Best mechanics’ tool sets for 2021

DeWalt

If you need a decent set of essential tools but your budget is tighter than a pair of skinny jeans, check out this set from DeWalt, which goes for just $70. It’s not entirely comprehensive, lacking wrenches, pilers and a few other things, but it still comes with an impressive 108 pieces. This includes a nice smattering of metric and imperial sockets with corresponding 1/4- and 3/8-inch drive ratchets that feature a 72-tooth design, so they work better in tight spaces. DeWalt’s kit also includes an array of Allen wrenches, a screwdriver-bit set and even a range of adapters and extension bars. Keeping things nice and tidy, this toolkit comes with a carrying case that latches up nice and tight. But perhaps best of all is the rating; this DeWalt offering has a score of 4.9 stars out of five after nearly 4,900 user reviews!

Crescent

Stepping up the ladder, if you need more than the aforementioned tool kit offers, consider this 170-piece mechanic’s tool set from Crescent. With screwdrivers and pliers, hex keys and sockets, ratchets and wrencs, it’s surprisingly comprehensive for just $125, which makes it a tremendous value. Being both wide-ranging and reasonably priced, this is the sort of mechanic tool set you can afford to buy and keep in your car’s trunk for emergency situations. With metric- and imperial-sized tools, a folding plastic carrying case and a satisfaction guarantee, it’s hard to go wrong with this Crescent mechanic’s tool kit, something that’s backed up by its stellar 4.7-star rating after more than 6,000 customer reviews.

Craftsman

If you’re just getting started turning wrenches and you need a decent set of tools for working in the garage or around the house, one that won’t cost a fortune, check out this Craftsman tool set. It includes a whopping 189 pieces, everything from sockets and ratchets to a range of wrenches and screwdriver attachments. The versatility here is truly impressive and it’s from Craftsman, an extremely popular brand name. These mechanic tools come in both metric and imperial sizes and are backed by a lifetime warranty, plus the corrosion-resistant finish is sure to look great for decades to come. Whether you need to do a brake job for your friend or repair a leaky faucet, this tool kit can help you get it done. For added convenience, a plastic storage tote is included at no extra charge, as is a healthy 4.6-star rating from real users.

Craftsman

This impressive mechanic tool set, which is also manufactured by Craftsman, is a step above the previous kit. With 450 pieces and a toolbox to store everything in, it’s ideal for intermediate-skill gearheads that know how to get basic automotive repairs done but want to expand their capabilities. For a little over $400, you get a mess of metric and imperial wrenches. It also contains three different ratchet sizes, a range of Allen keys and a huge array of interchangeable screwdriver tips. You can get some serious work done with this Craftsman mechanic tool set. And with a 4.6-star rating out of 5 after nearly 1,300 real-world customer reviews, this mechanic’s tool set is totally worth your consideration. 

Klutch

Bridging the chasm between attainable tool sets and, let’s just say, the more professional-grade options highlighted below, is this $900 set from Klutch. To be certain, that’s a pretty penny to pay, but the outlay gets you a healthy 566 pieces, practically everything you need in the garage to get some serious car work done. From sockets to screwdrivers, Allen keys to quick release ratchets, nut drivers to wrenches, this mechanic’s tool kit comes with loads of good stuff. Each item features high-visibility markings, so you never grab a 10-mm wrench when you were reaching for 7/16, the ratchets have 72-tooth mechanisms, so they operate with ease in tight quarters and various items are made of rugged chrome vanadium steel so you never have to worry about breaking or bending anything no matter how strong or abusive you are.

Husky

OK, now we’re talkin’! This right here, folks, is a serious professional mechanic tool set and at around two grand, it better be. A top-quality kit, it includes 1,025 pieces and is made by Husky, a well-respected brand. To give you an idea just how comprehensive it is, this mechanic’s tool set contains more than 200 wrenches, from run-of-the-mill combination wrench options to stubby models, wrenches with flexible heads to others with built-in ratcheting mechanisms. Of course, you also get screwdrivers, Allen keys and a whole mess of sockets, both standard and impact socket variants. All in, this pantheon of tools weighs more than 255 pounds, enough to fill an entire toolbox and then some. 

Gearwrench

This is another seriously comprehensive mechanic’s tool set. Manufactured by Gearwrench, a top-quality brand, it includes an impressive 613 pieces, a wide array of sockets and bits, pliers and screwdrivers. For added versatility, its ever-handy ratcheting wrenches feature 72-tooth drive mechanisms, so they click with only 5-degrees of movement, which means they are the right tool to work in super-tight places. The included quick release ratchet wrenches are treated to a polished chrome finish and have a slim-head design, plus their 84-tooth drive mechanisms mean you can get work done faster, even in incredibly cramped spots. Aside from all that, you also get universal extension bar adapters for reaching fasteners in awkward places, a ball-end hex key set, a slew of adapters and much more. What does this mechanic’s tool set cost? Well, it certainly ain’t cheap, stickering for $2,349, but guess what? Quality costs money.

Williams

Welp, I hope you’re sitting down, because things are getting serious on our best mechanic’s tool set list. This $14,390 tool set right here is a great option for professional technicians as it has nearly everything you could ever need, including screwdrivers, punches, chisels and a broad assortment of ratchets with 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2- and 3/4-inch drive ends (as well as a plethora of sockets to match). You also get a whopping 65 crowfoot wrenches, 19 nut drivers, 10 hammers, two prybars and a tape measure, among many, many other things. To house all these baubles and bobs, this kit even includes two toolboxes, each treated to a fetching red paintjob. Offered by Williams, a subsidiary of Snap-on — arguably the best tool brand in the world — this comprehensive, made-in-the-USA 680-piece mechanic’s tool kit should be built to last for generations.

Williams

One step back from the previous mechanics tool kit is this 597-piece ensemble, also offered by Williams. It still comes with plenty of tools but it’s considerably more affordable at just $8,279. What does that get you? How about plenty of wrenches and sockets, screwdrivers and punches, pry bars and pliers. It also includes Allen keys and hammers, a hacksaw, nut drivers and a lovely toolbox to keep everything in. Like the previous Williams mechanic tool set, this one is made in the USA and is backed by a lifetime warranty, so go ahead and pass them down to you children. 

SK Hand Tools

If you thought the last few tool kits were pricey, well, in the words of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, you ain’t seen nothing yet. This top-shelf, professional-grade set by SK Hand Tools is the granddaddy of them all, the whole megillah, because it checks out for a whopping $26,289, or about the same price as a new Honda CR-V. For that substantial outlay you get 850 different quality tools including 27 screwdrivers; 139 wrenches; 527 sockets and related accessories; 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2- and 3/4-inch-drive ratchets; plus more pliers, adapters, hammers and punches than can be listed. These SK hand tools feature a durable Superkrome finish for maximum corrosion resistance, come with a lifetime warranty and are made in the good ol’ US of A. Note that it’s currently out of stock.