Milwaukee has come out with a new mechanics tool set + Packout tool box bundle, and the timing suggests it’s destined to be a Black Friday 2019 special buy.
This is a 28pc SAE ratchet and socket set, 3/8″ drive, model 48-22-9481, packaged inside a Milwaukee Packout compact low-profile organizer.
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At NPS19, Milwaukee’s new tool media event last June, they showcased new mechanics tools (1/2″ drive), accessories, but nothing like this. They displayed new Packout power tool accessory sets, such as with hole saws and Shockwave screwdriver bits, but no hand tool sets like this one.
I must admit, I have zero need for more ratchet and socket sets, but find the compactness and portability of this one to be highly appealing. Coupling this with a Packout wall mount could make for a nice combination as well.
The set comes with everything you see here, plus the slim Packout organizer and removable insert tray.
This set has SAE/inch sizes. I looked around, but cannot find a similar metric set. Yet?
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Surprisingly, at least in my opinion, you get a full range of standard sockets from 1/4″ through 1″, and deep sockets up to 7/8″.
Personally, I’d also like to see an 11/32″ socket, but I suppose that’s what 1/4″ sets are for.
The set also comes with two extensions and a universal joint.
You of course also get a full-polish ratchet with 90-tooth count and 4° minimum swing arc.
Thank you to Michael P for the heads-up!
Here’s why I think that this will be a Black Friday or holiday season special – Milwaukee already has a 28pc mechanics tool set, 48-22-9408. The contents of these two mechanics tool sets look to be identical.
To my surprise, and this is something I should have observed sooner, Milwaukee’s “regular” 28pc SAE mechanics tool set also comes with a removable tray. That’s always a nice touch because some users prefer portable kits while others prefer easy-access trays that can be inserted into a tool box, cabinet, or cart.
At the time of this posting, the 28pc set is priced at $89, while the Milwaukee Packout bundle is priced at $129. A $40 premium for a low-profile compact Packout organizer that can be purchases separately for $25?
There is also another bundle that gives you the Packout mechanics tool set and an 8pc screwdriver set, albeit at no discernible cost savings.
Compare: Milwaukee 28pc Set
See Also: Bonus Set via Home Depot
I’m very curious to see what the final pricing will be. $129? Definitely not. $99 wouldn’t really convince me to open my wallet either. $89? But that’s the price of the regular kit, and I could probably get that set for a couple of dollars lower with retailer coupons or specials. $79 would stand a much better chance of attracting my attention. The lower, the better.
What I’m happy to see is that Milwaukee has not “cheapened” the set to lower the cost – whatever it will be – to increase the set’s value. Other brands might have swapped the 90 tooth ratchet, skipped some sizes, or left out one of the extensions or even the universal joint adapter.
Do you think this is an appealing mechanics tool set combination from Milwaukee?
Do you plan on buying it? What if it’s also available in metric?
Cory
I could see snagging this if the price is right, but the premium Milwaukee has put on their current socket and hand tool offerings doesn’t seem fitting for what they are offering.
Diamond Dave
I agree, Milwaukee IMO is asking Snap On pricing for their tools therefore I don’t own any of their hand tools. I own multiple wrench sets from Dewalt and also a huge socket tool set in a case and their quality is great. Dewalts ratchets are a little bulky however. That being said, as long as Milwaukee continues with their premium pricing on their hand tools I will continue to not purchase. If they were made here in the USA I would pay more but they’re not.
Stuart
Definitely nowhere near Snap-on pricing.
The last I checked, they were mid-priced; not inexpensive, but not outlandishly pricey either.
TBayMetal
Dude, the cost to buy a single fapoff 3/8 ratchet is the same cost of Milwaukee’s entire 3/8 and 1/4 packout set. If you can get fapoff at these prices please let me know where.
Tommy
Yeah agree. I lucked out I got the big 3/8 socket set that has both metric and sae sockets on a flash sale from Home Depot for like 82 bucks shipped. I want the pack out insert and out almost buy the set but I can’t justify paying almost double for half the set.
Tommy
Yeah don’t get me wrong inike there scorers and ratchets. The ratchets just not perfect for my liking it over I have had good luck with the product and when I’m out of the shop i use their ratchets. Not perfect but it’s or the shabby either. But As far as price goes yeah its stupid high now if you wast chances and pay attention Home Depot does so daily specials and if you get the price it make it we worth the investment. Example last time around I got the big 3/8 and 1/4 socket set it’s kike 58 piece with bothSAE and metric. But It was like 82 bucks when it’s normally like twice that. But my main issue is I don’t want to have to buy an new set for more money and have the pieces just to get the pack out insert. I already have the pack out an tools I just want the insert. I how Milwaukee with sell them separate.
