DeWalt Jumbo Ratcheting Combo Wrench Set (MM)

First impressions and where these shine

The first time I reached for the 24 mm in this DeWalt jumbo ratcheting set, it was on a stubborn suspension bolt where a socket wouldn’t fit and a standard-length wrench didn’t have enough muscle. The extra length, the sure grip, and the ratcheting box end turned a slow, knuckle-busting job into a steady, controlled removal. That’s a good snapshot of what these wrenches are about: big fasteners, constrained access, and the need to keep the tool planted while you make progress.

I’ve kept this 4-piece metric set in the heavy-duty drawer of my box—right next to the big sockets—for jobs on trucks, equipment, and anything with beefy hardware. It’s not a do-everything assortment; it’s a focused, large-size companion that picks up where standard sets top out.

What’s in the set

• Sizes: 21, 22, 24, and 25 mm
• Format: ratcheting box-end, open-end combination
• Design: long-panel wrenches for reach and leverage
• Open end: 15° offset to improve arc swing
• Grip and ID: stamped hashmark handle and large stamped sizes
• Feature: DirectTorque geometry to help reduce fastener rounding
• Warranty: full lifetime

The sizes are well chosen for common large fasteners on heavy vehicles and machinery. I’d call it a “problem-solver” quartet that covers a lot of the big metric bolts you actually see in the field.

Build, fit, and ergonomics

The long-panel design is the star here. The extra length gives you meaningful leverage without adding bulk in the head. I can break free many large fasteners by starting on the open end and then flip to the ratcheting box end to spin them off. On heavy equipment where access is awkward and clearance is tight around brackets or housings, the longer shank lets me keep my hands clear and pull from a more comfortable angle.

Grip is better than the usual polished chrome. The stamped hashmark texture isn’t aggressive, but it does add just enough traction when your gloves are oily. DeWalt also stamped the size numbers deeply and prominently—easy to read at a glance in a dim bay, which matters more than it sounds when all four sizes are big, shiny, and similar-looking.

As for head geometry, the box end seats positively on the fastener, and the open end’s 15° offset is helpful. It lets you “ratchet” the open end by flipping the wrench over, gaining more arc in cramped spaces. Paired with the length, that small offset often makes the difference between a quarter-turn and a frustrating stalemate.

Ratcheting action and control

The ratcheting mechanism engages confidently under load. It’s not the finest-toothed feel I’ve ever used, but it’s consistent and doesn’t skip. In tight quarters where you can only swing a few degrees, you’ll still want to position carefully to get effective engagement. Once you have even a modest arc, the ratcheting end gives you continuous movement without resetting your position—especially valuable when you’ve snaked the wrench in behind a frame crossmember or around a hydraulic housing.

Direction changes are the usual combination-wrench routine: flip the wrench over. There’s no lever to bump accidentally, which I actually prefer on larger sizes.

One note on technique: I avoid using the ratcheting box end to break free truly stuck hardware. I’ll start with the open end or a proper breaker tool, then transition to the ratcheting side for speed. That approach has kept the mechanism feeling crisp and tight.

Fastener engagement and the DirectTorque design

DeWalt’s DirectTorque feature is meant to load the flats rather than the corners, which reduces rounding and lets you apply torque more safely. In practice, the box end grips well and loosens slightly damaged hardware better than a generic 12-point. On painted or plated bolts, the contact feels secure, and I haven’t seen the telltale marring you get from sloppy geometry.

I lean on this especially with suspension hardware and hitch brackets where corrosion is a factor. If a fastener is already deformed, no wrench can perform miracles, but this set gives you a fair shot without making things worse.

In the field: jobs where these earn their keep

• Truck and SUV suspension bolts in the 21–24 mm range: control arms, leaf spring shackles, and shock mounts
• Towing and upfit hardware: hitch assemblies, frame brackets, winch plates
• Heavy equipment: hydraulic line fittings and body hardware often in the mid-20 mm sizes
• Agricultural and construction gear: large metric hardware where sockets don’t fit due to guards or gussets

On a recent brake and suspension refresh on a three-quarter-ton truck, the 21 and 24 mm saw the most action. I could route the long wrench past a sway bar and pull smoothly from outside the wheel well. The ratcheting end made short work of long-thread bolts once they cracked loose.

Access and clearance trade-offs

There’s no free lunch with long wrenches. The extra reach makes many jobs easier, but in extremely tight engine bay pockets, the length can become a liability. The box-end head isn’t overly chunky, yet it still requires some clearance around the bolt head. Where the head won’t fit or the swing is minimal, I’ll switch to a stubby or a crowfoot.

Also, the sizes in this set skew large. That’s the point, but it means you’ll still need a separate set for smaller metric work, and there’s a gap at 23 mm. I don’t encounter 23 mm frequently, but when you need it, you need it. If that’s common in your fleet, you’ll want to supplement.

Durability and warranty

After repeated use on large hardware, the wrenches show only minor cosmetic wear—no looseness in the mechanism and no deformation on the open ends. As long as you don’t abuse the ratcheting side for breakaway torque, I’d expect a very long service life. The full lifetime warranty from a major manufacturer adds peace of mind, especially for shop use.

What could be better

• The set size is intentionally narrow. It’s focused, but a 23 mm option would round it out nicely.
• Ratcheting feel is solid, though not ultra-fine. If you need micro-arc movement in severely constrained spots, a finer mechanism or a different tool type may be better.
• Length can work against you in certain compartments. This is the nature of long-panel wrenches; consider a complementary shorter set.

These are quibbles rather than flaws, and they’re tied to the design priorities rather than execution.

Value and who it’s for

If your work involves trucks, heavy vehicles, equipment, or large assemblies, these wrenches earn their drawer space. They’re faster than standard combo wrenches and more maneuverable than sockets in many tight, real-world scenarios. For passenger-car-only work, you’ll grab them less often, but the 21 and 22 mm still see regular use on larger hardware.

Compared to boutique brands, you trade a bit of refinement for a more accessible price and a widely supported warranty. Compared to bargain-bin options, you gain better engagement, leverage, and ratcheting reliability—all of which matter a lot more once you’re past 20 mm.

Final recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt jumbo ratcheting metric set for techs and serious DIYers who regularly confront large fasteners and mixed-access situations. The long handles provide meaningful leverage, the ratcheting box ends speed up the work without constant repositioning, and the DirectTorque geometry grips securely without chewing up hardware. Add clear size markings, a grippy handle texture, and a lifetime warranty, and you’ve got a focused, dependable set for the heavy end of the job spectrum.

If your work rarely involves 21–25 mm fasteners or you need ultra-compact tools for confined spaces, you may be better served by a different size range or a stubby ratcheting set. For everyone else, this is a smart, purpose-built addition that pulls its weight when the bolts get big and access gets tough.