Milwaukee Tool recently introduced an SAE and metric Milwaukee 12-Piece Ratchet and Socket Set with pivoting head and patented, proprietary sockets for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing Pros. The sockets, whose sizes are hard-stamped into 2 flats on the sockets, feature a parallel flat design for wrench compatibility as well as geometry designed to reduce stripping and breaking. The set includes a soft-sided carrying case with a socket rail for organization.
“Today, most professionals in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades rely on socket sets that were designed with automotive applications in mind, and carry several socket sizes that they will rarely, if ever use. With 8 core sizes and 3 core accessories included in our new 12 pc kit, this set is perfect for the mechanical trades and gives them the versatility they need. With a slim-profile ratchet that features a pivoting head that can be used as a ratchet, a nut driver, or any angle in between, this set was designed to use when working overhead or in tight spots where access between the bolt and fitting can be challenging.”
-Bobby Shaw, VP of Product Management for Milwaukee Tool
Our Take
When half the job is taking it apart and putting it back together, it’s no surprise that we want well-designed tools with us. Milwaukee seems to have brought its attention to detail and penchant for handy improvements to bear on a ratchet and socket set that reminds us (as if we needed a reminder) that our automotive friends at Shop Tool Reviews aren’t the only ones who need them.
Immediately, we like the 6-inch extension and deep-well sockets for reaching recessed and other inconveniently located nuts and bolt heads. Of course, a deep socket can be a double-edged sword for really tight spaces, but we’ll take that trade-off, especially because the length of the deep well makes way for another auspicious design feature: wrench compatibility. Not only does it allow you to gain leverage by using a wrench longer than the ratchet handle but we’ve all been in situations where either the socket or the ratchet can fit in a space, but not both at the same time. By putting the socket on the nut or bolt and using a wrench, you’ll need less space to operate.
We’d remiss if we didn’t highlight the swiveling head for those times when you can’t quite get the correct angle with a 90-degree ratchet. Milwaukee could have more easily removed the swivel and this set would have certainly been inferior for it. The hard-stamped for socket size legibility is a great idea as it will probably outlast traditional etching. The carrying case with socket rail is a nice touch. We hope in the near future Milwaukee will offer a dual-socket set option so we can have both SAE and Metric wherever we work!
Milwaukee 12-Piece Ratchet and Socket Set
Milwaukee 12-Piece Ratchet and Socket Set: SAE Features
- Item number: Milwaukee 48-22-9000
- 3/8-Inch Drive Roto Ratchet
- 5/8-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 3/8-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 7/16-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 1/2-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 9/16-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 5/8-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 11/16-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 3/4-Inch Deep Well Socket
- 6-Inch Extension,
- 3/8-Inch to 1/4-Inch Drive Adaptor
- 3/8-Inch to Hex Adaptor
- Carrying Case
- Price: $69
Milwaukee 12-Piece Ratchet and Socket Set Features: Metric Features
- Item number: Milwaukee 48-22-9001
- 3/8-Inch Drive Roto Ratchet
- 10mm Deep Well Socket
- 12mm Deep Well Socket
- 13mm Deep Well Socket
- 14mm Deep Well Socket
- 15mm Deep Well Socket
- 17mm Deep Well Socket
- 18mm Deep Well Socket
- 19mm Deep Well Socket
- 6-Inch Extension,
- 3/8-Inch to 1/4-Inch Drive Adaptor
- 3/8-Inch to Hex Adaptor
- Carrying Case
- Price: $69
