Milwaukee’s mechanics tool set and Packout tool box bundles have been a huge hit. I’ve been watching this combo bundle, which comes with a Milwaukee 3/8″ 28pc SAE ratchet and socket set, and a 3/8″ 32pc metric ratchet and socket set, and it’s back in stock, presumably with very limited supplies.
Both sets are $99 individually, and this bundle deal gives you both for $195.
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Both sets come with removable trays and slim Packout organizers.
I set a notification alert, as this bundle has been out of stock all season, and received a “back in stock” email earlier today.
When I checked, it was out of stock again. Now, checking yet again, it’s back in stock. I have a feeling it’ll go in and out of stock a few more times before selling out again.
Price: $195
Is This a Good Buy?
Here’s where things get complicated. Is this a good buy? Yes, you save $5 $3 if you want both socket sets compared to buying them separately.
Before anyone asks “what about the larger 106 pc set?” that set has been out of stock since I learned about it.
See Also: 106pc Set via Home Depot
(And yes, it’s glorious.)
Back to the point – are these Packout mechanics tool sets worth it?
YES.
But… then why did I buy similar sets with blow-molded cases? My Ohio Power Tool 1/4″ socket sets just came in, and I also got a 3/8″ set from Home Depot’s Cyber Monday sale. Now, I just need a 1/2″ combo set.
If the Packout sets are worth it, why did I buy the non-Packout case versions with the same tools? Quite frankly, the Cyber Monday deals were too good to pass up, and I plan on putting the tools in tool box drawer anyway.
I have Packout and non-Packout versions of these mechanics tool sets, and will use both in coming weeks and months to see which might work out better.
To be frank, even Milwaukee’s regular socket set cases are much better than the ones I’ve seen and used from many other brands before.
Yes, I know some of you are thinking that you wish metal tool boxes and socket set cases returned, but I think Milwaukee has the right idea here.
Lastly, if this set bundle sells out, check back again, just in case. I don’t think that it’s this bundle that’s hugely popular, but that the metric set keeps selling out.
Also, keep in mind that these are two separate sets, and so you get 2 ratchets and 2 sets of extensions. A SAE + metric socket set will be a little more cost effective if you didn’t care about having separate drive tools in each case.
Tator
I said it before and I’ll say it again, bring back the metal tool cases like what the sawzalls used to come in. On a side note does anyone know if Milwaukee makes a heated coat that has a freaking hood?
Tim E.
They have the heated hoodies, otherwise I think their intent is for you to get a heated article (be it a hoodie, vest, or mid weight jacket) as a “middle layer” and then put a hooded rain shell over that if needed. Kind of makes sense for being able to not wear the extra layer(s) if you don’t need them, while also not having to get completely separate jacket setups for different weather scenarios, just adjust the layers you already have.
Tim E.
The Milwaukee 203B-21 would be an example of that, or any of their “3 in 1” type jacket offerings.
Flotsam
Can’t say that you will ever see metal tool cases come back. Companies seem to keen on making cheap (and OVERSIZED) plastic cases and of course nylon cases and bags.
Joatman
Looks like, according to the math, you’d only save $3 as opposed to $5. And for that reason….I’m out. Doesn’t seem like that good of a deal anymore. Lol
Stuart
Thanks! Whoops. For some reason I kept rounding $99 x 2 = $200.
I’ve been watching this for weeks, all for a $3 off $198 bundle bonus. *facepalm*
Tom D
Reminder that if you have the socket sets and the low profile Packout you can buy the inserts to covert to the Packout – both for these or the combo set.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Hand-Tools/Mechanics-Tools/48-22-9486T
MoogleMan3
I wonder if those trays will only fit the milwaukee sockets. I have nice sets of tekton sockets and would love to put them all in a single slim packout.
Tom D
They may, though the Milwaukee sockets feel “narrow” if you know what I mean.
Javier A.
The trays are molded to fit the flat spots of the Milwaukee sockets. You can dremel out the molds to fit regular sockets – I did this to create my own “packout” to fit an old USA Craftsman set I have. Took a bit of work, but I like it a lot.
Jim Felt
TomD
Thanks I found a local vendor that has these 1/4” and 3/8” inserts in stock.
Makes me wonder if there’s a 1/2” version as well.
