Design your perfect 250 piece mechanics tool set

[mikey03]

I been seeing cheap 200 to 300 piece mechanics sets for years. If you were designing one and cost was no issue but it had to fit in the same size blow molded case as a standard set, what would you put in it? Has to be general purpose but if you want to make it metric only I’m good with that. This isn’t a math puzzle I’m not actually going to count the pieces but keep it in that 200 to 300 kit size range.

Whats it for? Same thing that one of these cheap ones is used for. Homeowner who is going to do some light car repair and not be an expert, don’t need to be the fastest but can do most of the basic stuff he needs to do.

Curious to see if people go deep and shallow sockets or just one set of semi deeps like some sets have. If you stop at 19 or add in 21 22 24. What drive sizes, how many ratchets, which extensions, do you skip any sizes like 9 mm, do you start at 8 mm or go lower, what handful of pliers you pick, which screwdrivers or one bit driver and a bunch of bits, what kind of hex and torx you pick, regular combo wrenches or ratcheting wrenches.

Cost is no matter here put the most expensive snap on wrenches as long as it fits the size. Or don’t even pick brands and just tell me the type and size tools your picking. Heres a picture of a Harbor freight 225 piece set for size im thinking.

 

[rust in the eye]

Why would anyone want to duplicate of these? Half of it is filler.
Only a few wrenches and a bazillion useless hex bits, Allen keys and 12pt 1/4" dr sockets.
That kit could be 99% as useful with 25% of what's there.
Any determination of what constitutes a useful kit must consider the anticipated use.
My breakdown kit is excessive and far less pieces than here.

 

[mikey03]

I’m going to start with what I came up with

going metric only with mine I think SAE is less general purpose these days

3/8 snap on semi deeps 8 mm to 19 mm and stop there anything bigger is suspension work outside of what a basic kit needs to do. Anything below it is not on most cars. Keep the 9 mm even though it will never be used by average homeowner because I don’t want to get banned from the forum

add in one or two spark plug sockets. I think 5/8” is most common size? Theres four total sizes I think but two are most common smallest is for lawnmowers.

ratchets maybe two, a 10” snap on flex head 3/8” and a small 3/8 in 1/4 body either fixed or flex head. Extensions maybe 2 or 3. A super small one, a 2” one, and a 5” one. Universal joint.

might add in the snap on low profile dual drive 1/4 socket and ratchet with the 11 mm hex size. Do it in 8 to 14 mm. In case the 3/8 is too big. This is real small so won’t add much space.

for wrenches I want either wright grip combination wrenches or snap on USA ratcheting combination wrenches. And maybe just 10 to 19 or 8 to 19 but skip 9 and 11. Still got the sockets in those sizes.

pliers is four total I’ll pick 7” knipex pliers wrench, 7” cobras, original knipex twin grips, and the 7” new snap on slip joint needle nose.

Screwdrivers I pick a big flat head chisel demo driver, a small 1/16” flat head for clips, a regular handle 1/4 bit driver, and a small low profile bit ratchet like the icon meme tool. For bits I want alot as many as I can fit, torx, hex, Philips 1, 2, 3, just one or two flat head between the two sizes of full screwdriver I got.

maybe 2 small picks. Not sure which style maybe 90 degree and a 45 curved kind. The real small flat head screwdriver is a kinda pick tbh.

 

[mikey03]

Why would anyone want to duplicate of these? Half of it is filler.
Only a few wrenches and a bazillion useless hex bits, Allen keys and 12pt 1/4" dr sockets.
That kit could be 99% as useful with 25% of what's there.

Thats what I’m saying sorry I wasn’t clear I want to see what kit you designed that wasn’t filler. They do it to save money and marketing so that’s why I’m saying cost is no matter pick anything but it has to fit in this size case.

 

[midshipmen89]

I'm sort of doing this exercise right now. Our body shop moved across town, so I've gained access to six more flat stalls with 18 foot doors. Nobody else wants to work on the ground, so hey ho, new bays! Boss man got me a set of mobile column lifts, and I've been spending a lot of time working away from my main box. My primary roll cart's wheels left the chat after two trips across the parking lot, and the pneumatic tires I replaced them with aren't going to last long.

I picked up another cheap roll cart to dedicate to my new work area and I've been trying to fill it with only my 80% tools. It's been an interesting exercise forcing myself to use fewer tools to get work done. Fewer weird sockets, only one set of wrenches, fewer power tools, only a handful of ratchets and such. I'm someone who has spent the last ten years buying all of the tools I could use, not just the tools I need - this little roll cart has been a fun mental workout.

It also doesn't hurt my new apprentice to see what I prioritize when I get aggressive with budget - two or three truck brand sockets with a set of cheaper sockets to fill gaps as opposed to buying another full set of Snap-on sockets in seven different flavors. I'm very impressed with the quality from the mid tier tool brands over the last few months. Gearwrench has come a long way from ten years ago, and some of the really cheap stuff is miles better than I expected.

Kind of on topic...

 

[Jtels85]

1/4" Drive 6 point sockets, 3/16" - 9/16" shallow and deep.
1/4" Drive 6 point sockets, 4mm - 14mm (including 5.5mm), shallow and deep.
3/8" Drive 6 point sockets, 1/4" - 7/8" shallow
3/8" Drive 6 point sockets, 1/4" - 3/4" deep.
3/8" Drive 6 point sockets, 6mm - 22mm shallow.
3/8" Drive 6 point sockets, 8 - 19mm deep.
1/2" Drive 12 point sockets, 3/8" - 1-1/4" shallow.
1/2" Drive 12 point sockets, 10mm - 32mm shallow.

Combination 12 point wrenches, 1/4" - 7/8".
Combination 12 point wrenches, 7mm - 19mm.

1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" extensions ranging from 3", 6" and 10" in all drive sizes.
3 ratchets, 72 teeth or more, low profile head.

Hex keys in SAE and Metric, nut driver bits and assorted screwdriver bits in slotted, phillips and torx.

There's no reason in 2024 why a comprehensive mechanics set shouldn't be built to this capacity. None.

 

[bcradio]

Thats what I’m saying sorry I wasn’t clear I want to see what kit you designed that wasn’t filler. They do it to save money and marketing so that’s why I’m saying cost is no matter pick anything but it has to fit in this size case.

Non filler tools will take up way more space than will fit in that case. All the filler stuff is the small stuff that makes it able to fit in a case that size

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Why would anyone want to duplicate of these? Half of it is filler.

Yeah...like a couple of adjustable wrenches, two screwdrivers and 246 hacksaw blades.

 

[username2]

Man, they put a lot of sockets in those things.

You can argue that the companies who make sets-in-foam should also sell plastic-boxes-to-encapsulate-sets-in-foam.

If they were more standardized to a few sizes, maybe there could be a Pelican case for the sets-in-foam. You could then put the Pelican cases in a great big Pelican case like a tool Matryoshka doll.

 

[username2]

I'd probably be fine with this thing plus some wrenches....

 

[65k10]

Non filler tools will take up way more space than will fit in that case. All the filler stuff is the small stuff that makes it able to fit in a case that size

Unfortunately this. Here are some pictures of a somewhat portable general purpose tool set I have been working on. The current version looks a bit different but still has around 250 pieces without too much fluff. It all fits in a large packout with a low pro packout organizer on top, making it larger and much heavier than most any blow mold case set. I wasn't too concerned with the weight since it is meant to ride in the back seat of a pickup most of the time. The main purpose is to handle typical ag equipment repairs hence the need for both SAE and metric, plus a somewhat added emphasis on 1/2 drive tools. While it does not fit the size criteria laid out it does illustrate what a portable-ish tool set around 250 pieces without much concern in terms of cost can look like.

Now if I was going to make a blow molded case tool set that could conceivably exist and be sold at a store, I'd go with something like this. It still contains quite a bit of stuff but I think it might all fit in a large case or maybe one of those blow molded 3 drawer sets you see at the big box stores. My main goal here is to have a decent enough socket and wrench selection along with some extras that do not always show up in blow mold case sets, but I think are useful enough that they should be included. I did not really name brands since this post is long enough.

