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Allen keys are fine for furniture. On a car, a hex fastener holding a brake caliper or a drain plug needs more than a bent piece of steel. A hex socket set puts Allen bits on a socket so you can drive them with a ratchet, breaker bar or torque wrench, with far less risk of stripping the fastener or twisting the key.
The best hex socket set covers the sizes you'll meet, in the drive size that can handle the torque. Small bits from 3 to 6 mm belong on 1/4- or 3/8-inch drive; larger bits from 10 to 19 mm need 1/2-inch drive. You'll also want to decide whether you need long bits for recessed fasteners, and whether the set will go on an impact tool.
We compared six current hex and Allen bit socket sets from Capri Tools, GearWrench, Tekton and Sunex using their published contents and specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Capri Tools CP30032 (32 pieces). Best for: 2 to 19 mm and 5/64" to 3/4" spread across three drives.
- Best Impact Set: GearWrench GWUHBSMS (39 pieces). Best for: damaged hex fasteners and impact tools from 4 to 19 mm.
- Best Value: Tekton SHB91201 (18 pieces). Best for: the core 3 to 10 mm and 1/8" to 3/8" on 3/8-inch drive rails.
- Best Long Hex: Tekton SHB91315 (19 pieces). Best for: recessed fasteners and extra clearance.
- Best 1/2" Impact: Sunex 2637 (20 pieces). Best for: large hex fasteners from 6 to 19 mm and 1/4" to 3/4" on an impact wrench.
- Best Master Set: GearWrench 80742 (84 pieces). Best for: hex, ball-end hex and every Torx type in one case.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Pieces | Drives | Metric hex | SAE hex | Impact rated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capri CP30032 | Best overall | 32 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | 2 to 19 mm | 5/64" to 3/4" | No |
| GearWrench GWUHBSMS | Impact | 39 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | 4 to 19 mm | 5/32" to 3/4" | Yes |
| Tekton SHB91201 | Value | 18 | 3/8" | 3 to 10 mm | 1/8" to 3/8" | No |
| Tekton SHB91315 | Long hex | 19 | 3/8" | 3 to 10 mm | 1/8" to 3/8" | No |
| Sunex 2637 | 1/2" impact | 20 | 1/2" | 6 to 19 mm | 1/4" to 3/4" | Yes |
| GearWrench 80742 | Master set | 84 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | 2.5 to 19 mm | 1/8" to 3/4" | No |
The Best Hex Socket Sets, Reviewed
1. Capri Tools CP30032 32-Piece Master Hex Set: Best Overall
Who it's for: car owners who want one hex bit socket set for everything from interior trim to suspension.
The CP30032 puts each size on the drive that suits it. In 1/4-inch drive: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5 and 6 mm, plus 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32" and 1/4". In 3/8-inch drive: 7, 8, 9 and 10 mm and 9/32", 5/16" and 3/8". In 1/2-inch drive: 12, 14, 15, 17 and 19 mm and 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16" and 3/4".
That's 16 metric and 16 SAE sizes, with the large 14 to 19 mm bits that show up on some drain plugs and drivetrain parts. The bits are S2 steel with Capri's MaxChrome finish, and Capri lists a lifetime warranty. It's for ratchets, breaker bars and torque wrenches only, not impact tools.
Pros
- 2 to 19 mm and 5/64" to 3/4"
- Large sizes on 1/2-inch drive
- Lifetime warranty per Capri
Cons
- Not impact rated
- Metric skips 11 and 13 mm, and 16 and 18 mm
Capri Tools Master Hex Bit Socket Set, Metric and SAE, 32-Piece CP30032
by Capri Tools
2. GearWrench GWUHBSMS 39-Piece Bi-directional Set: Best Impact Set
Who it's for: anyone fighting rounded or seized hex fasteners, or running hex bits on an impact tool.
GearWrench designed these sockets to work on both damaged and undamaged hex fasteners, so you can remove a partly stripped bolt and reinstall a new one with the same tool. GearWrench claims up to 4 times more torque on damaged fasteners than standard hex bit sockets. That's a manufacturer figure, but the design goal is clear.
