In order to bring you our top recommendations for the best mechanic tool set around we’ve looked at the specs and reviews and compared quality, durability and cost to find the best mechanic tool sets for any budget. A great complete mechanic tool set with box is among the most convenient ways to get started stocking your garage or make sure you have the tool you need on hand when you need it, so whether you’re looking for the best professional mechanic tool set, the best budget tool kits or the best master mechanics tool sets, we’ve got you covered.
Our top pick, the Crescent CTK170CMP2 mechanics tool set is an updated 170-piece kit with metric and SAE tools that comes in a sturdy, three-part folding case for easy transport. Before we learn more about this set, check other great tools available today.
Top 5 Best Mechanic Tool Sets
#1 Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanics Tool Set
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: A carefully selected assortment of professional quality, corrosion resistant tools in both SAE and Metric sizes, plus a convenient carrying case makes this our pick for the best complete mechanic tool set with box in its price range.
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- Versatile 170 piece set
- Meets ANSI and ASME specifications
- Hard and durable corrosion resistant steel
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- Doesn’t include cutting tools
- Doesn’t come with a measuring tool
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The Crescent CTK170CMP2 mechanics tool set is a convenient set that includes 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch quick release ratchet drivers with a 5º arc for quicker work, plus standard and deep sockets in the most often-used metric and SAE sizes. This crescent mechanics tool set is a great starter set for those working on cars or general DIY projects around the house.
Related: Our team also recommends the best jigsaws in the market.
It’s also an easy top pick if you’re looking for a complete mechanics tool set with box for a budget friendly price, and it’s compact enough that you can keep it in the trunk of your car or truck without it compromising your storage space. The sockets and drivers are made of corrosion-resistant treated steel and meet or exceed ANSI and ASME specifications. Don’t forget the best cordless drill for your tool set too.
#2 Stanley STM73795 Mechanic Tool Set
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Stanley mixed tool set is versatile enough for DIY tasks at home or in the garage, with a variety of metric and SAE sized tools and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
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- Best for DIY
- Lifetime warranty
- Comes with twist-lock case
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- More expensive than basic mechanic tool sets
- Fewer specialized tools than the DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set 205-piece
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Filled with all the essentials for DIY automotive work along with a good selection of general purpose tools, this mechanic tool set from Stanley is noted for durability and comes with a lifetime warranty. It also comes with a convenient three part carrying case and packs a mix of SAE and metric sizes.
Related: Have a look at the best MIG welders.
It includes chrome vanadium forged ratchet drivers and sockets for strength and long lasting corrosion resistance, plus a selection of screwdriver, pliers, hex keys, a utility knife and 16-ft tape measure. It also includes a 5/8” spark plug socket and a 3” extension bar. All the tools in this mechanic tool set meet or exceed ANSI specifications. Overall, the Stanley STMT73795 with its 210-piece kit that includes a variety of tools like an adjustable wrench, ratchets and sockets in a quality polish chrome finish, is still one of the best mechanics tool sets on the market today. The best car dolly is another handy garage item for fixing your ride.
#3 Amazon Basics Mechanic Tool Set
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: A 145-piece SAE and metric socket set with a compact case with combination wrenches and metric hex keys, all at a budget friendly price.
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- Excellent value
- Chrome vanadium forged finish
- Pear head ratchets for convenient work in tight spaces
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- Fewer tools than a professional mechanic tool set
- Warranty not as long as on the Stanley
- Doesn’t come with spark plug sockets
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#4 Dewalt 205-piece Mechanic Tool Set
Award: LARGEST SET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This massive 205-piece mechanic tool set (the biggest on our list) uses Dewalt’s direct torque ratchet system and comes with quality pieces like vinyl grip bit drivers, durable chrome sockets and a blow mold case.
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- Most complete set; includes spark plug sockets
- Lifetime warranty
- Multiple extension bars
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- Not as wide a selection of metric sizes
- No T25 to T40 bits
- 1/4” adapter lacks magnet for picking up bits
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A generally complete mechanics tool set with box, this Dewalt 205-piece kit is aimed at auto enthusiasts and DIY home mechanics. It has a range of the most commonly found tools from a professional mechanic tool set, including a range of deep sockets, thick-handled drivers, hex keys and specialty bits.
