Milwaukee Packout Shockwave Impact Socket Set Review

Nov 05, 2024

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I’m gearing up to review a couple of Milwaukee Packout storage systems. I’ll be compiling most of the items sent to me into just two reviews that break down what the systems offer to gearheads as a whole. However, among the pile of products are its Shockwave impact socket Packout sets. I think it goes without saying that these are especially interesting to mechanic types, which is why I’m giving them their own review.

I have in my possession both the 31-piece 1/2-inch drive and 36-piece 3/8-inch drive Packout Shockwave impact socket sets. So, yes, I’m technically still compiling multiple reviews into one. However, the Packout cases they come in are designed to work together in a way that would be impossible to talk about without including both. So, screw it, we’ll do the thing with two birds and one review.

Those of you who read my last tool review covering the Gen II M12 Stubby Impact wrench probably already guessed I’ve used these for the same project. The 1/2-inch set saw me through the first half of a pretty brutal job. And I can honestly say that there are a lot of things I like about these impact sockets and the Packout cases, even if the prices will make a DIYer squeal.

The Milwaukee Packout Shockwave impact socket sets have been around for some time now. Many of you are probably already well aware of them. Still, it’s worth cracking into the details for folks who aren’t and maybe don’t get what makes them so special.

Let’s start with the sockets themselves, as that’s what most of us really care about here. The 31-piece 1/2-inch set covers SAE and metric sizes ranging from 3/8-inch to 1-1/2 inch and 10mm to 24mm, and includes one 3-inch extension. The 36-piece 3/8-inch set covers SAE and metric sizes ranging from 1/4-inch to 15/16-inch and 6mm to 24mm, and includes a 3-inch extension, a quick-attach connector for your impact driver and a universal joint.

Both sets feature exclusively 6-point deep-well sockets. The sockets are separated into color-coded trays for quick identification of SAE and metric sizes. Speaking of identification, Milwaukee’s engraved the sizing into the sides of the sockets. Not only that, but the characters are filled in with white paint. This is a really nice step up from laser etching which isn’t nearly as permanent.

There’s a lot going on with the Packout cases as well. For starters, these storage cases are both impact and water resistant. That added protection is always appreciated, but is especially helpful if you need to take your tools to harsh environments. The socket trays themselves are also removable, with the potential for additional storage beneath them. These cases can also be stacked and locked together for easy storage and transportation.

As for pricing, these sets are sitting at a premium. The 1/2-inch set currently retails for $249.99 and the 3/8-inch set goes for $199.99. That’s a lot of cash, but the sockets are backed by Milwaukee’s limited lifetime guarantee and the Packout cases are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

I’m currently tearing down the engine in my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 for some repairs. In order to get to that, I had to remove quite a bit of stubborn, rusty hardware. I used Milwaukee’s impact sockets to get through them. While the 3/8-inch set didn’t see as much action as the 1/2-inch set, I’ve spent enough time with them to be comfortable talking about what they bring to the table.

The general feel and presentation of these sockets is better than what I’m used to. I typically call on my Neiko master impact set for this sort of work. Now, I’m not saying those aren’t up to snuff. Over the past few years, they’ve been through some cruel and unusual things. They’re great budget-friendly impact sockets. However, they are clearly a DIY grade set in comparison to the pro-feeling Milwaukees.

Aside from feeling good in your hand and fitting fasteners well, I seriously dig the engraved sizing over laser etching. Etching can also be really hard to see on impact sockets, even before the grease cakes on. Milwaukee’s labeling is much better, with the white paint jumping right out at you. And even after that fades, you still have the engravings to help you identify sockets, which you can always fill back in.

All sockets feature a red stripe at the bottom. I think Milwaukee could have taken things a step further and used different colors for SAE and Metric sizes for even easier identification. However, the trays do offset the issue. It’d also be nice to have short sockets and more extensions included for the price these sets command.

The Packout line is a bit of a big deal. It seems I can’t go more than a few days without hearing about it in one way or another. This is my first time actually using anything from the line, and I am starting to see what all the fuss is about.

The cases are really sturdy, well-built, and decent looking. I can appreciate the fact that they’re impact and water resistant. Even as a DIYer, I get asked to work on other people’s cars a lot. That usually entails bringing my tools to them. Having a system that can withstand some of the harsher environments they find themselves in offers peace of mind.

The ability to stack the Packout cases together is also really nice. It’ll make transportation easy and I don’t have to worry as much about them sliding around in the trunk of my car. I’m really excited to see how they work together with the remaining pieces of the Packout system I’ll get to review.

The color coded trays for SAE and metric sizes is what I appreciate the most. That quick identification and ability to relocate the trays to the project really up the working experience. The additional storage offered by these Packout cases is a really nice detail too, as you can easily keep additional extensions and ratchets within them. I do really like how the Shop Tool Review Channel cut the foam under the removable trays in the 1/2-inch set to hold specific tools. That’s a really great idea that will definitely help you get more out of these systems.

The Packout Shockwave impact socket sets are solid entries to Milwaukee’s lineup. Overall, I can’t argue with anything in terms of the quality and thoughtfulness of the designs. The sockets are very well made, they have nice engraving on the sides, and you get great coverage from either collection. The Packout cases are also super well thought out, and I can see my appreciation for them growing as I continue to use them for the work I get into.

The pricing is really the only issue here. On their own, each set is rather expensive. At least for the DIYer they are. They’re actually a pretty good bargain when compared to some of the pro grade options, especially when you consider the inclusion of those Packout cases. Speaking of which, they actually don’t bring up the pricing that much. A 29-piece 1/2-inch Shockwave set from Milwaukee without the Packout case sells for $219.99. At that point, you might as well spend the extra $30 and get the better case. That is if you’re willing to buy a premium grade impact socket set rather than a DIY-level set, which are known to be pretty heavy-hitters for a fraction of the price.