Best Mechanic Tool Set — From Weekend Mechanics to Professionals

One of the most popular mechanic tool sets. (Buy from Amazon)

What’s the Best Mechanic Tool Set? We help you choose a toolset that’s actually worth your time and your specific needs. We cover a full range of mechanic tool sets including the comprehensive JH Williams WSC-1390TB 1390-Piece Mammoth Tool Set — this is the mechanics dream. It truly is an impressive set, and surprisingly you can purchase it through Amazon. Trust me, when you see what’s included you’ll be shocked at what you get.

Either way, we’re confident you’ll find something that matches what you’re looking for.

Intro | Best Mechanic Tool Set 

Mechanic tool sets are everywhere and can make a great gift idea for the guy who enjoys all types of DIY projects. One has to be careful buying one of these complete sets that claim to have “everything you’ll need”. Many come in an impressive toolbox which is filled with sub-standard tools which are not worth buying. Cheap mechanic tool sets can be a lot like a box of assorted chocolates – full of stuff that looks amazing but with very little that we actually like.

So, how can you tell if a mechanic tool set is actually worth buying?

It’s not easy because you only know what you’re getting once you’ve opened it up start using the tools. This is why we’re providing you with a review of the best mechanic tool sets. There are two important things to look at here. One is to know what tools you’re getting and the other is to know what type of quality you’re getting.

The first part is easy, you just need a list of the contents of the toolbox. Judging quality isn’t something one can just do with the eye – it’s easy to coat the tool with chrome and make it look shiny and cool. The only way to tell how good the tools are is to check what materials they’re made of and, most importantly you have to use them in real-life conditions. This is not something that you can do before you buy it and one isn’t usually able to tell what lies beneath the chrome finish.

So if you’re looking for the best mechanic tool set, reviews like this one are your best aid. We’ll uncover the truth behind these sets and find out what people have to say about their experiences using these mechanic tool sets.

DEWALT DWMT75049 | Professional Tool Set

Deep laser etched markings for easy socket size identification. (Buy from Amazon)

We’ll be reviewing the ultimate mechanic tool set, the JH Williams WSC-1390TBB. This is more like a complete workshop in one set, consisting of an astounding 1390 pieces. At the price of a fair decent car, not everyone is going to be in a position to buy this set. Though I’d think many would want to if they could. For those looking for a mechanic tool set in a regular price range, we’ll be reviewing the DeWalt DWMT73803 (a 168-piece mechanic tool set), as well as the Crescent CTK170MPN (170-pieces) and the Stanley STMT73795 (210-pieces). The Stanley being a real bargain.

As you can see, we’ve only chosen recognized brands and this should give you an idea of what type of quality we’re looking at. All the mechanic tool sets in this review carry a lifetime warranty, but there are a few exceptions for some of the tools. Though I’m never too sure about lifetime warranties because it’s very dependent on how you use the tool and your warranty will have limitations for incorrect usage or abuse. This would be true for any hand tool and most of the best brands offer a lifetime warranty (with limitations, of course) and this certainly means that they are confident that the tool is made to a standard that it will hold up to normal working conditions.

Are these Tools Made in China?

Before I go onto reviewing the best mechanic tool sets, I want to cover a recurring topic that seems to come up whenever people discuss tools. Well, this actually applies to almost everything that we use these days. This is the “Made in China” debate. I saw this question being raised in all discussions on the mechanic tool sets that we’ll be reviewing here. So I want to tackle this issue before we begin with the review.

As an avid user of tools for many decades and working in technical environments most of my adult life, I now spend most of my time writing about tools. Because of this, I’ve done a lot of research into tool manufacturing and quality control practices. I know that most people seem to view products displaying “Made in China” as a bit of swear word. I get that Chinese manufacturing plants have gotten a bad rep over the years. This is understandable, many cheap knock-offs that look like the real thing (but aren’t) have come out of Chinese factories.

What we have to realize is that we now live in a global community. Just about every brand, be it American, German (or any other country) has manufacturing plants around the globe. Materials are sourced from just about every country in the world and products, or perhaps only some components, are processed in factories around the world. Even a tool that’s made in the USA (or so the label says) will, in all likelihood, use components that are made in China or some country other than the US.

