Although the name would suggest otherwise, a mechanic tool set is something that can benefit anyone. It doesn’t matter if you need the tool set for professional use or simply need to keep your car and home in top shape, they can really help you out in that regard.
And while it may seem that their price is a bit expensive, in reality, they are cheaper than trying to assemble the tools you need one piece at a time.
Which means that the only thing holding most people back from buying one of these mechanic’s tool sets is trying to decide which one is the best one available. And that’s something we can most certainly help you with right now.
While it does seem like there are too many of these tool-sets to choose from, it really isn’t that hard to find one that has all of the tools you need and is within your budget. All it takes is a little bit of your time to learn about what you should look for when choosing one of these sets.
To help you out, we’ve assembled what we feel are the ten best mechanics tool sets available. These are the ones that have the most useful assortment of tools in them. And if that still doesn’t help you out, then take a look at our article after these tool set reviews. We’ll tell you what you need to look for when purchasing one of these sets.
Best Mechanic Tool Set Reviews
#10 WorkPro W009044A Heavy-Duty Tool Set
Although WorkPro isn’t a name in tools I’m familiar with, I was quite impressed with the assortment of tools they have assembled in this tool set. Not only does this set come with a heavy-duty 3-drawer tool box, but it comes with 408 different tools and accessories. Not only does this kit has a socket set with a 1/4-inch ratchet handle, 3/8-inch ratchet handle, and a 1/2-inch ratchet handle with a variety of sockets, but it also comes with a number of other tools.
It comes with combination wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, a hammer, adjustable wrench, hex keys, a utility knife, and even a tape measure. While this might seem like overkill to some people, for others, it will be a necessary set of tools to get started with car repairs or for work around the home.
#9 Dekopro 168-Piece Auto Repair Tools
Dekopro is another name that I wasn’t familiar with until I recently ran across their products. And after checking them out, I do have to say that they’re offering a good beginning mechanic’s toolset that should be a good start for most people. This inexpensive set features 168 different items. Some of the things which can be found in this kit include hex key wrenches, 1/4-inch, and 3/8-inch drive sockets, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers (long nose, slip joint, diagonal cutting pliers), a 7-inch adjustable wrench, 16-feet of PVC insulating tape, a level, socket adapter, bit holder and 6.5-inch wire stripper/crimper.
It also comes with nylon spring clamps and although they’re not particularly useful for automotive repairs, wood screws. It’s a convenient kit for basic auto and home repairs, but it can’t compete with some of the larger mechanic’s sets on this list.
#8 Stanley STMT71654 201-Piece Mechanics Set
Manufactured by a trusted name in the tool industry, this mechanic’s set has many of the tools needed for automotive repair, although it’s not as complete as one would hope it would be. All in all, it has 208 tools which include a 3/8-inch pear head ratchet, 3/8-inch drive extension bar, 3/8-inch 6-point drive sockets, 1/4-inch pear head ratchet, a 1/4-inch spinner handle, a 3/8-inch spark plug socket, 8 different combination wrenches, 1/4-inch drive extensions, 1/4-inch drive specialty bits and a blow molded carry case to keep everything together and to carry the tools in.
The ratchets have handles that are very easy to hold and use, and are ergonomically designed for comfort. Most of the tools in this set have a full polish chrome finish that makes them resistant to rust and corrosion. These tools have forged bodies for strength and are made using Chrome Vanadium.
#7 Stanley STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set
Equipped with 210 pieces in total, this toolkit is another great tool set from a trusted company in the industry. All of the tools in this set are made using forged Chrome Vanadium that makes them extremely strong and very durable. It also ensures that they are rust and corrosion resistant, and will give the user a lifetime of use. All of the tools in this set meet or exceed ANSI specifications, and they are housed in a blow molded tool case that keeps the tools safe and makes it easy to carry them to site.
Some of the tools which can be found in this set include a utility knife, tape measure, screwdrivers, long nose and groove joint pliers, a 6-inch adjustable wrench, hex key wrenches, ratchets, a spinner handle, drive bits, drive nut bits, 1/4-inch drive sockets (both SAE & metric), a 3-inch extension bar, 3/8-inch drive sockets, 1/2-inch drive sockets and a set of SAE and metric combination wrenches.
