There are many great advantages to buying a mechanic’s tool kit. Firstly, you’re bound to save a lot of money. Compared to buying all these tools individually, a toolkit should cost much less. You’ll often get value-added extras, like a toolbox or carrying case.

When this article was originally written in late 2019, I reviewed 5 of the best mechanics tool sets but I updated the review in February 2023, taking it up to six of the best mechanics tool kits.

As a seasoned DIY mechanic, for well over 30 years now, I know how important it is to have the best tools for the job. Admittedly, I’ve never bought an all-in-one mechanics tool kit. That’s not to say I don’t see the immense value in these kits. It’s just that I started out small, with no money to speak of.

As I took on ever greater DIY vehicle repair and restoration projects, my need for better and more specialized tools increased. I bought these tools as I needed them and often had to save a while just to buy one important item.

I’ll never know how much I’ve spent on mechanics tools over the years, or tools in general, definitely thousands of dollars.  If I’d had the cash, all those years ago, to buy a high-quality mechanics tool kit, I would sure have saved a heap of cash.

So, if you’ve got the means to buy any of the top 6 mechanics tool kits featured in this review, it will be an investment you’ll cherish for a lifetime. The good news is that I haven’t gone out and selected only the very best, most expensive tool kits.

Some of the best tool sets in this review, like the DeWalt and Milwaukee offerings, are quite expensive and will appeal to professional mechanics or the more industrious DIYers. Even these high-end kits are not the most expensive.

I’ve also considered the average Joe who isn’t looking for a professional-grade mechanics tool kit. You will find more reasonably priced, light to medium-duty tool sets for around $50.

While the cheap tool sets in this review aren’t heavy-duty, the general quality is okay for occasional DIY mechanics jobs.

 

There’s a lot to cover in this review. As these tool kits all have many, many tools, I won’t be reviewing every tool in each kit. I’ll supply a list of what is included in the kit and offer my view on what you’re getting for your money.

I’ll provide a basic overview of the brand and consider the opinions of existing customers, based on customer reviews. Though, since all the mechanic’s tool kits chosen for this review have received average ratings higher than 4.5 stars from extensive research into thousands of customer reviews, you’re assured that they are all top-rated products.

It’s really just a matter of you deciding if you’re getting what you need and if the price suits your budget.

 

DeWalt DWMT72165 204-Piece Mechanics Toolkit and Socket Set

Set includes: 

22 – 1/4″ Drive Sockets- 6 Point:

SAE: 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16,11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16,

MM: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

20 – 1/4″ Drive Deep Sockets – 6 Point:

SAE: 3/16, 1/4, 5/32, 9/32, 5/16,11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2,

MM: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

1 – 1/4″ Drive Pear Head Ratchet,

3 – 1/4″ Drive Extension Bar: 3, 6, 10″,

1 – 1/4″ Drive Universal Joint,

1 – 1/4″ Drive F x 3/8″ M adapter,

22 – 3/8″ Drive Sockets- 6 Point:

SAE: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8,

MM: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21,

22 – 3/8″ Drive Deep Sockets- 6 Point:

SAE: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8,

MM: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21,

1 – 3/8″ Drive Pear Head Ratchet,

3 – 3/8″ Drive Extension Bar: 3, 6, 10″,

1 – 3/8″ Drive Universal Joint,

1 – 3/8″ Drive F x 1/4″ M adapter,

3 – 3/8″ Drive Spark Plug Sockets – 6 Point: 5/8, 3/4, 13/16,

9 – 3/8″ Drive Socket Bits- Hex:

SAE: 5/32, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16,

MM: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,

8 – 3/8″ Drive Socket Bits – Torx: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45,

20 – 1/2″ Drive Sockets- 6 Point:

SAE: 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1,

MM: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24,

20 – 1/2″ Drive Deep Sockets- 6 Point:

SAE: 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1,

MM: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24,

1 – 1/2″ Drive Pear Head Ratchet,

3 – 1/2″ Drive Extension Bar: 2.5, 5, 10″,

1 – 1/2″ Drive Universal Joint,

1 – 1/2″ Drive F x 3/8″ M adapter,

12 Combination wrenches:

SAE: 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8,

MM: 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 28

Hex Keys

Overview:

Nine times out of ten, DeWalt would be my go-to brand. So it only seems natural that this would be top on my list of the best mechanic’s tool kits. DeWalt tools are quite expensive, but far from being the most expensive. Quality, however, can mostly match any of the top brands. I believe this amounts to incredible value for those seeking high-end quality with a reasonable degree of affordability.

I can see how many may feel that the DeWalt DWMT72165 204-piece mechanics toolkit is a bit extravagant. After all, this is essentially a ratchet and wrench set costing north of 300 bucks.

On the other hand, I know professional and serious DIY mechanics will appreciate this as a valuable part of their tool arsenal. For starters, quality is of the highest order. If you’re using ratchets regularly, and expect them to work hard, you’ll know how important this is.

