Best for Weekend Mechanics: CRAFTSMAN 230PC MECHANICS TOOL SET

If you are buying a gift for a mechanic who likes to tinker with cars on weekends, this would be our pick: the Craftsman 230-piece set. It’s also great to have in a truck in case of emergency repairs. 

What We Liked

• Good for minor jobs.

• Smooth sockets and ratchets.

• Warranty is impressive.

• Can nest the drawers on top of box.

What Needs Work

• Plastic drawers not the best bet for long-term durability.

• Need two hands to pull out the drawers.

Best Tried & True Brand: Milwaukee 48-22-9486 ¼”-3/8” Rachet Socket Set with PACKOUT Case

When we asked mechanics for their recommendations for tool sets, one brand came up time and time again: Milwaukee. And after spending several hours researching this topic, we agree: this is an excellent set with top notch quality.

What We Liked

• Impressive quality.

• Easy to see everything in case.

• Stamped sizes are easy to read.

• Nice feel in your hands.

• Two latches to keep case secure.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best Extensive Set: DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set

Sometimes you need to bring out the big set—and this one with 192 pieces is almost twice the size of other sets we researched. And the quality is on par with Milwaukee . . . that is, excellent. 

What We Liked

• Durable.

• Sturdy sockets.

• Both inches and mm marked in the box.

• Easy to use for any project.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best Budget-Friendly: EPAuto Mechanics Tool Set Drive Socket Wrench Ratchets

Yes, mechanics tool sets can get pricey. This set by EPAuto is the exception: an excellent 122-piece set at a price that is much easier on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Great set to keep in the car.

• Good variety of tools.

• Affordable.

• Good starter set.

What Needs Work

• Plastic case has it share of critics.

• Doesn’t include big wrenches.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!