Interesting. Verry interesting.
Tom D
I suspect there will be once the 1/2 is released in Packout (which I expect will happen soon).
I wonder if Milwaukee will just go to Packout for all the socket sets and skip the blow-molded case option in the future.
Kg
Not sure what the situation is for new orders but Acme just notified me they shipped out the bigger packout 1/4+3/8 ratchet/socket set I back-ordered a month or so back when it dipped to $199 prior to black Friday.
Stephen
I think the clear cover should be hinged on the long side, to be less bulky when opened up
Tom D
Good point though these are BoF standard Packout cases. The inserts are removable so you can open the case, pop out the insert with sockets and close the case again.
But now I’m wondering if Milwaukee could make a thing Packout organizer with a side opening lid (or fully removable lid).
Steve L
Has anyone been able to compare Milwaukee ratchet/socket quality to other brands? Is Milwaukee similar to a Husky? Craftsman? Gearwrench? SK? Williams?
Travis
I would rank them better than Husky or Craftsman. Not as good as SK or Williams.
Jared
I don’t own any Milwaukee ratchets or sockets so I’m not commenting about those, but my somewhat recent foray into industrial mechanics tools has left me with mixed feelings about those “premium” brands.
My Williams Taiwanese sockets are visually perfect. I don’t have enough time working with them yet to comment otherwise, but I was very happy when I looked them over. The ratchet that came with the kit also had excellent chrome, but had two VERY distinct levels of backdrag in each direction – I think there’s a manufacturing flaw and that’s not something I’ve ever experienced (even with cheap ratchets).
My Williams B52 USA-made 3/8 ratchet is one of the smoothest round-head ratchets I’ve ever used. I generally prefer pear-head ratchets, but this one might be changing my mind. On the other hand, there’s obvious leftover tool marks in several places where it wasn’t fully polished before chroming – and the handle design looks like something from the dollar store. Despite that criticism, it’s a great tool to use.
My Proto Premium Pear-head ratchets are excellent (I have the long-handle versions in 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″). They are not as silky smooth as that B52 from Williams, but I don’t care. The small head size, awesome visual appeal and small details, excellent chrome, comfortable handle, nice positive clicks… I can overlook a somewhat higher level of backdrag (and it’s still less than my 1/2″ 120XP Gearwrench ratchet). While I love these ratchets, they are awful expensive (at least in Canada) and not terribly fine-toothed.
My point is just that while industrial tools offer something different, it’s not always flawless… or even better (depending on the application). My long-handled 3/8″ Proto ratchet was about the same price as the whole 32-pc Milwaukee Packout Socket Set.
Aaron Harmon
Out of curiosity (and this may be a stupid question) but who makes these and where are they made? I always buy American when I can, even if it costs a lot more.
Travis
I believe my set is made in Taiwan. The combo set is at an interesting price point. For $265 or so you can go with a 49 piece SK set that features SAE and Metric 3/8″ (from Amazon.) I own two of those set and they are much better quality than the Milwaukee. I keep the Milwaukee set in my truck where I know it is more likely to disappear (via theft or something never putting it back.)
riskin
i bought the 56 piece set in the blow molded case AND 6 screwdrivers for $99 combo deal ( SAE and Metric) from HD. seems you’re overpaying for the cases here.
cools sockets though, even though ive used them just once.
Flotsam
Props to Milwaukee to trying something different with square socket shape so they don’t have a tendency to roll away. For some people this may be a benefit.
Plain grainy
Good deal? That’s in the eye of the beholder. For me, i am buying just impact ready sockets & sets. That way I can use them as hand tools, or with my impact guns.
Tom D
I discovered the hard way that impact sockets are rated for impact – you can snap (perhaps admittedly a cheap) one pretty easily with a big enough cheater bar and constant torque.
928'er
I’m out on any combo set that includes SAE tools.
I’ve been 99% metric for, at least, the last 30 years. Don’t remember the last time I touched a SAE tool. The one’s in my tool box are just gathering dust…
Tom D
Too many weird things are still SAE around here – maybe not the cars but so many weird bolts and nuts you find on pipes and furnaces and other and sundry.
Jerry Hyatt
No, save your money and buy the new Snap-On, Koken tools that will last through your grandson’s lifetime.