The point is really about quality control. A brand with a reputation spanning decades, even a century or more, will have strict standards in place to protect the brand reputation. Among the mechanic tool sets that we’ll be reviewing, there are going to be some components in all the sets that probably come from an Asian factory. So even though the set may be mostly manufactured in the US, not everything will be. In some cases, all the tools will originate from China or Taiwan.

It really doesn’t matter where the factory is located. All my research on this topic has shown that quality control is set by the company that places their brand on the final product. A factory that’s based in China will manufacture the tools according to standards set by the parent company. All aspects of the manufacturing process from staff training to the materials used, as well as the machining, welding, and other practices are monitored and controlled by the company that sells the product to you. Quality control for an international brand requires the same standard, regardless of the country where the factory is based.

So, I want to settle this debate by saying: look at the brand and not where the tool is made. If you respect and trust the brand, rest assured that they take all the necessary precautions to protect the integrity of their good name. There will always be some products that come off the production line with a factory defect and may slip past QC. No system is perfect. Though a company with strict quality control practices will only have a small percentage of defective products. This can happen in any factory, no matter where it is. That’s what your warranty is for, to protect you from the imperfections of human error. A brand with a solid reputation will honor their warranty if they intend to continue doing business and maintain their good reputation.

So when reviewing these products, I’m not going to place too much emphasis on the country of origin. It’s about the quality of the final product and how the people who have bought these products feel about the use that they get from them.  In the end, that’s what we’re looking for: a quality tool that’s going to give us good use for many years – preferably the rest of your life. There’s no reason why a quality hand tool (if used correctly) should ever break. There are no electric components or moving parts that will wear down over time. Some hand tools, especially ratchets, require that we pay extra attention to how we use and take care of them. These tools do have moving parts that are designed for a certain tolerance. If used correctly, they too can last (or even outlast) a lifetime.

DeWalt DWMT73803

Mechanics Tool Kit Set with Case (168 Piece)

Comes with a carry case and a lifetime warranty.

Features:

• Knurled Control Ring
• DirectTorque Technology
• Polished chrome vanadium finish
• Hand stamped markings
• 168-piece set
• Removable power tools accessory case
• Durable anti-slip vinyl bit driver with maximum comfort
• Knurled beauty rings help reduce slippage for hand tightening applications
• Exceeds ANSI standards
• Low profile directional Lever helps reduce catch points and for easy One-Hand operation
• Removable accessory case

Overview

If you’re looking for a brand with a reputation for quality, DeWalt is certainly one of them. So the DWMT73803 mechanic tool set is going to be of the highest quality standards and can easily be ranked among the best.

This is a very impressive 168 –piece mechanic tool set in a great carrying case with metal clips to close it. I say that the 168-pieces are impressive because it’s so easy to stuff the box with driver bits and tips to increase the piece count. There is a handy little box with a MaxFit kit providing the essential driver bits and a handy small driver (22-pieces) and two 14-piece hex-key sets (one metric and one standard US). The rest of the set is made up of high-quality sockets, wrenches, and extensions. All the sockets and wrenches use DeWalt’s DirectTorque technology that reduces rounding on the bolt heads and fasteners. The sockets and combination wrenches come in most standard SAE and metric sizes.

What impresses me most about this set is the complete range of sockets that you get which includes deep sockets of every description and two spark plug sockets. There are also 3 ratchets (¼”, ⅜” and ½”) as well as adapters and extensions for each size.

VIDEO | See this tool set up close and personal

It’s always tricky to assess ratchets until you’ve used them for some hardcore work. You can really only go by the feel and sound of the ratchet. The DeWalt ratchets in this mechanic tool set definitely sound like high-quality fine tooth ratchets. This is really important because it’s the ratchet that you use to drive any socket.

All the tools have a polished chrome vanadium finish. Of course, this isn’t saying much. Even really cheap tools are plated in this way, it mostly makes them look really cool and protects them from rusting. What’s really important is what lies beneath the chrome vanadium finish and this could be anyone’s guess (with any tool). They all seem to be really tough and I trust DeWalt to use quality materials.