It also comes with a durable blow mold plastic case with metal latches and a foam-like material to help hold the sockets and bits in place while carrying it. Overall a good value and a useful travel set for master mechanics or a starter kit for enthusiasts, this Dewalt set is only missing a few pieces to be considered truly a complete mechanic tool set. Dewalt makes other great mechanic tool kits of large sizes, including the Dewalt DWMT72165 204-Pc Mechanic Tools Set. The large set comes with a storage case, and the tools included are ratchets, sockets, hex keys (also known as Allen keys) extension bars, and more. This tool kit is rather pricey though, so it may not be the ideal choice for a budget mechanic. The best socket organizer is another tool accessory that will help you be more productive.
#5 DEKOPRO 168 Piece Socket Wrench Mechanic Tool Set
Award: BEST FOR HANDYMAN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This versatile mechanics tool set is great for auto work and home DIY repairs, with a combination of mixed tools that extend beyond a mechanic’s tasks, such as a saw, wire strippers and a hammer.
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- Most complete set; includes spark plug sockets
- Lifetime warranty
- Comes with carrying case
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- Warranty coverage limited compared to Dewalt and Stanley
- Fewer automotive tools than the Dewalt
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This budget minded mechanic tool set has excellent versatility for DIY household work as well as work in the garage or shop. This kit may include the best socket wrench on our list. It comes with a broad assortment of metric sockets including common 8 and 17 mm sizes, small metric hex keys, screwdrivers and a combination wrench. It includes a 72-tooth, quick release 3/8” driver, too.
Along with the garage tools it also comes with some bonuses not always found even in professional mechanic tool sets, but which nonetheless may come in handy for general DIY work, such as wood screws, nylon spring clamps, PVC tape, a saw, level and wire stripper/ crimpers. Speaking of tools for projects, the best fine tip paint brush is a handy item too as is the ttps://www.gadgetreview.dev/best-nail-gun.
How We Decided
In order to narrow down our choices and bring you this list of the best mechanic tool sets under our budget goals, we only considered tool sets that came with a box or carrying case that was convenient to use and didn’t allow the bits and sockets to fall out easily, as is the case with many cheap tool sets. If you’re looking to buy your tools outside of a set, take a look at this list to find the best torque wrench for your next project.
We also only included tool sets that came with both metric and SAE sizes, and that had at least the most common socket sizes for automotive fasteners. If you’re a practiced mechanic you may want to also take a look at the best socket wrench, in case you need a spare.
In order to select the most durable mechanic tool sets, we looked for forged steel drivers and chrome or chrome vanadium for corrosion resistance. A lifetime or extended warranty was a bonus, as with the Stanley (our #2 pick) and Dewalt (our #4 pick) mechanic’s tool sets on our list.
Finally, we only included those tool sets that came with a driver extension and a ratchet driver with a small enough arc of travel to allow work in the often confined spaces under the hood.
Best Mechanic Tool Set Buyer’s Guide
Features to Consider
- Sockets
In order to find the best mechanic tool set that meets your needs, make sure you look for one with a variety of socket sizes. If you have a specific project in mind, of course, like working on a particular make and model of car, check what sizes you’ll most likely use. You can consult a shop manual, if you have one, since they often specify what tools you’ll need. - Drivers
The best professional mechanic tool sets usually come with forged, 72-tooth ratchet drivers with a quick release feature. This helps get the work done faster. Magnetic tips for picking up any bits or sockets that fall are also helpful. For a general purpose mechanic tool set, look for at least one 3/8-inch driver and a 1/2” driver and 1/4” adapter. An angled driver is a nice bonus for working on cars. - ANSI Specifications
For work safety, the best mechanic tool sets offer products certified by the ANSI or ASME specifications. - Hex Keys
A variety of hex keys are definitely helpful, depending on the application. Look for sizes ranging from 2.5- 10mm. - Pliers and Combination Wrenches
A good mechanic tool set should include at least one set of pliers, and most come with two, including one set of long nose pliers which are often needed for automotive electrical work.