Contents: 1/4-inch drive 5/32" to 9/32" and 4 to 10 mm; 3/8-inch drive 5/32" to 3/8" and 4 to 10 mm; 1/2-inch drive 3/8" to 3/4" and 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 19 mm. They're impact-rated chrome-molybdenum with a black oxide finish, magnetic, with orange paint-filled size bands and laser-etched markings. The set weighs about 9.9 lb in a blow-molded case, with a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Impact rated and magnetic
- Designed for damaged hex fasteners
- High-visibility size bands
Cons
- Nothing below 4 mm or 5/32"
- Heavier than chrome sets
GEARWRENCH 39 Piece 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive SAE/Metric Impact Bi-directional Hex Bit Socket Master Set GWUHBSMS
by GEARWRENCH
3. Tekton SHB91201 18-Piece 3/8" Set: Best Value
Who it's for: DIYers who want the common Allen sizes in one tidy rail without paying for a master set.
Tekton covers 1/8" to 3/8" and 3 to 10 mm, the range that handles most brake caliper bolts, engine covers, seat bolts and small suspension parts. Everything is on 3/8-inch drive, so one ratchet and one torque wrench cover the set.
The S2 heat-treated steel bits are pressed directly into the sockets for a permanent connection, so they won't wiggle loose. The set ships on rails and a tray (Tekton says rails and tray are made in the USA, sockets in Taiwan) and weighs 2.28 lb.
Pros
- Core SAE and metric sizes on one drive
- Press-fit S2 bits
- Rails and tray fit a drawer
Cons
- Stops at 10 mm and 3/8"
- Not impact rated
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Hex Bit Socket Set, 18-Piece (1/8-3/8 in., 3-10 mm) SHB91201
by TEKTON
4. Tekton SHB91315 19-Piece Long Hex Set: Best Long Hex
Who it's for: anyone working on recessed hex bolts, such as caliper guide pins behind a knuckle or screws inside a deep housing.
This is the long version of Tekton's 3/8-inch hex set, covering the same 1/8" to 3/8" and 3 to 10 mm range with long bits in chrome sockets. A long bit reaches fasteners that a stubby bit can't, and it moves the ratchet away from the part so you have room to swing.
It comes with a case rather than rails. If you work on a lot of recessed fasteners, owning both the standard and long versions covers almost every 3/8-inch hex job.
Pros
- Long bits for recessed fasteners
- Same SAE and metric range as the standard set
- Case included
Cons
- Long bits are more prone to flex under high torque
- Not impact rated
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Long Hex Bit Socket Set, 19-Piece (1/8-3/8 in., 3-10 mm) SHB91315
by TEKTON
5. Sunex 2637 20-Piece 1/2" Impact Set: Best 1/2" Impact
Who it's for: owners of a 1/2-inch impact wrench who meet large hex fasteners on drivetrain, axle and equipment work.
The 2637 is all large sizes in 1/2-inch drive: SAE 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16" and 3/4", and metric 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19 mm. Sunex lists an extended 78 mm (3.07") length, which helps reach recessed bolts.
The sockets are chrome-molybdenum with a black phosphate finish and Hi-Viz laser-etched sizes, in a heavy-duty molded case. Sunex backs it with a lifetime warranty and says there are no exclusions on its impact sockets. If you want smaller impact hex bits, Sunex's 3/8-inch 3649 set covers 3/16" to 1/2" plus selected metric sizes from 4 to 12 mm.
Pros
- Large SAE and metric sizes to 19 mm and 3/4"
- Extended 78 mm length
- Lifetime warranty per Sunex
Cons
- No small sizes below 6 mm
- Metric skips 9, 11, 13 and 16 mm
SUNEX 1/2″ Drive SAE & Metric 20-Piece Hex Impact Bit Socket Set 2637
by SUNEX
6. GearWrench 80742 84-Piece Master Bit Set: Best Master Set
Who it's for: shops and serious DIYers who want hex and Torx in every form in a single case.
The 80742 is more than a hex set. GearWrench lists hex bits in SAE from 1/8" to 3/4" and metric from 2.5 to 19 mm, plus ball-end hex sockets, Torx T8 to T55, tamper-proof Torx T8 to T60 and external Torx E4 to E24. The ball-end bits let you engage a fastener at an angle, which helps when you can't line up straight.
The bits are S2 steel in heat-treated alloy holders, for manual tools only. At about 12.5 lb in a blow-molded case, it's a big set. GearWrench lists a 1-year warranty on its product page, which is shorter than its usual full lifetime coverage.
Pros
- Hex, ball-end hex, Torx, tamper-proof and E-Torx
- Hex to 19 mm and 3/4"
- E-Torx to E24
Cons
- 1-year warranty listed
- Large, heavy case
GEARWRENCH 84 Piece 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive Hex/Ball End Hex/Tamper Proof Torx/External Torx/Torx SAE/Metric Bit Set 80742
by GEARWRENCH
Hex Socket Set Buying Guide
Sizes for Car Work
Most cars use metric hex. The 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm sizes are the most common, with 7 mm on many brake caliper guide pins and 12 to 17 mm on some drain and fill plugs and drivetrain parts. SAE hex is still common on older domestic vehicles and equipment.
| Hex size | Typical uses |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 mm | Interior trim, small covers, electronics |
| 6 to 8 mm | Brake calipers, engine covers, seats |
| 10 to 14 mm | Suspension, some drain plugs, CV joints |
| 17 to 19 mm | Large drain and fill plugs, drivetrain |
These are typical examples. Check your service manual for your vehicle's sizes. Our socket size chart lists SAE and metric equivalents in order.
Match the Drive to the Size
Small hex bits on a big drive are clumsy, and big bits on a small drive can break the drive. The Capri CP30032 and GearWrench sets split sizes across 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-inch drives for that reason. If you only buy a 3/8-inch set like the Tekton SHB91201, you'll handle most sizes up to 10 mm. For large plugs and drivetrain bolts, add a 1/2-inch set.
Standard vs Long Bits
Standard bits keep the tool short and stiff, which is best for high torque. Long bits reach recessed fasteners and give the ratchet clearance. Many owners end up with both in 3/8-inch drive.
Ball-End Bits
Ball-end hex bits engage a fastener at an angle, which helps when you can't get square to it. They grip less than straight bits, so use them for spinning fasteners in and out, not for breaking them loose or final torque.
Impact or Hand Tool
Chrome sets with S2 bits are for hand tools. Hex bits are especially easy to snap on an impact gun if they aren't rated for it. For impact work, choose an impact-rated set like the GearWrench GWUHBSMS or Sunex 2637. Our impact socket set guide covers the broader category.
Hex, Torx or Both
Many modern cars mix hex and Torx fasteners. If you need both, consider a combo set, or see our Torx socket set guide for dedicated Torx and E-Torx options. You'll also want a solid 3/8" drive socket set and 1/2" drive socket set to drive them.
Bit Retention
Bits are either pressed into the socket permanently (Tekton) or held so they can be replaced. Press-fit bits don't wobble, but a broken bit means a new socket. Replaceable bits are cheaper to fix but can loosen over time. Neither is wrong; just know which you're buying.
How We Chose
We compared current hex and Allen bit socket sets from Capri Tools, GearWrench, Tekton and Sunex using each manufacturer's published contents and specs: every SAE and metric hex size, drive size per bit, bit length, bit and socket material, impact rating, storage and listed warranty. We favored sets that cover the common car sizes from 4 to 10 mm without gaps, and we noted skipped sizes and short warranties. We also weighed recurring owner feedback, such as bits snapping or loosening. We did not test these sets ourselves.
FAQ
What is a hex socket set used for?
Turning socket-head cap screws and other fasteners with a hexagonal recess, the kind you'd normally turn with an Allen key. On cars, they show up on brake calipers, drain and fill plugs, suspension parts, engine covers and many European-built components.
Is an allen wrench socket set better than allen keys?
For anything tight, yes. A hex bit socket lets you use a ratchet, breaker bar or torque wrench, so you can apply more controlled force than with an L-shaped key. Keep keys for light work and reaching awkward angles.
What hex sizes do I need for car work?
Most cars use metric hex from about 4 to 14 mm, with 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm the most common. Brake caliper guide pins and some drain plugs can use 7 mm or larger. Older American vehicles and equipment use SAE sizes from 1/8 to 3/8 inch and up.
Can I use hex bit sockets on an impact wrench?
Only impact-rated ones. Chrome hex bit socket sets with S2 bits, like the Capri and Tekton sets here, are for hand tools. For impact tools, use a set like the GearWrench GWUHBSMS or Sunex 2637.
What are long hex bit sockets for?
Reaching recessed fasteners and giving clearance around obstructions, such as caliper bolts behind a knuckle or screws deep inside a housing. A long bit also lets the ratchet clear the part you're working on.
Verdict
The Capri Tools CP30032 is the best hex socket set for most garages, covering 2 to 19 mm and 5/64" to 3/4" with each size on the right drive. For rounded fasteners or impact use, the GearWrench GWUHBSMS is the stronger choice, and the Tekton SHB91201 is the value pick if you only need 3 to 10 mm on 3/8-inch drive.