The 7 Best Mechanic Tool Sets of 2023

As the name suggests, mechanic tool sets include various tools needed for repairs on cars, motorcycles, boats and other standard engines, including lawnmowers and chainsaws. These sets typically include all the accessories — including socket sets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and ratchets — needed for basic maintenance tasks like changing a tire, replacing oil and other fluids, or checking your car’s engine health.

Referring to a blog on thespruce.com that researched dozens of mechanic tool sets, we picked 7 best mechanic tool sets of 2023. The elements we consider are measurement system, tool variety, accessories and adapters, durability and overall value.

Best Multi-Purpose: DEKO 168-Piece All-In-One Tool Kit

If you only need a few basic mechanics tools for minor engine work, and you also want a comprehensive set of basic household tools, then the DEKOPRO 168-Piece Tool Set is just what you are looking for. This handy collection of multi-purpose tools includes not just a ratchet and set of metric sockets, but also a hammer, four wood clamps, a small hand saw, numerous screwdriver bits plus handle, pliers, wrenches, a utility knife, measuring tape, and more.

A set like this is a great emergency tool kit to have on hand when unexpected problems come up, and the storage box is small enough to stash in your garage, a corner of the service porch, or even a closet. Admittedly, these aren't professional-quality tools, but they are sturdy enough to get the job done in most common around-the-house or in-the-garage situations.

Pros

Includes the basics for both automotive and household repairs
Reasonable price

Cons

Individual tools tend to stuck in positions within the case due to the anti-falling design

Best for the Car: DEKO 192-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

For people who are learning about vehicles and how to repair them, this tool kit comes in really handy. They will like the variety it offers. Not only does it come with a 10mm-15mm and more of sockets but it also comes with basic house tools as well. The actual case for the tools is pleasing to the eye as it is like two little doors and the tool always hold on tight. It's great to have everything in one pack and makes tool inventorying easy. If you’re looking for a best value tool set, this is it.

This tool set is perfect for at home or in a work truck. It has pretty much any tool you will need to build most things but most importantly it's compact design works great in a work truck as it give you a great variety of tools for slot of applications.

Pros

Perfect for a vehicle where you might need a variety of tools
Sturdy case and tools do not feel cheap

Cons

Mainly used for auto repair, so other types of hand tools will be less

Best Budget: Hi-Spec 67-Piece Auto Mechanics Tool Set

You won’t get professional quality, but if you just want a starter mechanic tool kit for occasional repairs on your car, motorcycle, lawnmower, or for general home maintenance use, a low-cost tool set is a perfect way to get the basics at a price that won’t break your budget.

The Hi-Spec 67-Piece Auto Mechanic Tool Set focuses on all the commonly used tools needed for auto repair, including a ratchet handle, a large selection of sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, voltage tester, wrench, hex keys, and earthing lead. It’s perfect to keep in your car for emergencies while on the road or in the garage for when you are working on your car at your leisure.

If you have a large collection of tools already, this set is also a good option for a smaller, more mobile tool set. Instead of reaching for tools from all corners of your workspace, this one keeps everything in a sturdy case for you to keep at your side as you work. Choose from SAE or metric options.

Pros

Good to keep in car for emergency repairs
Includes all the basics

Cons

Does not include both SAE and metric

Best Starter Set: Stanley STMT73795 Mechanic Tool Set

A good starter mechanic tool set should offer you plenty of variety and flexibility to tackle any number of projects. Since small parts come in both SAE and metric measurements, it doesn't hurt to have an assortment of both types of tools as well. The Stanley STMT73795 Mechanic Tool Set offers 210 separate metric and SAE tools and sockets/drivers that will be enough for most screws, nuts, and bolts you may encounter.

All the tools are forged from high-strength steel and are ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. Many of the tools are also designed for quick use. The ratchets can easily switch different sockets and extensions and reverse direction with a simple thumb flick. Everything is contained in a durable, easy-to-carry case.

Pros

Sturdy construction
Includes basics such as tape measure, screwdrivers, utility knife

Cons

Can be hard to remove tools from case

Best Large Set: Craftsman 450-Piece Mechanic Tool Set

When quantity is important, the more tools a set includes, the better, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on quality. Craftsman’s 450-piece tool set offers one of the most complete and extensive kits on the market, and it's excellent quality to boot. This is the kind of tool set you should buy if you want to cover all your bases or be prepared for random, unexpected projects that can come up around your home or in your car.

While 191 sockets, 16 combination wrenches, 40 hex keys, and 187 bits might seem like overkill, it can be smart to have an extensive collection of tools in both SAE and metric sizes. There are plenty of other tools, as well, including ratchets, extension bars, handles, and adapters. And the entire kit packs neatly into an included four-tier organizer box with a handle for easy transport.

Usually, smaller tool kits will leave something out that inevitably becomes important right when you least expect it. Having a large collection of tools like this minimizes the chances of that happening while allowing you to tackle more specialized projects.

Pros

Extremely comprehensive
Three-drawer case

Cons

Too Expensive
Some duplication of sockets and other tools

Great Value: AmazonBasics Mechanic Tool Set

The Amazon Basics mechanics tools set is a must-have for any mechanic, hobbyist, or DIYer. The 173-piece kit includes the tools you need for most common automotive and household repairs, including eight combination wrenches, 3/8-inch ratchet wrench, 22 hex keys, 6-inch slip-joint pliers, and 6-inch long nose pliers to get any job done around the house or garage.

The tools are made of heat-treated and chrome-plated alloy steel for enhanced resilience and corrosion resistance. Each tool has a plastic non-slip riveted handle for added strength and durability. All tools are packed in a blow-molded case that makes it easy to take them with you wherever you go, offering you great value in the long run.

Pros

Heat-treated steel construction for durability
Plastic handle for stability

Cons

Carrying case can be of better quality

Best Selling: DEWALT DWMT72165 Mechanic Tool Kit and Socket Set

The DEWALT DWMT72165 Mechanic Tool Kit and Socket Set includes 204 pieces, with a greater focus on sockets and ratchets than many other kits. That makes it a great choice for anyone who is looking to establish a complete mechanic tool set quickly, or for people who work on parts or projects with large numbers of nuts and bolts of different sizes. The sockets in the tool set include virtually any common size you may need and are clearly marked so you can easily find what you need when you need it. The kit includes 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch SAE and metric sockets and ratchets, extensions, universal joints, torx bits, hex bits, combination wrenches, and hex keys, so whatever you need, chances are you'll find it here.

The standout part of this set is the primary ratchet, which will work with any of the sockets included in the set. The ratchet has a 72-tooth gearing system, which gives you precise control over the amount of torque you apply. The body of the ratchet is slim for difficult-to-reach places and is designed for one-hand operation with quick socket changes. The sockets have knurled rings around the edges to reduce the chance of annoying slips as you work.

Pros

72-tooth ratchet for superior control
Extensive selection of sockets

Cons

No molded slots in the case for sockets
Too expensive