Best Mechanic's Tool Sets for 2023—Road & Track

Jun 01, 2023

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Whether you're an expert technician or a driveway mechanic—or buying a gift for one—this guide will help you choose the perfect tool kit to keep the work running smoothly.

Working on your vehicle is a rewarding experience, and having a well-equipped mechanics tool set is the key to getting the job done as efficiently and safely as possible. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an automotive enthusiast, the right tools can mean the difference between a smooth, successful repair and a day full of stripped nuts and swear words.

Thankfully for you, we've carefully scoured the web for the best mechanic tool sets, considering quality, range, and value for money. Each set we've selected should help you complete your projects confidently and efficiently, regardless of your skill level. And they'll all make great gifts for aspiring gearheads. So roll up your sleeves and take a peek at the mechanic tool set for your needs.

Before you get started on your search for the best tool kit, you'll want to take a few things into consideration. Here's what you should be looking for:

Tool Selection: You'll want a kit that covers all your bases, from sockets and wrenches to pliers and screwdrivers. Ideally, you'll want a kit with both SAE (standard) and metric tools and sockets, so it'll last for years regardless of what vehicle you own.

Quality and Durability: Nobody wants a flimsy tool that breaks or wears down quickly. Look for kits with high-quality materials, so you can confidently tackle those tough jobs. This includes both the carrying case and the tools themselves.

Case Design and Portability: A solid, well-organized case can be a lifesaver when you're on the go. Search for tool kits with sturdy, easy-to-carry cases that keep your tools neatly arranged and ready for action. In theory, this should prevent you from losing your 10mm socket. But we all know it'll inevitably go missing one way or another.

Budget and Value: Let's face it, we all have different budgets to work with. Keep your budget in mind, but don't sacrifice quality for a bargain. It's all about finding that sweet spot between price and performance. It's better to get only the tools you need with a higher quality set than to get more than you need at the expense of quality.

Brand Reputation: Trustworthy brands often deliver reliable and high-quality tools. Better-known brands also have better warranties and customer-service support, which should make life easier if anything does break down the road.

shop all the best deals on mechanic tool sets at Amazon

The Amazon Basics 173-Piece Tool Set is a compact yet comprehensive tool kit ideal for everyday vehicle repairs and projects. The set includes 8 combination wrenches, a 3/8-inch ratchet wrench, 22 hex keys, 6-inch slip-joint and long nose pliers, and other tools. It's crafted from durable, heat-treated, and chrome-plated alloy steel, and many of the tools feature non-slip grips to enhance comfort and control. The kit is neatly packaged in a blow-molded case for secure storage and easy portability and comes with a 1-year limited warranty from Amazon Basics.

The DeWalt DWMT73803 tool kit is a 168-piece mechanic tool set ideal for anyone getting started with DIY vehicle maintenance. It includes 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch ratchets and sockets (both metric and SAE), combination wrenches, hex keys, a nut driver, and driver bits. All the pieces come in a custom-molded accessory case with an integrated handle and double latches. The entire kit comes backed with DeWalt's limited lifetime warranty.

The Craftsman 216-piece mechanics tool set is an all-in-one kit designed for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike. The tools are constructed of high-quality steel with a polished chrome finish and meet ASME standards. The set is neatly organized in a heavy-duty, 3-drawer toolbox, featuring built-in organizers for easy access. Craftsman's Versastack system offers flexible, stackable storage. The set includes a variety of sockets, wrenches, ratchets, specialty bits, hex keys, and a magnetic nut driver, making it ideal for both automotive mechanical and home repair tasks.

The Gearwrench 219-piece mechanics tool set features a wide assortment of tools, including full polish chrome standard and D sockets, combination wrenches, Allen hex keys, quick release ratchets, and a magnetic bit driver. The tools are housed in a durable 3-drawer storage box with independent sliding drawers and a steel hinged lid. All of the tools meet or exceed ASME standards, and the kit comes with Gearwrench's standard lifetime warranty.

The Craftsman 450-piece mechanics tool set has nearly every type of ratchet, hex key, and driver bit you can imagine. It includes 3 quick-release ratchets in 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch drives, 16 combination wrenches, 191 sockets, and a variety of screwdriver bits, hex keys, nut drivers, and adaptors. The set comes in a convenient 3-drawer case, ensuring you have the right tool at hand for any project.

The Husky 815-Piece Master Mechanics Tool Set is a the most comprehensive kit in our list. While it doesn't come with a carrying case or toolbox, which you'll either need to have or purchase separately, it has nearly every tool you could imagine for day-to-day tinkering and repairing.

Specifically, the set includes 13 drive tools, 177 standard sockets, 141 deep sockets, 117 specialty sockets, 20 adapters and extensions, 145 wrenches, and 202 additional tools such as screwdrivers, hex keys, and socket rails. The kit features 6-point and 12-point sockets, both deep and standard, as well as 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch ratchets with quick-release and flex-heads. Other tools include breaker bars, a T-handle, a bit driver, and a spinner handle.

All in all, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more complete kit at this price, so long as you don't mind finding a place to store all of these tools.

A quality mechanic tool set should include a variety of sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hex keys, and possibly a hammer. More comprehensive sets may include additional tools like nut drivers, extension bars, adapters, and even specialized automotive tools.

Sockets typically come in two types: standard (SAE) and metric. The type you need depends on the measurements used in the vehicle or machinery you're working on. Most tool sets include both types, although some do stick specifically to one format or the other. There are also different drive sizes (1/4", 3/8", 1/2") and styles such as deep sockets (for inset nuts) or impact sockets (which are made of a softer metal to prevent shattering when used with an impact wrench).

Quality tools are typically made of various steel alloys for their combination of strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and tear. Tools are often chrome-plated for easier cleaning (and let's be honest, who doesn't like shiny tools in their garage?).

It depends on your needs. If you're starting from scratch, a complete set often provides the best value. But if you only need a few specific tools or if you need high-quality tools for professional use, buying individually might be the better option to spread out the investment.

Always clean your tools after using them. This can be as simple as wiping them down with a rag to remove any dirt, grease, or oil. For rusty tools, use a wire brush or a specialized cleaning solution. To prevent rusting, store your tools in a dry place and consider using a rust-preventive spray.

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as Tonneau Covers, Rooftop Cargo Carriers, and Motorcycle Helmets. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most products are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers for testing purposes.

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to make a few bucks. We're more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our team and testing processes here.

Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.

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