We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
A tool box set solves two problems at once: you get a full kit of sockets, wrenches and drivers, and a box that keeps it organized from day one. The difference between a good one and a frustrating one is mostly the box. Drawer boxes and fitted trays keep every tool in its place; flimsy cases dump everything together the first time a latch fails.
The best tool set tool box combos pair three-drive socket coverage with combination wrenches and real storage. After that, it's about the details: 6- or 12-point sockets, deep socket coverage, ratchet tooth count, and whether the box will fit your garage or stack with storage you already own.
We compared six current mechanics sets that ship in drawer boxes or rugged cases from GearWrench, Milwaukee, DEWALT and Craftsman, using manufacturer contents and specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: GearWrench 80966 (243 pieces). Best for: 6-point sockets and 6-point wrenches in a 3-drawer box.
- Best Large-Size Coverage: GearWrench 80942 (239 pieces). Best for: 1/2-inch drive to 1-1/2" and 27 mm in the same 3-drawer box.
- Best Premium Box: Milwaukee 48-22-9491 (242 pieces). Best for: a PACKOUT 4-drawer box that stacks with Milwaukee's storage system.
- Best Carry Case: DEWALT DWMT81534 (205 pieces). Best for: sockets, 10 wrenches, hex keys and bits in one latched case.
- Best Budget: Craftsman CMMT45256 (256 pieces). Best for: three drives, bits and hex keys in a 2-drawer box.
- Most Tools: Craftsman CMMT45939 (308 pieces). Best for: 136 standard and deep sockets plus 23 wrenches.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Pieces | Sockets | Wrenches | Ratchets | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GearWrench 80966 | Best overall | 243 | 6-pt, 5/32" to 1-1/2", 4 to 24 mm | 6-pt long pattern | 90-tooth | 3-drawer box |
| GearWrench 80942 | Large sizes | 239 | 6- and 12-pt, 1/2" drive to 1-1/2" and 27 mm | 12-pt long pattern | 90-tooth (3) | 3-drawer box |
| Milwaukee 48-22-9491 | Premium box | 242 | Chrome and impact, metric, SAE, Torx | None | Not itemized | PACKOUT 4-drawer box |
| DEWALT DWMT81534 | Carry case | 205 | Standard and deep in 1/4" and 3/8", standard 1/2" | 10 | 72-tooth | Case with metal latches |
| Craftsman CMMT45256 | Budget | 256 | 87 sockets, 6- and 12-pt | 8 | 72-tooth (3) | 2-drawer box |
| Craftsman CMMT45939 | Most tools | 308 | 75 standard, 61 deep, 27 bit | 23 | 72-tooth (3) | 2-drawer box |
The Best Tool Box Sets, Reviewed
1. GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Set: Best Overall
Who it's for: home mechanics who want one complete kit with the best grip and a proper drawer box.
The 80966 is 6-point throughout, including the long-pattern combination wrenches, which have a 15° offset box end. GearWrench lists standard sockets in 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-inch drive, deep sockets in 1/4- and 3/8-inch, and an overall range of 5/32" to 1-1/2" and 4 to 24 mm. The ratchets are 90-tooth.
Universal joints, extensions with chamfered entry guides and a magnetic bit driver with 30 bits (Torx, hex, slotted and Phillips) fill out the set. The 3-drawer box has independently sliding drawers, locking side flaps and a steel hinged lid, at about 48 lb. GearWrench lists a full lifetime warranty, and the 80972 is the same kit in 12-point.
Pros
- 6-point sockets and 6-point wrenches
- 90-tooth ratchets
- Sturdy 3-drawer box
Cons
- No 1/2-inch deep sockets
- About 48 lb to carry
GEARWRENCH 243 Piece 6 Point Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box 80966
by GEARWRENCH
2. GearWrench 80942 239-Piece Set: Best Large-Size Coverage
Who it's for: truck owners and anyone who needs bigger 1/2-inch sizes in the same drawer-box format.
The 80942 uses the same 3-drawer box but stretches the 1/2-inch range from 7/16" to 1-1/2" and 15 to 27 mm. Standard sockets come in all three drives, deep sockets in 1/4- and 3/8-inch, and the 3/8-inch drive includes both 6- and 12-point standard sockets.
GearWrench includes three 90-tooth teardrop ratchets (5-inch 1/4", 8-inch 3/8" and 11-inch 1/2"), 12-point long-pattern combination wrenches with a 15° offset, long-arm SAE and metric hex keys, a magnetic bit driver with nine bits and 5/8" and 13/16" spark plug sockets. It weighs 41.7 lb, with a full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 1/2-inch drive to 1-1/2" and 27 mm
- Three 90-tooth ratchets with listed lengths
- Two spark plug sockets
Cons
- 12-point wrenches
- Only nine driver bits
GEARWRENCH 239 Piece Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box 80942
by GEARWRENCH
3. Milwaukee 48-22-9491 242-Piece PACKOUT Set: Best Premium Box
Who it's for: Milwaukee PACKOUT owners and anyone who wants modular, stackable storage.
