Tekton 3/8-Inch Socket Sets: Which Size Kit Do You Need?
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Tekton is an American hand-tool brand known for no-nonsense socket sets with large, easy-to-read size stamps and a warranty with no receipts needed. Its 3/8-inch drive sets are a favorite starting point for people building their first toolbox, because 3/8 inch is the “just right” drive size for most car, bike and home jobs.
The six sets below all use the same 6-point chrome sockets, but they differ in three ways: whether a ratchet is included, whether you get inch (SAE) sizes, metric sizes or both, and whether the sockets come on rails or in a case.
Tekton 3/8-Inch Socket Sets Compared
| Model | Pieces | Sizes | Ratchet in Title | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEKTON SKT15311, 73-Piece | 73 | 1/4 to 1 in. and 6 to 24 mm | Yes | Not listed |
| TEKTON SKT15301, 46-Piece | 46 | 5/16 to 3/4 in. and 8 to 19 mm | Yes | Not listed |
| TEKTON SKT15201, 42-Piece | 42 | 6 to 24 mm | Yes | Not listed |
| TEKTON SHD91220, 68-Piece | 68 | 1/4 to 1 in. and 6 to 24 mm | No | Rails |
| TEKTON SHD91211, 38-Piece | 38 | 6 to 24 mm | No | Rails and tray |
| TEKTON SHD91102, 12-Piece | 12 | 8 to 19 mm | No | Rail |
Three terms explained simply. “3/8-inch drive” is the size of the square hole on the back of each socket, which fits the square peg on a matching ratchet. “6-point” means the socket has six corners inside, matching the six sides of a bolt head for a snug grip that is less likely to slip. “SAE” sizes are measured in inches and “metric” in millimeters; most modern cars use metric, while older American machines and some household hardware use SAE.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point 73-Piece Set for a Complete Starter Kit
The TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set SKT15311 is the most complete kit here, with 73 pieces covering 1/4 to 1 inch and 6 to 24 mm. The listing names 15 shallow SAE sockets and 15 deep SAE sockets, each running from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, followed by 19 metric sockets. The contents list is cut off after that, so the exact accessories beyond the ratchet named in the title are not shown.
Like every set in this guide, the sockets have large markings roll-stamped into the metal, so they will not wear off. The outside is chrome-plated to resist corrosion and wipe clean, and the inside is chrome-plated with an added clear coat or paint where needed. Rounded inner corners push on the flat sides of a bolt rather than its corners, which helps prevent rounding off a stubborn bolt. Detent grooves and beveled edges help the socket click securely onto the ratchet.
At 16.6 pounds, this is the heaviest set in the list. It suits a buyer who wants one purchase that handles both inch and metric work, shallow and deep, for years to come. If you only work on a modern car, the metric 42-piece set is lighter and simpler.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point 46-Piece Set for Everyday Repairs
The TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set SKT15301 trims the range to the sizes people reach for most: 5/16 to 3/4 inch and 8 to 19 mm. The listing names 9 shallow and 9 deep SAE sockets plus 12 metric sockets, and the list is cut off after that, so the remaining pieces are not detailed. The title confirms a ratchet is included.
The sockets share the same stamped markings, chrome finish and anti-round-off design as the rest of the lineup. The listing specs note alloy steel and an item length of 9.07 inches, but no weight.
This set is a good fit for a first apartment or a first car, where you mainly deal with common bolt sizes. It gives way to the 73-piece set if you need very small or very large sizes, such as 6 mm or 1 inch.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point 42-Piece Metric Set for Modern Cars
The TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set SKT15201 is metric only. It includes 19 shallow and 19 deep sockets, each from 6 to 24 mm, a 3/8-inch universal joint (a swivel piece that lets you reach bolts at an angle), and a two-piece item the listing cuts off before naming. A ratchet is included according to the title.
It weighs 9.1 pounds. Every size from 6 to 24 mm comes in both shallow and deep versions. Shallow sockets fit into tight spaces, while deep sockets reach nuts sitting on long bolts or studs.
This is the pick for owners of modern cars, motorcycles and bicycles, which rely almost entirely on metric fasteners. If you want to compare metric-only sets from other makers, our 3/8 metric socket set guide is a useful next read.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point 68-Piece Set with Rails for Organized Toolboxes
The TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set with Rails SHD91220 packs 68 sockets covering 1/4 to 1 inch and 6 to 24 mm. The listing names 15 shallow and 15 deep SAE sockets from 1/4 to 1 inch, and then 19 metric sockets before the text is cut off. The title does not mention a ratchet, so plan on using one you already own.
Socket rails are metal or plastic strips that sockets clip onto in size order, so you can see instantly which one is missing. The listing gives an item length of 18 inches, notes alloy steel with a polished finish, and does not state a weight.
This set suits someone who already has a ratchet and wants a big, tidy collection in a toolbox drawer. It is also a thoughtful upgrade gift for a person whose old sockets are scattered.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point 38-Piece Metric Set with Rails and Tray
The TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set SHD91211 contains 19 shallow and 19 deep metric sockets from 6 to 24 mm, along with socket rails and a tray. It does not include a ratchet.
The set weighs 7.6 pounds, and the listing describes the warranty as “No time limits, no receipts,” pointing to Tekton’s website for details.
Pick this set if you have a ratchet and want a full metric range laid out neatly. For an all-in-one metric kit with a ratchet, choose the 42-piece SKT15201 instead. If you plan to use an impact wrench, note that these are hand sockets; see our 3/8 impact socket set guide for that job.
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point 12-Piece Set for Small Kits and Gifts
The TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set SHD91102 is the smallest kit: 12 shallow metric sockets from 8 to 19 mm on a socket rail. It weighs just 1.3 pounds.
Those twelve sizes cover many of the bolts you meet on bikes, lawn equipment and car trim, and the rail keeps them in order. There is no ratchet and no deep sockets.
This set fits a glovebox, a camper or a stocking. It gives way to the 38-piece set when you need deep sockets or sizes outside 8 to 19 mm. For awkward low-clearance jobs, some people also add Tekton extra shallow sockets to a small kit like this.
How to Choose the Right Tekton 3/8 Socket Set
Do you own a ratchet? If not, choose a “Socket and Ratchet Set”: the 73-piece, 46-piece or 42-piece. If you do, the rail sets (68, 38 and 12 pieces) give you more sockets for your money without a duplicate ratchet.
SAE, metric or both? For a modern car or bike, metric-only sets (42, 38 and 12 pieces) are enough. For a mix of older machines and household hardware, get both with the 73, 46 or 68-piece set.
Shallow and deep. Deep sockets reach nuts on long bolts. The 12-piece set is shallow only; every other set includes deep sockets.
Storage style. Rails keep sockets in order in a drawer. The listings for the ratchet sets do not describe their storage, so check the product photos.
Size range. The widest range is 1/4 to 1 inch and 6 to 24 mm in the 73 and 68-piece sets. The 46-piece and 12-piece sets stick to the most common middle sizes.
FAQ
Which Tekton socket set should a beginner buy?
A beginner without a ratchet will do well with the 46-piece SKT15301 for everyday jobs, or the 73-piece SKT15311 for the widest coverage. Metric-car owners can go straight to the 42-piece SKT15201.
Why does Tekton use 6-point sockets?
The listings say the 6-point opening gives an exact fit and maximum contact on hex fasteners, and the rounded corners push on the flat sides of the bolt to help prevent rounding it off.
Do the Tekton socket sets with rails include a ratchet?
The titles for the 68-piece, 38-piece and 12-piece rail sets do not mention a ratchet, so expect sockets only.
Are Tekton sockets rust resistant?
The listings say the exterior is chrome-plated to resist corrosion, and the interior is chrome-plated with a clear coat or painted finish where needed.
What is the difference between shallow and deep sockets?
Shallow sockets are short and fit into tight spaces. Deep sockets are longer, so they can slide over a bolt that sticks out past its nut.
What warranty does Tekton offer?
The 38-piece listing describes it as “No time limits, no receipts” and points to Tekton’s warranty page. The other listings here do not repeat the wording.