Standard Combination Wrenches
5/16-15/16”
8-19, 21, 22mm

Sockets
1/4 drive 1/4-1/2" 4-13mm shallow chrome
3/8 drive 3/8-3/4" 10-19mm shallow and deep chrome, 5/8 spark plug
1/2" drive 5/8-15/16” 16-19, 21, 22, 24mm deep impact

Extensions
1/4 drive 2”,6” chrome + universal joint
3/8 drive 3”,6”,11” chrome + universal joint
1/2 drive 5” impact

Ratchets (fine tooth)
Standard handle 1/4"
Standard handle 3/8", 11-13” flex head 3/8"
Standard handle 15” long 1/2"

Screwdrivers and bits
Slotted, phillips, hex, and torx 1/4" insert bits with 1/4 and 3/8 drive bit holders
1/4 insert bit screwdriver handle
Multi blade screwdriver with slotted and phillips blades (like the Wera Vario)
3/8 drive bit sockets in 7,8,10mm, 5/16", 3/8", t45, t50, t55

Pliers
7” needle nose
7” diagonal cutter
7” locking pliers
10” groove joint/waterpump pliers

Other
16oz ball peen
12-14” striking cap pry bar
3/16” and 1/4" pin punch
5/8" cold chisel
Small picks in 45 degree and straight

The only thing I'm a bit unsure on is if going with deep impacts for 1/2 drive is the best idea. I'm one of those people who likes to use chrome sockets on hand tools and only use the impact sockets with an impact gun. However, I thought for the average person who doesn't need 1/2 drive often and if they do it is likely for lug nuts, maybe going with impacts would be more versatile. If space allowed I would prefer bumping the size range up to 1-1/8 in inch and include a 30mm sockets as well. Between the deep impacts and a longer than usual ratchet, I am trying to make the 1/2 drive tools more useful than what you normally get in a blow molded case set since that drive size often gets short changed. Anyway that is my idea for a blow molded case set if I had the opportunity to design one.

 

[mikey03]

Sockets
1/4 drive 1/4-1/2" 4-13mm shallow chrome
3/8 drive 3/8-3/4" 10-19mm shallow and deep chrome, 5/8 spark plug
1/2" drive 5/8-15/16” 16-19, 21, 22, 24mm deep impact

The only thing I'm a bit unsure on is if going with deep impacts for 1/2 drive is the best idea.

they don’t take up much space so it’s hard to argue against them but for general purpose mechanic work do you see stuff below 8 mm?

great post btw thanks for the pics!!

 

[shoggoth80]

they don’t take up much space so it’s hard to argue against them but for general purpose mechanic work do you see stuff below 8 mm?

great post btw thanks for the pics!!

Depends on what you're working on. There's plenty of smaller fasteners holding on body plastics. 7mm on my Chevy and Chrysler. 5.5mm fasteners on my Chevy coils. They're out there.

 

[dchawk81]

I been seeing cheap 200 to 300 piece mechanics sets for years. If you were designing one and cost was no issue but it had to fit in the same size blow molded case as a standard set, what would you put in it? Has to be general purpose but if you want to make it metric only I’m good with that. This isn’t a math puzzle I’m not actually going to count the pieces but keep it in that 200 to 300 kit size range.

Whats it for? Same thing that one of these cheap ones is used for. Homeowner who is going to do some light car repair and not be an expert, don’t need to be the fastest but can do most of the basic stuff he needs to do.

Curious to see if people go deep and shallow sockets or just one set of semi deeps like some sets have. If you stop at 19 or add in 21 22 24. What drive sizes, how many ratchets, which extensions, do you skip any sizes like 9 mm, do you start at 8 mm or go lower, what handful of pliers you pick, which screwdrivers or one bit driver and a bunch of bits, what kind of hex and torx you pick, regular combo wrenches or ratcheting wrenches.

Cost is no matter here put the most expensive snap on wrenches as long as it fits the size. Or don’t even pick brands and just tell me the type and size tools your picking. Heres a picture of a Harbor freight 225 piece set for size im thinking.

QuizJizz, is that you?

 

[AEAdam]

Honestly. These 200 piece Mechanics Sets are for suburban Dads fixing lawn mowers or assembling swing sets. I’m trying to think of what I could actually do on a car with this set. I think the answer is not much. Even an oil change would be tough. Really, what these are are typically cheap socket sets, with some **** filler tools thrown in for lawn mower maintenance (which I have to do today - not putting anyone down). These sets aren’t good deals for us. They have the appearance of value.

A 200 pc mechanics set should be more like:

• Code reader
• multimeter
• prybar set
• pick set
• hammers
• torque wrench
• oil filter sockets
• battery impact gun & impact sockets
• aleeve
• nitrile gloves
• sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, extension, bit sockets
• 25 misc pliers, most of which are unuseful
• plastic prybars
• led magnetic light

 

[65k10]

they don’t take up much space so it’s hard to argue against them but for general purpose mechanic work do you see stuff below 8 mm?

great post btw thanks for the pics!!

My size range choice is mostly influenced from working on farm equipment where if there are fasteners below 7/16" or 10mm, they can typically be handled just fine with 1/4" drive tools. That was the reason I stopped the 3/8" drive sockets at 10mm, I figured the 1/4" tools would take care of things below that. I also found when combining drive sizes on a socket rail, sometimes stopping at 10mm on 3/8 sockets gave me enough room to fit on more used sizes in either 1/2 or 1/4 drive. It's certainly not something I am dug in on if someone thinks 3/8" drive sockets below 10mm are useful to have and should be included. The selection of tools I use on farm equipment is a bit different than what I use when I do need to work on a vehicle (which isn't often), so I could certainly be missing something.

 

[tyyost]

I really think if doing this to fit the standard sized case I would do trays with foam and build a pallet system. you can get a comprehensive 3/8 socket set in a pretty small form factor already. It’s when you start trying to add in all the extras, like combo wrenches, screwdriver sets, your 7 favorite pliers, that the space goes away quick. I would want at minimum the 3/8 drive set with SAE and mm in both regular and Deep sockets.

When I think about this when my wife worked in a place that I constantly had to stop by and fix some things to keep her going. It could’ve been plumbing, some minor electrical or some basic carpentry, but I always got a lot done with a handful of things in a pouch and a decent 3/8 socket set.

Making space applications like this are where pliers wrenches and multibit screwdrivers shine. A good bit driver with a set of sae and mm Allen sizes also can get the job done and with a 1/4 socket work on your ratchet as well.

 

[bobg03]

Sears in the 80's sold a craftsman blow mold case where the bottom half held sockets in all 3 drive sizes w/no overlap, three ratchets, extensions and IIRC 14 wrenches metric and SAE. The beauty of the box was the top was open and it had a plastic snap on cover to hold things that were not included in place, a set of 3 pliers, 6 screwdivers, a ball peen hammer and god only know what else I put in there made this a popular way to carry it behind the seat of my pickup.
This box did track duty, campground duty for the RV, boating duty and anything else you needed a common tool set for. The box lives today in my brothers 69 camaro and he says the contents haven't changed, just that it only gets open if he has the camaro at a show or a cruise and needs something.

If he's working on it at home he goes into the shop box.

 

[username2]

Making space applications like this are where pliers wrenches and multibit screwdrivers shine. A good bit driver with a set of sae and mm Allen sizes also can get the job done and with a 1/4 socket work on your ratchet as well.

I've got one of these and use it more than either screwdrivers or a bit holder.

Honestly, given the requirements, I'd probably just go tool rolls in a bag. You can always add more items and you can stuff it into the trunk with less fear of unauthorized body work.

Unlimited money puts you at some sort of fancy-schmancy leather setup.

 

[Shoreline_]

I can't fathom working with 250 pieces of tools lol.

 

[username2]

I can't fathom working with 250 pieces of tools lol.

Easy peasy if the 'kit' comes with 87 Allen wrenches and 105 Phillips bits.

Extra bonus points for the kit having not a lick of storage for anything besides what it came with.

 

[scooby074]

There is so much fluff in these sets, Mastercraft does the same thing to get the count up. There are a TON of these mastercraft sets out there though, everybody and their Canadian dog has one.

