DeWalt 12 Piece 3/8 in Drive Combination Socket Set

First impressions

Pulling this 3/8-inch socket set into my regular rotation, the first thing that stood out was how confidently the sockets seat on a fastener. DeWalt’s DirectTorque profile puts more contact on the flats than the corners, which is exactly what I want when I’m working on older hardware that’s seen a few winters. The polished chrome-vanadium finish wipes clean easily after a greasy job, and the hand-stamped markings are clear at a glance. None of that makes a set exceptional on its own, but it’s the foundation for a kit that feels ready for real work rather than just living in a glove box.

What you get

This is a compact, metric-focused assortment built around a 3/8-inch drive. You get eight 6-point metric sockets—10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 mm—along with a pear-head ratchet, 3-inch and 6-inch extensions, and a 5/8-inch spark plug socket. It’s a practical spread for under-hood work, small machinery, bicycles with hex bolts sized for sockets, and general around-the-house tasks where 3/8 drive is the right balance of strength and access. The knurled control ring on the sockets helps when you’re finger-spinning nuts after they break free, and the overall fit and finish are consistent across pieces.

Build quality and finish

Chrome-vanadium sockets are standard fare these days, but not all finishes are equal. The polish here is smooth, uniform, and cleans up without much effort. After a few weeks of use on suspension hardware and engine-bay odds and ends, I didn’t see any flaking or early corrosion. The hand-stamped size markings are a nice touch—deeper and more durable than laser etching, and still readable when the sockets are oily or dusty. I typically prefer knurling on the sockets themselves rather than on a separate band; DeWalt’s knurled control ring splits the difference, adding grip where it matters without turning the whole socket into a cheese grater for your fingertips.

Ratchet and extensions

The included pear-head ratchet feels solid and balanced. The direction lever has a positive, tactile click, and the mechanism engages reliably under load. I’m cautious not to assume tooth counts that aren’t specified, but in use the sweep felt fine enough for under-dash fasteners and around intake plenums where space is tight. The handle shape avoids hot spots in the palm when you need to lean on it a bit.

The extensions are the right lengths—3 inches for tight, straight-on access and 6 inches for clearing airboxes, reservoirs, or body panels. The detent on the square drive holds the sockets securely without requiring a wrestling match to pull them off. In practice, those two extensions covered most of my angled reaches; the only time I wanted more was a universal joint for truly awkward angles, which isn’t included.

Performance in real tasks

DeWalt’s DirectTorque design shows its value on less-than-perfect fasteners. On a slightly corroded 14 mm caliper bracket bolt, the 6-point profile bit firmly and didn’t cam off even as I ramped up the force. The same was true on a seized 10 mm battery hold-down where cheaper 12-point sockets often round corners if you’re not careful. Breaking fasteners free felt controlled and predictable.

The spark plug socket (5/8-inch) did its job on a small four-cylinder with conventional plugs. It engaged cleanly and allowed consistent torque on installation. I wish every set included both 5/8 and 13/16 spark plug sockets; if you work on older engines or small equipment, you’ll probably want to add a 13/16 to your kit.

One thing this set is not is a lug-nut kit. There’s no 17 mm and no deep sockets here, and the included ratchet isn’t a breaker bar. For chassis or wheel work, you’ll need additional pieces. Within its intended range—engine compartments, interior panels, small assemblies—the set performs well.

Coverage and the missing sizes

Coverage is one of the key differentiators among compact sets, and this is where I had mixed feelings. The sizes from 10 to 16 mm cover most common small-to-medium metric fasteners. The inclusion of 18 mm is helpful for certain suspension and engine mounts. But the absence of 17 mm is noticeable. If you’re working on vehicles, 17 mm shows up often enough on brackets, calipers, and hardware that you’ll miss it sooner rather than later. There’s also no 8 or 9 mm, which occasionally pop up on hose clamps and accessories.

To be clear, the sizes that are present are well executed. The broaching is clean, the chamfers guide onto fasteners smoothly, and the sockets seat without wobble. But if you’re building a core kit, plan to supplement this set with at least a 17 mm and a few deep sockets. That’s not a dealbreaker, just something to factor into expectations.

Ergonomics and day-to-day usability

The polished finish is slick by nature, and the knurled control ring does a lot to counter that when your hands are oily. I found it especially helpful when finger-spinning fasteners with an extension only—there’s enough bite to keep control, but not so aggressive that it chews through gloves. The ratchet handle has a shape that keeps it anchored under torque, and the pear head is compact enough to snake around brackets and wiring.

Markings are a quiet win here. The hand-stamped numbers are deeply impressed and consistently placed, so I can scan a row and grab the size I want without twisting each socket to read it. That minor efficiency matters when you’re in the middle of a job and trying to keep your rhythm.

What it’s best for

This set makes the most sense as a grab-and-go 3/8 kit for engine-bay tasks, light mechanical work, and general maintenance. If you’re swapping plugs on a mower, tightening an alternator bracket, removing an interior panel, or chasing down battery and intake hardware, it’s squarely in its element. For the home user, it’s a tidy foundation that doesn’t feel flimsy. For a working tech, it’s a decent truck or cart set—provided you already own a broader socket range.

What I’d add

• 17 mm shallow and deep sockets to fill the obvious gap
• A small selection of deep metric sockets (10–15 mm)
• A universal joint or wobble extension for awkward angles
• A 13/16 spark plug socket if your engines call for it
• A breaker bar for stubborn fasteners

Those additions would turn this into a more comprehensive, go-anywhere kit without duplicating pieces.

Durability and warranty

After regular use, the set shows the kind of wear I expect—light scuffing on the chrome, no deformation at the drive ends, and no slop developing in the ratchet. DeWalt backs it with a full lifetime warranty, which aligns with what I look for in hand tools that should last for years. It doesn’t replace good practice, but it’s reassuring.

The bottom line

I like this 3/8-inch combination socket set for what it is: a compact, well-made metric kit with reliable fastener engagement, a solid ratchet, and smart usability touches like the knurled control ring and hand-stamped markings. It covers a lot of routine tasks without fuss and cleans up quickly when you’re done. The main drawback is coverage—skipping 17 mm and offering only shallow sockets means you’ll need a few add-ons to avoid reach or size compromises.

Recommendation: I recommend this set as a dependable core for general automotive and household work, especially if you value 6-point sockets that won’t round fasteners and a finish that holds up. Just be ready to supplement it with a 17 mm, a couple of deep sockets, and a universal joint. If you already own a broader metric lineup, this kit’s quality and practicality make it an easy yes. If you’re starting from zero and want a one-and-done set, look for a bundle with fuller size coverage and deeps included.