Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
We all love our master mechanics sets, but there’s still room in our lives for smaller sets. Nearly finished with by 1982 Porsche 924 restoration, I’ve been carrying the 22-piece Wurth Zebra 3/8-inch socket set around to make occasional adjustments and for general use as I help with other repairs away from the shop.
As a mechanic, you’re still going to want your master set back at the shop, but it’s worth having this set on hand while you’re on the road.
It’s also a great set for contractors. You can’t reach every fastener with an impact tool and having a good socket set on hand can save you a lot of time over standard wrenches.
Of the 22 pieces in this set, 18 are sockets ranging from 6mm to 22mm and hitting every size in between.
They’re 12-point sockets, giving you quicker connections to the fasteners you’re working with. We can have the 6-point vs 12-point socket debate all day, but I prefer 12-point, particularly on a 3/8-inch drive ratchet.
The ratchet Wurth includes in the set is a bit different from what we see in many mechanics sets.
It’s not a quick-release version, though. For the first couple of jobs, the detent holding the socket on was pretty tight. However, it did loosen up and I don’t have any issues with it now. Even though it works well, I’d prefer the Zebra quick release.
The forward/reverse mechanism goes the rotary disc collar route instead of a flip switch.
The handle has a rubber overmold that I’m conflicted over. On one hand, I prefer an exposed metal handle. It’s easier to clean and isn’t as prone to collecting gunk over time.
On the other hand, it’s a really comfortable design. The cushioning and contours feel good in my hand and it has better grip security than polished chrome.
The last talking point on the ratchet is its length. It’s a little too short to be my go-to ratchet, somewhat limiting the leverage I get on it. Don’t get me wrong—it’s effective. I’d just prefer more length.
Two extensions and a universal joint come in the set. Between them, you can get to most fasteners. There have been a few times I wished for a third extension to reach deeper, though.
The set comes in a metal box with a foam insert, keeping everything organized in a compact package. It’s even short enough to fit in my regular size tool chest drawers.
You can pick up this socket set direct from Wurth USA for around $135. Here’s what it includes:
The pricing is on the premium side, in line with what we expect from higher-end mechanics brands.
Wurth USA runs promotions so be sure to check to see if this product is on special!
The compact size of the Wurth Zebra 3/8-inch socket set lends it to service on a mobile platform. Its physical size fits great in your toolbox, truck box, boat, or vehicle. The shorter ratchet with a covered handle is a big win when you’re having to stop for an unexpected repair or adjustment.
As a mechanic, you’re still going to want your master set back at the shop, but it’s worth having this set on hand while you’re on the road.
It’s also a great set for contractors. You can’t reach every fastener with an impact tool and having a good socket set on hand can save you a lot of time over standard wrenches.
Want more Wurth hand tools? Check out our review of their Zebra PowerDriv Dual Ratchet Combo Wrenches.
One of the original founders of Pro Tool Reviews, Tom has nearly twenty years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He's been a project manager at an engineering firm, started his own architectural design company, and finally owned and operated a residential construction company as a licensed contractor in South Carolina. Tom's specialties are problem-solving and attention to detail—two traits that are apparent each time he tests and reviews power tools.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros