Tool Review: Makita Impact Gold 9-pc 3/8” Drive 6-Point Impact Socket Sets

The Impact Gold 9-pc 3/8" Drive 6-Point Impact Socket Sets are machined from heat-treated alloy steel for extreme torque applications, including fastening applications by contractors and automotive technicians, with a black oxide finish for longer socket life. Each 9-pc set includes a 1/4" Hex Shank Adapter with an Impact Gold 3/8” Square Drive Socket Adapter, which is machined from high-quality steel engineered for use with impact drivers, and tilts up to 15 degrees for work in tight areas. This set is available with SAE sizes 5/16", 3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16”, 5/8”, 11/16” and 3/4” and metric sizes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm and 18mm.

The review

Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Ind., appreciated that the Makita Impact Gold 9-pc 3/8” Drive 6-point Impact Socket SAE and Metric Sets were high quality and easy to use. 

There was no setup required for these socket sets: simply install the bit driver adapter onto a driver tool, then attach whichever socket is needed. Fort notes that users do need to pay attention to the orientation of the hole in the socket’s side, ensuring that it lines up with the ball of the adapter. Failure to do so can reduce the angle at which the bit driver will work.

Both the metric and standard socket sets were packaged in cardboard display hanger backings. The backings featured information on the sockets, including details on the materials used in manufacturing the sockets and the advantages of the included bit adapters. Both sets included a silicon holder to keep the sets organized: the standard set included a red organizer, and the metric set included a teal organizer.

Fort used these sockets every day while performing his usual repairs, for everything from rebuilding differential assemblies to removing dash assemblies in the replacement of heater cores. He also notes that he used the bit drive adapter with a Makita XDT15 Impact Driver whenever possible. He found that the bit driver in both socket sets offered him some time savings with its ability to work at an angle up to 15 degrees.

“I was very surprised to find how precise all the sockets were,” Fort says. He liked that the fasteners fit securely in the socket, which helps prevent the rounding off of fasteners. Even after heavy usage, he found that the sockets kept true to their sizes and the Bit Drive Adapters held up well. “I honestly expected them to break in short order, but I haven’t broken one yet,” he says.

“I have used sockets of all makes and types my whole career, and bit driver adapters for more than 10 years. These sockets are among the highest quality sockets I have ever used, and the adapters are, so far, a step above all the others I have owned and used,” Fort adds.

Fort did notice that the size markings on the sockets can be a little hard to read, particularly in low-light situations. As an improvement, he suggests using colored laser etching for the size markings on the sockets. He also suggested adding size markings to the silicon organizers for easier socket identification.

Overall, Fort really enjoyed using these socket sets. “All of the sockets have taken a beating with no signs of wear,” he says. “I love their inclusion of the 1/4” hex shank adapter (bit driver adapter). It may be a little thing, but at times, it is the little things that make the biggest difference.”