The 48-22-9491 ships in a PACKOUT 4-drawer tool box, with four foam trays: a 77-piece 1/4- and 3/8-inch tray with metric, SAE and Torx sockets, a 77-piece three-drive metric tray, a 65-piece three-drive SAE tray, and a 23-piece tray of ratchets and accessories. Milwaukee's 6-point FOUR FLAT chrome sockets won't roll, and the kit adds SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty sockets, slim bit sockets, magnetic spark plug sockets and extensions.
There are no wrenches, so it's a socket kit rather than a full mechanics set. The box stacks with other PACKOUT gear, and Milwaukee sells the same 242 pieces in trays only (48-22-9490) if you already own drawer boxes. Milwaukee doesn't publish an itemized size list online.
Pros
- PACKOUT 4-drawer box stacks with Milwaukee storage
- Chrome and impact sockets included
- Foam trays by drive and system
Cons
- No wrenches
- Itemized size list not published
Milwaukee 242pc 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive Metric & SAE Ratchet & Socket Set with PACKOUT 4-Drawer Tool Box 48-22-9491
by Milwaukee
4. DEWALT DWMT81534 205-Piece Set: Best Carry Case
Who it's for: people who want one portable case with sockets, wrenches, hex keys and bits, for the trunk or a small shop.
This one isn't a drawer box: everything sits in a single fitted case with metal latches. DEWALT publishes the full contents. In 1/4" drive you get 22 standard and 20 deep 6-point sockets (5/32" to 9/16", 4 to 14 mm). In 3/8" drive, 22 standard and 22 deep sockets (1/4" to 7/8", 10 to 19 mm plus 21 mm). In 1/2" drive, 18 standard sockets from 1/2" to 1" and 12 to 22 mm. Add 10 combination wrenches, 28 hex keys, two spark plug sockets (5/8" and 13/16"), 18 nut bits, 33 specialty bits and a bit driver.
The ratchets are 72-tooth with a 5° swing. There are gaps worth knowing: the 3/8" metric run skips 20 mm, the 1/2" metric run skips 16 and 20 mm, and the metric wrenches are 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 mm only. DEWALT's product page lists a 1-year limited warranty for this set, so check the packaging terms.
We picked it to replace the DEWALT DWMT45226H ToughSystem kit, which we couldn't confirm as a current Amazon listing.
Pros
- Deep sockets in both 1/4" and 3/8" drive
- 10 wrenches plus hex keys, nut bits and specialty bits
- Durable case with metal latches
Cons
- Single case, not drawers or a weatherproof box
- 72-tooth ratchets need 5° of swing
- Warranty listed as 1-year limited on DEWALT's page
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set (205 pc.) DWMT81534
by DEWALT
5. Craftsman CMMT45256 256-Piece Set: Best Budget
Who it's for: homeowners who want a broad kit in a drawer box for household and light car work.
The CMMT45256 includes 87 sockets across three drives, a mix of 6- and 12-point, with deep sockets in 1/4- and 3/8-inch drive and a 5/8" spark plug socket. Three low-profile 72-tooth ratchets have heads Craftsman says are up to 25% thinner than standard. The kit adds eight combination wrenches (1/4", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 8, 10, 11 and 12 mm), 44 hex keys, 99 specialty bits, 12 nut bits, two extensions and a bit driver.
Everything sits in a blow-molded box with two drawers, with bumps that keep the drawers closed. Craftsman lists a full lifetime warranty. The 1/2-inch drive portion is small, just eight 12-point sockets, so you may want a dedicated 1/2-inch set for wheels and suspension.
Pros
- Three drives in a 2-drawer box
- Lots of bits and hex keys
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only eight 1/2-inch sockets, all 12-point
- Small wrench assortment
CRAFTSMAN 256PC Mechanics Tool Set CMMT45256
by CRAFTSMAN
6. Craftsman CMMT45939 308-Piece Set: Most Tools
Who it's for: buyers who want the largest number of sockets and wrenches in one boxed kit.
Craftsman's 308-piece kit has 75 standard and 61 deep sockets, 27 bit sockets and three spark plug sockets, in 6- and 12-point. That's far more deep sockets than the 256-piece set. You also get 23 combination wrenches, three 72-tooth low-profile ratchets with a 5° swing, six extensions, three universal joints, two adapters, 44 hex keys, 42 specialty bits, 17 nut bits and two bit drivers.