#6 Craftsman 165-Piece Tool Set (38165)
Manufactured by Craftsmen, a company well known for their tools, this toolkit has a 162-pieces in it that will help out any amateur mechanic. And while it’s marketed as a mechanic’s toolkit, it is actually a pretty good set for use around the job site or around the home as well. This set contains 92 different sockets in three different sizes. There are 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch ratchets, two extension bars and two different universal joints.
This set also has 12 different combination wrenches in both Imperial and metric sizes. Other tools which can be found in this set include hex keys, screwdriver bits, nut driver bits and a driver handle. These tools allow this to be an adequate set but not one which will really wow most professionals. However, it’s inexpensive price makes it an extremely attractive product to most people.
#5 Crescent CTK170CMP2 Tool Set
From a brand that’s been trusted for the last 100-years, this tool set has many of the high-quality tools one would want in a mechanic’s set. It contains a 72-tooth quick-release 1/2-inch drive ratchet, a 3/8-inch ratchet, a 1/2-inch ratchet, 10-inch tongue and groove pliers, 8-inch long nose pliers, magnetic screwdrivers, SAE hex keys, metric hex keys, 1/4-inch drive, 3/8-inch drive, extensions, 5/8-inch and 13/16-inch spark plug sockets, 6-point deep sockets, driver bits, and combination wrenches in a variety of sizes including 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 9/16-inch, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 13mm through 15mm wrenches.
And all of these tools meet ANSI and ASME specifications and are housed in a high-quality plastic case that can be used to store the tools and transport them to the job site.
#4 Dewalt DWMT81534 Tool Set
Manufactured by Dewalt, a company known for their high-quality products, this tool set is sure to give any aspiring mechanic the tool selection they need for working on their car or their neighbor’s car. It comes with a 72-tooth ratchet that’s especially suitable for getting into tight corners and gives the user the torque they need. This set has pear-head ratchets which come in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch sizes.
It also comes with a large number of different sockets for these ratchets including 5/32-inch, 1/4-inch, 3/16-inch, 4mm through 14mm, and 1/2-inch sockets. This unit also comes with a number of different extension bars, hex keys, specialty bits, bit driver, and wrenches. It also comes with an easy-to-carry case that can be used for tool storage or for transporting the tools within it. All of which makes this a great kit for automotive use.
#3 Dewalt DWMT75049 Tool Set
Housed in a durable blow-molded case that keeps everything within it safe and is easy to carry around, this tool set has an impressive collection of tools. It contains a variety of pear-head ratchets, hex keys, sockets, extensions and driver bits. The sockets in this set are laser etched for easy socket identification and are made with a polished Chrome Vanadium finish that’s corrosion resistant and extremely durable.
The ratchets in this set use an advanced gear system for high-torque ratcheting, and they are easy to use, even with just one hand. This set is not only useful and durable, however. It’s also quite a nice looking set and would make a great gift for Father’s Day or for Christmas. Everything considered this is a high-quality automotive tool set that should find a suitable place in just about any home garage.
#2 Craftsman 230-Piece Tool Set (50230)
This kit has 230-pieces which means that it has quite a large selection of tools available for any automotive task. This set comes with quick-release ratchets in three different sizes: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch sizes, and also comes with 116 sockets in both Imperial and metric sizes. Other items which can be found in this toolbox include 40 different screwdriver bits, 12 nut drivers (both Imperial and metric), 6 different combination wrenches (standard and metric), 2 extension bars and universal joints.
And these tools are made out of an alloy steel that’s extremely durable and coated with a corrosion resistant coating. All of these tools are then encased in a durable case that protects them when they’re not in use and makes them extremely easy to carry from one place to the next. This set not only is useful but also looks professional, so it makes a great gift as well.
#1 Dewalt DWMT72165 Toolset
Some mechanic tool boxes try to wow you by throwing in every tool imaginable, even tools that may not be particularly helpful for fixing a car. However, this Dewalt toolset is not one of those bloated toolkits. No, every tool in this set serves a purpose and is made to be durable and to last a lifetime. The ratchets in this set use a 72-tooth gear system that allows for high-torque ratcheting and allows for a 5-degree arc swing.
