Having a good basic tool set around your home or office is nearly as essential as a well-stocked first aid kit. A small repair can come up at any time and if you have the right tools on hand to tackle the job, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration.
When it comes to car repairs, a mechanic tool set is indispensable. The best tool set is made up of a strategic range of tools that come in handy for a wide variety of tasks and projects.
A tool set doesn’t necessarily have to be professional grade in order to be functional. Some of the top sets we review here meet basic requirements for getting the job done.
Another piece of good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to stock up on a straightforward kit that can cover most simple repairs. Durable tools in pre-configured sets are available from many top brands at reasonable prices.
Here, you will find our ratings for the five best tool set we found as we examined the wide range of options currently popular among homeowners and do-it-yourselfers.
We took a variety of factors into consideration in preparing our ratings to help you navigate the vast world of tool sets with confidence and ease.
Comparison Table
Product |
Image |
Rating |
Price |
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Stanley STMT71653 145-pc Mechanics Tool Set |
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DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set, 142-Piece (DWMT73802) |
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Craftsman 165 pc Mechanics Tool Set # 36165 |
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GreatNeck GN205 205-Piece Home Tool Chest Set |
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Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanics Tool Set, 170-Piece |
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How We Choose Our Ratings
In preparing our ratings for best tool set, we looked at several different criteria. The rating system we use is made up of stars from one to five. Our top sets got the five-star reviews, with the others following from there.
In order to come up with the rating for best tool set, we searched out what real people are saying about the sets. We looked not only at what users liked about a particular set, but also took into consideration any drawbacks or complaints.
This helped us provide you with a more balanced rating.
When it comes to tools, the brand name is also important. Different brands can be geared towards different types of users, so we include brand history and company approach in formulating our ratings.
This allowed us to give you a fuller picture of the overall quality and appeal of a particular tool set and who it might best be suited to.
Our ratings are designed to give you a comprehensive overall picture of the strengths and real or potential weaknesses of each individual mechanic tool set.
Since we know that you want to spend your money wisely on a set that will last you for many repairs through the years, our ratings aim to give a complete picture of each product to help you evaluate it as you try to decide which set is best for you.
Top 5 Best Tool Set
Without further ado, here are the five best tool set that we think rise head and shoulders above the rest. With so many to choose from in today’s vast marketplace, these five are the ones that stood out.
Each set is briefly described to highlight its various characteristics, and its individual rating follows the description.
Stanley STMT71653
- Socket set has full polish chrome finish for anti-corrosion protection
- Quick release allows user to remove extensions or sockets with one hand
- Tough and durable carry case for easy storage and mobility
The Stanley name routinely appears at the top of many “best of” tool lists, and for good reason. This iconic hand-tool company was founded in the mid-1800s in Connecticut and is now part of the Stanley Black & Decker company following a merger.
Despite the fact that it is a mass-marketed brand, it produces top quality tools for both the home and industrial user.The STMT71653 mechanics tool set is one in a broad range of tool sets in the STMT line produced by Stanley.
This particular set falls in the middle of the range in terms of pricing and number of pieces, making it a perfect choice for a basic, entry-level mechanics tool set to keep around the home and garage.
The tools in this set are made of chrome vanadium, which is common grade steel. Although it isn’t tough industrial grade, it is suitable for everyday tool use. The tools have a shiny, chrome-polished finish for a clean and professional look.
The set comes with a lifetime warranty. Users said they liked its basic functionality, especially as a starter tool kit.
Pros
- Good quality tools except for tiny socket size markings.
- Pieces fit very securely; High quality tools
Cons
- I used the ratchet just once only to try it out right? I put it on a bolt, turned, and instantly the ratchet fell apart in my hands! I’ve seen plastic toys built more sturdy than this.
| QUALITY | PRICE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|
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$$ |
DEWALT DWMT73802
DEWALT DWMT81533 172pc Mechanics Tool Set
- ACCESS: The 72 tooth ratchet allows for a 5 degree arc swing allowing for greater access in tight spaces.
- DURABILITY: The set comes in a durable blow mold case, keeping your tools safe in your house or garage.
- COMFORT: The anti-slip screwdriver provides maximum comfort during use.
- DESIGN: Sockets and box end wrenches incorporate DEWALT DirectTorque Technology, allowing for greater contact with fasteners and greater torque to make tightening and loosening easy.
- VARIETY: This set comes with an array of sockets, wrenches, accessories and specialty bits, great for a variety of uses
Like the Stanley kit above, this 142-piece DeWalt kit comes loaded. DeWalt is another of the most easily recognizable tool brands. The company was started in the early 1920s and nowadays is well known throughout the construction industry.
It’s a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker, so consumers know they can trust this brand’s quality and durability.The DeWalt kit costs more than the Stanley kit, so in terms of value for money, the home user may choose to opt for the Stanley kit.
However, DeWalt is known for its industrial use, so the tools are truly top-notch even in this straightforward kit. Like the Stanley kit, this tool set also has a lifetime warranty.
Users liked how the case was sturdy and held all the tools in place, unlike cheaper and flimsier sets.
They also mentioned that the tools look and feel solid when you’re working with them, which isn’t surprising given how industry professionals trust the DeWalt name.
Pros
- Feels like a really good quality set of tools. Haven’t had a major repair to deal with but I’m extremely confident with these.
- Great kit HD quality
- Great set, good case
Cons
- Be aware of you buy this that it is missing the 9/16″ deep socket as well as the 14mm and 15mm deep socket.
| QUALITY | PRICE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|
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$$$ |
Craftsman # 36165
- Chrome plated, tough cast alloy steel construction Includes 79 6-point sockets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sizes; 61...
Craftsman tools have long been known as a trusted workhorse brand for home repairs and maintenance. The brand offers good value for the money and its products are built to stand the test of time and wear.
Since its founding in the 1920s as an addition to the famed Sears catalog, the brand has come up with many innovations over the decades.
This set has more tools than the previous set, but the price point is more or less the same, as the Craftsman brand is geared more towards the home user rather than the industrial user.
The set has 92 sockets in three drive sizes, so it can cover virtually any task you’ll run up against that needs a socket wrench.Users liked the Craftsman brand and solid construction.
As is typical with tool sets in this price range, some customers complained that the case doesn’t hold the tools securely enough and they fall out when the case is opened.
Pros
- This was the PERFECT set for my husband who’s an electrician.
- They are of excellent quality. And the best thing is that, like the previous ones, these also have guarantee of life
- Excellent buy
Cons
- The ratchets are stiff and operate poorly. Many of the sockets are so thin, they look like they would break if really torqued on.
| QUALITY | PRICE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|
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$$ |
GreatNeck GN205
- 205PC HOME & GARAGE TOOL SET
The GreatNeck brand name is not as well known as the others on this list, but it deserves to take its place here for this particular home best tool set.
It stands apart from the others in that it is actually a tool chest, which eliminates the issue with tools sliding around in poorly designed cases.
The tools are made of forged carbon steel and heat treated to make them extra durable. All 205 pieces fit compactly into the molded three-drawer carrying case.
In terms of pricing, it is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the more well-known names. This makes it a good choice for basic home use, especially as a starter kit for a workbench.
Pros
- Good selection of tools.
- I’ve had to borrow tools and everything I used was good quality.
- This tool box is great for my personal box for having in the house
Cons
- The tools were crap. Most of the peices didn’t even fit together and the ones that did wouldn’t stay on when used. The box was a pain to open as well.
| QUALITY | PRICE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|
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$$ |
Crescent CTK170CMP2
- Updated version of the best selling CTK170CMP, this new set has a new and sturdier blow mold case as well as new and...
- Contains a carefully selected assortment of hand tools needed for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Set includes 1/4 inches, 3/8 inches and 1/2 inches drive tools (SAE and Metric). Drive Type 6 and 12 Point. Drive Tang...
Crescent is another brand that isn’t as widely known as some of the largest commercial brands, but it holds its own on this list. With 170 pieces, this tool set easily covers virtually every basic tool need.
This brand has a history of innovation in the tool sector, including being the first company to manufacture an adjustable wrench in the U.S.A.
The case on this set is particularly well organized and sturdy, which is uncommon for this price range.
Users commented on how much they liked the fact that their tools stayed in place securely inside the molded carrying case. The tools are made from chrome vanadium steel alloy and heat treated.
Users said they liked the finish on the tools as well as the variety of tools in this particular set. Although the tools aren’t necessarily at the same level as some of the top name brands, they definitely get the job done.
Pros
- This Crescent tool kit is a very good value.
- Versatile set with some quality control issues
- Excellent and organized tool set
Cons
- Closure clasps are awkward fall off case very easily.
| QUALITY | PRICE | RATINGS |
|---|---|---|
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$$$ |
Buyer’s Guide
Before you purchase a mechanic tool set, you should compare various qualities of the sets based on certain important factors.
Every basic tool set has elements in common with other sets, so what makes one stand out as superior is often found in one of the following categories.
If you take these specifications into consideration as you do your tool shopping, you’ll be better equipped to select the set that’s best for you and the way you work.
Intended Use
When selecting your tool set, think about the way you intend to use it. For example, a home mechanic who needs a general set of tools for everyday household repairs likely doesn’t need to have the most extensive selection of tools or the most expensive brand on the market.
Likewise, if you intend to use your tool set for more in-depth work on your car and you plan to get very frequent use out of the set, you’ll need a more heavy-duty set that provides extra durability. In addition, you’ll likely need much more specific tools than a general user.
Image via Pixabay
Case
Although it might seem like a negligible detail, when it comes to everyday functionality, the case that houses your best tool set is actually an important thing to consider.
If you have to reorganize hundreds of tools every time you open the case because they continually fall out of their molds and get mixed up, you’ll be defeating the purpose of having a simple go-to kit.
Some of the lower-priced sets have cheap plastic cases that don’t hold the tools securely. Another common complaint is regarding cases whose clasps easily break off, preventing proper closure after a bit of normal wear and tear.
Check the fit of the tools and the structure of the case you want to work with.
Tool Finish and Grip
The tools’ finish and grip are two elements to pay attention to as you compare tool sets. A comfortable grip will pay off in the long run as you use your tools over time.
The finish of the tools counts both from an aesthetic standpoint as well as a practical one. Heat-treated tools tend to last longer and resist abrasion.
Brand
People who work with tools as part of their profession often have very passionate opinions about which brands are the best, and this is no different in terms of a best tool set.
Price
Tool sets can run into the hundreds and thousands of dollars depending on how specialized and professional you intend to go. In these ratings, we included a range of best tool set that hover in the area of about $$$.
If you need a tool set for industrial use, you will likely have to spend significantly more than that.
But if you’re looking for a set that you can use to do work on your car in your home garage and small repairs around the house, this is likely a satisfactory price range for you to search within.
Weight
Although the weight of best tool set in this piece range doesn’t generally exceed about 20 pounds, this may be a consideration for you. As you increase the number of tools in your set, the weight inevitably goes up and the set can become more cumbersome.
Conclusion
With so many different options on the market today and such a wide variety of high-quality brands to choose from, finding the best tool set isn’t always easy.
If you have your priorities in mind before you start looking, such as how many pieces you need and what type of use you plan to make of the set, you’ll already be at a good jumping-off point for narrowing down your choices.
Image via Pixabay
Last update on 2023-04-15 at 07:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API