime warranty on its hand tools, and I haven’t needed service on this set. As with most brands, storage accessories are generally considered consumables and may not be covered—check the fine print if warranty support is important to you. The fit and finish here give me confidence that the sockets themselves should hold up well under normal use.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and pros who regularly work with SAE socket-head cap screws, set screws, and plugs.
• Mechanics and techs who prefer 3/8-inch drive for most hex bit work and want a compact, easy-to-grab set.
• Anyone who values a bit profile that offers a little extra grip on imperfect fasteners.

If you need metric coverage, long-reach bits, or impact capability, this is a complementary set, not a replacement.

The bottom line

The DeWalt hex bit set gets the fundamentals right: precise fit, clean machining, and a hex profile that genuinely reduces cam-out on less-than-perfect fasteners. The intermediate length is versatile for most automotive and equipment tasks, and the polished chrome sockets are easy to clean. I appreciate the included magnetic rail for keeping the set together, even if it’s not built for abuse.

Recommendation: I recommend this set if you work primarily with SAE hardware and want a compact, reliable group of hex bit sockets for a 3/8-inch drive. It’s well made, engages fasteners confidently, and the non-slip geometry offers real-world benefits without gimmicks. Just pair it with a metric set if your work crosses into modern vehicles, and treat the storage rail as a convenience rather than shop armor.