Top 8 Best Mechanics Tool Sets of 2022 Review & Buying Guide

If you’re an amateur or professional mechanic, you don’t necessarily need a large selection of tools, or the best quality tools either. However, it’s undoubtedly important to have the right tools for the job.

With this in mind, we’ve selected the best mechanics tool sets for a variety of different needs and budgets. So, let’s go through them and find the toolset that’s right for you and your garage…

Top 8 Best Mechanics Tool Sets to Purchase in 2022 Reviews

1 Kobalt 227-Piece Mechanics Tool Set – Best Multi Tool Mechanics Tool Set

This is a large toolset with enough tools to tackle most jobs for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Kobalt name is well-established and trusted within the motor industry. These are good quality tools that you can trust.

The kit contains six and twelve-point sockets for all the most common sizes. There are three ratchets and four extensions to help you get into those awkward places. The only thing missing is a torque wrench. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it would have been nice to see in such a comprehensive kit.

More positively…

The ratchets included are Pro 90s that have four degrees of precision swing. This allows for excellent mobility when you’re working in tight spaces. You also get 30 wrenches, 40 hex keys, plus 33 other tools.

All the wrenches can ratchet, and sockets are made from chrome-finished steel. The steel is heat-treated for high levels of strength and durability. These are tools that won’t fail and wear when the going gets tough.

The sockets come in standard and metric sizes. Happily, they’re also color-coded to make identification easier. Red stripes are standard sockets, and blue stripes are for metric sockets. The toolset also comes in a toolbox.

But hold on now…

Sadly, the toolbox is going to let things down somewhat. The box is flimsy, and the drawers don’t slide smoothly. Even worse, the drawers frequently fall of their tracks.

Plus, the tool inserts are also too thin and poorly made. Consequently, they easily crack and tear. That being said, in terms of the tools themselves, this is one of the most durable mechanics tool sets you can buy.

2 DEWALT Mechanics 247-Piece Tool Set – Best Automotive Mechanics Tool Set

Although Dewalt doesn’t have the same reputation for quality tools as Kobalt, they are never the less every bit as strong and durable. They are also specially heat-treated, and we expect them to have every bit of longevity as Kobalt or equivalent tools.

This is a 247-piece tool kit, and the good news is that you get a lot of tools for your money. If you’re looking for good tools at a good price, these are hard to beat.

So, what exactly do you get?

You get a total of 131 sockets in both metric and standard sizes. It’s a comprehensive set that will cover you for any job on a standard-sized car, SUV, truck, or motorcycle. It also includes a spark plug removal socket, which we’re sure you’ll agree is a bit of a must-have.

There are three ratchets and five extensions. The ratchet wrenches have a five-degree swing with a 72-tooth set-up to make your life easier when you’re in a tight spot. As a result, it’s one of the best car mechanics tool sets you can buy.

Other tools include non-slip screwdrivers, hex keys, a bit driver, specialty bits, plus combination wrenches. Unfortunately, the selection of combination wrenches is a little limited. Although in most circumstances, it should be sufficient.

So, what about the toolbox?

Thankfully, Dewalt has very much got this right. Even though there are more tools than the Kobalt set, they’ve opted to keep things simple and provide a strong premium vinyl briefcase-style toolbox.

It has a strong set of hinges and also inserts that are more than up to the job. Looking for the best mechanics toolbox and tool set? You need not look any further. And if all of this isn’t enough, then maybe the lifetime guarantee will persuade you.

3 Eastvolt Mechanic Tool Socket Set – Best Socket Only Mechanics Tool Set

This is a socket set only. If you need a more comprehensive set of tools, it isn’t for you. If you’re looking for an affordable set of well-made sockets, ratchets, and extensions, then read on.

All the tools are made from heat-treated chrome vanadium. These are tough and well-made tools that should last a lifetime. Not bad at all for something so affordable. Unusually they have a black phosphate finish. This is great for combating corrosion, and they look super-cool too.

What comes in the set?

The set comes with 46 sockets and a single ratchet. Additionally, there is a ratchet and extensions. You also get two sizes of spark plug sockets. The sockets come in standard and metric.

One thing we don’t like about the sockets is that the sizes are etched in. With no contrasting color, they are very difficult to see. In contrast, they’ve boldly emblazoned the EastVolt logo, which is easy to see at the base of the sockets. We think you’ve got this the wrong way around, guys.

No warranty?

The case is nice and sturdy, but we have to level one final criticism. You don’t get any form of extended warranty. In comparison to a lot of the best mechanics tool sets in our review, it’s a little disappointing.

4 ANSTAR 573-Piece Mechanics Tool Set – Best Multi-sized Sockets Mechanics Tool Set

This has most of the common tools you’ll need for working on your car or vehicle. Plus, the good news is that it also has plenty of additional tools, which make it ideal for all those jobs around the house too.

Quality toolbox…

We don’t usually start with the toolbox, but this one is worth special attention. It’s an old-style steel cantilever toolbox. We like it because it is strong, rugged, and organizes all the tools brilliantly.

