We researched dozens of socket sets, considering their strength, versatility, durability, and sturdiness. Our best overall pick is the Sunex Tools 3342 3/8-Inch Drive Master Impact Socket Set, an extensive kit with components that work with impact wrenches and regular ratchets. Here are the best socket sets. This excellent collection of 42 sockets, each crafted from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel, marries a wide range of metric, deep metric, SAE, and deep-SAE sockets with affordability and top quality performance that you can trust. It is built for use on an impact wrench—a power tool that delivers far more torque than you could achieve with just muscle power alone. You can also use these with your regular ratchet, making this set even more versatile. This set is perfect for the DIY auto mechanic who is looking for an upgrade, or the professional automotive technician who is seeking out an addition to their beloved but likely well-worn tools. With metric and deep metric sockets ranging from 10 millimeters to 19 millimeters each, and with SAE and deep SAE sockets ranging from 5/16 inch to 3/4 inch, Sunex is confident that you’ll have the right tools for the job with their impact sockets—especially when you attach their complimentary 3-inch extension for those awkward, hard-to-reach jobs. Sunex’s versatile impact sockets, which boast radius corner design for enhanced torque and come in their own heavy-duty case for stylish, safe, and convenient storage. Price at time of publish: $74 You get a 3/8-inch ratchet with a 1/4-inch adapter for use on smaller sockets, as well as a 1/4-inch spinner handle. There are 15 SAE sockets with a 1/4-inch drive, 13 metric sockets with a 1/4-inch drive, and three SAE and metric sockets with 3/8-inch drives. There’s also a 1/4-inch extension bar. All components are chrome vanadium steel with rust- and heat-resistant finishes. The entire set fits nicely in a plastic storage box, and each socket’s space is clearly marked with its size. All in all, this is a great set for the price. Price at time of publish: $23 This set is a great investment for beginners who are looking for an entry-level socket set or semi-pros who are seeking a backup toolbox of bits. It pulls no punches in providing buyers with all the right tools for their next minor automotive or household repair project, and it will come in handy for a multitude of tasks both in the garage and around the house. Price at time of publish: $58 This set includes 17 each of SAE and metric hex sockets in all of the common sizes. Note that it does not include a ratchet, however, nor does it have a variety of extenders, adapters, or other accessories that are often found in higher-priced socket sets. Should you require those, you will need to buy them separately. The set does include a sturdy plastic organizing case, though. Still, this affordable set of sockets is a great addition to your motorcycle maintenance toolkit, with more than enough variety and durability to take on basic tasks. All in all, MulWark’s 34-piece socket set is a compact, complete, and competitively priced addition to any amateur mechanic’s collection. Price at time of publish: $42 The set includes three 72-tooth, quick-release ratchets with 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch drives. There are 35 1/4-inch sockets in both metric and SAE sizes, 36 3/8-inch sockets in both metric and SAE sizes, and 19 1/2-inch sockets in metric and SAE sizes. There are 28 hex keys, half SAE and half metric. You get 12 combination wrenches in all the common sizes, as well as a large assortment of adapters and extensions for working on spark plus and other specialized tasks, including 22 MaxFit bits for driving screws and other fasteners. The entire set fits nicely in the included sturdy box. The total weight of the set is approximately 23 pounds, so it’s reasonably lightweight for easy transport. Price at time of publish: $150 This budget-friendly set boasts big value in a small case, packing a ratchet wrench alongside a collection of eight metric sockets (5 mm to 12 mm) and 12 screwdriver bits of various sizes (three Phillips, three flat, three Pozi, and three Torx). That means you’ll never be without the right gear for any minor household or automotive repair. While this set is a little small, it’s great for jobs where limited space would otherwise impede larger tools. Its smaller size makes it a perfect fit for your glove compartment or kitchen drawer. Price at time of publish: $13 The Sunex set includes seven sockets, all made of CR-V alloy steel for maximum strength: three standard 2.5-inch-long sockets in common sizes 9/16, 5/8, and 13/16 inch; one 2.5-inch-long