Though, what appeals to me the most, is the variety of sockets included. All the standard SAE and metric sizes are important. Then there are the actual dimensions of the sockets. The variety of sockets that can fit in just about anywhere is really fantastic.

I’ve had the privilege of repairing quite a few European classic cars. Many of these have been designed so that it is nearly impossible to reach some nuts and bolts. In these situations, I’ve really valued longer thin sockets, with just the right length extension, and often a swivel fitting to boot.

For the average DIY mechanic, all this might seem a little like overkill. For those who intend taking on absolutely any vehicle repair or restoration project with confidence, the DeWalt DWMT72165 mechanic’s toolkit will come as a true blessing. I wouldn’t attempt an old French or Italian classic car without a toolset like this one.

 

WORKPRO W009044A 408-piece Mechanics Toolkit with 3-drawer toolbox

Set Includes:

1 X utility knife

20 X utility knife blades

6 X Magnetic precision screwdriver selection

screwdriver bits

metric hex key set

SAE hex key set

6″ Long nose pliers

6″ Diagonal pliers

6″ Combination pliers

16oz ball-pein hammer

7.5M (25ft) tape measure

Metric combination wrenches: 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17mm

SAE Combination wrenches: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 3/4″

8″ Adjustable wrench

Wire stripper

55-pc connector kit

40 X cable ties

90-pc hardware kit

1/4″ Ratchet handle

1/4″ 6 points SAE Sockets: 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″

3/8″ Ratchet handle

3/8″ 6 points SAE Sockets: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″

3/8″ 6 points metric Sockets: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19mm

3/8″ 12 points SAE Sockets: 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″

3/8″ 12 points metric: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19mm

1/2″ Ratchet handle

1/2″ 6 points SAE Sockets: 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 7/8″

1/2″ 6 points metric Sockets: 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21mm

1/2″ X 3/8″ Adapter

3/8″ X 1/4″ Adapter

1/4″ X 3″ Extension bar

3/8″ X 3″ Extension bar

3/8″ X 6″ Extension bar

1/2″ X 5″ Extension bar

3/8″ Spark sockets: 13/16″, 5/8″.

1/4″ 6 points metric dr. Sockets: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13mm

Overview:

I can’t really speak to how the WORKPRO brand compares to any of the others in this review, simply because I haven’t owned any of their tools.

Going by my observations of the WORKPORO 408-pc mechanics toolkit, it appears to be a good-quality domestic brand. Something like Craftsman and similar DIY homeowner tools. So, not heavy-duty tools, but good quality for most DIY mechanics.

Customer opinions certainly suggest that this toolkit is definitely worth buying. I also find it a little strange how some items are SAE while others are metric. There doesn’t seem to be any consistency or logic as to what units of measurement they’ve chosen. Though, you do end up with most metric and SAE options, in a mixed-up kind of way.

The wrenches and sockets are made from chrome vanadium and forged steel. so there’s A good deal of tensile strength and durability there. Albeit not a truly heavy-duty tool kit. The toolbox is a nice addition and is really decent quality. Not just for mechanics, but for any home DIY enthusiast, this is a magnificent deal. I mean a full toolkit for just about any DIY task, and a quality toolbox for just under $200. Who can argue with that for a real bargain?

 

Craftsman 50230 230-piece Mechanics Tool Set

Set includes:

Durable alloy steel construction with a silver finish

Includes quick-release ratchets in 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ drives

116 sockets, 6- and 12-point, in both inch and metric measures

2 extension bars

6 combination wrenches in standard and metric

Magnetic handle with 12 nut drivers, inch and metric, and 50 screwdriver bits

40 hex keys

Includes a carrying case to keep you organized and ready to work

Overview:

The Craftsman brand probably needs no introduction. We all know it well and the basic good value that is associated with Craftsman tools. Like the other cheap mechanic’s toolkits in this review, the Craftsman 230-piece (50230) is not what I’d call a heavy-duty professional kit. Though it appears to be of a decent quality standard. I guess these tools will hold up to fairly regular work. A perfect set for weekend mechanics.

You get a full array of metric and SAE sockets. I like that there are also 3 ratchet sizes, allowing you to get into tight spaces. A total of 116 sockets (both 6 and 12-point) is more than one would expect from a comprehensive toolkit costing a little more than 100 bucks. I think this mechanics toolkit is incredible value for money if you’re not looking for a particularly heavy-duty kit.

DeWalt DWMT73801 108-piece Mechanics Toolkit and Socket Set

Set includes:

1/4 in Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, Metric 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

1/4 in Drive 3 in Extension

1/4 in Drive 6pt deep socket: SAE 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, Metric 10, 11, 12, 13.

3/8 in Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, Metric 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

3/8 in Drive 6pt deep sockets: SAE 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, Metric 14, 15, 16, 17.

3/8 in x 1/4 in Reducing Adapter,

3/8 in Drive 3 in Extension

1/4, 3/8 in Pear Head Ratchet

14-piece standard hex key set, 14-piece metric hex key set

Nut driver bit: SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32.

Vinyl grip multi driver, 22-piece bit set with storage case.

Overview:

Another high-quality mechanics toolkit from DeWalt. It’s about half the price of the Comprehensive DeWalt kit at the top of the review, with about half as many pieces. If you don’t see a need for a great variety of socket options, or combination wrenches, the DeWalt DWMT73801 108-piece Mechanics Toolkit should make much better sense.

You get a good selection of metric and SAE sockets, as well as standard hex keys. These are probably all most home mechanics will ever need. Two ratchet sizes, with corresponding sockets, may not be as versatile as the three sizes included in the larger DeWalt kit but is certainly a big plus. I also like the multi-driver kit, with its own convenient carrying case.

This is a really great and quite comprehensive socket and driver kit. Perfectly sized for off-road enthusiasts who want a go-anywhere mechanics toolkit. Not to mention, a great addition to any home mechanic’s shop.

 

Hi-Spec DT30016 Car Tool Kit

Set includes:

3/8″ Ratchet Drive Handle, 72 Teeth

17 x SAE Sockets:

1/4″: 1/4″x 2, 3/16″ x 2, 5/16″, 5/32″, 7/32″, 9/32″, 11/32″, 3/8″
3/8″: 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 19/32″, 15/32″

3/8″ Drive Sliding T-bar

3/8″ Universal Joint

3/8″ to 1/4″ Adaptor

2 x 3/8″ Spark Plug Socket: 16mm, 19mm

3/8″ Extension Bar

Long Nose Pliers

Combination Pliers

Adjustable Wrench

Voltage Tester and Earthing Lead

8 x Metric Hex Keys: 1.27, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6mm

Magnetic Bit Driver Handle

28 x 25mm CR-V Bits:

Slotted: 4mm,5mm,1/8,5/32,3/16,1/4″
Pozidrive: PZ1, PZ2, PZ3
Square: S0, S1*2, S2*2, S3*2
Hex (SAE): H1/16, H/64, H1/8, H5/32, H3/16, H1/4
Philips: PH1, PH2, PH0
Torx: T10, T15

I have to be frank and say that this is not the type of mechanics toolkit that I’d buy. I doubt anyone who spends a lot of time repairing cars would want it either. With that said, I think it’s the best deal for a mechanics tool kit under $50. For this reason, I had to include the Hi-Spec (not) kit as the best cheap mechanics toolkit.

If your idea of vehicle mechanics comprises an annual oil change and a few basic repairs when the need arises, the Hi-Spec DT30016 Car Tool Kit is a wonderfully affordable option.

This is one of those less-known brands and you can be sure everything is made in China, or thereabouts. Then again how many tools aren’t? Regardless of the country of origin, this is obviously a cheaply made toolkit and won’t stand up to rigorous hard work on a regular basis. It’s a beginner kit or one for the guy who only does occasional vehicle repairs. For that, it’s a great deal.

I suppose, if you want a toolkit to keep a toolkit in the car for emergencies, this could also be the perfect option. It probably has all the tools you’ll need for roadside emergencies, neatly organized in a blow-molded case. As an emergency toolkit for the car, you will seldom, perhaps never, need all the tools in this kit. On the flip side, you never know when this kit could be a lifesaver if you have a breakdown on a dark and lonely road. You know that feeling when you think: I could easily fix this if only I had a….? Well, this inexpensive mechanics toolkit could be just the answer for those situations.

Milwaukee 48-22-9486 106-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit with PACKOUT Organizer

Set Includes:

56-piece ³⁄₈” drive ratchet and socket set

50-piece ¼” drive ratchet and socket set

Heavy-duty PACKOUT modular storage system.

Overview:

Like the DeWalt tool set, this 106-piece Milwaukee Mechanics tool kit is essentially a top-of-the-line SAE and metric socket set. While I have rated the DeWalt kit as my number choice, fans of the Milwaukee brand, of which there are plenty, will consider the Milwaukee 48-22-9486 as the ultimate ratchet set for mechanics.

The tools included in this set are obviously of the highest quality standard. After all, this is a Milwaukee tool set. I’m incredibly impressed with the low-profile 90-tooth ratchet design which allows for easy working in tight spaces, thanks to the 4° swing.

The four-sided socket design is pretty amazing, preventing rolling.

The PACKOUT low-profile organizer is no ordinary storage box. The Milwaukee PACKOUT modular storage system offers a wonderful range of tool storage solutions that stack and pack together for the ultimate way to keep your tools organized.

The Milwaukee 48-22-8431 storage system supplied with this kit is not merely a nice little extra, it deserves a mention in its own right. At a glance, anyone can see that this is an indestructibly tough item. The reinforced metal latches are a clear indication that this ratchet storage case is made to last. The impact-resistant polymer is also about as rugged as it gets, earning it an IP65 rating.

The Milwaukee mechanics set is not quite as comprehensive as the DeWalt kit (reviewed above), it doesn’t include combination wrenches but the variety of sockets is almost as good. Being a smaller set, with about half as many items, the Milwaukee mechanics tool kit is about $100 cheaper than the DeWalt tool set. You get a lifetime warranty on the Milwaukee ratchet set.

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