It's packed on plastic trays in a 2-drawer box with a full lifetime warranty. Craftsman doesn't break down socket sizes by drive on its page, so check listing photos for specific sizes.
Pros
- 136 standard and deep sockets
- 23 combination wrenches
- Trays in a 2-drawer box
Cons
- Mix of 6- and 12-point
- Size list by drive not published
CRAFTSMAN 308PC Mechanics Tool Set CMMT45939
by CRAFTSMAN
Tool Box Set Buying Guide
Drawer Box, Trays or Case
Drawer boxes (GearWrench, Milwaukee, Craftsman) are the easiest to work from. A fitted case with metal latches, like DEWALT's DWMT81534, is easier to carry; for rain and dust, look for a sealed job-site case. Blow-molded single-lid cases are the cheapest but hardest to use daily. If you'll eventually move tools to a chest, check whether the trays lift out; see our best tool chest picks for where to put them.
Sockets: 6-Point, Deep and Three Drives
Look for 6-point sockets in at least the 3/8-inch drive, deep sockets in 1/4- and 3/8-inch, and a 1/2-inch range that covers your lug nuts. The GearWrench 80966 is 6-point throughout the sockets; the Craftsman kits and GearWrench 80942 mix in 12-point.
Wrenches
A full mechanics kit should include combination wrenches across the common sizes. The GearWrench sets and Craftsman CMMT45939 include full wrench assortments; the DEWALT DWMT81534 has 10 wrenches but metric only from 10 to 15 mm; the Craftsman CMMT45256 includes only small sizes; the Milwaukee set has none.
Ratchet Tooth Count
90-tooth ratchets (GearWrench) need 4° of swing, 72-tooth (DEWALT, Craftsman) need 5°. In tight engine bays, more teeth help.
Piece Count vs Real Tools
Bits and hex keys inflate piece counts. The 256-piece Craftsman has 99 specialty bits, for example. Compare sockets and wrenches first.
Brand System
If you already own Milwaukee PACKOUT or DEWALT ToughSystem storage, a set that fits that system is worth a lot. Our Milwaukee mechanic tool set and GearWrench tool set reviews cover each brand's kits in more depth.
Weight and Portability
Drawer boxes full of steel are heavy. GearWrench lists the 80966 at about 48 lb and the 80942 at 41.7 lb. If you'll carry the set often, a lighter kit or a box with sturdy handles matters. If it lives on a bench, weight is less of a concern.
For Beginners
Start with what you'll actually use. Our essential mechanic tools list covers the core tools, and our car tool set and best mechanic tool set guides compare more kits, including sets in cases.
How We Chose
We compared current mechanics tool sets that ship in drawer boxes or rugged cases from GearWrench, Milwaukee, DEWALT and Craftsman, using each manufacturer's published contents and specs: socket counts and ranges by drive, 6- or 12-point design, deep socket coverage, wrench assortments, ratchet tooth count, box type and features, weight where published and listed warranty. We also considered recurring owner feedback on tool box sets, such as drawer latches and tray fit. We did not test these sets ourselves.
FAQ
Is a tool box set better than a set in a blow-molded case?
For a set you'll use often, yes. A drawer box keeps each socket and wrench in a fixed spot, so you can see what's missing and grab what you need without unpacking a case. Blow-molded cases are fine for a trunk kit but frustrating once you use the set regularly.
What should a good tool set with a tool box include?
Standard and deep 6-point sockets in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drive, ratchets with at least 72 teeth, a set of combination wrenches, extensions and universal joints, hex keys and screwdriver bits. The box should have drawers or trays that hold each tool in place.
Can I put a tool box set in a tool chest later?
Often. Many drawer-box sets use foam or plastic trays you can lift into a chest drawer, and Milwaukee's PACKOUT boxes stack with its other PACKOUT storage. Check tray dimensions against your chest's drawer depth before you buy.
Why do piece counts vary so much between tool box sets?
Piece counts include bits, hex keys and accessories as well as sockets and wrenches. A 308-piece kit can include dozens of small bits. Compare the socket and wrench lists, not just the number on the box.
What is the best tool box set for a beginner?
A mid-size set with standard and deep 6-point sockets in three drives, combination wrenches and a drawer box, such as the GearWrench 80966. If budget is the priority, the Craftsman CMMT45256 includes three drives and a 2-drawer box at a lower price tier.
Verdict
The GearWrench 80966 is the best tool box set for most home mechanics: 6-point sockets and wrenches, 90-tooth ratchets and a sturdy 3-drawer box. Choose the GearWrench 80942 if you need bigger 1/2-inch sizes, the Milwaukee 48-22-9491 if you're in the PACKOUT system, or the DEWALT DWMT81534 if you want sockets, wrenches, hex keys and bits in one portable case.