A set like the SO above would be a solid set for 90% of what you need. Add some allen keys, a ballpein and you should be covered for the basics.

 

[honcho]

It's pretty clear one size does not fit all, even most, of the GJ crowd

The military's current General Mechanic's Tool Kit (GMTK) in a Pelican case does pretty well but the cantankerous crowd here would complain about something. There are different versions out there. Armstrong tools populated a lot of them but Armstrong is no more. Snap On ones are out there now. This is a link with a description of what is in an Armstrong version of the kit.

https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/09/0946086c-a2f6-474b-988e-82c6e1a1330c.pdf

 

[Shoreline_]

But who makes it now?

 

[f121]

This lot

 

[terrific]

My size range choice is mostly influenced from working on farm equipment where if there are fasteners below 7/16" or 10mm, they can typically be handled just fine with 1/4" drive tools. That was the reason I stopped the 3/8" drive sockets at 10mm, I figured the 1/4" tools would take care of things below that. I also found when combining drive sizes on a socket rail, sometimes stopping at 10mm on 3/8 sockets gave me enough room to fit on more used sizes in either 1/2 or 1/4 drive. It's certainly not something I am dug in on if someone thinks 3/8" drive sockets below 10mm are useful to have and should be included. The selection of tools I use on farm equipment is a bit different than what I use when I do need to work on a vehicle (which isn't often), so I could certainly be missing something.

I would maybe go further. If you have 1/4 and 1/2 ratchets available, you probably don't need the full range for 3/8.
For 3/8 drive sae, maybe 7/16, 1/2, 9/16. For metric 10 (because it's ubiquitous), 11, 12, 13, 14.
Then jump up to 1/2 drive for 5/8-3/4 and 15-19.

The bigger sizes are break-your-ratchet territory for 3/8. In any case, you're not breaking them loose without a cheater pipe.

 

[Fedwrench]

But who makes it now?

There are different versions ranging from the Early ones by SK, to Proto, Snap-on, and Gearwrench in addition to Armstrong.

https://www.kippertool.com/pub/media/pdf/military/13GMTK_Flyers.pdf

I think is a pretty good bundle:

Metric Core Bundle | TEKTON®

We designed this bundle with the foundational tools, primarily in metric sizes, for automotive maintenance and repair.

www.tekton.com

 

[kbeefy]

Sorry, this quote got added in and I can't figure out how to remove it

This lot

I was going to comment that I have the exact same Blue Point set, but then I noticed yours had wrenches. Yours must be just metric?

This is the one I have...



SAE and Metric, but no wrenches.

 

[tiredoldironworker]

The Jobsmart kit at Tractor Supply for $99 on Black Friday is well put together. It's in a fake pelican roller case with 3 tool trays and some useful open spaces. I gifted 2 to my nephews last Christmas and they really like them. Getting rid of the crappy bits and allens allows enough room to add a variety of better tools.

 

[GeoBruin]

But who makes it now?

I rolled my own.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The Jobsmart kit at Tractor Supply for $99 on Black Friday is well put together. It's in a fake pelican roller case with 3 tool trays and some useful open spaces. I gifted 2 to my nephews last Christmas and they really like them. Getting rid of the crappy bits and allens allows enough room to add a variety of better tools.

So like this...

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/jobsmart-324-piece-mechanics-tool-set-with-water-resistant-case-1308799?store=2500&cid=Google-Shopping-Sustain&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Shopping&utm_content=Sustain&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsc24BhDPARIsAFXqAB21kXmZ0CM9GwMkN7GTMG-9fqOUOpgafyPOiH_kREdhuYQ37uWACJYaAlxkEALw_wcB

 

[Rusted Nut]

(1) ratchet, (1) extension, and 248 10mm sockets.

 

[f121]

I was going to comment that I have the exact same Blue Point set, but then I noticed yours had wrenches. Yours must be just metric?

This is the one I have...



SAE and Metric, but no wrenches.