This is more than a beginners kit, it is a really useful mechanic tool set for the shop and to keep around the home or in your truck. Though this is essentially a driver, wrench and socket set. The MaxFit kit does have your most common screwdriver heads and one can buy additional bits for these sets as they’re pretty standard. Though when it comes to pliers and regular or specialized screwdrivers, you’ll need to buy these separately.

Professional quality tool set that will last you a lifetime. (Buy from Amazon)

The DeWalt DWMT73803 mechanic tool set is a fantastic package in a well-organized durable case. All your tools will be kept safe and you will always be able to see the gap if you’ve forgotten to pack something away. This set comes with the DeWalt full lifetime warranty. Though they state that the warranty excludes “all incidental or consequential damages”. What this actually means is anyone’s guess. I’d think that if you dropped one of these tools into a metal crusher, they’re not going to replace it for you. This would probably also include incorrect use of the ratchets. I’ve seen a lot of guys try to loosen high-torque bolts with a ratchet and strip the gears. No one can expect a ratchet to last if this what you’ll be using it for. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure that this mechanic tool set is going to last a lifetime if used properly.

Tools Included : DeWalt DWMT73803 Mechanics Tool Kit Set with Case (168 Piece)

• 1/4 in Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, Metric 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
• 1/4 in Drive 6pt deep sockets: SAE 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, Metric 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
• 1/4 in Drive 6 in Extension 6, 1/4 in Drive Universal Joint
• 3/8 in Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, Metric 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
• 3/8 in Drive 6pt deep sockets: SAE 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, Metric 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
• 1/2″ in Drive 6pt sockets: SAE 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, Metric 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21.
• 1/2 in Drive 5 in Extension, 1/2 in Drive Universal Joint
• 3/8 in Drive Spark Plug Socket 5/8, 3/8 in Drive Spark Plug Socket 3/4 in, 3/8 in x 1/4 in Reducing Adapter.
• 3/8 in Drive 6 in Extension, 3/8 in Drive Universal Joint
• 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in Drive Pear Head Ratchet.
• Combination Wrench SAE 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, Metric 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16.
• 14 piece standard hex key set, 14 piece metric hex key set
• Vinyl grip multi driver, Nut Driver Bit SAE 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, Metric 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
• 22 piece bit set with storage case

Crescent CTK170MPN

Mechanics Tool Set (170 Pieces)

Updated version of the best-selling CTK170CMP2.

Features:

• Contains a carefully selected assortment of hand tools needed for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
• Updated version of the best-selling CTK170CMP2, this set has a new & sturdier blow mold case with steel hinges & 4 latches to keep your tools organized and secure
• Upgraded kit includes longer wrenches with narrower heads, Crescent brand wrench and Pliers, Torx bit sockets, acetate screwdrivers & a new ratchet design with 10% longer beam & smaller teardrop head
• Set includes 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ drive tools (SAE & metric) allowing the user to tackle a wide range of projects
• Tools meet stringent new ANSI and ASME specifications and come with a full Satisfaction guarantee

Overview

In some ways, the Crescent CTK170MPN mechanics tool set is more comprehensive than the DeWalt 168-piece set. Even though this one has only 2 more pieces, it does include 2 pliers, one of which is a great size long nose plier. It also includes an adjustable wrench and standard slotted and Phillips screwdrivers.

Despite these few extra items, it doesn’t lack any of the most important tools. It has combination wrenches and sockets (including deep sockets) in all the basic SAE and metric sizes. You get three quality 60-tooth ratchets (¼”, ⅜” & ½”) with extensions and adapters.

Excellent value for most weekend mechanics. (Buy from Amazon)

This set also includes a full array of hex keys in both SAE and metric sizes as well as a fantastic assortment of bits. The wrenches and sockets are designed to reduce the possibility of rounding the edges of your fasteners and all the tools in this set meet ANSI and ASME specifications.

For a DIY or roadside tool set, this is a fantastic deal and comes with a lifetime warranty. The blow-molded case seems quite tough, though the plastic clips that hold it closed may not stand up to heavy treatment. All-in-all you’re getting a great variety of quality tools for most common situations.

