Description

Key Features

3/8 In Drive Fit

This DeWalt socket is built for 3/8 inch drive ratchets and related hand tools, making it a practical size for everyday mechanic and maintenance work.

Chrome Vanadium Build

Premium chrome vanadium steel gives the socket the strength needed for repeated use while helping it hold up in a busy box or cart.

Better Grip By Hand

Knurled beauty rings reduce hand slippage when you are starting or removing the socket manually, which saves a little frustration when your hands are oily or dusty.

Overview

The DeWalt DWMT88978OSP 6 Point 3/8 in Drive Socket 1/2 in SAE is a standard hand tool socket for turning 1/2 inch SAE fasteners with a 3/8 inch drive ratchet or extension. This is a socket designed for fastening and mechanical service work. Model Number: DWMT88978OSP. It is a good fit for mechanics, maintenance techs, and serious DIY users who want a straightforward 6-point socket that grips the flats of the fastener instead of riding the corners.

The big advantage here is the 6-point opening. On the job, that matters because a 6-point socket is usually the better choice when you want a more secure grip on standard hex fasteners, especially if the hardware is tight, older, or a little worn. Pair that with the 1/2 inch SAE size and you have a common socket size for automotive and shop work.

DeWalt builds this socket from premium chrome vanadium steel, which is the spec you want to see in a hand socket because it speaks directly to strength and long-term durability. This is not a specialty deep socket, so it stays compact for standard-access applications where a shallow socket is the right call. If you do a lot of work in tighter spots or on studs where extra depth is not needed, that shorter format is often the more useful choice.

Another practical detail is the knurled beauty ring near the base. That is not just there for looks. It gives you extra grip when you are spinning the socket on or off by hand before putting a ratchet on it. For quick hardware changes at the bench or under the hood, that small feature makes the tool easier to handle.

This socket is listed for standard and impact use, which gives it broader shop utility than a socket limited to one category. It is still best to match your socket to the task and tool setup you are using, but the dual-use listing makes the DeWalt DWMT88978OSP a flexible piece to keep in a working set, service cart, or glove box kit.

Who should buy it? Anyone building out a 3/8 inch drive socket lineup, replacing a missing 1/2 inch socket, or stocking dependable everyday service tools. If you do automotive work, equipment maintenance, home garage repairs, or general mechanical fastening, this is the kind of single socket that earns its spot because it covers a common size, uses a 6-point profile, and keeps the design simple.

Reliable Grip on Common Hex Fasteners

This 1/2 inch SAE socket is built for everyday turning tasks where you want clean engagement on standard hex fasteners without adding extra bulk to your setup.

• 6-point socket profile for a more direct grip on hex fasteners
• 3/8 inch drive size fits common ratchets and extensions used in automotive and general service work
• Knurled ring helps when starting the socket by hand

What’s in the Box

• (1) DeWalt DWMT88978OSP 6 Point 3/8 in Drive Socket 1/2 in SAE

Key Specifications

Drive Size	3/8 in
Socket Size	1/2 in SAE
Socket Points	6
Material	Chrome Vanadium Steel
Deep Well	No
Tool Type	Standard/Impact Socket
Length	0.5 in
Weight	0.09 lbs

Built For

Automotive Mechanical Service Equipment Maintenance Garage Repair Fastener Removal Fastener Installation

Pro Tip

Use a 6-point socket like this when you are dealing with stubborn or slightly worn hex fasteners. It puts contact on the flats more than the corners, which usually gives you a better chance of breaking the fastener loose without chewing it up.

Warranty & Support

3 Year Limited Warranty.

Tool Nut’s Take

Tool Nut’s Take

DeWalt DWMT88978OSP 6 Point 3/8 in Drive Socket 1/2 in SAE is the kind of single socket you buy once and keep using

If you need a common-size 3/8 inch drive socket with a 6-point opening and solid steel construction, this one checks the right boxes without getting complicated.

• Who it’s for: Mechanics, maintenance crews, and DIY users filling in or replacing a 1/2 inch SAE socket in a 3/8 inch drive setup.
• Why it stands out: The 6-point design, chrome vanadium steel construction, and knurled ring are all practical details that matter more than flashy packaging.
• Worth knowing: This is a single shallow socket, not a full set and not a deep socket, so buy it for a specific working size or to replace the one that always seems to disappear.

Common Questions

• What size fastener is this socket made for? It is a 1/2 inch SAE socket.
• What drive size does it use? It fits a 3/8 inch drive ratchet, extension, or similar drive tool.
• Is this a 6-point or 12-point socket? It is a 6-point socket.
• Is this a deep socket? No. It is listed as not being a deep well socket.