The Best Mechanic Tool Sets, Tested and Reviewed
A basic tool kit with the DIY essentials—a hammer, screwdriver, and measuring tape—can see you through any number of straightforward household projects. But when you’re undertaking more complex jobs, such as automotive work, you most likely need a solid mechanic tool kit. These sets typically include more than 100 different tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, extension bars, and ratchets.
If one tool in a poorly made kit can break easily, then 100 can as well. Investing in the best mechanic tool set with components of high-quality chrome vanadium or stainless steel will save you a lot of frustration. We set out to find the best mechanic tool set by putting several of the top kits through rigorous side-by-side hands-on testing.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt DWMT73802 142-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Deko 258-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit On Wheels
- UPGRADE PICK: Craftsman 450-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
- BEST SOCKET: Crescent 180-Piece SAE/Metric Professional Tool Set
- BEST PROFESSIONAL: Gearwrench 232-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
- HEAVY-DUTY STORAGE: Workpro 408-Piece Mechanics Tool Set With Metal Box
- BEST FOR THE CAR: Stanley STMT75064 229-Piece Mixed Tool Set
How We Tested the Best Mechanic Tool Sets
Selecting the top mechanics set required a significant level of research and testing to learn what tools each kit included, the material used to manufacture the tools, whether the sets came with carrying cases, and how well or how poorly the set was organized.
We tested each set by putting them to work on a pickup truck, focusing on each kit’s set of sockets, ratchets, and combination wrenches, as these are the primary tools for a home mechanic. We put the socket wrenches to work on various bolts inside the engine and under the truck. Through this testing, we were able to determine several things, including how smoothly the ratchets worked, how snugly the sockets and box ends of the combination wrenches fit over bolt heads, and how comfortable each tool felt in our hands. We also considered how easy it was to work bolts in hard-to-reach places with the adapters and extenders included in the kit. Along with performance, we evaluated the portability of each kit by carrying it a short distance and attempting to place it in the bed of our truck.
Our Top Picks
The following mechanic tool sets are high in quality, boast useful features, and have excellent reputations. Any of these tool sets can outfit you for many of the most demanding auto or DIY jobs.
Best Overall
DeWalt DWMT73802 142-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Pieces: 142
- Material: Chrome vanadium steel alloy
- Weight: 20.27 pounds
What We Like
- Includes 3 different ratchets to cover most needs
- Laser-etched markings for easy identification
- Convenient carrying case; keeps everything organized
- High-quality chrome vanadium steel-alloy construction
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include more common tools, like wrenches
DeWalt’s tools are known for their high quality, so it should come as little surprise that this 142-piece mechanics tool set is perhaps the best all-around option for home mechanics.
The kit comes with two ratchet sizes: ⅜ inch and ¼ inch. Though it may not have the most comprehensive collection of socket sizes, it includes the ones home mechanics are most likely to use. There are Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) sizes ranging from 5/16 inch up to ⅞ inch and metric sizes that run from 5 to 19 millimeters. There are also deep-socket versions for the most common socket sizes and a nice selection of extenders, adapters, and swivel joints that are useful for working bolts in tight spaces.
One of our favorite parts of this DeWalt kit are its power driver attachments, something we haven’t seen on other mechanics sets. There are three different chuck sizes and a bit holder that allow you to attach the sockets or the screwdriver bits to an impact driver. Rounding out this set are 10 combination wrenches and metric and SAE hex wrenches.
We expect good quality from DeWalt tools, and this set didn’t disappoint. Laser-etched markings on the sides of the 126 individual sockets identify the size and measurement unit of each, making it easy to select the right size. The box ends on the wrenches are precision cut to create a better fit on bolt heads, and the sockets have radius corners for increased torque. The ratchets have 72 teeth for smooth operation and a push-button locking mechanism that keeps them securely attached to the ratchet.
That all translated to excellent performance during our testing. The sockets fit securely on the nuts without slipping and/or popping off the ratchet, even when applying a lot of elbow grease. We experienced very little play between the box ends of the wrenches and the bolt heads we tested them on. The sockets even held up well when we attached them to an impact driver using the included chucks.
All the kit’s pieces fit securely into the molded case. We particularly like the smaller case that holds the driver bits and chucks. The compact size of this kit, compared to other larger ones we tested, made it easier to tote around or even store in a car trunk.