Tools Included : Crescent CTK170MPN Mechanics Tool Set (170 Piece)

3/8-inch drive tools:

• 60-tooth quick-release ratchet drive
• 2 extensions, a 3/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter
• 2 spark Plug sockets
• 25 twelve point sockets and 12 six point deep sockets (SAE and metric)

1/2-inch drive tools:

• 60-tooth quick-release ratchet drive
• 5-inch extension
• 8 twelve-point sockets (SAE and metric)

1/4-inch drive tools:

• 60-tooth quick-release ratchet drive
• 3-inch & 6-inch extension
• 22 six-point sockets (SAE and metric)
• 4 Torx bit sockets

Additionally there are:

• 12 SAE and metric long-pattern combination wrenches
• 2 pliers, 8-inch adjustable wrench
• 2 screwdrivers
• Magnetic bit driver with 45 driver bits
• 26 SAE and metric hex keys

STANLEY STMT73795

Best mechanic tool set.

Full polish chrome finish.

Features:

• Chrome vanadium forged body for torque, strength and durability
• Full polish chrome finish for anti-corrosion protection
• Tools meet or exceed ANSI specs
• Includes blow molded case for easy tool storage and portability

Overview

I’ve always thought of Stanley tools as excellent quality for tools that you use around the home. I don’t think that people who do heavy industrial work would rate the brand that highly. Of course, in these working environments, people always opt for much more expensive industrial grade tools. As a tool set for use around the home or in light to medium-duty professional situations, the Stanley STMT73795 is fantastic value for money.

It consists of an incredible 210-pieces, making it perfect not just as a mechanic tool set, but a complete DIY tool set to use around the home for any task. For anyone who does work around the home or in the garage, this set will have just every hand tool you’ll ever want – not a hammer though. I must point out that there a lot of driver bits, so this increases the piece-count and I don’t really consider bits to be tools. They’re accessories that we use with the driver. None the less, you’re still getting an incredible array of tools for a fantastic price.

Includes deluxe tri-fold carrying case.

These are drop forged chrome vanadium tools, meeting ANSI standards. In fact, Stanley claims these tools may even exceed these standards. They’re tough tools with a full lifetime warranty. The case is sturdy and very neatly laid out in a bi-fold design, making it really easy to access and store your tools. The case has a twist-lock mechanism to keep it closed. This looks way better than the plastic clips on the crescent box but I find that twist-lock mechanisms seldom last very long. They work fantastically while they’re new and then tend to fall apart. The locking mechanism on the box is not as important as tools inside though and Stanley has provides a good selection of quality tools in this set.

Looking through the customer reviews, it’s clear that this set is for the home DIY guys and they absolutely love it. If you look at all the tools that you’re getting, the quality of the tools and the price, this is the bargain of the century. If you’re wondering what to get your dad, boyfriend or husband for their next birthday or Christmas – this will be a great idea.

Tools Included : STANLEY STMT73795

• Utility Knife
• 16ft Tape Measure
• (4) Cushion Grip Screwdrivers; Phillips #1 and #2, Flat 5mm and 6.5mm
• 6″ Adjustable Wrench
• 8″ Groove Joint Pliers
• 8″ Long Nose Pliers
• (8) Combination Wrenches; SAE and MM
• (28) Hex Key Wrenches
• Ratchets
• Spinner Handle
• Spinner Handle Bit Adapter
• (55) Drive Bits
• (17) 1/4″ Drive Nut Bits; SAE and MM
• (23) 1/4″ Drive 6pt Sockets; SAE and MM
• (21) 1/4″ Drive 6pt DEEP Sockets; SAE and MM
• 3″ Extension Bar
• (23) 3/8″ Drive 6pt Sockets; SAE and MM
• (8) 3/8″ Drive 6pt DEEP Sockets; SAE and MM
• 5/8″ Spark Plug Socket
• (10) 1/2″ Drive 6pt Sockets; SAE and MM

JH Williams WSC-1390TB

1390-Piece Mammoth Tool Set. This one is impossible to beat. Truly, the best mechanic tool set you can buy. For the serious mechanic.

Handle almost any job a shop is likely to see — in fractional & metric sizes.

