Dewalt has been coming out with a lot of different hand tools over the past year. One cool thing I like about their new hand tools is the ability to buy big kits, smaller kits or single sockets. As you can see by the title of this article, this kit is for their automotive people. This is the 168 piece Mechanic Socket Set model DWMT73803.
For me there is a bunch of things to like about this set. First, the case is pretty good. I like the fact that it not only locks on the front, but also locks on the side. This way if you drop it, the case doesn’t open or sockets don’t shift around. While the kit does say 168 pieces, most of the pieces are bits and Allen Wrenches. For the sockets, they do a pretty decent job of giving you a variety of different sizes. You can check out the list below to see everything in the kit.
The ratchets and wrenches aren’t too bad. I have to say they are in the middle of the pack for feel. I have felt better, but definitively have felt worse ratchets. The ratchets are fine tooth, so that is a huge plus especially in hard to reach spots. The driver isn’t anything to write home about. The wrenches have a good feel to them.
DWMT73803 Includes:
- 1/4″ Drive, 72 Tooth Ratchet.1/4″Dr – 6″ Extension, 1/4″Dr – Universal Joint.
- 1/4″ Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 Metric 4, 4.5, 5,5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1112, 13.
- 1/4″ 6pt deep sockets: SAE 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, metric 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
- 3/8″ Drive, 72 Tooth Quick Release Ratchet. 3/8″Dr- 6″ Extension, 3/8″ to 1/4″ Reducing Adaptor. 3/8″Dr- Universal Joint.
- 3/8″ Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, Metric 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
- 3/8″ Drive 6pt deep sockets: SAE 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, Metric 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
- 3/8″ Drive Spark Plug Sockets, 5/8″ and 3/4″.
- 1/2″ Drive, 72 Tooth Quick Release Ratchet. 1/2″Dr – 5″ Extension. 1/2″Dr- Universal Joint.
- 1/2″ Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, Metric 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21.
- Combination Wrenches: SAE 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8. Metric 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16.
- 14 SAE Hex Keys. 14 Metric Hex Keys.
- Vinyl Grip Multi Grip Bit Driver. 15 Nut Driver Bits.
- 22 MaxFit Bits.
All in all this is a pretty nice kit and you do get a variety of tools. Anyone starting a new hand tool collection, this is a pretty good choice.
Looks like a good set I’ve always loved Dewalt
I really Like this. So many of my sockets are missing from my current set
I need to buy a new set, might have to consider this Dewalt set, looks good.
When I first started buying tools, I went for 12 pt. sockets (biggest bang for the buck–or so I thought). But later I learned that professional mechanics used 6 pt. because there was less chance of rounding over a bolt or nut. Oops. I also did it because all of the ratchets at the time were 36 tooth or coarser, and it could be difficult to get enough of a bite to turn a fastener in a tight spot. Now, with the high tooth-count ratchets, you can use 6 pt. sockets and have them work fine, while having fewer fastener issues. These sockets and ratchets fall into this second category, and should work well for a DIYer.
The thing that jumps out at me, though, is the combination wrenches seem a bit on the small side. You can do a lot with 3/8″-3/4″ wrenches (and 10mm to 19mm), so I would add a few extra to broaden your capability to those larger sizes (and perhaps go a few past them for good measure). If you have a friend or relative that’s a mechanic, run the set by them for good measure. They can probably point out what they would like to see in the set to cover the bases. Overall, though, the set will be a great starting point to begin building a decent tool kit on a budget, or as a second set for around-the-house use.
What is the weight of this kit guys? I have the Dewalt 204 Piece Mechanics Tool Kit and love it. However, that one weighs almost 40 lbs and is very difficult to carry around.
Don’t know off the top of my head, but try Amazon’s listing for this set, or Home Depot. They usually give weights and dimensions for items in their Specifications box (both for general info and shipping purposes).
Dewalt always offers awesome tools to automotive peoples.