The foam inserts keep the main tools where they should be whilst the rest of the toolbox has sufficient adaptability to store a wide range of tools and accessories. There’s no doubt that as far as this toolbox is concerned, the old ideas are often the best.

So, what’s in the wonderful toolbox?

It has standard and metric sockets, plus 72-teeth ratchets and extensions. However, it doesn’t have as many sockets as some smaller sets despite having 573 pieces. This is because a lot of these pieces are taken up with a bit driver and well over a hundred specialty bits. Similarly, some smaller toolsets have a better range of combination wrenches.

For this reason, we think there are better toolsets that are smaller and less expensive, especially if you want something to exclusively work on your car or vehicle.

Practical and versatile…

However, this tool kit scores well for general use when you consider all the additional tools. These include things like pliers, adjustable wrenches, grips, screwdrivers, precision screwdrivers, fuses, screws, and a tape measure. As a result, it’s one of the best mechanics tool sets for home repairs.

5 STANLEY Professional Grade Mechanics Tool Set – Best Premium Mechanics Tool Set

No review of the best mechanics tool kits would be complete without something from Stanley. This company makes some of the best tools you can buy, and this toolset is no exception. They’re professional-grade tools that are super-hard and durable.

Affordable quality…

For tools this good, you’d expect a hefty price tag. However, happily, they’re no more expensive than some lesser-known, though equally well-made tools.

One thing we think Stanley has got right is that they have made bold laser-etched markings of the socket sizes on a contrasting white background. It makes it one of the easiest to read mechanics tool sets available. EastVolt, please take note, because it’s not difficult to do.

A huge range of sockets…

In both standard and metric sizes. You get three ratchets, extensions, hex keys, and a bit driver with plenty of specialty bits. One of the obvious omissions is that there are no combination wrenches.

This is all good except for the toolbox. The outer case is fine. It is strong and likely to last as long as the tools. Unfortunately, as is sadly all too common, it’s the inserts that are the problem.

The inserts are nicely laid out, but they don’t always keep the tools in place. They are sometimes too tight or too loose. We can live with things being a bit snug. But we’re sure you’ll agree, there’s nothing worse than having loose sockets or tools falling out every time you open the case.

Finishing on a positive…

All the tools come with a lifetime guarantee. You’re unlikely to need it, quite frankly, but it shows tons of confidence in the product. So, if you want one of the longest lasting mechanics tool sets around, this one is calling your name.

6 Neiko 02446A Master Impact Socket Set – Best Compact Mechanics Tool Set

This is a 35 piece socket set only. If you compare the price to some of the other tool kits in our review, you pay quite a lot more in comparison to a much larger set. However, this is one of the best portable mechanics tool sets on the market. Something to consider if you don’t always work inside your garage.

So, are they worth it?

The short answer is, yes. What you get for your money is much better-made tools than a lot of the Chinese-made equivalents, as good as many of them are these days. Neiko sockets are close to professional-grade and look every bit as tough as the Stanley sockets we’ve just reviewed.

Quality you can count on…

Neiko sockets are made from drop-forged high-quality black chrome vanadium steel. These are strong and will withstand extreme levels of force. Plus, they feature six-point flank drives to prevent rounding off bolts. Now that’s something we’re all looking for in our tools.

The tools are all black and happily have taken a page out of Stanley’s playbook. What we mean is that they also have highly visible etched sizes on their sockets. The fact is we think these are even clearer to read than Stanley sockets.

The standard sockets run from 3/8” to 1 ¼”. The metric sockets run from 10 to 32mm. Since this is not a large set, there are a few skips in some of the less popular sizes. In the case of the metric sockets, the skips are at 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, and 31. Keep this in mind if you need a more comprehensive kit.

So, what about the case?

The case is about the same as you’d expect for a socket set at this price. The outer is solid and looks like it will withstand the test of time. However, the inserts are better than in a lot of other cases we’ve seen. They fit around the tools just right, so they’re neither rattling around or too tight.

7 TEKTON 43 piece Socket & Ratchet Set – Best Value for the Money Mechanics Tool Set

It’s appropriate to follow the previous review with this 43-piece metric socket and ratchet set from Tekton. The quality and price are strikingly similar. They are made from toughened, high-quality steel with easy-to-clean chrome plating rather than a black finish. Other than the difference in the finish, they are remarkably similar to Neiko sockets.

Tekton sockets also have an in-built feature to avoid rounding off your bolts. They have radiused corners that apply force to the bolt’s flat sides as opposed to corners. Additionally, the sockets have four detent grooves to ensure the very best connection with the ratchets.

This is a metric socket set…

And there are standard and deep sockets for every size option. One thing we especially like is that the sockets run from 6mm to 24mm with no skips. Another thing we like is easy to read sizing deeply etched on their sides. Essentially, it’s one of the best metric sized sockets mechanics tool sets you can buy.

The kit includes just a single ratchet along with an extender and a couple of ratchet accessories. Unlike most ratchets, it has a 90-tooth mechanism rather than a 72-tooth mechanism. This gives you more control, particularly in tight spaces. It’s another great feature.