Yeah it’s all metric. Bluepoint 2100mbpgssuk, I think it’s Europe market only. In the UK, most techs own this set, it has pretty much everything you need for working mobile, just add pliers and screwdrivers. Mine is upgraded with snap on ratchets and a couple of extra 1/4 extensions. The wrenches are a little disappointing, functional and strong, but cheaply finished.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Cost is no matter here put the most expensive snap on wrenches as long as it fits the size. Or don’t even pick brands and just tell me the type and size tools your picking. Heres a picture of a Harbor freight 225 piece set for size im thinking.

Honestly, this Pittsburg set isn't terrible in terms of what's there.

I'd ditch all the 1/2" drive stuff. When you're getting into 1/2" drive you've escalated beyond what these kits are meant for.

Replace the 1/2" stuff and SAE things with a set of metric combos. Replace the allen L-keys with a bit ratchet and more comprehensive set of bits. Should still be room for some slip-joint pliers before we hit 250.

As you say, for automotive, semi-deep sockets make more sense than traditional deep sockets. Still good to have regular "shallow" sockets. I feel like that is going to get you close enough to a cohesive kit for a certain range of projects. Use your favorite brands.

At the end of the day, you can't win here. As you gain experience, the size of the jobs you're willing to take on will get bigger. More tools show up. Eventually, the 250-pc tool kit gets dumped out into something bigger.

-Ryan

 

[kbeefy]

Yeah it’s all metric. Bluepoint 2100mbpgssuk, I think it’s Europe market only. In the UK, most techs own this set, it has pretty much everything you need for working mobile, just add pliers and screwdrivers. Mine is upgraded with snap on ratchets and a couple of extra 1/4 extensions. The wrenches are a little disappointing, functional and strong, but cheaply finished.

It's my backup, backup, backup set. It's in the house toolbox for handyman or woodshop stuff.
Most everything I actually use for work is higher quality than that set, the ratchets are surprisingly bad.
I just keep it around because it's in a nice case.

 

[username2]

(1) ratchet, (1) extension, and 248 10mm sockets.

and 1 million cheap Allen wrenches.

 

[username2]

I'd ditch all the 1/2" drive stuff. When you're getting into 1/2" drive you've escalated beyond what these kits are meant for.

I agree.

For a car, my take is to use a tool roll with screwdrivers + 2-3 pairs of pliers, a 3/8"-socket-set-inna-box, a roll of wrenches, maybe stick an adjustable wrench into the screwdriver roll.

Stuff them into one of those small tool bags they love to give away with power tools. Leave room maybe for a lithium starter pack, cheap multimeter, or whatever.

Done. Usually can be done on the cheap with existing spares. My main goal is to spend 0 dollars and 0 cents on a portable bag o' tools. I can't see the point of those plastic boxes with 200 sockets.

 

[CS454]

There is so much fluff in these sets, Mastercraft does the same thing to get the count up. There are a TON of these mastercraft sets out there though, everybody and their Canadian dog has one.

A set like the SO above would be a solid set for 90% of what you need. Add some allen keys, a ballpein and you should be covered for the basics.

I had to buy one of these as a last ditch measure on sale this year, with the obligatory sheet of pliers and bag of screwdrivers. I'm not proud of it.

 

[username2]

I had to buy one of these as a last ditch measure on sale this year, with the obligatory sheet of pliers and bag of screwdrivers. I'm not proud of it.

You do have to wonder how many of these kits the Youtube Guys that do the car retrieval thing end up with at home, if they are flying in.

What the automotive-oriented kits lack is a Finest Quality claw hammer. A person can always go cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Sundpey-Home-Tool-Kit-148-Pcs/dp/B09P3FTB6Y?tag=atomicindus08-20

$33! What's not to like? I wonder if you can get a Sundpey t-shirt?

(obligatory pic for when the link dies some day).

 

[CS454]

You do have to wonder how many of these kits the Youtube Guys that do the car retrieval thing end up with at home, if they are flying in.

What the automotive-oriented kits lack is a Finest Quality claw hammer. A person can always go cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Sundpey-Home-Tool-Kit-148-Pcs/dp/B09P3FTB6Y?tag=atomicindus08-20

$33! What's not to like? I wonder if you can get a Sundpey t-shirt?

(obligatory pic for when the link dies some day).

Fortunately, they also include better hammers!