Home Depot has a basic Milwaukee mechanics tool set on sale as part of their 2023 holiday tool deals and gift center right now.
This set, model 48-22-9044, is priced at just $50. It’s a 1/4″ drive set with a 90T ratchet, a single extension (3″), 11 SAE sockets, and 12 metric sockets.
All of the sockets feature Milwaukee’s four-flat design, which makes them wrench-ready and roll-resistant.
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This isn’t a very large set, which the price already suggests.
The storage case is similar to what Milwaukee bundles with many of their other mechanics tool sets, and features a removable tray. You can store the tools in a drawer, or keep them in the case for greater portability.
I see this as light portable tool kit for common assembly or maintenance tasks, or a low-risk intro to Milwaukee’s mechanics hand tool lineup.
Price: $49.97
See Also: Milwaukee 50pc 1/4″ Mechanics Tool Set
This 50pc gives you everything the 25pc set comes with, plus deep sockets in all of the same sizes (11 SAE, 12 metric), a longer extension size, and a universal adapter.
Price: $99.97
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See Also: Milwaukee 3/8″ Mechanics Tool Set
This Milwaukee 3/8″ drive 56pc mechanics tool set comes with a 90-tooth ratchet, two extensions, a universal adapter, and shallow and deep sockets in SAE and metric sizes.
Price: $99
James
I say spend the extra bucks, get the full sized set in the Packout case. It’s excellent if a bit expensive. I removed the molded plastic in the middle and threw in all of my 1/4” and 3/8” adapter bits and it’s lovely to have everything (outside of my 1/2” stuff) in one place.
I guess some people want mini socket sets, but I’ve never found them too useful – I just get frustrated when I grab one and the size I need isn’t there.
Nathan
The 3/8 th kit is priced about right for the size and dollar. iMO
I’m sure Milwaukee ratchets etc are good as any gear wrench but the look thick to me. I’m not enamored with them but I’m sure they work well
Aaron SD
This looks pretty cool. I’m set on sockets but interested in a good basic full wrench set for under $50. It’s be nice if was ratcheting but not necessary.
MoogleMan3
I grabbed this set for $59.88 last black friday and have been happy with it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-and-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set-with-Tray-44-Piece-HCW44PCSMTRAY/320379654
Andrew
I would jump to the packout set. They go on sale with Depot Deal of the day for $89 periodically. You get 1/4 and 3/8 all wrapped up in one nice packout box. I purchased the SAE/Metric set on sale and I love it. Compact and complete package in a watertight box in case you need to transport it.
As for the tools themselves, I really like how smooth they operate. They have enough mass to not feel cheap and not oversized to feel bulky.
MoogleMan3
Is this the set you’re referring to?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-3-8-in-and-1-4-in-Drive-SAE-Metric-Ratchet-and-Socket-Mechanics-Tool-Set-with-PACKOUT-Case-106-Piece-48-22-9486/313128236
If so, I need to watch for that $89 price; I’d jump on that in a heartbeat.
Stuart
Definitely not.
These sets sometimes dip below their $100 special buy prices:
32pc Metric Tool Set
28pc SAE Tool Set
Right now you can buy them both for $179.
Mikey C.
Have you ever seen the 106 packout set go on sale? I’ve been holding out to buy that one.
Stuart
Once, maybe twice – it’s extremely rare.
MoogleMan3
I think I remember that set going for $199 at some point.
Dave
I learned years ago how valuable the 1/4” socket set can be in a pinch. I own a few of them with different manufacturers. My favorite is the Stanley I purchased from Walmart 7-8 years ago with all deep sockets in 1/4” drive. The negative about the Stanley is it isn’t enclosed in a box but on a plastic rack where a cover keeps the sockets in place as well as the ratchet. I usually use a rubber band to keep this cover closed but over time the band breaks and I have to sort all the pieces out of my tool box! Happened a few times including just last week. Regarding the Milwaukee…a tad too expensive for a 1/4” drive VS the frequency of usage IMO. I do however like the fact Milwaukee includes a 9/16” Socket however as most 1/4” sets only go to 1/2.”
Koko The Talking Ape
For a 1/4″ ratchet, I look for either a 1/4″ hex adapter or the ability to take 1/4″ hex bits directly. That allows the tool to become a ratcheting screwdriver with huge torque (compared to an ordinary screwdriver.)
I did get a Milwaukee 3/8″ 100-piece set a few years ago, and it’s been excellent.
Munklepunk
These are decent sets, but do we need more SAE sets anymore? Individual sockets I get, but who needs whole sets anymore since everything has gone to metric, and if it hasn’t why not. Cars have been SAE since the early 80s, none of my small engines, appliances, bicycles. Old cars and classic American stuff sure, but does anyone go into a trade and really need an SAE socket or wrench set anymore? If companies stopped producing the metric SAE combo sets it would be really nice.
Stuart
I use SAE 80% of the time.
Mechanics tools aren’t just for auto maintenance.
Milwaukee has some metric-only sets too.
Joelikestools
There is a good amount of commercial/industrial equipment that is manufactured in the US and use SAE. E.g. commercial appliances (Hobart, CMA, ADS, all come to mind.) Blast cabinets would be another category..
OldDominionDIYer
I have the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch sets, all in metric and SAE but not in the packout kit, I started buying them before that was available, I did get the 1/4 inch set in the packout though. Great sets and very good quality IMO.
jayne erin defranco
They do work very well. I always remember the saying YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. I have a deep well set and they are just great. just scored the fifty peace set fort 80 bucks special promo today only