Advertiser Disclosure
​The best mechanic tool sets are usually pieced together, bit by bit over a number of years. Rarely can you buy a set straight off the shelf that covers everything. Of course, a lot of it will depend on what you’re actually a mechanic on: race cars, SUVs, mowers. They’re all going to be different.
​For that reason, what I’m talking about here (at least for 4 of the kits) is the type of toolset that you can throw in the trunk. You can just let it rattle around until you need it. Or it could be a starter set for someone wanting to get on the path of doing their own maintenance. The other kit – I’ve included that as an idea of what a professional mechanic has to spend. It’s the sort of kit that they’ll have to get the job done.
​The Mechanic Tool Set
​Tech Spec
​First up, the wrenches and sockets can come in ‘6 point’ or ’12 point’. This is the style of the bit that grips the bolt or nut. Think of it as ‘single hexagon’ or ‘double hexagon’. (We’re not going to cover ‘flank drive’ because none of these tools use that system.)
​A six-point or single hex socket will offer more gripping power for really stubborn fasteners​. It uses more of the fastener for leverage. Whereas a 12 point socket can’t grip them as hard without risking ‘rounding off’ the fastener.
​With that in mind, many people would ask “why don’t they just use six-point wrenches or sockets as the norm then?” It’s a reasonable question that has a valid answer. The 12 point system allows for double the number of positions when trying to place the socket on the fastener while keeping the square drive relative to the tool. This is a really useful feature when working in confined spaces or using a breaker bar.
​It’s also prudent to point out the differences between the size of the ratchets. A ratchet will usually come in one of three sizes – 1/4″, 3/8″ or 1/2″ (​bigger sizes are available). The size refers to the square hole in the socket, the actual ‘drive’.
Generally speaking, 1/4″ drive sockets are for light-duty. They’re used for lightly tightening or loosening fasteners. 3/8″ drive is a general duty and will cope with most jobs. Tight fasteners should be tackled with at least 1/2″ drive.
​Finally, the number of teeth that a ratchet has is important. They determine smoothness and how much effort it takes to turn (particularly handy when you’re just spinning the fastener undone.) And whether it needs less of an arc to actuate the next tooth. This is great for when you’re working in cramped spaces with little room to swing a ratchet.
DeWalt DWMT​72165 204-Piece ​Tool Set
- Rating: 4.8 / 5
- Brand: DeWalt
​204 pieces in total, all centering on wrenches or sockets and ratchets, but it does have some hex keys also. It uses both Metric and SAE (or fractional) and covers most of the more popular sizes​.
​All of the sockets and wrenches are 6 points only. There’s no 12 point or double hex stuff here. This shouldn’t be a particular problem for normal use. The ratchets all feature a 72 tooth arrangement. They are smooth to operate and give a small swing arc – around 5 degrees.
​All of the sockets and tools are clearly marked with a laser etch to make identification easy. The extensions are all knurled to make them a little grippier (ideal when your hands are oily or greasy). The sockets cover 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″. It’s doubtful that you’ll need much more than that for a regular vehicle.
​The kit comes in a quality blow-molded case. The tools are held securely. They won’t fall out if you happen to open up the case upside. It’s a great starter kit, but be aware that the overall size of the case is pretty big – around 24″. If you’re planning on leaving it in the car, it’s gonna take up some space.
Crescent CTK170CMP2 170-Piece ​Tool Kit
- Rating: 4.6 / 5
- Brand: Crescent
​170 pieces, covering both SAE and Metric, using a combination of both 6 & 12 point sockets and wrenches. Unlike the DeWALT set, you’re getting more than just a socket set or wrenches. You’ll also get 2 pairs of pliers – long nose and slip-joint. Plus, a limited range of screwdrivers, some hex keys, and an adjustable wrench.
​Similar to some of the other kits, it uses a 72 tooth ratchet, in all the regular sizes – 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2″​. They fit snugly in the foldable blow-molded case​. Sometimes a little too snug, you may need to lever them out with another tool if your hands are the slightest bit oily.