A place for everything and everything in its place…

The case is well organized, and the insert does a good job of gripping the tools, so they don’t fall out when you open up the lid. It’s well-built and should see out the life span of the tools inside.

8 Performance Tool W1183 – Best Budget Mechanics Tool Set

We’ve saved the least expensive mechanics tools kit till last. In comparison to all of the alternatives, this will cost you significantly less. Therefore, expect that the quality is not going to be as good. However, the most important questions are, is it worth the money anyway and should you buy it?

Let’s take a quick look at what’s included…

You get 48 sockets in both standard and metric sizes. The kit also includes two ratchets and three driver adaptors. You also get a magnetic bit driver, a small selection of specialty bits, and a selection of hex keys that look like they’ve just been hastily thrown into the toolbox.

So, what’s the quality like?

Frankly, they’re better than we expected but are still about what you’d expect at this price point. The sockets and ratchets feel solid enough. But we wouldn’t fancy using these on anything other than on light or medium jobs. These are far from professional quality, and we wouldn’t use them on any job where bolts are not easy to remove or are rusted.

The finishing on both the ratchets and sockets is poor. The chrome plating on the ratchet handles is thin, and you can expect it to quickly flake. The sockets have rough edges, and some even have metal burrs on them, so watch your fingers and check them before you use them for the first time.

Things are not much better with the box…

Although the tools are well-organized, they swim around in the inserts. Just make sure you open the lid with the tools at the bottom, or you’re likely to lose most of your tools to the floor.

All in all, you get what you pay for, which is a cheap set of tools that will do the job on smaller and less demanding projects. However, since the tools also come with a lifetime warranty, we honestly don’t think that there’s too much to complain about.

Best Mechanics Tool Sets Buying Guide

Tool Quality

Better tool quality will almost always carry with it a higher price tag. If you need premium-level professional tools, then dust off your credit card and be prepared to pay the price.

For those of you looking for the very best, look no further than the STANLEY Professional Grade Mechanics Tool Set. This provides super-hard toughened steel tools that can be used on any job and will last a lifetime.

If the price is simply too steep, either Neiko or Tekton are great alternatives. They offer excellent quality tools at a substantial discount in comparison to Stanley tools. But they are still up to most jobs and likely to last and last. For those of you on a budget, Performance Tools are a good option.

Tool Variety

If you have a small job to work on or a lot of existing tools, then a smaller socket set might be all you need. The Eastvolt, Neiko, Tekton, or Performance tool kits could all satisfactorily meet the requirements.

If you already have some tools or only need to work on a small or medium-sized project, you might not want a comprehensive selection of tools. An adaptor and extension could be sufficient.

The Kobalt 227-Piece Mechanics Tool Set or the DEWALT Mechanics 247-Piece Tool Set would be a good option. They both offer good quality tools at a good price and include combination wrenches, hex keys, and drivers with bits.

Need a more comprehensive mechanics tool kit?

The Anstar 573-Piece Mechanics Tool Set will have everything you need. Not only for the garage but for jobs around the house too. The tool quality is not as high as the ones from Kobalt or Dewalt, but we think it’s pretty close.

Sizes

Except for Tekton, all the other mechanics’ toolsets come with sockets in standard and metric sizes. This also extends to wrenches, where they are included.

Not all tool kits have a full range of sizes. Even the best toolsets, such as the one from Neiko, skip sizes. If you need a wide selection of sockets and wrenches, then go for one for the larger sets, like the one from Anstar.

If you opt for a smaller mechanics toolset, make sure all the sizes you need are included. You can, of course, buy sockets separately. But this is something that is best avoided to save you unnecessary time and money.

Toolbox

Unfortunately, the toolbox can often be a letdown. All too frequently, the tools are great, but they come packaged in a poorly made toolbox. The biggest issue is that the inserts don’t properly hold the tools in place. This can result in you spilling some of your tools onto the floor.

One toolbox that stands out from the rest is the one made by Anstar. It’s made from metal, has excellent inserts, and, what’s more, has extra room for your tools. It might be an old-fashioned design, but it works, and that’s what matters.

Looking for Great Tool Sets and Accessories?

Well, look no further, so check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Tool Chests, the Best Tool Box Drawer Liners, the Best Magnetic Tool Holders, the Best Bicycle Tool Kits, or the Best Socket Organizers currently on the market.

Also, take a look at our comprehensive reviews of the Best Mechanic Gloves, the Best Air Impact Wrench, the Best Garage Workbenches, the Best Kinetic Recovery Rope, and the Best Jumper Cables you can buy in 2022.

What are the Best Mechanics Tool Sets?

So, there you have it. I hope my review narrowed down your search and helped you to find something suitable for the jobs you have in mind and without going over our budget.

I’d be happy to use any of the tools in the list on our cars and vehicles. However, if I had to choose just one set, it would be the…

TEKTON 43-piece Socket & Ratchet Set

I like this metric kit because it has an excellent selection of sockets, with no skips, in both standard and metric sizes. Additionally, the sockets have four dented grooves and radiused corners to avoid rounding off bolts. Plus, the ratchet has ninety teeth to give you more flexibility and to make them easier to use in confined spaces.

Until next time, stay handy.