thin-wall 16 mm socket; and three 6-inch-long sockets in sizes 9/16, 5/8, and 13/16 inch. Among them all, you’ll be able to grab and turn any spark plug. The set also includes a heavy-duty plastic box to store the sockets when not in use. Price at time of publish: $48 Crafted from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel—a testament to their durability—these sockets are built to last for years, with deep sockets that are ideal for removing lug nuts, and a universal joint that pivots up to 22 degrees, so reaching tough-to-manage fasteners is a cinch. This multifaceted selection of the most common sizes truly stands out among the competition. While it carries a price tag worthy of such a comprehensive selection, these sockets are likely to replace your favorite former go-to tools. Price at time of publish: $220 The set includes two 72-tooth ratchets: one 1/4 inch and one 3/8 inch. There are 10 1/4-inch SAE sockets, 10 1/4-inch metric sockets, 10 3/8-inch SAE sockets, and 10 3/8-inch metric sockets, plus a spinner bar with bit adapter and 30 specialty bits, an extension adapter, and metric and SAE hex key sets. For household tasks, you get a hammer, four screwdrivers, three types of pliers and a wrench, and even a utility knife. All are sturdily built from steel with comfortable handles that are easy to grip. The set includes a plastic case to hold everything, so you won’t need a separate tool box for storage. Price at time of publish: $109 The components of the set all fit securely into the small plastic holder. While this socket set isn’t suited for the amateur mechanic who needs larger ratchets and a wider selection of sockets, it’s a great choice for the handyperson who simply wants to have common sizes of sockets on hand when needed. The price is very reasonable. Price at time of publish: $15 Neiko’s Torx bit socket set includes 17 Torx star bit sockets ranging from T6 to T70, 17 tamper-proof Torx bit sockets ranging from TT6 to TT70, 12 Torx Plus bit sockets ranging from TP8 to TP60, and 14 external Torx sockets ranging from E4 to E24. Whether you’re a computer technician, or you dabble in bicycle repair, you’re bound to run into a Torx screw. And while this collection isn’t meant to replace your traditional socket set, it’s an important addition to your toolbox if you expect to ever encounter a Torx fastener. Price at time of publish: $62 Many socket sets simplify the issue by including sockets in both measurement systems. The best color-code the sockets so you can find what you need at a glance.
Drive Size
The drive of a socket is the hole—typically square—that fits onto the ratchet to hold the socket in place. Confusingly, whether the socket head is metric or SAE, the drive size is always measured in fractions of an inch. There are three common drive sizes:
3/8 inch, which is the most versatile1/4 inch, which is useful if you do a lot of work on small motors or other items with small nuts and bolts1/2 inch, which is useful for large motors or other large fasteners
Many socket sets contain sockets in all three sizes. Others provide an adapter that lets you fit different-sized sockets onto the same ratchet.
Points
Look into the socket head, and you’ll typically see that the opening is somewhat star-shaped with either six or 12 points. There are also sockets with 8 points, but those are less common. As a general rule, 6-point sockets are stronger and tolerate more torque without slipping, while 12-point sockets are easier to line up with the fastener you’re trying to place or remove. Once again, many socket sets provide both types of socket.
Length
There are two common lengths of sockets: shallow and deep. While there is no industry standard, as a rough guideline, shallow—which are the most common—are around 1/2-inch long, while deep sockets are around 1 inch, allowing you to reach fasteners that are further into the motor. Many socket sets include a few deep sockets along with a larger selection of shallow sockets. Spark plug socket sets contain mostly deep sockets, however.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. While you generally can use an impact socket on a regular ratchet, you cannot use a regular socket on an impact wrench. Impact sockets are specifically designed to tolerate the stress of rapid and high impact without cracking or shattering. Your regular socket is unlikely to survive the stresses of an impact wrench, and you could potentially be injured, should the socket break apart during use. For this roundup, Michelle considered dozens of socket sets, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. She also received input from Yan Margulis, general contractor and CEO of Capable Group.
