Draper Metric Socket Set in Metal Case, 1/4" Sq. Dr. (38 Piece)

The Draper BD38M/MT 38-Piece Metric Socket Set takes a distinctly different approach to the 1/4" square drive toolkit — combining a full range of standard metric sockets with an extensive suite of direct-fit socket bits across four drive profiles, all housed in a durable steel carrying case. Rather than relying on a separate adaptor to bridge the socket and bit sides of the set, the BD38M/MT uses purpose-built socket bits that mount directly onto the 1/4" square drive, delivering a more rigid, stable, and precise connection for screwdriving tasks. It's a set built for professionals and serious users who work with a wide variety of fastener types and want a single, cohesive kit that handles everything from metric sockets to Torx, Pozidriv, hex, and slotted fixings without compromise.

The 13 six-point standard metric sockets span 4–14mm and include the frequently absent 4.5mm and 5.5mm intermediate sizes, providing complete coverage of the small and sub-standard metric fasteners found throughout modern vehicle electronics, interior trim, sensor brackets, instrument panels, and bodywork fixings. Every socket is precision-manufactured from chrome vanadium steel, hardened, tempered, and finished in satin chrome for lasting corrosion resistance. The six-point geometry ensures full-face contact with fastener flats, reducing the risk of rounding on the compact, easily damaged fixings that characterise 1/4" drive applications.

The drive accessory package provides thorough control over reach, angle, and torque:

• 72-tooth reversible ratchet with soft-grip handle and quick-release button — a fine 5° swing arc for tight-space operation
• Two extension bars at 50mm and 150mm — notably, the longer 150mm bar extends reach further than the 100mm bar found in comparable sets, making it particularly well-suited to deeper access in engine bays, bulkhead fixings, and interior assemblies
• Sliding T-bar — for high-leverage breakaway force or rapid free-spinning without a ratchet
• Universal joint — for off-axis fastener access where a direct approach isn't achievable

The socket bit selection is where the BD38M/MT makes its most distinctive contribution. A total of 20 socket bits span four drive profiles, all designed to engage directly with the 1/4" square drive:

3 plain slot socket bits: 4, 5.5, 6.5mm — covering the range of slotted fasteners found in electrical panels, junction boxes, appliances, and older vehicle components.

3 Pozidriv (PZ-Type) socket bits: No.1, No.2, No.3 — essential for the European vehicles, domestic appliances, and construction fixings where Pozidriv is standard fitment. The tighter geometric fit of Pozidriv virtually eliminates the cam-out that can occur when Phillips drivers are incorrectly used on PZ fasteners.

7 TX-STAR® Torx socket bits: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40 — the inclusion of T27 is a notable enhancement over many comparable sets. The T27 is standard fitment on Ford, Jaguar, and Land Rover vehicles, appearing on wheel arch liners, brake components, and underbody fixings. Having T27 alongside the more common Torx sizes ensures complete coverage for these popular vehicle platforms.

7 hex socket bits: 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8mm — a particularly wide hex range that extends down to 2.5mm for grub screws, precision adjustments, and sub-3mm fixings on bicycles, optical equipment, and electronics, and up to 8mm for larger hex-headed bolts found on mechanical assemblies, furniture, and industrial fixings.

The complete 38-piece set is housed in a steel carrying case — offering the impact resistance, rigidity, and long-term durability that plastic alternatives simply cannot match. For technicians who transport their toolkit between jobs, store it in a van or workshop, or work in environments where cases are routinely subjected to knocks and drops, the steel case represents a meaningful practical upgrade.

Manufactured and tested in general accordance with DIN3122 and ISO3315 specifications, every component in the BD38M/MT meets recognised international standards for dimensional accuracy and mechanical performance.