Some of the tools which can be found in this set include 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch ratchets and sockets, extension bars, universal joints, adapters, and drive socket bits. This set also has Torx tools and a variety of combination wrenches. This is a high-quality and very professional toolset that should last for years and provide the user with all of the tools they need to work on any car they need to work on.
What to Look For in a Mechanic Tool Set
There are all kinds of different tool-sets on the market today. There are models designed for making home repairs, for dealing with construction jobs and for repairing cars. Since we’re talking about mechanics tools that’s what we’re going to be concentrating on. After all, a lot of people have questions about what should be contained in one of these sets, so we’ve decided to go over some of the best ones and figure out what should be in one.
Any good mechanic tool set should have a basic complement of tools in them. Tools that are used for car repair. And that’s why consumers should carefully consider any tool-set they’re planning on purchasing and make sure that it has the tools they are going to need for common car repairs. With that in mind, we’re going to go over some of the tools you should expect to find in such a tool-set. Below are some of the tools you should find in a standard mechanics kit.
At the heart of any good set are sockets. These are the tools you’ll need to use the most often. Therefore, it’s important that a set has all of the ones you need. The best sets contain 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch drivers and sockets.
They should also include a number of metric sizes as well. Extensions are also extremely important for reaching hard to reach areas. And don’t discount the value of deep sockets, especially if you’re working on older cars. I would’ve never been able to change the spark plugs on my 1999 Grand Marquis without the use of deep sockets because the spark plugs on these engines are recessed.
A set that can deal with Torx screws is also extremely important. That’s because there are a number of automotive screws which use the Torx pattern. Some sets offer Torx screwdrivers to deal with these type of screws, but others simply use screw socket sets.
Either way, a set should be able to deal with Torx screws including T10, T15, and T20 models. Some of the higher end sets have even more options and not only include those three Torx drivers but also T25, T27, T30, and T45 sets.
Combination wrenches are an important part of any mechanics tool set. These wrenches have an open end and a closed end. Make sure there’s a variety of them in your tool box including SAE 11/32, 2/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 and 5/8 models.
While not every set has a screwdriver with replaceable bits, it can be an important part of the larger sets. Some sets provide bits in both Imperial and metric sizes, which can be helpful for a variety of automotive tasks.
And that’s the basis for any of the mechanic’s tool sets. If you buy a set which contains most, if not all, of these tools, then you’re well on your way to having a kit that will help you get through quite a bit of automotive repair tasks. However, that’s not to say that it’s every tool a mechanic or DIY auto enthusiast needs to get work done on their vehicle. Sometimes a little bit more is needed.
Beefing Up Store Bought Sets
Now that you’ve bought a mechanic’s tool-set, it’s time to add a few items to it to beef it up. Now, when I say beef it up, I mean adding tools to it that will make it more complete. While most of the sets available are great and will suit the needs of most people, there can be a few tools added to them that make them even better.
That’s what we intend to investigate below. Let’s not waste any more time. Instead, let’s jump into what can be added to the best mechanic’s toolsets to make them even better.
Tips for Amateur Mechanics
Once you’ve gone through the mechanic toolsets, purchased one that suits your needs and have bought a few additional tools to beef it up, now is the time to use those tools properly. Just about every guy believes that they immediately know how to use their tools and don’t require any additional assistance, but that always isn’t the case.
Below are a few tips that can help just about anyone out as they are working on their car. Some of these are tool using tips, and some are just hacks that make fixing a car a whole lot easier. With that being said, let’s get started.
In Conclusion
It’s quite clear that mechanics aren’t the only people who can get a lot of use out of a mechanic’s toolbox. Just about anyone who needs to work on a car can benefit from having one of these kits in their garage.
And if they buy a few additional tools to round it out and make use of some common tool tricks and hacks, then they can also enjoy the self-satisfaction of keeping their car in good running condition. It’s a great way to save some money and prevent having to make unnecessary trips to a local mechanic.
Hey! Welcome to my website, my name is David and I’ve created this website for all you beginner mechanics that are looking for tools but don’t know what to buy.