Dewalt announced on social media that they have come out with new non-slip hex bit sockets.
These sockets will be available in 3/8″ drive and at least 3 set configurations:
- 6pc 3/8″ metric set
- 6pc 3/8″ SAE set
- 12pc 3/8″ set
Dewalt says that these sockets are available now.
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We asked Dewalt for more information, but they have not yet responded. At this time, the new Dewalt hex bit sockets do not appear on their website or at any retailers.
I was able to find an image of the 6pc SAE set via Google cache, but the model number doesn’t cross-reference to any listings.
Some of Stanley Black & Decker’s other brands, such as Proto and Mac, offer hex-drive tools with similarly modified shapes. The main selling point is in the tools’ ability to remove damaged fasteners, but they can supposedly also be used for installation tasks.
The new Dewalt hex bit sockets strongly resemble the new Craftsman V-Series hex bit sockets that launched at Lowe’s in late 2021.
The Craftsman 12pc SAE and metric set is priced at $65, and so I would expect for the Dewalt set to be priced around the same.
Update: We came across listings on Acme Tools.
Dewalt DWMT17001 3/8″ 6pc Metric Set – $50
Dewalt DWMT17000 3/8″ 6pc SAE Set – $50
Dewalt DWMT17002 3/8″ 12pc Set – $90
If you want both sets, you might want to opt for the Craftsman V-Series set instead, assuming there aren’t any appreciable product differences – which there doesn’t look to be.
From the product listings, these are made in Taiwan.
On a personal note, I’m a bit annoyed. I recently purchased the Proto sets, and while they have longer bits, I was surprised that i) they weren’t made in the USA, and ii) there are now nearly identical Craftsman and Dewalt sets that cost a lot less. Ah well, maybe the 7th size and longer shaft length will come in handy.
James C
I never have hex bits when I need them. I know is a bit of a hack way of doing things, but I just use Torx bits instead. It’s fine for the stuff I work on.
Kenneth Stephens
Torx bits even work for extraction sometimes. I used a torx on an air hammer extension to get a rounded hex bolt out of a Toyota trd skid plate at work recently
fred
CalVan (maybe others too??) make sockets that they say are designed specifically for removing damaged socket head (hex recess) screws and bolts;
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cav-439
fred
In shape, they look somewhat like Wera Hex-Plus bits and sockets;
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Hex-Plus-8040-6-Bit-Check-Sheet/dp/B003KN3G1Y/
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05003971001-Zyklop-Hex-Plus-Socket/dp/B07B7TWVNZ
The Wera sockets add ball-detents.
Patrick T
Thanks for the tip Fred. They make these in L-keys too. Perfect for what I need.
Franck B.
Less likely to round corners… or more? I submit that having full contact with a fully seated bit is going to be the least damaging. At least that’s what the mechanical engineer with only a few strength-of-materials classes in me says.
My most common use for high-torque hex fasteners is the single hex head bolt that holds steering wheels on some European vehicles. They usually come torqued much higher than what the recommended re-torque value is, but that’s probably due to aged Loctite (but it’s usually only blue). I’ve found fully seating a properly sized bit (it fits tight!), and keeping it in line with the fastener, ensures that damage doesn’t occur. And if it does, having an extra on hand to use as a replacement makes sure that you don’t work with damaged fasteners.
I also use them on transfer cases of 4WD vehicles from the same European manufacturers, but less frequently, and the same tips apply.
Although I use large hex bits from Wiha and Hazet, I do really like my Armstrong set which has replaceable inserts… but good luck getting those now, although some sizes are still available at gouging prices.
I’ve seen several friends’ sets with missing pressed-in inserts, usually sourced from some of the … trans-Pacific suppliers.
MM
Speaking of 4×4 vehicles and high torque hex head fasteners, the kingpins on a Dana 60 front axle take a huge 7/8″ hex wrench, and the tightening spec is 500 ft-lb, so you can imagine how nasty those are to remove….
Franck B.
I used to think that was huge too! Then I had to start including above-32mm wrenches for my truck. But you’re right, 500lb-ft is a lot by any measure.
My friend’s Gladiator with Mopar D60 appears to have all-metric fasteners now … who woulda thunk…
WilliamDavis
That’s why they make multipliers
Dave P
That Proto set looks like 1/4″ drive and if so, they’re not at all comparable to 3/8″ drive.
I don’t care about the brand (except those brands I know to be JUNK that I stay away from such as “new” Craftsman), or some gimmick-y design like these have… or even the price (although these seem EXPENSIVE)–I just don’t want them to BREAK…
Best way to avoid that is with heat (torch) but sometimes there’s too much flammable/melt-able stuff in the way…. while it may sound counterproductive, the best way to remove a stuck set screw that you can’t heat is with an impact albeit very warily–a bit of LOW–be careful here–“impact” tightening and loosening will sometimes do the trick.
At $50 a set, I’m not gonna chance it. However, give me a hands-on demonstration and they don’t BREAK and I’m all in….
fred
Sometimes you can use induction heating instead of a torch:
https://www.amazon.com/INDUCTION-INNOVATIONS-Mini-Ductor-Portable-Induction/dp/B01J5Y42XM/
In our fabrication business – we became known for being able to disassemble old assemblies and/or remove stuck fasteners for some of our clients. We would try various approaches including the common penetrants, heat and sometimes EDM to disintegrate a stuck fastener
Jared
The little bit of knurling makes me what these even more than the Craftsman. Hopefully these will come to Canada (still no V-series here).
Mac RBRT is supposed to be awesome, but I don’t have budget to try them for myself. I’m hoping this gets similar results.
Me
The RBRT line works very well. I got the 14 piece set….metric and standard on promo. The torx bit line is really good too
Patrick T
I’ve been looking at the Proto and Facom alternatives. From what i can tell, the Dewalt and Craftsman only have the “scallop” on 3 sides versus every side on the more expensive brands.
For Proto and Facom, you can buy singles if you really only need a couple of sizes. I’ve also noticed the Facom has an overall shorter length. I feel like that might provide more stability for my applications. I don’t see Craftsman or Dewalt selling singles of these.
Still, nice to have options.
Paul
Stuart, don’t feel badly about the Proto set. As mentioned it has scalloping on all 6-sides which makes it fundamentally better.
JB
Stuart, Thank you for the post. Where did you purchase your Proto set? They may be a good choice for me.
Stuart
I typically purchase my Proto tools from Amazon and Zoro (a Grainger company). The sockets were sourced from Zoro.
Chris
This looks very close to the rbrt Mac sockets… That be awesome if they worked near as good as rbrt at a lower price
Koko The Talking Ape
I don’t know what “non-slip” hex bits are. Does the term refer to the knurling? Or to the scallops cut out of three sides of the shafts? I don’t quite see how those scallops would work.
fred
You can read what Wrea claims about their “Hex Plus” design:
https://www-de.wera.de/en/great-tools/hex-plus/
Koko The Talking Ape
Thanks, fred! Forgot to say that earlier.
David
Try heating the hex head up before removing the hex head if it’s that tight
Emilio Gonzalez
I’ve been using the MAC tools version, RBRT technology. I wish SnapOn would make these and more offerings in 1/2” drive with shorter bits. I don’t really like those Proto long type hex bit sockets.
MAC tools also offers torx and hex and other RBRT tools.
SnapOn would use better steel although they would be more expensive.
Lastly, they aren’t sold individually. What if you break or loose one??