Key Features

• 38-piece metric socket set on a 1/4" square drive
• 13 six-point standard sockets: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14mm — including 4.5mm and 5.5mm
• Chrome vanadium steel — hardened, tempered, and satin chrome finish
• Six-point socket geometry minimises rounding on small fasteners
• 72-tooth reversible ratchet with soft-grip handle and quick-release button — 5° swing arc
• Two extension bars: 50mm and 150mm — longer reach than many comparable sets
• Sliding T-bar for high-leverage breakaway and rapid free-spinning
• Universal joint for off-axis fastener access
• 20 direct-fit socket bits across four drive profiles
• 3 plain slot socket bits: 4, 5.5, 6.5mm
• 3 Pozidriv (PZ-Type) socket bits: No.1, No.2, No.3
• 7 TX-STAR® Torx socket bits: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40 — including T27 for Ford, Jaguar & Land Rover applications
• 7 hex socket bits: 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8mm — including 2.5mm for precision and sub-3mm fasteners
• Presented in a steel carrying case for superior impact resistance and durability
• Compliant with DIN3122 and ISO3315 specifications

What is included in the Draper BD38M/MT socket set? The BD38M/MT includes 13 standard metric sockets (4–14mm), a 72-tooth reversible ratchet, two extension bars (50mm and 150mm), a sliding T-bar, universal joint, and 20 socket bits across four profiles — plain slot (4, 5.5, 6.5mm), Pozidriv PZ1–PZ3, TX-STAR® Torx (T10–T40 including T27), and hex (2.5–8mm). All 38 pieces are housed in a steel carrying case.

What is the difference between socket bits and screwdriver bits in a socket set? Standard screwdriver bits (typically 25mm long with a 1/4" hex shank) require a separate hex bit adaptor to connect to a square drive ratchet. Socket bits are purpose-designed with a 1/4" square drive socket built directly into the bit body, allowing them to engage the ratchet, extension bars, and T-bar without any intermediary adaptor. This creates a more rigid, stable connection — particularly beneficial when applying higher torque to slotted, Pozidriv, Torx, or hex fasteners.

Why does the BD38M/MT include a T27 Torx socket bit when many comparable sets omit it? The T27 Torx size is standard fitment on a wide range of Ford, Jaguar, and Land Rover vehicles, where it appears on wheel arch liners, underbody panels, brake components, and interior trim fixings. It is frequently absent from budget and mid-range Torx sets, forcing technicians to purchase it separately. The BD38M/MT's inclusion of T27 alongside T25 and T30 ensures complete coverage for these popular vehicle platforms without the need for supplementary tooling.

What is the difference between the BD38M/MT and the BD45M/MT? The BD45M/MT includes deep sockets (7 sizes), a spinner handle, an additional plain slot bit, cross slot Phillips bits, and a 100mm second extension bar, making it the more comprehensively socketed set overall. The BD38M/MT counters with a longer 150mm second extension bar (vs 100mm), a wider hex socket bit range extending down to 2.5mm and up to 8mm, the addition of the T27 Torx size, and larger plain slot sizes extending to 6.5mm — making it the stronger choice for professionals who prioritise drive accessory reach, hex coverage, and socket bit versatility over deep socket availability.

Why does the BD38M/MT include a 2.5mm hex socket bit? The 2.5mm hex size covers grub screws and set screws on bicycle components (stems, seat posts, brake levers), adjustment fasteners on optical and precision instruments, small motor and gearbox assemblies, and electronic equipment enclosures. This sub-3mm size is too small for most standard hex bit sets to include, but its presence in the BD38M/MT makes the set genuinely useful for fine mechanical and precision engineering work alongside its automotive capabilities.

What advantage does the 150mm extension bar offer over a 100mm bar? An additional 50mm of reach makes a significant practical difference when accessing deeply recessed fasteners in engine bays, behind bulkheads, inside door cavities, and within transmission tunnels. The 150mm bar in the BD38M/MT provides greater reach than the 100mm bars found in many comparable 1/4" drive sets, reducing the need to pair extension bars for deep-access tasks and giving a more stable, controlled connection at greater depth.

Why choose a steel case over a plastic one for a socket set? A steel carrying case offers significantly greater impact resistance, rigidity, and longevity than blow-moulded plastic alternatives. Plastic cases can crack under load, warp in high-temperature environments such as vehicle boots and vans, and lose their lid retention or hinge integrity over time. The steel case on the BD38M/MT withstands the rigours of daily professional use, protects the tools inside more effectively, and provides a premium storage solution that will outlast its plastic equivalents many times over.