CRAFTSMAN 3/8-Inch Metric Socket Sets: Which Kit Covers Your Car?
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CRAFTSMAN has been a go-to name for home mechanics for generations, and its 3/8-inch drive socket sets are some of the most common first tool kits for anyone starting to work on a car. They are known for full polish chrome finishes, clear size markings and a Full Lifetime Warranty on most sets. If you are shopping for a CRAFTSMAN 3/8 metric socket set, the choices can look confusing because model numbers like CMMT12043 and CMMT12111 all sound alike.
In one sentence, these six kits differ by piece count, whether a ratchet is included, whether the ratchet has 72 or 90 teeth, and whether they cover metric only or metric and SAE together. Below we explain drive size, 6-point sockets, ratchet teeth and metric versus SAE in plain words, then compare each kit so you can pick the one that fits your bolts.
CRAFTSMAN Socket Sets Compared
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Socket Set, Metric, 3/8" Drive, 6 Pt., 11Piece (CMMT12043)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN Socket
Best for: Adding metric sockets to an existing ratchet
Pros
- Common 10-21 mm sizes
- Large size markings
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- No ratchet included
- Skips 20 mm
| Set | Pieces | Measurement | Ratchet | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMMT12043 Socket Set | 11 sockets, 10-21 mm | Metric | None | Not listed |
| CMMT34564 Mechanics Tool Set | 10 | Metric | Low-profile, 72-tooth | Blow mold case |
| CMMT12111 Mechanics Tool Set | 24 | Metric | Low-profile, 90-tooth | VERSASTACK compatible case |
| CMMT12127 11-Piece Socket Set | 11, including extension | Metric | Low-profile, 90-tooth | VERSASTACK compatible case |
| 27 Pc SAE and Metric Socket Set (43237-2) | 27 sockets | Metric and SAE | None | No case or rail |
| CMMT12113 Mechanics Tool Set | 33 | SAE and metric | Low-profile, 72-tooth | Blow mold case with metal hinges |
Drive Size, 6-Point Sockets, Ratchet Teeth and Metric vs SAE
Drive size is the size of the square peg on the ratchet and the matching square hole in the socket. A 3/8-inch drive is the middle size: stronger than 1/4-inch for car work, but smaller and lighter than 1/2-inch. For most jobs under the hood, from battery terminals to brake calipers, 3/8-inch is the everyday choice.
A 6-point socket has six corners inside, matching the six sides of a hex bolt. Compared with 12-point sockets, 6-point sockets grip the flat sides of a bolt more firmly, which CRAFTSMAN describes as increased torque and which also helps avoid rounding off stuck bolts. Every set here uses 6-point sockets.
Ratchet teeth decide how far you must swing the handle before the ratchet clicks to the next position. More teeth mean a smaller swing, which matters when there is barely room to move your hand. A 72-tooth ratchet needs a 5-degree swing, as the listings say. The 90-tooth listings also claim a 5-degree arc; in general a 90-tooth design works out to 4 degrees, so treat the listed figure with a little caution. Either way, both are fine for tight engine bays.
Metric versus SAE is about the measurement system. Metric sockets are sized in millimeters and fit most modern cars, including many American-brand vehicles. SAE sockets are sized in fractions of an inch and appear on older American vehicles, lawn equipment and some household hardware. If you only work on a newer car, metric is usually enough; a mixed garage benefits from both.
CRAFTSMAN Socket Set CMMT12043 for Filling Out a Toolbox
The CRAFTSMAN Socket Set, Metric, 3/8″ Drive, 11-Piece (CMMT12043) is sockets only. The listing names eleven shallow 6-point sockets: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 mm. Those cover many of the most common bolt sizes on cars, and the listing says it suits automotive repair, general construction and DIY jobs.
It has a full polish chrome finish for corrosion resistance and large size markings so you can find the right socket quickly. It carries a Full Lifetime Warranty. Note that there is no 20 mm socket, nothing smaller than 10 mm and no ratchet, and the listing does not mention a case or rail.
The CRAFTSMAN CMMT12043 suits someone who already owns a 3/8-inch ratchet and needs a clean set of common metric sockets. First-time buyers should pick a kit that includes a ratchet.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set CMMT34564 for a Compact Starter Kit
Best for: Garages with both metric and SAE bolts
Pros
- 33 pieces, SAE and metric
- 72-tooth low-profile ratchet
- Case fits metal storage boxes
Cons
- Heaviest at 5.4 pounds
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 24 Piece, 3/8 Inch Drive Metric, 90-Tooth (CMMT12111)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool
Best for: First-time car DIYers wanting more pieces
Pros
- 90-tooth low-profile ratchet
- 24 pieces
- VERSASTACK case
Cons
- Socket sizes not listed
Best for: A compact first metric kit
Pros
- Low-profile 72-tooth ratchet
- Blow mold case
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Socket sizes not listed
- Only 10 pieces
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, Metric, 3/8 Inch Drive, 10 Piece (CMMT34564) is the smallest complete kit here. It includes an improved low-profile 72-tooth ratchet with a 5-degree swing and an assortment of 6-point metric sockets, all in a durable blow mold case.
The low-profile ratchet head is up to 25% thinner than CRAFTSMAN’s CMMT81748 ratchet, which helps in confined spaces. The finish is full polish chrome, and it carries a Full Lifetime Warranty. The listing does not name the socket sizes, so check the product photos if you need a specific size such as 10 mm or 14 mm.