This mechanics tool kit is also surprisingly affordable given that it carries the DeWalt name.
Read our full review: DeWalt DWMT73802 142-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Get the DeWalt mechanic tool set at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Deko 258-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit On Wheels
Product Specs
- Pieces: 258
- Material: Chrome vanadium steel alloy
- Weight: 27.8 pounds
What We Like
- Fits inside a rolling carrying case that makes it easy to transport
- Includes a broad range of tools to suit various odd jobs
- Large comfortable grips on the hand tools
What We Don’t Like
- Not a broad enough range of tools for serious mechanics
- Not the same quality steel found on other higher-end kits
- Molded case doesn’t hold tools securely
If being a home mechanic is just one of the many odd jobs you find yourself performing, then the Deko 258-piece kit is a great option. This kit includes not only mechanics tools but also other tools for performing a variety of odd jobs around the house.
The tool kit includes a broad range of tools. It comes with a socket set, monkey wrenches, screwdrivers, a hammer, various pairs of pliers, a level, hacksaw, tape measure, wire stripper, and utility knife, all of which fit inside a large rolling suitcaselike carrying case. In short, this tool set can handle a variety of jobs.
While the number of tools in this set is impressive, it’s important to keep in mind that this jack-of-all-trades tool set may not suit serious home mechanics. There are only 27 sockets in this set, which include a mix of SAE and metric sizes, less than half the number found in other tool sets. It comes with ½-inch and ¼-inch ratchets, but it lacks the most common size, a ⅜-inch ratchet.
In terms of quality, there are things we liked and didn’t like about the Deko set. We loved the large handles and rubberized grip on the ratchets, pliers, and hammer. We were able to get a firm, comfortable grip on each.
However, the sockets don’t feel as beefy and the quality of the metal on the hand tools didn’t compare to other sets we tested. The hacksaw, for example, feels particularly flimsy. We also weren’t impressed with the molded case, which doesn’t hold larger tools in their spots during transit. One of the latches on our rolling case arrived badly bent, so we weren’t able to close the case properly.
Given the level of quality and the broad range of tools this kit offers, the Deko mechanics tool kit is a good option for those who do minor work on their car from time to time and also need tools to fulfill other odd jobs around the house. However, serious mechanics should look elsewhere as this kit doesn’t offer the breadth of tools they need.
Get the Deko mechanic tool set at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Craftsman 450-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Product Specs
- Pieces: 450
- Material: Chrome stainless steel
- Weight: 43 pounds
What We Like
- Outstanding selection of sockets, driver bits, wrenches, and hex keys
- Organizational design of storage box makes finding the right tool easy
- High-quality chrome stainless steel construction and precision-cut tools
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic drawers don’t open as smoothly as cabinets with metal drawer sliders
There’s little a home mechanic will want for with this 450-piece mechanics set from Craftsman. It includes a wide assortment of sockets, ranging from tiny 5/32 inch to 1 inch for SAE and 4 to 24 millimeter for metric. There are also external sockets for Torx and hex wrenches, spark-plug sockets, a bit driver, a broad assortment of screwdriver bits, and an extensive collection of combination wrenches and Allen wrenches.
Craftsman has a reputation for making quality tools for the home mechanic and DIYer, and that holds true with this kit. The ratchets operate smoothly with their 72-teeth design, and the sockets feel sturdy with radius corners that provide increased torque and prevent them from rounding off bolts. They fit securely over bolts during testing without slipping or pulling off the fasteners. The bit driver has a large rubberized grip that feels comfortable in the hand even when applying a lot of torsional force.
One of the features we like most about this kit is how well it’s organized. All of the ratchets and sockets are divided into three separate drawers based on size: ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, and ½ inch. We found this organizational design makes it easier to find specific socket sizes. We also appreciated the convenience of being able to remove a drawer of sockets and have it next to us while working. Our only gripe is that the plastic drawers don’t open and close as smoothly as cabinet-style tool kits that use metal drawer slides.
However, the drawers fit nicely into a cabinet-style case that is part of the Craftsman Versastack storage system, which means it will stack neatly with other Versastack bins and carrying containers, a big advantage for Craftsman devotees.
With its broad selection of sockets, solid build, and smart organizational design, Craftsman’s 450-piece set is a great option for serious home mechanics.
Get the Craftsman mechanic tool set at Amazon, Walmart, or Sears.
Best Socket
Crescent 180-Piece SAE/Metric Professional Tool Set
Product Specs
- Pieces: 180
- Material: Chrome vanadium steel alloy
- Weight: 20 pounds
What We Like
- Includes most of the essential tools for automotive DIY repairs
- Equipped with a broad range of both SAE and metric socket sizes
- Carrying case is quite portable thanks to its manageable size and weight
What We Don’t Like
- Molded case has a warped interior that makes it difficult to snap in tools
Crescent includes a broad range of sockets with other tools home mechanics will appreciate in an easy-to-transport carrying case, making it a great option for those who spend their weekends working on their car or motorcycle.
Sockets are the bread and butter of any mechanic’s tool set, and this Crescent tool kit offers plenty to choose from. There’s a mix of deep and standard socket sizes ranging from 4 millimeters up to 24 millimeters in metric sizes and 5/32 inch up to 1 inch in SAE sizes. There are also ratchets in ⅛-inch and ¼-inch sizes, plus multiple extension bars and size adapters. Additional tools include various-size combination wrenches, a bit driver with assorted bits, pliers, screwdrivers, hex keys, and, of course, a crescent wrench. This makes for a very comprehensive collection of mechanic tools for the weekend warrior.
Crescent manages to pack all these tools into a case that weighs a very manageable 20 pounds, which means you can have all these tools by your side while you work. While the tools are well organized into the case, we did wish the quality of the molded case was better. Ours arrived somewhat warped on the inside, which made it difficult to snap some of the sockets into their respective pockets.
Case aside, this collection of Crescent tools offers great quality for a home mechanic kit. The sockets have a heavy feel within a radius corner design that prevents them from slipping on bolts or rounding off bolt heads. The 72-tooth ratchets work smoothly and have rounded handles that fit comfortably in the hand even when applying a lot of pressure. Each socket we tested fit nicely over the bolt heads with little play and no slippage even when applying a lot of pressure. We particularly liked the large handles and rubberized grips on the screwdrivers, which allowed us to get a firm grip while wrestling with stubborn bolts.
With its comprehensive collection of mechanic tools and socket sizes, compact size, and manageable weight, the Crescent tool set is a great option for serious home mechanics.
Get the Crescent mechanic tool set at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.
Best Professional
Gearwrench 232-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Product Specs
- Pieces: 232
- Material: Chrome vanadium steel alloy
- Weight: 41 pounds
What We Like
- 3-drawer storage box makes it easy to store and access tools
- Locking side flaps and a hinged lid keep tools securely in place during transit
- Includes a broad range of types and sizes, including SAE, metric, Torx bit, and External Torx sockets
- Comes with a full collection of Gearwrench’s well-regarded ratcheting combination wrenches
What We Don’t Like
- Is heavier than other mechanic tool sets with a total weight of 41 pounds
Gearwrench has designed this high-quality chrome vanadium steel-alloy mechanics tool set with 232 various pieces, making it ideal for the serious or even pro home mechanic.
This is one of the most comprehensive kits we tested, ranging from 5/32 inch all the way up to ⅞ inch for SAE and 4 millimeters up to 22 millimeters for metric sizes. There are also a variety of socket types, including 6 point, 12 point, and Torx along with external hex wrench and Torx bit sockets. We loved the vast selection of socket types and sizes in this kit, though we did wish there was a swivel joint socket or two in the mix.
In addition to offering a variety of tool types, this set also has pro-level quality. The 90-tooth ratchets allow for a shorter swing arc than the 72-tooth models typically included in home mechanics sets, making it easier to work in tight spaces, and the sockets use thicker metal and have a radius corner design. Gearwrench’s combination wrenches come equipped with its renowned ratcheting box ends, a feature not found on other home mechanic tool kits.
All of this translated into excellent performance. The higher teeth count on the ratchets made them easier to use in tight spaces than the 72-tooth count ratchets we tested. We also loved the ratcheting box ends on the combination wrenches, which puts them well ahead of any other combination wrench we tested in terms of functionality.