CRAFTSMAN 3/8 Drive Socket Sets for Every Toolbox
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CRAFTSMAN has been a garage staple for generations, and its socket sets are among the most common first tools people buy or give. A 3/8-inch drive set is the middle size most home mechanics reach for first, because it handles the majority of car, lawn mower and furniture bolts without being bulky. If you searched craftsman socket set 3/8 drive, you mainly need to decide on piece count, whether you want SAE, metric or both, and whether you need a ratchet in the box.
The six CRAFTSMAN sets below run from an 11-piece socket-only set to a 230-piece three-drawer toolbox, and they differ mainly in size, measurement system and what comes with the sockets.
CRAFTSMAN 3/8-Inch Socket Sets Compared
| Set | Pieces | Drive sizes | SAE or metric | Ratchet and storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set CMMT45161 | 61 | 3/8 inch | Not listed | 72-tooth ratchet, blow molded case |
| CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set CMMT34564 | 10 | 3/8 inch | Metric | 72-tooth ratchet, blow molded case |
| CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set CMMT12124 | 135 | 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch | SAE and metric | 72-tooth ratchets, blow molded case |
| CRAFTSMAN Socket Set CMMT12042 | 11 | 3/8 inch | SAE | No ratchet, case not listed |
| CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set CMMT45306 | 230 | 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch | SAE and metric | 3 ratchets, 3-drawer VERSASTACK box |
| CRAFTSMAN 10 Pc Mechanics Tool Set CMMT34563 | 10 | 3/8 inch | SAE | 90-tooth ratchet, blow molded case |
Some terms, explained simply. “Drive size” is the size of the square hole on the back of a socket that fits onto the ratchet; 1/4-inch is for small fasteners, 3/8-inch for most everyday jobs, and 1/2-inch for big, tight bolts. “SAE” sockets are sized in inches, common on older American vehicles and many household items, while “metric” sockets are sized in millimeters, used on most modern cars. “6-point” sockets grip the flat sides of a bolt head, which helps prevent rounding. A ratchet’s “tooth count” decides how little you need to swing the handle before it catches; more teeth means a smaller swing, which helps in cramped spaces.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set 61 Piece for Home Starters
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, Metric, 3/8 Inch Drive, 10 Piece (CMMT34564)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool
Best for: Metric top-up for modern cars
Pros
- Metric 6-point sockets
- Low profile 72-tooth ratchet
- Compact case
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only 10 pieces
- Socket sizes not listed
Best for: Starter 3/8 set for home DIYers
Pros
- 61 pieces in 3/8-inch drive
- Low profile 72-tooth ratchet
- Blow molded case with metal hinges
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- SAE or metric mix not listed
- Only one drive size
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 3/8 Inch Drive, 61 Piece (CMMT45161) is a focused 3/8-inch set built around a low profile 72-tooth ratchet. The listing says the ratchet head is up to 25 percent thinner than CRAFTSMAN’s CMMT81748 ratchet, with a 5-degree arc swing, so it fits into tight spots like behind an engine bracket.
It includes a broad assortment of 6-point sockets, drive tool accessories and specialty bits in a blow molded case with metal hinges that is designed to fit CRAFTSMAN metal storage boxes. The finish is full polish chrome for corrosion resistance, the set weighs 9 pounds, and it carries a full lifetime warranty. The listing does not say how the sockets split between SAE and metric sizes, so check the product images for the exact list.
The craftsman cmmt45161 61 piece set is a sensible starter for someone doing home repairs and basic car maintenance. If you need 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch drives too, step up to the 135-piece set.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set Metric 10 Piece for Modern Cars
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, Metric, 3/8 Inch Drive, 10 Piece (CMMT34564) is a compact metric kit. It pairs the same low profile 72-tooth ratchet with a 5-degree arc swing with an assortment of metric 6-point sockets, all in a blow molded case.
It has a full polish chrome finish, alloy steel construction and a full lifetime warranty. The listing does not state which metric sizes are included, so confirm that the common sizes you need, such as those on your car’s battery terminals or oil drain plug, are covered before buying.
The craftsman cmmt34564 metric set suits someone who already owns SAE sockets and wants a small metric kit for a newer car, or a glovebox set. For a bigger metric range, see our CRAFTSMAN 3/8 metric socket set guide.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set 135 Pcs for a Complete First Kit
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set 135 Pcs, 1/4, 1/2 and 3/8 Inch Drive SAE and Metric Socket Wrench Set with Case (CMMT12124)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set 135 Pcs
Best for: First complete mechanics set gift
Pros
- 135 pieces, three drive sizes
- SAE and metric included
- Combination wrenches included
- Case fits CRAFTSMAN metal boxes
Cons
- Heavy at 20.7 pounds
- Exact socket breakdown not listed
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set 135 Pcs (CMMT12124) covers all three common drive sizes, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch, in both SAE and metric. It includes low profile 72-tooth ratchets with up to 25 percent thinner heads, 6-point and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches, and specialty bits.
Everything sits in a blow molded case with metal hinges that fits CRAFTSMAN metal storage boxes. The set weighs 20.7 pounds, has a full polish chrome finish and a full lifetime warranty. The listing does not break down the exact socket sizes.