The CRAFTSMAN CMMT34564 suits a glovebox or small first kit for simple car jobs. Buyers who want extensions and more sockets should look at the 24-piece CMMT12111.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set CMMT12111 for First-Time Car DIYers
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 24 Piece, 3/8 Inch Drive Metric, 90-Tooth (CMMT12111) adds more coverage. It includes an assortment of 6-point sockets, drive tools and a low-profile 90-tooth ratchet with a head up to 25% thinner than the CMMT81748. Drive tools are pieces like extensions that help you reach recessed bolts.
Everything packs into a compact VERSASTACK compatible case. VERSASTACK is CRAFTSMAN’s modular storage system, where cases click together in different combinations. It has a full polish chrome finish and a Full Lifetime Warranty. The listing gives an item length of 10.3 inches but does not list the individual socket sizes.
The CRAFTSMAN CMMT12111 is a strong gift for someone starting to do their own oil changes and brake jobs. If you also need SAE sizes, the 33-piece CMMT12113 covers both.
CRAFTSMAN 11-Piece Socket Set CMMT12127 for Tight Engine Bays
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 11-Piece Socket Set, Metric, 3/8 Inch Drive, Low Profile Ratchet, 90-Tooth (CMMT12127)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN 11-Piece Socket
Best for: Tight engine bays on a small kit
Pros
- 90-tooth ratchet
- Extension included
- VERSASTACK compatible
Cons
- Warranty not in feature list
- Sizes not listed
The CRAFTSMAN 11-Piece Socket Set, Metric, 3/8 Inch Drive, Low Profile Ratchet, 90-Tooth (CMMT12127) puts the low-profile 90-tooth ratchet into a smaller kit. It includes an assortment of 6-point sockets and an extension, packed in a VERSASTACK compatible case, and weighs about 1.29 kg.
The CRAFTSMAN CMMT12127 low profile ratchet has the same up to 25% thinner head as the CMMT12111. The description mentions the Full Lifetime Warranty, though the feature list does not. Socket sizes are not listed.
This set suits a buyer who values the fine-tooth ratchet and wants a compact case. For more pieces with the same ratchet, step up to the CMMT12111.
New Craftsman 27 Pc SAE and Metric Socket Set for Sockets Only
Best for: Mixed metric and SAE sockets only
Pros
- 16 metric plus 11 SAE
- 6-21 mm range
Cons
- No case or rail
- No ratchet, bulk packaged
The New Craftsman 27 Pc SAE Standard and Metric 3/8″ Drive 6 Point Socket Set, part 43237-2, is another sockets-only set, but with both measurement systems. It includes 11 SAE sockets from 1/4 to 7/8 inch and 16 metric sockets from 6 to 21 mm, which fills the smaller metric sizes that the CMMT12043 lacks.
The listing is clear that it does not come in a case or on a socket rail and arrives bulk packaged, out of retail packaging. There is no ratchet. The listing weighs it at 2.7 pounds. The specs also mention “Bit Set” and “Hex” shank, which appear to be listing errors for a socket set.
This set suits someone with a ratchet who wants broad coverage of both systems. It is not ideal as a gift, since it arrives without a case.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set CMMT12113 for SAE and Metric Garages
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 33 Piece, 3/8 Inch Drive SAE/Metric (CMMT12113) is the largest kit. The CRAFTSMAN CMMT12113 SAE metric set includes 6-point sockets in both systems, drive tools and a low-profile 72-tooth ratchet with a 5-degree swing.
Its blow mold case has metal hinges and is designed to fit into CRAFTSMAN metal storage boxes. It weighs 5.4 pounds, measures 15.3 inches long and carries a Full Lifetime Warranty.
This set suits a garage with a newer car and older equipment. For a metric-only kit, the CMMT12111 is lighter. For more options, see our guide to CRAFTSMAN sockets in 3/8 drive.
How to Choose the Right CRAFTSMAN Socket Set
Start with what you already own. If you have a ratchet, a sockets-only set like the CMMT12043 or the 27-piece set adds coverage. If not, choose a mechanics tool set that includes one.
Then match your vehicles. Modern cars mostly need metric, so the CMMT34564, CMMT12111 or CMMT12127 work well. A mix of old and new points to the CMMT12113.
Consider the ratchet. The 90-tooth ratchets need a smaller swing for cramped spaces. The 72-tooth ratchets are close behind.
Finally, think about bigger jobs. Stubborn lug nuts and suspension bolts often call for a 1/2-inch tool; our guide to the CRAFTSMAN 1/2-inch impact wrench covers that step up.
FAQ
Which CRAFTSMAN socket set should I buy for my first car kit?
The 24-piece CMMT12111 includes a ratchet, sockets and drive tools in one case, which makes it a well-rounded start.
Do I need metric or SAE sockets?
Most modern cars use metric bolts. Older American vehicles and some equipment use SAE, so a mixed garage benefits from both.
What is the difference between 72-tooth and 90-tooth ratchets?
More teeth mean a smaller swing between clicks, helpful in tight spaces. Both types here have low-profile heads.
Are CRAFTSMAN socket sets covered by a warranty?
Most of these listings mention a Full Lifetime Warranty. The 27-piece set does not state one.
Does the CMMT12043 include a ratchet?
No. It includes eleven metric sockets from 10 to 21 mm only.
