ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (New for 2019!)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Best Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
    • Best Cordless Impact Drivers (2015)
    • Best Cordless Circular Saws
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Cordless Oscillating Tools
    • Best EDC Gear
    • Best Multimeter
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Modular Tool Boxes
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Milwaukee NPS19 Tools
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Sockets & Drive Tools > Milwaukee 3/8″ Socket Sets and Packout Cases Combo Deal

Milwaukee 3/8″ Socket Sets and Packout Cases Combo Deal

Dec 14, 2020 Stuart 27 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Milwaukee Packout Socket Sets Combo

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.

Advertisement

Milwaukee Packout Socket Sets Combo Screenshot

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

Buy Now via Home Depot

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.

Related posts:

Milwaukee RatchetMilwaukee Ratchets are Now Available Milwaukee M12 Fuel Impact RatchetCan You Use Milwaukee’s Cordless Ratchets Manually? Milwaukee M12 Digital Torque Wrench Top and Side ViewsTeaser: New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Motorized Digital Torque Wrench Milwaukee M12 Cordless Torque Wrench in Large Pipe Mechanical Connection ApplicationThe New Milwaukee M12 Cordless Torque Wrench Explained

Sections: DealGuyd, Sockets & Drive Tools Tags: Holiday 2020More from: Milwaukee

« Ryobi Launches New 4V Multi-Head Cordless Screwdriver as a Last-Minute Gift Idea
Pegboard-Compatible Magnetic Tool Holders »

27 Comments

  1. Tator

    Dec 14, 2020

    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?

    Reply
    • Tim E.

      Dec 14, 2020

      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.

      Reply
      • Tim E.

        Dec 14, 2020

        The Milwaukee 203B-21 would be an example of that, or any of their “3 in 1” type jacket offerings.

        Reply
    • Flotsam

      Dec 15, 2020

      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.

      Reply
  2. Joatman

    Dec 14, 2020

    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

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Dec 15, 2020

      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*

      Reply
  3. Tom D

    Dec 14, 2020

    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

    Reply
    • MoogleMan3

      Dec 15, 2020

      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.

      Reply
      • Tom D

        Dec 15, 2020

        They may, though the Milwaukee sockets feel “narrow” if you know what I mean.

        Reply
      • Javier A.

        Dec 15, 2020

        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.

        Reply
    • Jim Felt

      Dec 15, 2020

      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.

      Reply
      • Tom D

        Dec 15, 2020

        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.

        Reply
  4. Kg

    Dec 15, 2020

    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.

    Reply
  5. Stephen

    Dec 15, 2020

    I think the clear cover should be hinged on the long side, to be less bulky when opened up

    Reply
    • Tom D

      Dec 15, 2020

      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).

      Reply
  6. Steve L

    Dec 15, 2020

    Has anyone been able to compare Milwaukee ratchet/socket quality to other brands? Is Milwaukee similar to a Husky? Craftsman? Gearwrench? SK? Williams?

    Reply
    • Travis

      Dec 15, 2020

      I would rank them better than Husky or Craftsman. Not as good as SK or Williams.

      Reply
      • Jared

        Dec 15, 2020

        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.

        Reply
  7. Aaron Harmon

    Dec 15, 2020

    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.

    Reply
    • Travis

      Dec 15, 2020

      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.)

      Reply
  8. riskin

    Dec 15, 2020

    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.

    Reply
  9. Flotsam

    Dec 15, 2020

    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.

    Reply
  10. Plain grainy

    Dec 15, 2020

    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.

    Reply
    • Tom D

      Dec 15, 2020

      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.

      Reply
  11. 928'er

    Dec 15, 2020

    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…

    Reply
    • Tom D

      Dec 15, 2020

      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.

      Reply
  12. Jerry Hyatt

    Dec 20, 2020

    No, save your money and buy the new Snap-On, Koken tools that will last through your grandson’s lifetime.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • Joe H on The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?: “I hate how the budget/low mid range mechanics tool bundles mix 12 point and 6 point sockets and load up…”
  • Sean on The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?: “Fred, I have Wright SAE wrench set that has worked out great for me as well as a proto metric…”
  • Sean on The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?: “Travis I’m a huge SK fan as well!!! Great pick!!!”
  • TMedina on The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?: ““It depends” – availability versus price versus intended use/abuse. For casual, around the apartment puttering, I’ll default to either Home…”
  • Pink porkchop on Makita Launches New 2021 Flagship Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/ Free Bonuses: “I had to upgrade my impact driver last year. I had the original makita from about fifteen years ago. I…”
  • Rob on Makita Launches New 2021 Flagship Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/ Free Bonuses: “I was going to grab the XPH14z, but ended up grabbing this kit because it amounted to me getting a…”

Recent Posts

  • The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?
  • Shout Out to Rocky Mountain BioAg, a Fantastic Organic Gardening Supplier
  • New Dremel Cordless Hot Glue Pen
  • Makita Launches New 2021 Flagship Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/ Free Bonuses
  • New Ryobi 18V Cordless Dual Temperature Hot Glue Gun
  • Ryobi 18V One+ HP Cordless Power Tools in 2021
  • Can You Recommend a Basic Walkie Talkie?
  • Makita XGT USA Launch Delayed, Hopefully Coming in 2021
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Cordless Impact Drivers
  • Best Cordless Multi-Tools
  • Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Modular Tool Storage Systems
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure