Tool Review: Husky 179 681 19-Piece 1/4" Mini Socket Set

Husky makes many different tools and tool sets.  One of them is the 19-piece 1/4" mini socket set (model# 179 681), which I saw sitting on a shelf in Home Depot and bought because it was only five bucks or so and the only socket set I had at the time was a free one I got when I opened my checking account.

This Husky set comes with everything you need for a basic starter socket set.  It has a stubby ratchet (with a comfortable rubber grip), eight different-sized metric sockets, nine different driver bits, and a bit holder that fits onto the ratchet.  And it all comes conveniently stored in a small plastic case with a spot for everything, which makes the set easy to transport.  The only problem with the case is that it does not latch; a sliding plastic tab opens and locks the case.  The tab is sufficient if the case remains stationary, but if you put it in your trunk or somewhere else where it will move around, the case could work its way open.  Everything inside the case is reasonably secured, however, so even if the case opens inadvertently nothing should spill out (unless you hit a big bump or the case drops on a hard floor).  There is a little bit of room in between the wrench, bits, and sockets so that you can fit an extension bar or two.

The sockets range from 4mm to 12mm, and each one has its size imprinted on the side.  The screwdriver bits include three Phillips bits, three slotted (flathead) bits, and three hex bits.  Unlike with other socket sets, none of these sockets lock onto the ratchet's 1/4" head, but they all fit snugly enough that you don't have to worry about them falling off by accident.  As is typical with Husky products, this set comes with a lifetime warranty.

Being a mini socket set, it may not provide enough torque or force for large jobs, but it works great for most tasks around the house.  The ratchet turns smoothly, and its rubber grip makes it easy to hold on to.  The only limitation I've come across so far with this set is that the sockets are too small to fit the bolts on my lawnmower wheels, but for everything that it fits it works great.

Unfortunately, you can't find this particular set on the Home Depot website anymore, but you may still be able to find it on a store shelf for a few bucks.  Amazon.com had it for sale, but it's listed as unavailable right now.  I give this socket set 3 out of 5 stars.  If you can find it for $5 or so, it's a good deal.

(Originally published on Helium.com, Sept 2010)