MILWAUKEE 56 PIECE RATCHET AND SOCKET SET REVIEW

As a woodworker, when I talk to people about starting their shop the conversation is normally around whether to start with a table saw, miter saw, or circular saw, or would a bandsaw be better? That’s great, but woodworker or not, you know what every house needs? BASIC tools!

You know, a hammer, some screwdrivers, and a ratchet and socket set. Definitely. Every time. So if you’re just starting out and don’t have a good ratchet and socket set, or are looking to upgrade, or lost your 10mm socket and want a reason to buy some really nice tools - check out this set by Milwaukee.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 90-tooth socket design

• 4 degrees of arc swing

• Slim profile ratchet

• Flush directional lever

• Socket flats deter rolling

• Wrench-ready socket design

• Stamped socket sizes

• Removable inner storage tray

• Portable carrying case

• Lifetime guarantee

FEATURES & DESIGN

The Milwaukee 56 Piece Socket Set comes in a carrying case with a molded and removable insert inside. That’s really convenient if you have a tool chest you want to put them in instead of keeping them in the carrying case.

Also, all of the sockets come loaded into their positions! That sounds obvious, but my head still hurts when I think about the last socket set so I purchased (not Milwaukee) that had a nice case and 3 bags with all the tools. Talk about a disappointing unboxing experience.

All of the sockets are flat on four sides to keep them from rolling around. And if you’ve ever been under your vehicle doing an oil change and had a socket roll away from you, it’s easy to appreciate that feature. The other perk of the four flats is it makes it easy to grab the socket with a wrench instead of the ratchet.

I don’t know why knurling isn’t standard on ratchets, but this ratchet handle does have flats to keep it from helping and you grip it with oily or sweaty hands. It also features a slim head which will help you get into tighter spaces. And with the 4’ arc swing, you’ll still be able to get movement on that bolt even in the most limited spaces.

The selector switch on the back of the ratchet that switches between lefty loosey and righty tight is conveniently labeled off and on. That will save me the typical twist the socket and think for a second to figure out if the wrench is set the right way. It’s a minor thing, but details like that make me happy.

The metric sockets have every millimeter increment from 6 to 19 in standard and deep well sockets. The SAE sockets come in every 1/16” inch size between a 1/4” and 1” for the standard and 1/4” to 7/8” in the deep well sockets. All of the sizes are stamped boldly into the sockets so you won’t have to worry about them wearing off and they are very easy to read. It also comes with a 3 inch and 6 inch extension as well as a universal joint that is great for getting into hard to reach places.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Since the Milwaukee Ratchet and Socket Set came in my shop, I haven’t cracked open my big 200+ mechanic kit. Between the socket sizes, extensions, and universal joint, this set has everything I need for 99% of my wrenching needs in my shop and house.

Milwaukee has a solid reputation as a brand, and after getting my hands on these they definitely live up the expectation and are definitely a lifetime tool. Plus with the features like the stamped sizes that won’t wear off, the flats to keep things from rolling around, and the “on/off” markings on the ratchet - this is a set I’ll enjoy using and won’t be looking to upgrade.