Frank D
The only way this would work for me, if this were a regular size one and metric plus standard; for a reasonable price.
Half does nothing, when so much stuff is metric.
And honestly, I have no need for small or medium kits. Already have three.
Ideally: a mechanics kit on wheels: packout wheeled base with 5 drawers, standard and metric sockets, extensions, ratchet wrenches, pliers, adjustable wrenches, … room for some custom items like wobble extensions, top drawer empty with adjustable dividers, some loose storage under the lid with two trays.
A mini mechanics set on wheels. That way if I need to work on the mower, tractor, car, … roll along, top 100 things are all there to get things done.
Eric
Agreed, the only way I would consider it is as an SAE and metric combo. Missing the 1″ deep would annoy me as well. It would bother my need for completeness.
Webb
Ditto. A mech set on wheels set up right for all auto needs ect .I’d buy the whole thing and donate the multiples of other sets. Lol I see everyone else looked for the other half the packout sae set .get with it milwaukee
Bob
Square base on the sockets is interesting. Wondering if the grip is better when spinning by hand?
Stuart
It’s more of an anti-roll feature, and can fit a wrench.
brossa
I have to admit that the anti-roll feature really caught my eye. A brief internet search doesn’t show any other socket sets that are ‘anti-roll’ or ‘no-roll’. Is that really true, or is my Google-fu just lousy?
Tommy
Same here. Yes it does off my finge r grip. It may seem gimmicks but I like the anti rom student for more reason then rolling away.
John
Overpriced, under featured, no metric. Fanboys will buy only.
Wayne R.
I saw this and thought, “I could get a set if the price was likely to be maybe $60 on sale.” Then I thought, “Where’s the metric set (that would have to be in a visually distinct box)?” Could take the place of the loose sets in back of my vehicle.
Whiff x2.
An SAE & Metric set (one case) for these prices would’ve been appealing when buying for my field teams in a rich company, but not outside that kind of purchasing environment.
Daniel
I’d do it for a bill, easy.
I’ve been impressed with Milwaukee’s mechanics hand tools. This would solve my biggest gripe about 90% of the ratchet sets out there: the cases never seem to hold up to the abuse they see in the field.
This is an easy throw and go solution. Definitely gonna watch the pricing.
Kentwank
That set without the long sockets is 200 bucks with the Snappy wallet bleeder truck! Just a 3/8th ratchet is 50. Probably more now. I’m old.That square thing on sockets is interesting. Everything I do is metric. Standard snap on stuff never leaves the drawer. Use crappy standard Mikita impact outside…. lag bolts carriage bolts etc.
Thom
Not that I need another socket set but I would buy this at less than $100 and would prefer to see it around $80 -$90. $125 is just too much for a Asian made set this small.
Will
I’ll probably get this bc I have a few gigs which only require a small amount of sae sockets. Would be nice to attach this to the bottom on my small packout toolbag.
What’s the experience when needing a warranty replacement?
Looking forward to milwaukie black Friday deals!
Jim Felt
As I’ve come to like and use these containers frequently a dedicated pair or a combined SAE and Metric Packout would be something I’m sure I’d buy.
Not SAE separately only though. Zero chance.
David
I’ve been thinking about re-doing my car tool set, and being able to use small Packout boxes to make it modular would be really nice. I’m already pondering kaizen foam for my existing small boxes to keep things well organized that don’t fit them well otherwise.
But…
I find myself with others here. I’d get more utility in that situation with metric in the same box. I’d love to see this idea really well executed with sockets suited to car maintenance work. Maybe SAE+metric, and then some spark plug sockets?
Adam
Guess this in HD at $99 in store. Maybe cheaper on BF?
David Zeller
I’ve got a Kobalt Christmas-time set from a few years ago that I regret. It is quasi-SAE and metric, which is the problem. The sockets do double duty and are marked with both an SAE size and a metric size. I swear they wobble around both, and it’s not like they are one of them and are supposed to handle the other. They’re SAmEtric sized somehow.
I had a great, complete set with extensions, adapters, etc, that went away in Sandy… so many things gone and can’t afford to replace! I hate that damn storm! LOL!
tall_will
Sounds like those old Metrinch sets where every socket was marked with a standard and metric size, lol. When I was younger I bought a small one to keep in my car and none of them fit well.
Eric
Nothing special. Money better spent.
SiSiX
I’m honestly more interested in the Packout organizer with the socket set insert. THAT would be something that would be really useful to me. Maybe a 3D printed insert if someone wanted to make one?
