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  3. CRAFTSMAN 81-844

CRAFTSMAN 81-844 Drive Gm Socket 5PC 3/8 6PT 17MM

81-844 Craftsman 5pc 3/8 Drive 6pt Metric Sockets Gm Series 10 12 13 15 17mm Red

( Brand: Craftsman ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 81-844 ), ( System Of Measurement: Metric ), ( Color: Red ), ( Type: 3/8 Drive 6pt Deep Metric Sockets ), ( Socket Type: Deep Length ), ( Size: 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm )

Review CRAFTSMAN 5pc 3/8 Drive 6pt Metric Sockets Series 17mm Red

The **Craftsman 81-844 5-Piece 3/8" Drive 6-Point Sockets Set** is a meticulously engineered tool designed to deliver precision, durability, and versatility for both professional tradespeople and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Part of the trusted Craftsman brand, this set features a premium collection of **6-point drive sockets** in five essential metric sizes **10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm, and 17mm** crafted to provide superior grip and torque transfer for demanding applications. The sockets are constructed from high-quality **chrome vanadium steel**, ensuring exceptional hardness and resistance to wear, bending, or stripping, even under the most rigorous use. Their **6-point drive design** maximizes contact with fasteners, reducing slippage and preventing rounding of bolts or nuts, which is particularly advantageous when working with high-tension or stubborn hardware. The **3/8" drive** compatibility makes this set ideal for pairing with a wide range of Craftsman power tools, including impact wrenches, ratchets, and drill/drivers, allowing for seamless integration into any toolkit. The sockets feature a **smooth, polished finish** that resists rust and corrosion, while their **ergonomic contours** ensure a comfortable, secure fit on the tool shank, reducing fatigue during extended use. Whether tackling automotive repairs, heavy-duty construction, or home improvement projects, this set offers the reliability and performance expected from a Craftsman tool built to last a lifetime with proper care.

The **Craftsman 81-844 5-piece 3/8-inch drive 6-point socket set** (GM 10, 12, 13, 15, 17mm) is a mid-range socket set designed for general automotive and mechanical work. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros**

1. **Good Value for the Price**

The set is priced affordably compared to premium brands like Snap-on or Matco, making it accessible for hobbyists, DIYers, and budget-conscious professionals. The inclusion of five key metric sizes (10, 12, 13, 15, 17mm) provides practical coverage for common automotive and light mechanical tasks.

2. **Durable Construction**

Craftsman tools are generally built to last, with high-quality steel construction and chrome plating to resist corrosion and wear. The 6-point design ensures a better grip on bolts, reducing the risk of rounding them compared to 12-point sockets.

3. **Compatibility with 3/8-inch Drive Ratchets and Breakers**

The 3/8-inch drive size is versatile, allowing use with a wide range of ratchets, breakers, and extensions. This makes the set adaptable for various applications beyond just sockets.

4. **Included in a Starter Set**

This socket is often part of larger Craftsman starter sets (e.g., 100-piece or 200-piece), which can be cost-effective if you re building a toolkit from scratch. Purchasing it separately is also reasonable for those who already have a complete set.

5. **Decent Brand Reputation**

Craftsman is a trusted name under the Sears brand, known for reliability and consistency in tool performance. While not as premium as Snap-on or Matco, it offers a solid balance of quality and affordability.

6. **Lightweight and Ergonomic**

The sockets are relatively lightweight, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. The 6-point design also tends to be easier to maneuver than 12-point sockets in tight spaces.

7. **Good for Basic Automotive Work**

The included sizes (10, 12, 13, 15, 17mm) cover many common bolts found in cars, trucks, and light machinery. For example:

- **10mm**: Common for wheel lugs, suspension components, and engine mounts.

- **12mm**: Used in brake systems, steering components, and transmission mounts.

- **13mm**: Found in wheel studs, differentials, and some engine components.

- **15mm**: Frequently used for wheel lugs, exhaust flanges, and engine mounts.

- **17mm**: Common for wheel lugs, differential covers, and some transmission components.

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### **Cons**

1. **Not as Premium as High-End Brands**

While durable, Craftsman sockets may not match the precision, finish, or longevity of premium brands like Snap-on, Matco, or Mac Tools. High-end sockets often feature better heat treatment, tighter tolerances, and superior corrosion resistance.

2. **Limited Size Range**

This is a **5-piece set**, meaning it lacks the breadth of a full metric or SAE set. If you need a wider range of sizes, you ll need to purchase additional sockets separately, which can add up quickly.

3. **Potential for Looseness Over Time**

Some users report that Craftsman sockets can develop slight looseness in the drive end after prolonged use, especially if not stored properly. This is not unique to Craftsman but is more noticeable in budget tools.

