June 7, 2023
One of the primary sets that you should have in your home is a useful mechanical tool set. It doesn’t matter whether you are a mechanic or DIYer; you would surely need a mechanical tool set to solve some simple mechanical problems. Moreover, it is not good to be always borrowing a tool from someone. Having a tool set at hand, therefore, is simply a must.
Finding the best tool set, however, is not an easy task. Given the fact that there are myriads of tool set brands on the market today, you would surely have a hard time figuring out which is best for your needs. The buying process, however, should never be brain-wracking for you. Hence, to facilitate the buying process for you, we have delineated here the factors that you should consider when buying a tool set. Moreover, we have also listed the best mechanic tool set brands on the market today.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Tool Set
There are several factors that you need to bear in mind when buying a tool set. These factors include the following:
1) Tool Size
You should bear in mind beforehand the measurements of the tools that you are going to buy. Typically, you got two options when it comes to measurements: Metric or SAE.
- Metric: Measure in millimeters
- SAE: Measure in inches
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), for example, set the measurements of their tools in the English System. On the other hand, you can also go for tools that are set in metric. Remember, it would inevitably cause you a lot of downtimes if you would still need to convert metric measurements to English. Thus, at the onset, it would be good to determine which System of measurements you would stick to and you are comfortable with.
2) Variety of Tools in the Set
When buying a tool set, it is also essential to consider the variety of tools included in the set. The greater the variety of tools, the better it would be. However, it all depends on your level of expertise and tool needs. If you are a DIYer, you would definitely need this kind of necessary tools. This means you will need around 100 pieces of tools in your set. More experienced mechanics, however, need a more significant number of tools to address their more intricate needs.
3) Adapters and Accessories
A tool set should also include the basic accessories and adapters to make your tool set complete. Aside from having those necessary handles, sockets, and wrenches, you would also need these accessories and adapters like torque wrenches, breaker bars, and many more. Surely, there would be instances when you would need these accessories and adapters.
4) Quality of the Tools
It is not enough to have the different necessary tools in your toolset. It is also necessary to have quality tools. It is not good to have plenty of screwdrivers, for examples, whose ends often fail to remove screws. Hence, in choosing a set of tools, you need to go for those trusted brands that are known for sterling products.
Most Recommended Tool sets on the Market Today
As mentioned above, quality is necessary when choosing a tool set. Hence, to ensure that you get quality tools, we have delineated here the most recommended brands of tool sets on the market today:
1) Craftsman 450-Piece Mechanic’s Tool Set
If you are looking for a quality tool set, the Craftsman 450-Piece Mechanic’s Tool Set is your best choice. It is basically a comprehensive tool set that has almost every tool that you would need. With it at hand, you can tackle almost every mechanical problem that comes your way. It comes with 16 wrenches, 6 extension bars, 3 rachets, 6 adapters, 191 sockets, 40 hex keys, 187 bits, and 1 magnetic handle.
The 16-combination wrenches would surely allow you to slip in place of the rachets. Its magnetic handle also lets you install nuts or bits. Its rachets are designed for quick release. Moreover, all the tools are basically made of alloy along with chrome finish. Protected by chrome finish, your tools will surely last longer than other types of tools.
When it comes to quality, you are assured that you are buying a quality set of tools with Craftsman 450. When it comes to variety of tools, this tool set is surely replete with the necessary tools you would need to be on your own when troubleshooting mechanical problems.
Furthermore, it comes with the necessary accessories and adapters that could make the tackling of any mechanical problem a breeze. However, when it comes to measurements, I think this tool set makes use of the English System of measurements, considering that its quick release ratchets come in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and in 1/2-inch drives.
Lastly, the toolbox itself appears to be the cons of this tool set. It appears to be weak. It seems to be incapable of tightly securing the tools in place. but overall, this tool set is definitely a great choice to buy.
2) WORKPRO W009044A 408-Piece Mechanics Tool Set with Metal Box
If you are just starting to build your own sets of tools, one of your best options to buy is the WorkPro W009044A 408-Piece Mechanics Tool Set. This tool set basically offers more advanced wrench set. It also comes with all the necessary accessories including measuring tape, boxcutter, hammer, pliers, and zip ties. Moreover, these tools are color-coded to help you easily identify each of the tools.
Though the set of socket wrench appears to be less comprehensive than other tool sets on the market, this set of socket wrenches basically has everything you would need to start troubleshooting mechanical problems at home. However, if you intend to use this set of tools in disassembling your cars, you would surely find this set lacking in some tools to do the job.
So, basically, when it comes to the range or variety of tools it provides, this set is surely almost complete. With regards to the quality of tools, this set has been known for quality sets of tools. Hence, you are assured that you get sterling tools in this set. This tool set basically subscribes to the English System of measurements. So, all the tools basically come in inches measurements.
The good thing about this tool set is that it features a metal-locking toolbox. This toolbox is lightweight. Moreover, it is susceptible to denting. Overall, the total number of pieces that you get with this tool set is 408 pieces. Overall, this tool set is a great choice for beginners.
3) DEWALT DWMT75049 192pc Mechanics Tools Set
The DEWALT DWMT75049 192pc Mechanics Tools Set is certainly one of the best mechanic tools set available on the market today. Although not as comprehensive as the abovementioned sets, DEWALT DWMT75049 192pc Mechanics Tools Set is definitely heavy-duty. This tool set basically can address every repair problem at home. Moreover, it can provide you with impressive efficiency in troubleshooting these repair problems.
This Mechanics Tools Set comes with wide-grip wrenches and ratchets that are pretty solid. Hence, you will surely find them easy to use. Its sockets are six-point likewise. It prevents slipping and provides a heavy grip. Moreover, these sockets are milled out so that they can fasten securely against the bolts.
When it comes to quality of tools, you can be very sure that the tools included in this set are of high quality. The tools are fashioned out of chrome vanadium steel with chrome finish. Hence, they are rust-resistant and are easy to clean. Moreover, this tool set comes with a lifetime warranty.
Each piece likewise comes with knurled beauty rings. These markings give the tools their non-slip feature. Lastly, this tool set comes with a durable molded case for protection and easy storage. Overall, this tool set belongs to our top choices of mechanic tool sets.
4) Kobalt 85183 227-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set
The Kobalt 85183 227-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case comes with 227 solid pieces of tools that are fashioned out of completely polished chrome vanadium steel. They include SAE (red) tools and Metric (blue) tools for easy use and identification.
Kobalt, of course, is a popular brand when it comes to mechanical tools. Hence, you can be assured of quality tools if you opt for this brand. This tool set is best for beginners who would like to try their hand on home repairs.
Since the tool set comes with both standard and metric sockets, you are given the option of either using Metric or English System of measurements. This tool set will surely come in handy if ever you want to engage in full-time mechanic undertaking or business. Its ratchets, sockets, hex keys, wrenches, bit drivers, and other tools have both 12 pt. and 6 pt.
One shortfall of this tool set, however, is its toolbox. Its toolbox is made of plastic. However, it does have a well-designed organizer which compensates for its being made of plastic. Given its made, this toolbox is susceptible to damage. This is undoubtedly a concern for many buyers who usually transport their tool set from one place to another.