Matt
Just make one from kaizen foam
Tommy
Yeah sure I will but I would rather get then molded insert. Long run will hold up better and it ready to go out oof the box
Eric A Stell
We’re you ever able to find the insert or were to 3D print one of them for the packout socket sets, I’ve been trying but they seem to be impossible to find!
Any information as far as would be greatly appreciated and if I happen to find anything or a way to 3D print I will share the information with you as well,..thx!
Daniel
I really want to jump on this but would much prefer ones that can be used on impact guns.
skfarmer
they will sell the crap out of this to the milwaukee guys.
who else would want those stupid looking sockets?
Adam
someone that gets sold on the function of that “stupid look.” It serves a purpose. May not look like every other round socket, but it makes perfect sense for what it’s for.
Rather htan finding a cheater bar, or a larger size drive to remove something, you have your one wrench you quickly throw on for the extra torque.
Love my red, but they aren’t worth it to me. Will stick with rolling sockets for now. Drop the price to $50-60 & release a metric set in a similar black Packout, then maybe.
Stuart
You might call them “stupid looking,” but a lot of people love the shape of the sockets.
It’s different, but the consensus seems to be that it’s a useful design.
skfarmer
if i am correct that design isn’t really for a wrench and if it is you need a variety of sizes as the size of the flats appear to get larger as the sizes increase. one size, one wrench like adam says does not cover all of the sizes of the milwaukee sockets. (unless i am wrong)
there are all kinds of ways to add leverage or anti roll capabilities. to sockets. triangle uses ridges to stop rolling . nano sockets and various others use a hex on the socket, others use knurling. i have some hextensions, extensions that have hex shapes and knurling on the head and flat spots on the shank.
i am kind of curious as to why you called me out on my comment.
i realize stupid looking may be my opinion but then again i am just as entitled to my opinion as others are to their opinion that they like it or find it useful. i just think that knurling and or a hex on the socket would be far more useful than that weird four sided taper. if you don’t want a socket to roll away, it is as simple as setting it on end.
Stuart
Milwaukee says:
“The sockets feature a unique FOUR FLAT™ Side design that stops rolling & allows the socket to be used with a wrench.”
Don’t want to use a wrench or adjustable wrench? Then it’s just an anti-roll feature. Don’t care for that either? Then what’s the downside?
I didn’t call you out, I countered what you said with a note that I’ve seen quite a few “I like that feature comments.”
But your comment, where you say “it looks stupid” and essentially “only Milwaukee fanboys will like it” doesn’t address the set contents, pricing, or functionality.
You can not like the form, that’s okay, but I’ve heard from people that like the functionality.
Screwdrivers with hex bolsters don’t always have the same size flats, so why that have to be true with sockets? Don’t worry to worry about grabbing the right wrench? You can just use an adjustable.
These sockets aren’t for me, or at least I’m not about to replace what I have with these. But I still see the utility and potential benefit for others.
You say: “i just think that knurling and or a hex on the socket would be far more useful than that weird four sided taper.” See, that’s a better argument, and to that I’d say that it’s not for me either although I’ve heard a lot of positivity about the feature from others.
skfarmer
where did you get that i don’t like the forum? i don’t think i stir the pot, complain or cause other trouble and out communications have always been cordial.
i didn’t say milwaukee fan boy, we can scroll up and read it, i said milwaukee guys and by that i mean guys that have bought into the packout system. i doubt that set has much appeal to someone who has bought into the dewalt, craftsman, ridgid or any other system.
i should have made my statements more clear up front and given examples. that is on me. right or wrong though it has made for some interesting conversation. especially the fact that the same feature can be seen as an asset, something that is neutral or something that may cause people to just walk away………
Stuart
Forum? I said form, as in form vs. function. Aesthetics vs. utility.
I agree – I don’t think your comments have ever been problematic, impolite, or otherwise unwelcome.
I assumed you were referring to the way the sockets looked, vs. how well those flat features worked.
Sorry, I’ve been seeing a LOT of polarization where “Milwaukee guys” is thrown around by stringent fans of other systems, such as Dewalt or Makita fans. Thanks for the clarity!
I had not intended for my first comment to be strongly received, I’m sorry about that too.
I found your first comment a little unfair (for lack of a better word or phrase at the moment), and thought to respond with a comment about my observations about the general reception I’ve seen regarding the sockets.
I really wasn’t aiming to refute your opinion or call you out. The last thing I would ever want is for everyone to agree on everything – what fun would that be?
skfarmer
ha. i misread form as forum. i read it several times and i still missed that. funny how the brain work sometimes or in this case didn’t work.
Charlie
I must admit that I like the “stupid” look of the Four Flat design, both in the no roll feature and in the possibility of using an adjustable wrench as a cheater.
CaveSAR
Nice idea for the car. But the price is high if one is mostly keeping it under a seat for emergencies.
I’ll stick with my Cresent 3/8 in. Drive Pass-Thru Adjustable Wrench Set (11-Piece) for when I need to loosen the headlamp bolts to replace a bulb. I got several of these a couple of years ago when they had Black Friday pricing.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-3-8-in-Drive-Pass-Thru-Adjustable-Wrench-Set-11-Piece-CPTAW8/205642158
John
Combo sockets, oh hell no.
Eric
With no metric sockets this set would be useless in any car built in the last 20+ years.
Rufus
Tell them to package all their sets in pack out cases and you have a winner
PETE
Not a bad idea- just forgo any other packaging and put them in a tray then put them in a packout case. Don’t want the packout case? Take it out and put it in a tool box drawer then you have a packout case which will get you interested in the packout line.
Kizzle
There are much nicer tools for less money than these. Milwaukee fans will praise this as the greatest socket set ever made, but they’re a unique bunch…
Stuart
Having more options is always a good thing.
Milwaukee’s 28pc set seems to be popular. So, this is a popular socket set in a popular tool box/organizer product.
What can you buy for less that’s better? (I’m asking seriously.)
skfarmer
tractor supply has an 82 click, gearwrench. 1/4 and 3/8 set with shallow and deep sockets in sae and metric for 89 bucks in the christmas display area. are they better? i don’t know. are they as good? probably. they do come in a case but it obviously doesn’t fit any of the systems.
tsc also much larger dewalt set with 1/4 , 3/8 and 1/2 sets in a drawer style box for 149.99, again, i don’t know if it is better but more than likely just as good of quality. having its own box may or may not be a good thing.
matter of fact they have several nice sets from both brands for far less money.
both of those are well respected brands that are offering much larger sets for far less cost per tool. both are also more commonly available as open stock for replacements as well. unless you want a packout box prepacked with milwaukee tools, there just doesn’t seem to be much value.
Nathan
SO specific to this – no.
If it was in metic for the same price – still no.
DO I like the kit box – mostly. Just like the dewalt thing sell me the box with the insert alone but please for the love of all that is holey get out of the hand tool business.
Who makes this for milwaukee? It si a Neiko ratchet, or ?. Dewalt you assume is a SBD cross brand or a gussied up Stanley – even then. PASS.
The anti-roll feature – ok sure you know how mechanics keep sockets from rolling – you place them on the end. and no self respecting mechanic is going to wrench on a pretty polished socket with a wrench unless it’s got a 6point end so it securely fits combo wrench.
It is pretty though. I didn’t see a mention of tooth count either.
seriously though love the box setup idea – would love to see a bigger box for a full up SAE and Metric socket set – or at least set up inserts for one of the other.
To another point above I only use Metric sockets on cars today – nearly every car made past 93 is all metric from bumper to bumper. No I will not use a 5/8 in place of the 15mm that it’s supposed to be. No I don’t care that it fits OK. Etc etc.
The What?
Without the metric sizes this ain’t worth no more than a 50 bucks tops. If it were any other big box brand it would be at least $30 cheaper. And that plastic box doesn’t make it special either. There’s no exceptional quality about this set that makes it different than any other ratchet set. It’s the same basic set that everyone makes and the only people that are dumb enough to pay for this are the Milwaukee fanboys.
Will
This would be good for boat mechanics. I like the anti-roll sockets for the WW2 torpedo boat I work on.
Mopar
I wonder how many working mechanics would buy this?
The square certainly is interesting, but in the pictures it looks like it makes the sockets wider. In modern vehicles, space is often very tight; I can imagine these running into clearance issues where normal round sockets fit.
Also, can’t imagine shop mechanics or even most mobile guys being interested in the packout boxes. Maybe industrial mechanics?
I often have to work on stuff in the field, if even just to be able to get it back to the shop, and all I do is grab a rack or 3 of sockets out of my toolbox and toss em into the bag.
KG
With screwdrivers for $109. Man I wish they had metric 3/8” and 1/4” drive sets.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-3-8-in-Drive-SAE-Ratchet-and-Socket-Mechanics-Tool-Set-with-Packout-Case-28-Piece-and-Screwdriver-Set-8-Piece-48-22-9481-48-22-2718/310750028
OldDominionDIYer
I would buy it if it was under $99 but it won’t be at the top of my list, @ under $79 it would move up quickly, oh and I sure wish they would duplicate this in metric as well.