4. **Plating May Wear Off**

The chrome plating on budget sockets can wear or chip over time, leading to rust or corrosion if not cleaned regularly. Premium sockets often have harder coatings (e.g., zinc or nickel) that resist wear better.

5. **Not Ideal for Heavy-Duty or Industrial Use**

While suitable for automotive work, these sockets may struggle with extreme torque or heavy-duty applications (e.g., construction, industrial machinery). For such tasks, a higher-end set or impact-rated sockets would be better.

6. **Mixing with Other Brands May Cause Issues**

If you have a mixed toolkit with different brands, the sockets may not fit as snugly as they would with a uniform set. This can lead to slippage or difficulty in use.

7. **Limited Warranty Coverage**

Craftsman tools typically come with a **limited lifetime warranty**, but the terms may not cover wear-and-tear or improper use as comprehensively as some premium brands.

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### **Conclusion**

The **Craftsman 81-844 5-piece 3/8-inch drive 6-point socket set** is a **solid, budget-friendly choice** for hobbyists, DIYers, and those building a basic automotive toolkit. It offers good durability, practical sizes, and compatibility with common tools. However, it is not as premium as high-end brands and lacks the extensive size range of a full set.

If you re looking for a **reliable, no-frills socket set** for occasional use or light automotive maintenance, this is a **good purchase**. For **heavy-duty work, professional use, or long-term reliability**, investing in a higher-quality brand (e.g., Snap-on, Matco, or Mac Tools) would be more justified.

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### **Recommendation**

- **Buy this set if:**

- You re on a budget and need a few key metric sockets for basic automotive work.

- You re building a starter toolkit and plan to expand with additional sockets later.

- You prioritize value over premium features and don t need the absolute best quality.

- **Consider alternatives if:**

- You require a **full-size range** (e.g., a 100-piece or 200-piece set).

- You need **heavy-duty or impact-rated sockets** for professional use.

- You want **longer-lasting performance** and are willing to pay more for premium brands like Snap-on or Matco.

- You frequently work with **SAE sizes** (this set is metric-only).

For most **casual users or DIYers**, this Craftsman set is a **wise investment**. For **serious mechanics or professionals**, a slightly higher-end set may be worth the extra cost for improved durability and precision.

Details:

Craftsman 5pc 3/8 Drive 6pt Metric Sockets, all GM Series, with sizes 10, 12, 13, 15, 17mm. 12mm 81-846 height 1-13/16. 13mm 81-847 height 1-13/16. Includes: 10mm 81-844 height 1-13/16.

See photos for detail. No owner engravings noted in a quick check. RED Cable Tie Added for ID. I typically rebate EXCESS postage paid deducting actual cost and shipping value fees assessed.

part #: 81844 price

  • $14.75

specifications sockettoolus:

  • brand: Craftsman
  • mpn: 81-844
  • system of measurement: Metric
  • color: Red
  • type: 3/8 Drive 6pt Deep Metric Sockets
  • socket type: Deep Length
  • size: 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm

shipping sockettoolus:

  • type: Calculated
  • transit: 3-8 Days
  • service: USPS Ground Advantage
  • carrier: USPS
  • class: Standard
  • cost: $11.35

returns sockettoolus:

  • method: Money back
  • time: 30 Days
  • paid by: Buyer
  • policy: Returns Accepted

seller sockettoolus:

  • city: Hedgesville, West Virginia
  • # reviews: 13032
  • rating: 99.9%

offer sockettoolus:

  • started: June 10, 2026
  • sold: 0
  • quantity: 1
  • options: Ship-to-home
  • availability: In Stock

payments sockettoolus:

  • other
  • credit card: Mastercard
  • wallet: Google-pay

general sockettoolus:

  • Hand Tools > Wrenches > Socket Wrenches
  • condition: Used
system of measurement: metric, type: 3/8 drive 6pt deep metric sockets, socket type: deep length, size: 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm,
category: home & garden > hand tools > wrenches > socket wrenches, color: red, sku: 13860694040283722,
Craftsman 81-844 Is Similar To:
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1 offer $14.75 USD
  • Used. Offer #1 priced at $14.75 + $11.35 shipping estimate = $26.10* total. I typically rebate EXCESS postage paid (deducting actual postage cost and shipping value fees assessed) Craftsman 5pc 3/8 Drive 6pt Metric Sockets, all GM Series, with sizes 10, 12, 13, 15, 17mm RED Cable Tie Added for ID Includes: 10mm Height 1-13/16 12mm 81-846 Height 1-13/16 13mm 81-847 Height 1-13/16 15mm 81-849 Height 2-1/16 17mm 81-851 Height 2-3/16 No owner engravings noted in a quick check.+$11.35 shipping

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