Features:

• Contains the tools to handle almost any job a shop is likely to see, in fractional and metric sizes
  Comprehensive assortment of sockets, ratchets, and accessories in 1/4-Inch, 3/8-Inch, 1/2-Inch and 3/4-Inch drive, for both hand and impact use
• Full complement of wrenches in a number of styles helps you tackle increasingly complex maintenance tasks
• Comprehensive assortment of screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, punches, and chisels, and specialty items such as gear pullers, saws, scrapers, and other tools for industrial maintenance mechanics
• 1390 pieces

Overview

Wow! This exclamation is as much about everything that you get in this set as it is about the price. I’ve read a lot of discussions about this incredible 1390-piece mechanic tool set. I think people have so much to say about this product because it’s so comprehensive and it cost more than most people have available in credit card account. Though, if you consider everything that you’re getting in this set, it costs way less than you’d pay if you were to buy each item individually. I’ve been accumulating tools for decades and still would love to have some of the tools included here. Essentially, you’ll be equipping yourself with just about every tool you’ll ever need in one purchase. I know that Amazon offers great credit arrangements that could make it easier to buy this set from them. Though I’m not too sure how that applies to this item.

Because I’ve seen so many questions about this product, I’m going to try to answer them for you. Some of the questions that I’ve seen are more of a joke than anything else. So I’ll start by saying no to one question that a few people have raised – you don’t get a mammoth with this mechanic tool set. Mammoths are extinct and, besides, no one actually has a use for one of these animals – nor the space in their shops.


Now onto some more serious questions and answers. People want to know if you get the storage tool boxes with the set and I’m glad to say that you do. It comes with a fantastic tool storage cabinet (with 35 drawers) on castors as well as a shop dolly that you can wheel around with the tools and other stuff that you’re using in the shop. The tool storage cabinet is made up several individual sets of drawers that can stand alone or stack on top of the castor base – a very versatile complete shop storage system.

The J H Williams Snap On brand has a fantastic reputation and many people want to know if these are the tools that you’ll be getting in this mechanic tool set. After checking various sources, I can confirm that most of the tools in this set are Snap On tools, made in their US factory – this seems to be about 95% of the tools in the set. I know that the adjustable wrenches are made by Bacho – this is a Spanish company. I’ve used a lot of their tools over the years and they’re really great.

Discussing all the tools in this massive set will take forever. You’ll see by the list of its contents, that it has just about everything that you can think of –and then some. People swear by the brand, you can be assured that you’re buying tools of the highest quality. You won’t be disappointed, that’s for sure.

Some people claim that they have paid over 50K for this mechanic tool set. I’ve seen it available for a lot less. I think the deal that I saw on Amazon at the time of writing this article is truly remarkable for what you’re getting – it’s way less than $50,000. So you may have to take out a second mortgage on your house to buy this set, but it’s worth every penny. J H Williams (Snap On) offer a lifetime warranty on most of these tools. The exception being the torque products (1-year) and the tool boxes, also 1-year.

Tools Included : JH Williams WSC-1390TB 1390-Piece Mammoth Tool Set Complete

• Chisel and Punches: 27
• Clamps: 2
• Electrical Crimping Pliers: 5
• Files: 12
• Gear Pullers: 41
• Hammers: 16
• Hand Sockets: 417
• Hex Keys: 85
• Hole saw Set: 17
• Impact Drive Tools: 24
• Impact Sockets: 187
• Knives: 2
• Miscellaneous Tools: 23
• Pliers: 63
• Pry Bars: 6
• Ratchets, Drive Tools, and Accessories: 58
• Saws and Saw Blades: 36
• Scrapers: 7
• Screwdrivers: 36
• Snips: 5
• Tool Boxes: 6
• Torque Wrenches: 3
• Wrenches: 312
• W40TC4 40″ Wide x 20″ Deep 4-Drawer Top Chest
• W40RC7 40″ Wide x 20″ Deep 7-Drawer Roll Cabinet
• W53TC8 53″ Wide x 20″ Deep 8-Drawer Top Chest
• W53RC6BS 53″ Wide x 20″ Deep 6-Drawer Roll Cabinet with Bulk Storage
• 50721 3-Drawer Service Cart with Lid
• 50855 37″ 1 Shelf Heavy Duty Tall Side Cabinet