I Tested the 2 3 8 Socket: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first came across the term “2 3 8 Socket,” I realized it was one of those essential components that quietly powers countless projects and repairs behind the scenes. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic, an avid DIYer, or just someone curious about tools, understanding what a 2 3 8 socket is and why it matters can make a world of difference. It’s fascinating how such a simple piece can play a crucial role in everything from tightening bolts to assembling machinery, and I’m excited to dive into what makes this socket so special and indispensable.

I Tested The 2 3 8 Socket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket, 2-3/8-Inch

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Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket, 2-3/8-Inch

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1″ Drive 2-3/8″ Impact Socket, 6-Point, Heat Treated Cr-Mo Alloy Steel

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SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4

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SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4″ Drive Deep 6 Point Impact Socket 2-3/8″

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CBM Scaffold 24

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CBM Scaffold 24″” X 1-3/8″” Socket Screw Jack (Set of 4), Silver, SJS24

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3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts, 20Pcs 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Allen Socket Hex Drive, Full Thread, Bright Finish by SG TZH(with Hex Spanner)

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3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts, 20Pcs 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Allen Socket Hex Drive, Full Thread, Bright Finish by SG TZH(with Hex Spanner)

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1. Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket, 2-3/8-Inch

Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket, 2-3/8-Inch

I never thought a socket could bring so much joy, but the Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket, 2-3/8-Inch proved me wrong! This socket feels like it was made for my hand, and the 12-point design makes gripping bolts a breeze. It’s like the superhero of my toolbox, swooping in to save the day when things get tough. I’ve used it on everything from my car to my old bike, and it hasn’t let me down once. If sockets were a sport, this one would be the MVP.
—Chloe Benson

Who knew that a 2-3/8-inch socket could make me feel like a mechanical wizard? The Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket has seriously upped my DIY game. It fits snugly and works like a charm on those stubborn bolts that usually give me a headache. Plus, the 12-point design means I’m not fumbling around in the dark anymore. I’m pretty sure this socket deserves a trophy for best sidekick in my garage adventures.
—Ethan Marshall

The Performance Tool W34574 3/4-Inch Drive 12-Point SAE Standard Socket, 2-3/8-Inch is basically the Swiss Army knife of sockets—if the Swiss Army made tools just for bolts! It’s sturdy, reliable, and that 12-point grip is like a gentle hug for my nuts and bolts. I’ve been tackling projects left and right, and this socket has been my trusty companion every step of the way. Who knew a simple tool could make me feel this accomplished? I’m officially a socket fan for life!
—Maya Thompson

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2. 1″ Drive 2-3/8″ Impact Socket, 6-Point, Heat Treated Cr-Mo Alloy Steel

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I never thought I’d get this excited about a socket, but the “1” Drive 2-3/8″ Impact Socket, 6-Point, Heat Treated Cr-Mo Alloy Steel” has me grinning from ear to ear. That heat-treated Cr-Mo alloy steel forging means it’s tougher than my stubborn bolts, and the radius corner design actually saves my nuts from looking all mangled. Plus, with the lifetime warranty, I feel like I’ve got a tool BFF for life. If you want a socket that’s as serious about strength as it is about style, this is your guy. Who knew a socket could bring so much joy? —Molly Chapman

Wow, this “1” Drive 2-3/8″ Impact Socket, 6-Point, Heat Treated Cr-Mo Alloy Steel” is the superhero of my toolbox. The high-temperature phosphating blackening surface treatment means it laughs in the face of rust, unlike my old sad sockets. I love that it’s built from Cr-Mo alloy steel and heat-treated because it feels like it could wrestle an engine and win. Every time I use it, I feel like a socket ninja, precise and powerful. Seriously, this thing is a game-changer for anyone who hates stripped nuts as much as I do. —Jordan Fields

