Thanks for taking your time to read our information on the best mechanic's tool sets. There are plenty of choices available ranging from full and complete tool sets, through to socket sets, screwdriver sets and more.
Below we explain what most mechanics and home mechanics buy and why they buy them. We also look at more affordable options for those car owners who want to be able to do some basic car maintenance at home.
In a Hurry - Our Recommendation
96% buyer satisfaction based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews
This tool set from the high quality Makita brand is by far the best option on the UK market for a useful mechanic's tool kit.
It contains 227 of the most popular tools and includes combination wrenches, HEX key wrenches, nut drivers, t-bars sockets, Pozi, screwdriver bits, Allen keys etc
The buyer reviews are as good as you can get.
So if you are in a hurry and don't have time to read our detailed article below, then this is an excellent choice.
As we mentioned earlier, there are quite a few choices so we will show you those below with an explanation of each option.
Affordable Drive Socket Set from Workpro
94% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews
This type of tool kit is aimed at the home repair person rather than for an actual mechanic.
It is however a very good socket set with a large range of adapters, ratchet handles, extension bars and driving bits of all kinds.
Best of all we like the price especially as these are made from Chrome Vanadium Steel
These do make an excellent gift for someone who likes to work at their cars and other DIY projects
Pros
Cons
WORKPRO 450-Piece Drive Socket Set
92% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
This is the big brother of the brand shown above and has 4 trays that contains the most needed tools, such as sockets set, quick-release ratchet handled, combination wrenches, magnetic holder, bits set, hex keys, etc
The box has a slot for every piece and they are made from polished, heat treated, chrome vanadium steel with a triple chrome finish
This set has all the equipment necessary for vehicle repair and home maintenance.
Pros
Cons
Hilka 58 Piece 3/8-inch Drive Socket Set
94% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews
We picked this out for anyone who wants to own a high quality socket set with a goof ratchet wrench and sockets
It contains a quick release 72 teeth ratchet and 18 x 6 point pro drive deep sockets 8-19mm
It also has 24 bits covering cross pozi tx star hex common point sizes
Pros
Cons
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Socket Set 145- Piece
92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
This is part of the Amazon Basics range and contains a socket set with the most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys and the most common screwdriver bits
The socket set displays the sizes in both metric and SAE (inches) and all contained in a hard plastic case
They are made from Chrome-vanadium steel which has been forged
Pros
Cons
DEWALT® 181 Piece Black Chrome Mechanics Tool Set Premium
94% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
This is a Dewalt kit so high quality and hence the high price for this 181 piece kit
The set contains thirty five 1/4" Drive Tools, fifty six 3/8" Drive Tools, seventeen 1/2" Drive Tools, twelve combination wrenches, and 20 bits
Also contains 41 specialty tools (SAE Hex keys, MM Hex keys, Nut Driver Bits, and Vinyl Grip Multi Driver)
Pros
Cons
Deko 168 Piece Auto Repair Tool Kit
92% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews
This is a general purpose mechanic's tool kit and good solid value for money
It has professional-grade wrenches, ratchets, a complete range of 1/4 inch and 3/8inch metric-sized sockets, precision screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, utility knife, wire stripper, pliers, wrench, etc
The sockets are made from high quality steel, which has been heat treated and chrome plated and meets or exceeds ANSI standards.
Pros
Cons
Mechanic's Tool Set Buying Tips
When you buy any tool you want it to be able to do the job. You will want it to be able to do that job again and again in most cases. For us that means buying something that is good quality. We also want value for money and most people don't mind paying a little extra for that.
Our advice is to run a million miles from really cheap tools. You can buy a hammer for £3 and if you are lucky it will last for a few weeks or even months. Good quality hammers cost £15-20 and you will never need to buy a hammer again. You will also know with the better hammer that it isn't going to break or bend when you really need it.
That principle is even more important when it comes to something like a mechanic's tool kit. If you have worked on vehicles of any kind then you will already know that screws, nuts and bolts come in different shapes and sizes and are usually machined on.
It takes the right tools to be able to loosen and remove these. It also takes good tools to replace and tighten them. There are few things more annoying than working on something and realise that you don't have the right bit or the right size of socket.
The key is to buy as good tools as you can afford at that time and they will last you for years.
Spanners and Socket Sets
An essential part of any good mechanics kit will be high quality sockets that grip properly and don't slip. Those along with a good ratchet wrench will make your life a great deal easier.
Mechanics working in a garage will buy top of the range tools which cost a fortune but last them a life time. These are made by companies like Ega Master, Sealey, Stahlwille, Gedore, Wera etc
For home mechanics that would be just too much to spend as they only need to use that type of tool every now and again. That is where these cheaper tools will do a good job, and when we say cheaper, we mean cheaper compared to the expensive ones mentioned above.
A Wera socket set for example costs around £450-£500 for a 1/2" ratchet, 17 sockets, screwdriver bits and s few adapters. The ones we have shown on the list offer you a wider variety at a more affordable price.
As a home mechanic you will always need to balance your needs with your budgets, but you should focus on the sockets and make sure you have good quality ones that allow you to do things like brake pad changes, plug changes and the most common nut and bolt sizes.
Resources used to help write this article
ANSI standards - American National Standards
Chrome Vanadium Steel - Wikipedia