​I’d consider this as more of an all-round tool kit​. It offers a wider selection of tools than the DeWALT kit, but not as many different sizes of wrench and sockets. With that said, it’s less than half the price, so you can’t expect everything.
Stanley STMT73795 201-Piece Mixed Tool Set
- Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Brand: Stanley
​210 ​items in total, all held securely in the sturdy carry case. Again, the STMT73795 toolset has been designed as offering something for everyone​. It includes tools like slip-joint and long nose pliers. It also has a range of screwdrivers, lots of different screwdriver bits and hex keys, a utility knife, and an adjustable wrench. It’s kind of like a ‘do it all’ toolset.
​It does the three popular drive sizes, from 1/4″ to 1/2″, using a combination of both SAE and Metric, in most of the popular sizes. However, it could potentially do with a few of the larger ones. The sockets are single hex only, but as I stated before, that really shouldn’t hold you up for the main part.
​The molded case holds the tools securely and there’s a full lifetime warranty on the tools – a neat little kit that should work for 90% of the day to day stuff.
Craftsman 50230 230-Piece Mechanics Tool Set​
- Rating: 4.1 / 5
- Brand: Craftsman
​230 pieces, but let’s start with the less good stuff. The hex keys that come with the kit (40 in total) are packed loose into plastic bags. That really isn’t good enough. Either make them fit or leave them out. Don’t just throw them in there as an afterthought.
​Also, the sockets stand on their ends in the carry case, very loosely​. If you happen to open up the case upside down, you’re going to be spending the next hour picking up sockets and arranging them back in the case. Again, not good enough if you ask me.
​Aside from those two complaints, the rest of the kit is of good quality​. All of the tools are made from durable alloy steel. There are 116 sockets in total, covering both SAE and Metric in the most popular sizes, with all the regular drive sizes covered also.
​While there are some issues that Craftsman needs to iron out, for the money, it’s a well thought out kit that will do most jobs. It’s definitely worth buying one of these kits if you’re not looking to get all spendy on your tools.
JH Williams WSC-1390TB 1390-Piece Mammoth Tool Set Complete
- Rating: 3.8 / 5
- Brand: JH Williams
​To clarify a few things; I don’t usually mention prices, but let’s get this out there. This is tens of thousands of dollars so I really can’t avoid it. It’s aimed more for the professional mechanic rather than the home tech.
It gives you an idea of just what sort of budget a pro spends on their tooling. JH Williams is part of the Snap-On group. They are the industrial brand of Snap-On, so you’re not getting low-quality gear, it’s all top end.
​Where do I start? There’re 1,390 pieces in this kit, it includes a top box, roll cab, side cab and roll cart, which in total, gives you over 75,000 cubic inches of space, across 35 drawers. You could almost live in this thing.
​Of course, it uses both Metric and SAE tooling, in 6 & 12 points, with regular hand tools and impact sockets, not only does it cover 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″, but it also goes one step further and has a selection of 3/4″ tooling as well (​unless you’re working on rigs or really big equipment, it’s doubtful that you’ll use it).
​There’s a comprehensive selection of tools, that includes ratchets, sockets, accessories, and wrenches, and then a wide selection of other mechanical tools such as punches, saws, chisels, pliers, hammers & screwdrivers, and even includes specialist equipment such as gear pullers, scrapers, and pry bars; there’s enough equipment to tackle most jobs you’re likely to come across.
​My only real concern with this kit is that when you’re spending this type of money, you are better off building the exact kit that you want. ​​It’s a fabulous set, ​just make sure that you’ve got the space to fit it all and that your insurance covers the cost of replacement. That’s an awful lot of kit to lose in a robbery.
​Caring for Tools
​Ask any professional mechanic and they’ll all tell you that they never put their tools away dirty. Or covered in oil (unless they’re trying to protect them from rust.) Oil, in particular, can be a problem for a mechanic. Grabbing a handful of wrench or ratchet to loosen a fastener is only ever going to go one way if the tool is oily and that’s going to end in pain.
​Also, tools are expensive. Abusing them (like using a ratchet as a hammer) is just costing you money. Take care of them and they will take care of you.