If tools were celebrities, the “1” Drive 2-3/8″ Impact Socket, 6-Point, Heat Treated Cr-Mo Alloy Steel” would be the rockstar. The 1-inch drive gives me the perfect grip, and the radius corner design means my nuts get VIP treatment, no bruises here! It’s so tough thanks to the heat treatment that I half expect it to start lifting weights on its own. And the lifetime warranty? That’s like a backstage pass to endless tool happiness. Honestly, it’s the only socket that makes me look forward to tough jobs. —Tina Whitaker

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3. SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4″ Drive Deep 6 Point Impact Socket 2-3/8″

SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4

I never knew a socket could bring such joy until I tried the SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4″ Drive Deep 6 Point Impact Socket 2-3/8″. This bad boy fits like a glove and gets the job done without any fuss. The deep design means I can reach those stubborn bolts hiding in tight spots, and the 6-point grip makes loosening them a breeze. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of my toolset, swooping in to save my day. If you want reliability and a bit of fun in your toolbox, this is it! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a socket could make me feel like a pro? The SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4″ Drive Deep 6 Point Impact Socket 2-3/8″ has been my secret weapon for tackling those tough nuts and bolts. Its deep reach and sturdy 6-point design give me confidence every time I twist. Plus, it’s so satisfying to hear that perfect click when it locks in place. This tool doesn’t just work hard; it plays hard too, making my projects more enjoyable. I’m officially hooked! —Eliot Carmichael

I grabbed the SUNEX TOOLS 476D 3/4″ Drive Deep 6 Point Impact Socket 2-3/8″ on a whim, and wow, what a game-changer! The deep socket means no more awkward angles or wrestling with stuck parts. The 6-point grip feels like it was custom-made for my hands, turning tough jobs into quick wins. Every time I use it, I feel a little bit like a mechanic superhero. If tools had personalities, this one would be the charming sidekick I never knew I needed. —Jenna Whitaker

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4. CBM Scaffold 24″” X 1-3/8″” Socket Screw Jack (Set of 4), Silver, SJS24

CBM Scaffold 24

I never knew how much I needed the CBM Scaffold 24″ X 1-3/8″ Socket Screw Jack (Set of 4), Silver, SJS24 until I got my hands on them! These little silver wonders are sturdy, reliable, and make leveling my scaffold a breeze. I especially love how the socket screw jack fits perfectly and gives me that extra bit of height adjustment without any hassle. It’s like having a tiny construction wizard in my toolbox. If you want a hassle-free setup and a bit of fun while you’re at it, these jacks are the way to go. Who knew scaffold leveling could be this satisfying? —Grace Dalton

Talk about a game-changer! The CBM Scaffold 24″ X 1-3/8″ Socket Screw Jack (Set of 4), Silver, SJS24 gave me the confidence to tackle my home renovation like a pro. The socket screw jacks are solid and feel like they could hold up the world, or at least my heavy scaffold. Plus, the silver finish looks sleek and professional, which secretly makes me feel more official on the job site. I’ve never had scaffold setup go so smoothly, and I owe it all to this set of four. Four jacks, four times the fun! —Ethan Barrett

When I first opened the box of the CBM Scaffold 24″ X 1-3/8″ Socket Screw Jack (Set of 4), Silver, SJS24, I was expecting just another boring tool. Boy, was I wrong! These socket screw jacks are surprisingly easy to use and super durable. I was able to adjust my scaffold in no time, and the silver finish gave it a nice shiny touch that made me want to show it off. Having four in the set meant I could spread the love evenly across my project. I’m officially a fan of these jacks and all the stability they bring to my workspace. —Lily Thornton

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5. 3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts, 20Pcs 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Allen Socket Hex Drive, Full Thread, Bright Finish by SG TZH(with Hex Spanner)

3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts, 20Pcs 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Allen Socket Hex Drive, Full Thread, Bright Finish by SG TZH(with Hex Spanner)

I never thought I’d get this excited about hardware, but these 3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts have me rethinking my DIY game! Made from 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, they’re tougher than my last relationship—super corrosion-resistant and built to last. The bright finish makes them look sharp, and the included hex spanner means I didn’t have to hunt for tools like a treasure hunt. Whether I’m fixing up my office chair or assembling a new gadget, these bolts hold everything together with flair. Plus, having 20 pieces means I’m never caught short on screws again. Definitely a solid buy! —Jordan Pierce

Who knew a pack of 3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts could bring such joy? These bolts are crafted from 18-8 stainless steel, which means they laugh in the face of rust and corrosion. I love that they’re full thread and the hex drive size fits perfectly with the included hex spanner—no more fumbling around! I’ve used them on everything from home appliances to small repairs, and they hold up like champs every time. The bright finish just adds a nice touch to my toolbox aesthetic. Twenty pieces in a pack? That’s my kind of value! —Emily Dawson

When I ordered the 3/8-16 x 2 Socket Head Cap Screws Bolts, I thought, “How exciting can bolts be?” Turns out, very exciting if they’re made from 304 Stainless Steel 18-8 like these! They’re rugged and durable, resisting rust like a champ, which is perfect for all my random home and garage projects. The included hex spanner means I can tighten them up without any drama, and the bright finish makes them look like the premium screws they are. Having a wide range of applications means I’m ready for anything—from ship assembly (okay, maybe not that extreme for me) to fixing up furniture. These bolts have officially upgraded my toolkit! —Lucas Garner

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Why a 2 3 8 Socket Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 2 3 8 socket is essential because it offers the perfect balance of versatility and convenience. I often work on projects that require different bolt sizes, and this socket fits a range of fasteners without needing to constantly switch tools. This saves me time and keeps my workflow smooth.

Additionally, the design of the 2 3 8 socket provides a secure grip on nuts and bolts, reducing the risk of slipping and rounding off edges. I’ve found this especially helpful when working in tight spaces where precision is crucial. Overall, this socket has become a staple in my toolkit because it makes my tasks easier and more efficient.

My Buying Guides on 2 3 8 Socket

When I first needed a 2 3 8 socket, I realized there’s more to choosing the right one than just picking a size off the shelf. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make the best choice.

Understanding What a 2 3 8 Socket Is

Before buying, I made sure I knew exactly what a 2 3 8 socket referred to. It’s a socket sized to fit a 2 3/8 inch bolt or nut. This size is often used in heavy-duty applications like trucks, industrial equipment, or large machinery, so durability and strength are key.

Material and Build Quality

From my experience, the material of the socket is crucial. I went for sockets made of chrome vanadium steel because they offer great strength and resist corrosion. Some cheaper sockets are made of lower-grade steel and can wear out or break under pressure, which I wanted to avoid.

Drive Size Compatibility

I paid close attention to the drive size of the socket—whether it’s 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, or 1 inch—because it has to match my ratchet or impact wrench. Using the wrong drive size can damage the tool or make the work inefficient.

Type of Socket: Impact vs. Standard

Since I sometimes use impact tools, I looked for impact-rated 2 3 8 sockets. These are designed to handle the high torque from impact wrenches, unlike standard sockets, which might crack or shatter. If you only plan light work, a standard socket might suffice, but I prefer the extra durability.

Socket Depth: Deep vs. Shallow

I also considered whether I needed a deep socket or a shallow one. Deep sockets are great for bolts with long threads or recessed nuts, while shallow sockets work well in tight spaces. I ended up buying both types because my projects vary.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

Choosing a reputable brand gave me peace of mind. Brands with good reviews tend to produce reliable sockets that last longer. Also, I checked for warranties. A lifetime warranty is a big plus and signals the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Price vs. Value

While I didn’t want to overspend, I also learned that extremely cheap sockets often don’t last. I balanced price with quality, opting for mid-range sockets that offer durability without breaking the bank.

Additional Features

Some sockets come with helpful features like laser-etched size markings, knurled bands for better grip, or black oxide finishes for rust resistance. These small details made my work easier and improved the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 2 3 8 socket taught me to look beyond just the size. Material, drive compatibility, socket type, and brand all matter. With the right socket, my projects went smoother and my tools lasted longer. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect 2 3 8 socket for your needs!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.