The craftsman 135 piece tool set is the one we would suggest as a gift for a new car owner or first apartment, because it covers nearly every common fastener. It gives way to the 61-piece set if the recipient only needs 3/8-inch drive and wants something lighter.
CRAFTSMAN Socket Set SAE 11 Piece for Filling Gaps
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Socket Set, SAE, 3/8" Drive, 6 Pt., 11Piece (CMMT12042)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN Socket
Best for: Adding SAE sockets to an existing ratchet
Pros
- 11 SAE sockets 1/4 to 7/8 inch
- 6-point design
- Large size markings
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- No ratchet included
- No case mentioned
The CRAFTSMAN Socket Set, SAE, 3/8″ Drive, 6 Pt., 11 Piece (CMMT12042) is sockets only, with no ratchet. The listing names eleven shallow 6-point SAE sockets: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16 and 7/8 inch.
They have a full polish chrome finish, large size markings for quick identification, and a full lifetime warranty. The listing does not mention a case or rail. It also includes a note that international versions may differ in fit and labeling, so buy from the domestic listing if possible. The set weighs 16 ounces.
The craftsman cmmt12042 sae set suits someone who already has a 3/8-inch ratchet and needs a clean run of inch sizes. Anyone starting from scratch should pick a set that includes a ratchet. Our guide to CRAFTSMAN sockets 3/8 drive covers more individual socket options.
CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set with VERSASTACK Toolbox
Best for: Serious hobbyists wanting a full toolbox
Pros
- 230 pieces with 91 sockets
- 3-drawer VERSASTACK toolbox
- Locking one-handed drawer dial
- SAE and metric, three drives
Cons
- Heaviest set at 24.7 pounds
- More than a beginner needs
The CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45306) is the largest here. The listing breaks it down as 91 sockets, 3 ratchets, 21 wrenches, 44 hex keys (short and long arm), 66 specialty bits and 5 accessories, covering 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drives in SAE and metric, including deep sockets.
It comes in a 3-drawer toolbox with a spring-loaded, one-handed locking dial that secures the drawers, and drawers that can nest on top of the box for temporary storage. The box is VERSASTACK compatible, meaning it can click together with other CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK storage. The ratchets are low profile 72-tooth designs. It weighs 24.7 pounds and has a full lifetime warranty.
The craftsman 230 piece versastack set suits serious hobbyists or anyone setting up a garage workbench. For a casual DIYer, it is more tools and weight than needed.
CRAFTSMAN 10 Pc Mechanics Tool Set with 90-Tooth Ratchet
Best for: SAE sockets with a finer ratchet
Pros
- 90-tooth low profile ratchet
- SAE 6-point sockets
- Compact at 2.3 pounds
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only 10 pieces
- Arc swing figure looks inconsistent
The CRAFTSMAN 10 Pc Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT34563) is an SAE 3/8-inch kit built around a 90-tooth low profile ratchet instead of the 72-tooth ratchet in the other sets. More teeth usually means a smaller arc swing, though the listing still states 5 degrees, the same as the 72-tooth ratchets, so we cannot confirm a difference from the listing alone.
It includes an assortment of SAE 6-point sockets in a blow molded case, a full polish chrome finish, and a full lifetime warranty. It is 8.5 inches long and weighs 2.3 pounds. The listing does not name the socket sizes.
The craftsman cmmt34563 set suits someone who wants a compact SAE kit with CRAFTSMAN’s finer ratchet. It pairs naturally with the metric 10-piece set for a small two-case kit.
How to Choose the Right CRAFTSMAN 3/8 Socket Set
- Measurement system: Newer cars are mostly metric; older American vehicles and many household items use SAE. If unsure, choose a set with both, like the 135 or 230-piece sets.
- Drive sizes: 3/8-inch covers most jobs. Add 1/4 and 1/2-inch for small screws and big lug-size bolts.
- Ratchet included: The CMMT12042 has no ratchet; every other set here includes at least one.
- Storage and weight: Small cases are easy to carry; the 230-piece box is a workbench fixture.
- Warranty: All six listings name a full lifetime warranty.
FAQ
What is the best CRAFTSMAN 3/8 socket set for beginners?
The 135-piece CMMT12124 covers three drive sizes in SAE and metric. If you only need 3/8-inch drive, the 61-piece CMMT45161 is lighter.
Do I need SAE or metric sockets?
Most modern cars use metric fasteners, while older American vehicles and many household items use SAE. A mixed set avoids guesswork.
What does 6-point mean on a socket?
A 6-point socket grips the six flat sides of a bolt head, which helps reduce rounding when you apply force.
Does the CRAFTSMAN 11-piece SAE set include a ratchet?
No. The CMMT12042 includes 11 sockets only, from 1/4 to 7/8 inch.
What is VERSASTACK?
It is CRAFTSMAN’s stackable storage system. The 230-piece set’s 3-drawer toolbox is listed as VERSASTACK compatible.
Are CRAFTSMAN socket sets covered by warranty?
All six listings here mention a full lifetime warranty.
