Best Craftsman Socket Sets

TL;DR: The Craftsman 230‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set packs 230 pieces, 72‑tooth ratchets with a 5° swing, and a modular VersaStack case, offering a lifetime warranty for DIY and professional auto work.

This set’s standout spec is the 72‑tooth ratchet gear paired with a 5° arc swing, which lets you work in cramped engine bays. The ratchet heads are 25% thinner than standard designs, and the quick‑release feature lets you swap sockets in a flash. All tools are made of steel with a chrome finish, and the case measures 18.25 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 9 inches high, holding the full 230‑piece inventory in a VersaStack 3‑drawer modular system.

Compared with the 105‑piece 8‑inch set, the 230‑piece kit more than doubles the total piece count and adds a larger case, but it also carries a higher price tag. It’s heavier than the 105‑piece set’s 13.8 lb, yet still lighter than the 256‑piece set’s 22.48 lb box. The 230‑piece set also offers more sockets (116) than the 105‑piece’s 72, giving broader SAE and metric coverage.

Reviewers praise the low‑profile ratchet heads for reaching tight spots and appreciate the one‑hand locking dial that keeps the drawers secure while you work. Common complaints focus on the absence of spark‑plug sockets and the lack of 1‑inch or 3/4‑inch drive ratchets, which some users need for heavier jobs. Professional reviewers note the comprehensive socket range and the convenience of the modular case for garage organization.

Technical notes include a 44‑piece hex key set, 12 nut drivers, and three 3‑inch extension bars. The set supports both SAE and metric measurements, and each ratchet’s 72‑tooth gear provides smooth operation. The toolbox’s quick‑release mechanism and the 25% thinner ratchet heads are design improvements aimed at automotive repairs.

Best for: DIY mechanics and auto enthusiasts who need a broad selection of sockets and bits — the Craftsman 230‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set with VERSASTACK Toolbox offers Bit Count: 66

Avoid if: You require spark‑plug sockets, larger drive ratchets for heavy‑duty work, or a lighter, more compact kit.

TL;DR: For just $19.98, the Craftsman 20‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set gives you a lightweight 2.35‑lb kit with a low‑profile 72‑tooth ratchet, 18 sockets and a lifetime warranty.

The set’s standout feature is its 72‑tooth ratchet that delivers a tight 5° arc swing, letting you turn fasteners in cramped spots. Craftsman also shaved the head 25% thinner than previous models, so the tool slides into tighter clearances without sacrificing torque.

Compared with the other five kits in this roundup, this set is the most affordable and the lightest – it weighs only 2.35 lb versus the heavier 13.8‑lb, 9.80‑lb, 22.48‑lb, and 24.7‑lb options. It also contains far fewer pieces (20 total) than the 105‑piece, 135‑piece, 189‑piece, 230‑piece, or 256‑piece collections, making it a truly compact starter kit.

Reviewers appreciate the precise ratchet action and the corrosion‑resistant, full‑polish chrome finish, noting that the quick‑release feature speeds up socket changes. The main trade‑off mentioned is the limited socket range – the set tops out at 9/16 in SAE and 13 mm metric – which can leave larger bolts uncovered. The 4.7‑star rating from 2,867 reviewers reflects solid satisfaction, though a few users wish for a broader selection of sizes.

Additional technical perks include a 1/4‑inch drive, a single 1/4‑inch extension, six‑point socket design for better grip, and a hard case that protects the tools when stored. The lifetime warranty adds confidence for DIYers who want a set that lasts.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Craftsman 20‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set 4 inch offers Socket Count: 18

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Craftsman 135‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set offers 85 sockets, low‑profile 5° 72‑tooth ratchets with 25% thinner heads, and a durable alloy‑steel case for DIY and automotive work at $129.

This set’s standout feature is its low‑profile ratchet design: the 1/4‑in. and 3/8‑in. heads are up to 25% thinner, while the 72‑tooth mechanism delivers a tight 5° arc swing. With 135 total pieces—including 85 sockets, 8 wrenches, and 3 extensions—the kit weighs a manageable 9.80 lbs, making it easy to transport around a garage.

Compared with the other five sets in this roundup, the 135‑Piece kit is lighter than the 256‑Piece (22.48 lb) and 230‑Piece (24.7 lb) collections, yet heavier than the ultra‑light 20‑Piece set (2.35 lb). It offers more sockets than the 105‑Piece set (85 vs 72) and a higher total piece count (135 vs 105), though it falls short of the 189‑Piece set’s larger inventory. Extension-wise it matches the 256‑Piece’s three 3‑inch extensions and exceeds the 105‑Piece’s two extensions. All of the compared sets share the same 72‑tooth, 5° swing ratchet design and a 25% thinner‑head claim.

Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, comfortable ratchet action and the alloy‑steel construction that feels “professional‑grade.” The full polished chrome finish and corrosion‑resistant treatment are noted for lasting through frequent DIY projects. A few users mention the case feels a bit bulky for tight‑space transport, and the set is not impact‑rated, so it’s best kept for hand‑driven tasks rather than heavy‑duty power‑tool use.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the Craftsman 135‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set 8 inch offers Socket Count: 85

TL;DR: The Craftsman 189‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set packs a 6‑inch 1/4‑in drive extension, 72‑tooth low‑profile ratchets and a lifetime warranty into a blow‑molded case for $199.00.

This set’s standout spec is the 6 in 1/4‑in Drive Extension Length, giving you extra reach without swapping tools. Combined with a 5° ratchet arc swing and 72‑tooth ratchet teeth, the low‑profile design lets you work in tight engine bays while keeping torque smooth.

Compared with the other five kits in this roundup, the 189‑piece count sits between the 105‑piece and 256‑piece offerings. It provides more sockets than the 105‑piece and 135‑piece sets, yet it’s still lighter on pieces than the 230‑piece and 256‑piece collections. All peer sets share a 5° arc swing and 72‑tooth ratchets, so the 189‑piece kit doesn’t fall behind on those fundamentals. Where it differs, the 105‑piece set is notably less expensive, while the 256‑piece set carries a lower price tag but adds more pieces overall.

Reviewers consistently praise the comprehensive coverage of both SAE and metric sizes, the polished chrome finish, and the quick‑release feature that speeds socket changes. Professional reviewers highlight the up to 25% thinner ratchet heads on the 1/4‑in and 3/8‑in drives, noting the benefit for cramped repairs. The main criticisms focus on the missing 20 mm and 23 mm metric sockets in the 1/2‑in drive range and the limited deep‑socket options beyond the 1/4‑in drive.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the Craftsman 189‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set offers 1/4‑in Drive Extension Length: 6 in.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $199.00.

TL;DR: The Craftsman 105‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set 8‑inch packs a 72‑tooth ratchet, 5° arc swing and 25% thinner heads into a 13.8‑lb case for $69, delivering solid value for DIY auto work.

This set’s standout feature is its low‑profile ratchet design – the heads are 25% thinner than older models and the 5‑degree arc swing, combined with 72 teeth, lets you reach tight bolts without sacrificing torque. With 105 total pieces, including 72 sockets and 27 specialty bits, you’ve got the basics covered for most household and automotive repairs.

Compared with the other five kits in this roundup, the 105‑piece set sits in the middle of the weight range: it’s heavier than the 20‑piece set that tips the scales at 2.35 lb, but noticeably lighter than the 256‑piece and 230‑piece collections that weigh over 22 lb each. It also costs less than the 135‑piece, 189‑piece and 256‑piece options, making it a budget‑friendly alternative without sacrificing the core socket variety.

Reviewers consistently praise the ratchet’s ability to work in cramped spaces and the set’s comprehensive coverage of common SAE and Metric fasteners. The lifetime warranty and full polished chrome finish add confidence for long‑term use. Professional reviewers note the set’s ASME compliance and chrome‑steel construction as hallmarks of reliability, though they also point out the absence of larger 1/2‑inch drives and any wrenches, which limits heavy‑duty professional work.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Craftsman 105‑Piece Mechanics Tool Set 8 inch offers Socket Count: 72

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Craftsman 256‑Piece Mechanics Set delivers 99 specialty bits, 72‑tooth low‑profile ratchets and a blow‑molded 3‑drawer case, but its $159 price and 22.48‑lb weight make it a heavier, pricier choice for DIYers.

This set’s headline feature is the sheer volume of tools: 256 pieces plus 99 specialty bits, all built from chrome‑vanadium steel with a polished‑chrome finish. The ratchets sport a 72‑tooth gear and a tight 5‑degree swing arc, letting you work in cramped engine bays. Drive extensions are 3 in for both 1/4‑in and 3/8‑in sizes, and the 3/8‑in spark‑plug socket measures 5/8 in.

Compared with the other five kits, the 256‑piece collection is the most extensive, outpacing the 189‑piece and 135‑piece sets. It’s heavier than the 230‑piece set (which weighs 24.7 lb) but noticeably heavier than the 135‑piece (9.80 lb) and 105‑piece (13.8 lb) options, and far bulkier than the 20‑piece kit (2.35 lb). While its price tag sits above the smaller kits, it also offers the broadest socket range and the most bits.

Professional reviewers praise the organized blow‑molded case with removable drawers and the low‑profile ratchets that balance access and comfort. Users echo the sentiment, noting the set’s versatility for automotive and general repair jobs. The main criticisms focus on the plastic case’s durability compared with metal boxes and the limited deep‑socket options in the 1/2‑in drive range.

Technical highlights include ASME compliance, true corrosion resistance, and a quick‑release feature for rapid socket changes. The set covers both SAE and metric systems, with shallow and deep sockets, and offers 6‑point and 12‑point drive points for added flexibility.

Best for: Home and office users seeking a balance of features and value — the Craftsman 256-Piece Mechanics Tool Set with 2-Drawer Tool Box offers Bit Count: 99 specialty bits

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns